Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the HEROES Act. The bill confronts the unprecedented pandemic that we are facing by first directing significant funding to State and local governments. Without this funding, they will have to make devastating cuts, especially in education, public safety, and basic services. Then it funds education to address the unique challenges created by the pandemic. K-12 funding would be available for technology, summer programs, special education, and initiatives to reduce the achievement gaps. It funds higher education to support students and maintain their institutions. It provides relief for student loans, continuing the present relief from payments, as well as interest accrual, and extending that relief to virtually all student loans, both Federal and private. That relief goes to virtually all student loans. Then we target additional relief to students most in need of relief. Mr. Speaker, this bill supports families by continuing the enhanced and expanded unemployment benefits, increasing SNAP benefits, and delivering another round of stimulus checks. It also protects healthcare insurance, so that under this bill, when you lose your job, you do not have to lose your health insurance. The bill helps contain the pandemic by funding contact tracers so that those who have been in contact with those who test positive can be identified and they can isolate themselves.…”