[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 97 (Friday, May 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E476-E477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY OMNIBUS EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 15, 2020

  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

[[Page E477]]

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.

                          ____________________