On the recordMarch 27, 2020
As a proud Floridian, I rise to protect our workers, health professionals, small businesses, and veterans from this grave crisis we face. Senate Republicans drafted a corporate-friendly bill that failed to meaningfully support the millions who are losing their jobs. Instead, Democrats secured a package that invests $2 trillion in families, hospitals, and small businesses. Workers will get massive investments in unemployment benefits and an added 13 weeks of benefits, which Republicans fought to deny. Working-class families will get as much as $3,400 for a family of four. Small businesses will get help to make payroll, rent, and utility costs. I am proud that the Appropriations Committee spearheaded nearly $20 billion to ensure veterans' health needs are met, whether at the VA or local ERs and clinics. Appropriators have also worked to ensure our VAs can assist our local communities if they reach full capacity. This package is not perfect, and more help will be needed. But our families, small businesses, and hospitals need this help desperately. I ask my colleagues to give them this lifeline against this invisible enemy. We are all in this together.
