Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Simply put, the challenges that the COVID-19 coronavirus pose to our country are without precedent. As the President has said, we are at war. But it is not a war against another country or a terrorist network, it is a war against a silent enemy that is ravaging our people and forcing us to sacrifice our economic wellbeing.

This is especially hurting us in rural America, where small businesses, rural hospitals, barber shops, non-profits, and the like are scrambling for answers and hope,

My people in Southern and Eastern Kentucky have responded to this crisis with incredible courage and compassion. Without being prompted, our people are filling in the gaps. I've heard story after story about healthcare workers on the frontlines despite not having the protective equipment they need; churches are shifting online and offering assistance to local families; and neighbors, teachers and community leaders are making sure our school children and seniors don't miss a meal.

And this bill provides the necessary confidence they need to know a plan is in place to get through this crisis together. I was proud to work with House and Senate leadership to ensure that this bill protects our small businesses, keeps our hospitals afloat, and provides financial stability to our hardworking families. It also provides much needed funding for medical supplies, and ensures our cities, counties, and states have the resources necessary to ensure the safety of our citizens.

As Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, I would also like to note that this bill provides critical funding for the State Department to respond to the pandemic at United States diplomatic facilities around the globe, to support continued consular services to Americans abroad, and for costs associated with bringing home Americans that have been stranded overseas. Funding is also provided to ensure all Peace Corps volunteers get home safe. Lastly, funds are included to support humanitarian assistance needs related to the coronavirus internationally.

But above all else, the most important thing this bill does is bring hope to Americans searching for a way to protect the health of their families and their livelihood.

Mr. Speaker, since our country's birth nearly 250 years ago, the American people have faced a myriad of challenges. And in every one of these instances, we have pulled together and overcome. I have full faith that we will do so again, and this bill helps ensure that we will be victorious.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 748.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source