The House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the third piece of legislation to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The legislation follows H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, enacted on March 18, and H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted on March 6.
“The American people are depending on the government to provide every resource necessary for a strong federal, state, and local response to the coronavirus pandemic,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY). “Because of the leadership of Congressional Democrats, Senate Republican’s corporations-first legislation has been transformed into a bipartisan Families and Workers First bill that provides desperately needed relief to ensure the safety, economic security, and well-being of every American. House Democrats will continue to take every necessary action to assist American families and workers through this public health crisis.”
The text of the bill is here. A summary of the appropriations provisions of the bill, prepared by the Democratic staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is here. A fact sheet on how the bill assists local governments and nonprofits in responding to coronavirus, prepared by the Democratic staff of the House Appropriations Committee, is here.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the CARES Act:
“The passage of the Coronavirus response legislation will provide much needed relief to Americans across this country, especially workers and small-business owners who have been impacted by COVID-19. President Trump has made the safety and security of the American people a top priority during this national emergency, and this bill will help make Americans more financially secure. At USDA we will deliver relief assistance to farmers and ranchers as quickly as possible,” said Secretary Perdue. “Americans across the nation are stepping up to the challenges facing them during these uncertain times. At USDA we are doing our part to ensure those who need help will get it, whether it’s through nutrition assistance, ensuring the food supply chain is safe and secure, or through new flexibilities with our Rural Development loan programs.”