Political Quotes

“I appreciate the gentleman's courtesy in permitting me to speak on this. I commend our leadership, the Speaker, for again putting forward legislation to support working families, local government, and healthcare as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This updated Heroes Act provides for another round of cash payments, housing and food assistance, help for unemployed workers, and targeted relief for small businesses who need it most, like independent restaurants. I would like to speak on that for a moment because I am very proud that this legislation includes $120 billion from our RESTAURANTS Act for saving 500,000 independent restaurants and their 11 million employees. This sector of the economy totals $1 trillion when you deal with all those organizations, all their supply chains, and ancillary effects. Local, independent restaurants are the cornerstone of communities large and small, your community and mine. I think it is hard to imagine what life would be like in Oklahoma City or Cincinnati or Portland, Oregon, without those vital institutions. That is where communities come together. They provide a disproportionate avenue for economic success for minorities, immigrants, and women-owned enterprises. A restaurant for many of us was the first job, and it is an avenue for moving forward. They are, unfortunately, hurting more than any other industry. They are the largest contributor to unemployment. One in four job losses is in this industry.…”