Suozzi travels to DC to ensure coronavirus "phase three" passage

Statement

On Friday, March 26th, Congressman Suozzi traveled to Washington, DC to ensure the passage of the third bipartisan coronavirus stimulus package. Suozzi traveled down to DC in the event if one Member called for a roll call vote and 216 Members would have needed to be present to ensure passage of the Bill.

"On Friday, the House of Representatives put aside their ideological purity and came together to deliver relief for Americans," said Suozzi. "While there is more to still be done, this historic stimulus package will begin to help individuals and businesses who are struggling with the anxiety and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Historically, when Americans come together, we persevere. "E pluribus Unum,' and together, we will get through this."

During the day, Suozzi recorded a series of videos throughout the day to document this historic vote:

-A video from Suozzi's driveway from early morning before heading to Washington D.C.
-A video Suozzi recorded in front of the Capitol before casting his vote.
-A video of Suozzi speaking on the House floor.
-Before travelling back to n New York, Suozzi recorded a final video in front of the Capitol.

During the current pandemic, Suozzi has urged a comprehensive approach that addresses the healthcare issues and the economic issues. When looking at the healthcare issues we must focus on 1) prevention, 2) testing, 3) treatment and 4) a long-term vaccine solution. When looking at the economic issues we must focus on 1) individuals, 2) small businesses, 3) critical industry and 4) the overall economy.

Highlights from the stimulus bill include:

-A $150 Billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund: Creates a $150 billion State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide states and localities additional resources to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
-$260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits: Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.
-Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans: Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household. These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
-More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief: Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
-Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research: Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.

Source