The number of coronavirus cases reported on American soil grows every day, including six in New York State, and the White House is unequipped and ill-prepared to handle the spread of the virus.
I was, therefore, proud to join my colleagues in the House in passing an emergency spending package that will provide federal and state authorities with the funds they need to combat the pandemic. This funding package significantly exceeds the figure requested by the Trump Admin.
It will provide much-needed resources for local, state, and federal governments to adequately prepare for and react to coronavirus. More funding may be necessary in the future, and I stand prepared to support any additional resources we may need.
However, today’s vote is a necessary first step. The spending package will allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to areas that have already been hit by the virus, including New York.
It supports the community health centers that have been on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus and reimburses the state and local governments that have already borne so much of the cost of our response.
This package invests over three billion dollars into the research that will deliver a coronavirus vaccine and provides hundreds of millions more so that once those vaccines are ready, they’ll be affordable for the American people.
It allocates nearly a billion dollars to be used for the procurement of crucial medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, ensuring that health care professionals will be able to treat patients without fear of getting sick themselves.
It allows for billions in low-interest loans to small businesses, limiting the economic impact of the disease.
I was proud to vote for this package and will vote for more funding if it’s necessary.
I was proud to vote for this package and will vote for more funding if it’s necessary.
I will continue to monitor the situation in New York and around the country and will work with my colleagues to ensure the full, coordinated force of the federal government is behind our efforts to stop the spread of this disease.
The American people should be able to trust that their government will work to keep them safe from a public health crisis like coronavirus. Today, the House honored that trust.
While the House is working hard to respond to the serious threat posed by coronavirus, there are steps that everyone can take to remain informed and to limit the spread of the virus.
Information about COVID-19 in New York State is available here: health.ny.gov/diseases/commu…
Additional information about virus in New York City can be found here: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/healt…
Additional information about virus in New York City can be found here: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/healt…
