WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman James Comer (KY-1) spoke this morning on the floor of the House of Representatives to express his support for the stimulus package under discussion. He noted that while not perfect, the bill helps Americans affected by the coronavirus by putting money into the pockets of workers and families and supporting small businesses. You can watch the speech HERE.

Full remarks:

My message to the American people affected by the coronavirus is simple: help is on the way.

This is not a perfect bill, and I am concerned about the 2 trillion-dollar price tag. But the American people need help, and this response to the present crisis will put money into the pockets of struggling workers and families. This response provides help for the small business owners who are the lifeblood of our economy.

And we are responding to rising healthcare needs with more supplies and financial aid for our struggling hospitals. I will cast a yes vote for this package in support of the medical personnel on the frontlines of this current crisis.

That includes heroes like the more than 200 medical personnel from the Fort Campbell military base in my district, who are in New York to provide medical support.

I support this bill to help repair the damage caused by the coronavirus to our workers and small businesses. But any additional relief measures must focus on assisting main street businesses and working Americans.

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Background:

• Income for American Families
  • One-time tax rebate check
  • $1,200 per individual, $2,400 per couple and $500 per eligible child
  • The full rebate amount is available for those with incomes at or below $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of households, and $150,000 for married couples
  • Expanded unemployment insurance to cover gig workers, self-employed and non-profit
• Small Business Help
  • Loans forgiven for keeping employees on payroll
  • 8 weeks of cash flow forgiven, as well as rent and utilities at 100% up to 2.5x average monthly payroll.
• Assistance for Struggling Job Creators
  • $454 billion to be used by Treasury for all sectors and $75 billion in loans, guarantees and grants for passenger airlines, cargo carriers, and businesses critical to national security.
• Access to Care for Americans
  • Increase in Medicare reimbursement rate to assist providers caring for our most vulnerable population
  • Increase in access to testing
  • FDA can quickly approve new medication and treatments
• Direct Funding to Combat the Pandemic
  • $340 billion supplemental appropriations
  • $150 billion for states, cities, and localities
    • Support for health care workers and hospitals
    • Funding for Personal Protective Equipment
    • Support for our local first responders
    • Support for veteran health care