Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I deeply regret that I was unable to be present at today's vote, and so submit this statement in order to officially express my support for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Had I not been under physician orders to self-quarantine, after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, I would have proudly cast my vote in favor of this legislation. From the very start of this unprecedented public health and economic emergency, my number-one priority has been to put relief for our nation's workers, families, and seniors first. After intense negotiation, this historic $2 trillion stimulus now takes a monumental step in that direction. As the coronavirus continues to gain a foothold in the United States, workers face increasing uncertainty. Last week, the number of unemployment claims filed reached a record high, and those numbers are expected to only grow. The legislation that the House passed today offers much needed stability and peace of mind for American workers, by dramatically expanding our unemployment insurance program. As a result, jobless workers will see an increase of $600 per week in their unemployment benefits for a period of four months, as well as an extension of regular unemployment benefits by 13 weeks. Moreover, for the first time in history, independent contractors, gig workers, and self-employed individuals will be universally eligible to collect unemployment benefits.…”