Meng Statement on Passage of $484 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee – which funds all federal programs and agencies – issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, H.R. 266.

"My district of Queens is in pain; we are at the nexus of this coronavirus pandemic. From our frontline health care workers to our people in our nursing homes; from our small business owners to essential workers – every day, I have heard from people across my district, as they are facing unimaginable horror and heartache. Today, I voted for this interim relief bill because my district – our nation – needs immediate aid. This bill provides more critical funds to hospitals, increases our testing capacity, and requires a national testing strategy – all of which are necessary if we are to eventually restart our economy. This bill also provides more money for small businesses to get back on their feet. This, however, is not enough; it is just a first step in a long process to help our nation. And now, we must immediately get to work on the second major relief package after the CARES Act. We need more, immediate, and sustained assistance for families. We must make sure that no one is left behind in this recovery effort – no matter their background or citizenship status. Our students need internet access. Our essential workers need hazard pay. Our residents need rent and mortgage assistance. Our State and City need federal assistance. And our health care system will continue to need more funding. My priority has been—and always will be—to fight for the interests and wellbeing of my constituents in Queens. Again, today's bill simply does not go far enough for all those suffering from the virus; but if I can help even one family, one health care worker, or one small business, it is worth it. For the sake of a stronger tomorrow, we must get through this crisis together."

H.R. 266, which passed the Senate on Tuesday, now goes to the president's desk to be signed into law.