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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E476-E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT
______
speech of
HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 15, 2020
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House
Democrats' next comprehensive coronavirus relief package, the HEROES
Act.
The HEROES Act contains an additional $75 billion for the testing,
tracing and treatment required to match the threat posed by the
coronavirus. We have also ensured that access to medical services is
prioritized and safeguarded, such that every American can access free
COVID-19 treatment. The HEROES Act eliminates cost sharing for
coronavirus treatment for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well
as those with private health insurance, TRICARE, VA Health Care, and
Federal Employee Health Benefits. Additionally, we have infused an
additional $100 billion into the Health Care Provider Relief Fund and
have ensured that these funds are distributed to providers in an
equitable and efficient way. All these investments in our public health
and medical systems will further support our communities as they
withstand this coronavirus pandemic.
In order to assist the small businesses bearing the brunt of the
economic impact of the coronavirus, the HEROES Act strengthens the
Payroll Protection Program and adds safeguards to ensure equal funding
distribution to underserved communities. These, paired with an
extension of weekly unemployment payments through January of 2021, are
vital lifelines to small business owners and those they employ.
The HEROES Act also commits nearly $1 trillion alone to state and
local governments for the purpose of paying those workers fighting this
disease and its effects on the frontlines. Additionally, it creates a
$200 billion
[[Page E477]]
hazard pay fund to ensure that frontline workers are compensated
accordingly for their efforts in these dangerous conditions.
For those who have lost their jobs, the HEROES Act introduces funding
for programs that, among others, address workplace and food security,
housing assistance, health insurance, public education and direct
payments to those who qualify.
Mr. Speaker, though we as Members of Congress come to this floor from
all corners of the country, representing different districts and
demographics, we are united today by a common issue--our communities
are struggling. Tens of thousands of loved ones have already been lost
and millions now find themselves without a steady source of income, to
say nothing of the additional hardships that will linger for years to
come. The HEROES Act is an essential step forward to assure that we are
appropriately addressing the needs of our communities, therefore I ask
my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and urge the Senate to
take it under consideration.
____________________
