Rep. Payne, Jr. Praises House Passage of Third Coronavirus Aid Bill   

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. said he was delighted the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act today.  The $2 trillion emergency appropriations bill is the third one passed this month to deal with the nationwide coronavirus global pandemic.  It would provide $1,200 to low and middle-income Americans to help them pay bills as well as an extra four months of unemployment to workers who have lost jobs during this economic crisis.

Rep. Payne, Jr. said the country needs the funding to support Americans who are suffering during these difficult economic times.

“I support every bill that puts money in the pockets of Americans who need it the most,” said Congressman Payne, Jr.  “Also, it will give New Jersey $3.4 billion to help pay for emergency services as well as $1.5 billion to aid the state’s transit system.  The coronavirus has caused an incredible amount of economic hardship and anxiety across the country.  I am proud that my House colleagues came together to pass this bipartisan legislation and give immediate financial help to the American people.”

The House bill (H.R. 748) provides $375 billion to small businesses through grants and interest-free loans, $150 billion to state and local governments to help them handle coronavirus-related expenses, and $200 billion to support America’s hospitals and health care workers.

Rep. Payne, Jr. voted for two crucial appropriations bills to support to Americans during this public health crisis already.  The first one, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074), provided $8.3 billion to fund medical efforts and became law on March 6, 2020.  The second one, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), provided free coronavirus testing for all Americans and mandatory paid sick leave for all workers.  The House passed it on March 14, 2020.

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