Bonamici Statement In Support of Passage of Coronavirus Relief Package
[03/27/20] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement after the House passed the third bipartisan COVID-19 relief package:
“The coronavirus has quickly and severely disrupted the lives of people in NW Oregon and across the country, putting the health of loved ones at risk and jeopardizing our economic security,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “Many families and individuals are left to wonder how they will put food on the table in the face of sudden unemployment, businesses are struggling to survive, and health care workers are distressed about how to care for patients and themselves with limited personal protective equipment.
“This pandemic has rapidly inflicted damage of an unprecedented scale, and Congress must immediately provide a broad response to support to our communities. We already passed two significant bipartisan packages of legislation to start sending help where it is needed most, to workers. I am pleased that today’s third bipartisan package includes many of the priorities I advocated for after speaking with Oregonians. To help provide financial stability, the bill includes direct cash assistance to individuals, expanded unemployment insurance, and relief for student borrowers. Forgivable loans will help small businesses, non-profits, and arts organizations stay afloat. Seniors in long term care facilities, who are among the most vulnerable to this pandemic, will benefit from access to advocates at a time when most family members and visitors are not allowed to visit because of safety guidelines. And health care workers will receive additional resources as they serve our country.
“I’m grateful to Speaker Pelosi for her leadership and for the improvements we were able to achieve in this package. The bill now makes the needs of families, individuals, health care workers, and small businesses the top priorities. As this public health crisis unfolds, I will continue to fight for Oregonians and do all I can to deliver the help our community needs.”
The relief package included Bonamici’s Advocating for Older Americans During Coronavirus Crisis Act, which will make sure seniors in long term care facilities have access to support advocates during the crisis.
Bonamici advocated for several additional provisions that are included in the legislation, including: • Direct cash payment of up to $1,200 for individuals making up to $75,000, and at least $2,400 for families making up to $150,000 • Expanded Unemployment Insurance benefits, including access for part-time, self-employed, and gig economy workers • A six-month pause on payment and interest accrual of most federal student loans, and suspension of involuntary collections of federally-held student loans • $376 billion in forgivable loans and grants for small businesses and non-profits • Emergency funding for farmers of specialty crops • Support for manufacturers to start producing needed personal protective equipment • Strong accountability measures for corporations that receive financial assistance from the federal government • Funding to support local school systems and higher education institutions.
