On the recordJuly 21, 2020
Today, I rise in support of the HEROES Act. The messages I receive paint a stark picture. Steve, in Rockford, Illinois, prays the unemployment benefits that have saved his home will be extended beyond next week. Sharon, in Moline, Illinois, worries that her beloved niece may be out of work for another 6 months. John, in Sterling, Illinois, is concerned the outlook for small towns like his will only worsen. But perhaps the most touching letter that I have received is from a young boy from the town of Orion, who just wants to go back to school safely. As conversations ramp up across the Nation about whether classes should return, one thing is certain: Our cities, our towns, and our schools do not have the resources that they need. Whether it is funding to increase testing or funding for personal protective equipment or expanded broadband to make sure that distance learning is an option, we cannot expect schools to return or our Nation to rebuild without support. America has waited for months. It is past time to pass the HEROES Act. ____________________
