John Katko: “As the House of Representatives considers further legislation in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19)…”

“As the House of Representatives considers further legislation in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic, I rise to call for the equitable distribution of federal relief to tribal nations. Despite the dire impact this crisis has had on tribes in my district in Central New York, these communities have been underserved by current distribution mechanisms for federal relief. In March, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to address the significant public health and economic impacts of the ongoing pandemic. Critically, this legislation allocated $8 billion for payments to tribal nations in response to increased expenses and revenue shortfalls caused by COVID-19. These funds are critical to helping tribal governments maintain essential services during this crisis, however, the population-based distribution model currently being used by the U.S. Treasury has limited relief for tribes in my district. Across New York State, the COVID-19 pandemic has closed the doors of many economic enterprises operated by tribal nations. With these conditions likely to persist in the months ahead, tribes will face sustained shortfalls in revenue typically used to maintain health care, nutrition, education and public safety services for their communities.…”