Political Quotes

“Mr, Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Our country is suffering from a pandemic on an unimaginable scale, and this legislation will provide critical support to workers and families, small businesses, healthcare providers, student loan borrowers, and people struggling to make ends meet. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that we need direct payments to individuals to strengthen and rebuild our economy and to assist everyone with basics needs, such as rent and groceries. The pandemic has caused businesses to shutter without clarity about if or when they will be able to reopen, and it has left workers with the uncertainty of whether they will have a job to return to when this crisis ends. I'm pleased that this bill provides a direct cash payment of up to $1200 for individuals making up to $75,000, and at least $2400 for families making up to $150,000. This is a good start, but Congress will need to extend this assistance if the pandemic continues as expected. Last week more than 3 million people applied for Unemployment Insurance benefits, including more than 76,500 claims in Oregon. This is the highest number in our country's recorded history. The bill we are passing today will expand Unemployment Insurance to part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers and it bolsters the weekly benefit by an additional $600.…”