Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Democrats' next comprehensive coronavirus relief package, the HEROES Act.

The HEROES Act contains an additional $75 billion for the testing, tracing and treatment required to match the threat posed by the coronavirus. We have also ensured that access to medical services is prioritized and safeguarded, such that every American can access free COVID-19 treatment. The HEROES Act eliminates cost sharing for coronavirus treatment for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as those with private health insurance, TRICARE, VA Health Care, and Federal Employee Health Benefits. Additionally, we have infused an additional $100 billion into the Health Care Provider Relief Fund and have ensured that these funds are distributed to providers in an equitable and efficient way. All these investments in our public health and medical systems will further support our communities as they withstand this coronavirus pandemic.

In order to assist the small businesses bearing the brunt of the economic impact of the coronavirus, the HEROES Act strengthens the Payroll Protection Program and adds safeguards to ensure equal funding distribution to underserved communities. These, paired with an extension of weekly unemployment payments through January of 2021, are vital lifelines to small business owners and those they employ.

The HEROES Act also commits nearly $1 trillion alone to state and local governments for the purpose of paying those workers fighting this disease and its effects on the frontlines. Additionally, it creates a $200 billion hazard pay fund to ensure that frontline workers are compensated accordingly for their efforts in these dangerous conditions.

For those who have lost their jobs, the HEROES Act introduces funding for programs that, among others, address workplace and food security, housing assistance, health insurance, public education and direct payments to those who qualify.

Mr. Speaker, though we as Members of Congress come to this floor from all corners of the country, representing different districts and demographics, we are united today by a common issue--our communities are struggling. Tens of thousands of loved ones have already been lost and millions now find themselves without a steady source of income, to say nothing of the additional hardships that will linger for years to come. The HEROES Act is an essential step forward to assure that we are appropriately addressing the needs of our communities, therefore I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and urge the Senate to take it under consideration.

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