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Kaptur Statement After
House Passes Updated HEROES Act
Last week, Representative
Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), senior Member of the House
Appropriations Committee, released the following statement
after she joined the House in voting to pass Democrats'
updated version of The Heroes Act. The bill addresses needs
that have developed since the House passed an earlier
version in May and reflects bipartisan negotiations between
Congressional Democrats and Republicans.
"American families and
workers are desperate for any assistance they can get from
their government in the face of the ongoing economic and
public health crises resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
and President Trump's failed response," said Rep. Kaptur.
"House Democrats have worked tirelessly to be there for our
constituents, passing legislation in May and again today to
extend additional, vitally needed support to workers, small
businesses, healthcare providers, schools, local
governments, and more. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans never
even bothered to vote on an updated response package, in
fact, not only could they not agree that one was needed,
they thought they had already done more than enough.
Shameful. Even today, Republicans have failed to act because
their interests clearly lie with large corporations and big
donors, the likes of whom have gotten even wealthier during
the pandemic. Meanwhile working people have been left to
suffer. This updated Heroes Act reflects bipartisan
negotiations and needs that have arisen since May -
President Trump and Senate Republicans simply must come to
the table. The consequences of doing nothing at this point
will cause even further irreversible damage for our
families, small businesses, and even keystone industries
like airlines and restaurants, which employ millions of
Americans. It's time to get this bill signed into law, now.
If it doesn't pass the Senate or even receive a vote,
whatever economic fallout ensues will be entirely on
Republicans and President Trump's failed leadership, in
addition to the suffering they've already foisted upon the
American public."
The $2.2 trillion legislation
protects lives, livelihoods and the life of our democracy.
To address needs that have arisen since the House first
acted, the updated legislation includes:
* Strong support for
small businesses, by improving the Paycheck Protection
Program to serve the smallest businesses and struggling
non-profits, providing hard-hit businesses with second
loans, and delivering targeted assistance for the struggling
restaurant industry and independent live venue operators.
* Additional assistance
for airline industry workers, extending the highly
successful Payroll Support Program to keep airline industry
workers paid.
* More funds to bolster
education and child care, with $225 billion for education -
including $182 billion for K-12 schools and nearly $39
billion for postsecondary education - and $57 billion to
support child care for families.
* Safeguards our
democracy, with new resources to ensure safe elections, an
accurate Census, and preserve the Postal Service.
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