McConnell Announces Agreement to Keep Supporting Workers, Small Businesses, and the Public Health
‘Earlier today, leaders in both chambers and the Administration reached a bipartisan agreement to supplement the historic CARES Act… It is indefensible that Main Street small businesses and their workers had their assistance cut off for partisan “leverage”… I am glad we are now poised to move ahead.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding a bipartisan deal being reached to supplement the CARES Act:
“Earlier today, leaders in both chambers and the Administration reached a bipartisan agreement to supplement the historic CARES Act.
“At the core of our agreement is $320 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program, which is already saving millions of small-business jobs and helping Americans get paychecks instead of pink slips.
“This is even more money than we had first requested. In the intervening time, and at our request, this new money puts a special focus on community banks and credit unions.
“Separately, thanks to the hard work of Senator Collins and Senator Rubio, the bill supplies $60 billion for additional Economic Injury Disaster Loans. And because of Senator Roberts, Senator Daines, and our other colleagues from rural states, it will be clear that farmers and ranchers are eligible.
“Senate Republicans wanted more funding for Americans’ paychecks nearly two weeks ago, before the program even shut down. But in the days that our Democratic colleagues delayed these urgent funds, additional federal help for hospitals, healthcare providers, and testing became timely as well.
“Republicans have always supported more medical funding as soon as necessary. So I am proud this package will provide roughly $75 billion more to fund hospitals and healthcare providers in this crisis.
“Thanks to Chairman Alexander and Chairman Blunt, there is an additional $25 billion for state-led COVID-19 testing plans and for research, development, and other testing support from key federal agencies such as the CDC, the NIH, and BARDA.
“This is a significant package. It does just what I outlined the evening we passed the CARES Act back in March. The Senate is continuing to stand by the American people... watching the CARES Act go into effect... and adding funding when necessary to key programs that are working well.
“It’s unfortunate that it took our Democratic colleagues 12 days to agree to a deal that contains essentially nothing that Republicans ever opposed. In my view it is indefensible that Main Street small businesses and their workers had their assistance cut off for partisan “leverage.” That was the word of choice for one leading House Democrat – “leverage.”
“The American people cannot be political “leverage.”
“So I am glad we are now poised to move ahead.
“Senate Republicans are prepared to pass the bill. It is my hope the entire Senate will be able to pass it as soon as possible, potentially as soon as just a few minutes from now.
“Before I conclude, I want to share my gratitude for the people whose efforts allow us to produce these vital pieces of legislation on a crash timeline in these most unusual circumstances.
“A lot of talented people worked day and night to produce this bill.
“In the Administration: Secretary Mnuchin and his staff at the Treasury Department; and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.
“Here in the Senate: Our members on both sides; our committee and leadership staff on both sides; and the incredible team players in the Office of the Legislative Counsel. These are nonpartisan staff who serve the institution and our country. As usual, we literally would not have this legislative text without their extraordinary help.
“These are unprecedented times for the entire nation, and the Senate is no exception. I want to thank everyone -- those working remotely from kitchen tables, those of you here in this chamber right now, the Capitol Police officers who protect this place day and night…
“I thank you all, and more importantly, your country thanks you.
“Now let’s get this done for the American people.”
Related Issues: Small Business, COVID-19, Economy, Jobs
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