“As a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security which is responsible for the domestic health security of our nation and the Budget Committee, we continue to put Families First in our efforts to stimulate the economy. The current negotiated Senate bill is not perfect, but it does put families first above big corporate interest”

HOUSTON, TX – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following

statement regarding the current status of the Coronavirus stimulus package in the Senate.

“The stimulus package is meant to help families and small businesses and not allow the Treasury Secretary to waive the restriction on big corporate stock buy-back options after they have received taxpayer dollars as a bail out. I am delighted we were able to close that loophole,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

The legislation aims to energize the economy with money, from individuals to small businesses to large industries amid a wave of layoffs and a sharp contraction in consumer spending. “After all this work, I look forward to Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate voting for this legislation that the American people desperately need. I look forward to returning to Washington to debate and cast that vote,” stated Congresswoman Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Jackson Lee further stated, “the Coronavirus pandemic has caused a serious impact on our economy and we must do everything possible to ensure all who are negatively impacted receive federal assistance. I thank the Democratic leadership who worked long hours to move the Republican written bill which heavily favored corporations to keeping families first – including family owned and small businesses.”

Although the Senate bill does not go as far as the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, it is a better deal for hard working families.

Democrats were able to ensure that the following major points were included:

Democrats fought for and won a large investment in hospitals, health system and state and local governments in this agreement, to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency.

Secured a massive increase in Unemployment Insurance benefits to match the average paycheck of laid-off or furloughed workers.

Won a significant expansion of fast relief for small businesses and made rent, mortgage and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness.

Secured billions in emergency education funding to suspend payments on student loan borrowers without penalty through September 30

Prevented secret bailouts and added special oversight requirements.

“It is my hope we can pass this bill expeditiously and start working on phase 4 in a bipartisan way from the start that will put Families and Workers First and protect Americans’ health, economic security and well-being,” stated Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.