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Rep. Williams Supports Third Coronavirus Relief Package

March 27, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) today released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives approved the CARES Act (H.R. 748 or the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act).

"The American people have always stepped up to the plate in times of need. Our job in Congress is to provide the reinforcements necessary to move forward – and I am proud that by passing the CARES Act, we have delivered. My top priorities have been providing direct assistance to our Texan families desperately in need of relief and those unexpectedly out of work due to this unprecedented pandemic. I've also been working to provide critical resources for health care providers on the front lines working around the clock to protect our families and heal our communities, and ensuring our Main Street businesses can begin the road to recovery while maintaining maximal employment. Though much of our daily life has been interrupted for the time being, we will keep working together and looking for opportunities where we can strengthen our economy. I have full faith that the American spirit will carry us through this crisis."

To view full bill text, please click here.

To view a one-pager on the bill courtesy of the House Republican Conference, please click here.

Background:

The CARES Act was passed unanimously by the Senate earlier this week and now goes to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Below are highlighted provisions included in the bill.

Small Businesses

  • Creates a new $350 billion small business loan program, which will provide working capital and allows for some loan forgiveness if they maintain payroll.
  • Increases Small Business Administration (SBA) loan amounts.
  • Payroll taxes for employers are delayed for two years.
  • Allows for net operating losses from 2018-2020 to be counted toward future tax liabilities to increase cash flow.

Health care

  • Greatly expands tele-health service to rural areas, including $200 million for services and devices in a separate fund from the existing Rural Health Care Program.
  • $1.32 billion is allocated for Community Health Centers.
  • $16 billion is allocated for ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care providers.

Economy

  • Provides cash payments directly to American families for rent, utility and other necessary payments.
  • Strengthens unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs at no fault of their own.
  • $500 billion is allocated to ensure critical industries that have been shut down can survive the crisis.

Congressman Roger Williams represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas and serves as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services.