[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 63 (Tuesday, March 31, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 27, 2020

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, as of the time of this debate, there are 
6,876 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey. And tragically 81 
individuals in our state have lost their lives. These are friends, 
family and loved ones. This virus has touched each and every one of us. 
I grieve for all the lives lost and for those who are fighting tooth 
and nail to beat this nasty virus. Our front lines are staffed with 
brave first responders and health care workers doing their best to help 
those impacted. Across my state, we are hard at work making sure those 
who need a test are getting tested and we have expanded bed capacity to 
care for those in need. The coming weeks will be hard for all. And I 
remain ready and willing to do everything I can for our state and 
country.
  I rise today because I support the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
Economic Security (CARES) Act because it provides immediate and needed 
assistance for workers, families, small businesses and hospitals across 
our country weathering the COVID-19 crisis. Democrats stood strong 
against the partisan, corporate-focused bail out prioritized by Senate 
Republicans. Through tough negotiations, we secured payments of as much 
as $1,200 for individual taxpayers and $500 per child. Democrats also 
secured expanded unemployment insurance for any worker affected by 
COVID-19, including an additional $600 a week in additional and 
expanded benefits and protections for self-employed and nonprofits. And 
we guaranteed inclusion of $150 billion to help states and territories 
respond to this crisis. After I led a letter signed by over 100 members 
of Congress, first responders will receive nearly $1 billion in federal 
assistance to help purchase needed personal protective equipment. Our 
hospitals and providers, who stand on the frontlines of this pandemic, 
will receive $100 billion in funding to reimburse for COVID-19 related 
costs. This was a top priority for our state's delegation, which stood 
united demanding this relief. But I know it is not enough. I will keep 
fighting for more aid for our first responders, for our hurting small 
business owners, and for the millions of Americans being pummeled by 
this terrible time.
  Like millions of Americans across the country, I am practicing safe 
social distancing measures by working from home. I am connecting 
everyday with my constituents and local, state, and federal officials 
making sure New Jersey's voice is being represented and our needs are 
being met. I support this relief legislation for our nation. Talk has 
already begun about what to do next, and I am fully focused on making 
sure New Jersey gets its due.

                          ____________________