The Problem Solvers Caucus, led in part by Congressman Tom Reed (R-23) unveiled a Coronavirus Pandemic relief package aimed at helping those most-effected by the economic fallout of the last year.
The Caucus says the relief bill will help students, families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers.
It allocates a total of $908 billion in total aid, which includes new funding and a reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funds that have not been spent.
Here’s how the spending breaks down, according to a release from the Problem Solvers Caucus:
– $160 billion for state, local, and tribal governments;
– $180 billion for additional unemployment insurance;
– $288 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program;
– $12 billion in lender support;
– $45 billion for airlines, airports, buses, and Amtrak;
– $16 billion for vaccine development and distribution, as well as testing and tracing;
– $35 billion for a healthcare provider relief fund;
– $82 billion for education funding;
– $4 billion for student loan relief;
– $25 billion for housing assistance;
– $26 billion for nurtition and agriculture;
– $10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service; and
$10 billion for Child Care.
“For far too long, working families, small businesses, local governments, critical health care providers, and school districts across America have been left wondering when Washington would stop the partisan bickering and pass a comprehensive stimulus package,” Reed said. “Now, we have a bipartisan, bicameral deal that directly addresses the needs of the nation and best positions the country for an effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine. It’s time to come together as proud Americans and get the job done.”
Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer said this package will help get America through the next several months. “This is a win for the American people, for common sense, and for problem-solving. With cases spiking, winter around the corner, and countless small businesses closing every day, and far too many families hurting, we simply cannot leave anyone out in the cold. This is an essential down payment on what our families, small businesses, and local communities need,” he said. “This four-month COVID-19 emergency relief package will get us through the hardest months of winter and into a new Administration.”
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