Finkenauer Asks Federal Agencies for Update on COVID-19 Emergency Relief Aid
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) sent letters to several federal agencies seeking updates on aid programs authorized by recent legislation to address the COVID-19 crisis.
“Passing a historically large emergency aid package was the right thing to do to help our hard-working families and small businesses make it through the COVID-19 crisis,” Congresswoman Finkenauer said. “It’s critical that we get help to folks who need it most while identifying problems that could delay critical aid. We will continue partnering with our federal agencies to make sure they can help folks in our communities.”
The agencies receiving a letter from Congresswoman Finkenauer include:
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Commerce
- Department of Defense
- Department of Education
- Department of Justice
- Department of Labor
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Health and Human Services
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Small Business Administration
Among the letters is a request for the Small Business Administration seeking information on the Paycheck Protection Program. It is essential that this $350 billion aid program reaches businesses without delay or complication.
"Small businesses are depending on federal help to weather this historic economic disruption, and we cannot fail them,” Congresswoman Finkenauer said. “The administration must ensure aid provided by the Paycheck Protection Program is distributed as efficiently and competently as possible."
Last week, Finkenauer helped pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion emergency aid bill to respond to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and assist small businesses, manufacturers, farmers and everyday Americans.
The legislation will provide direct payments to individuals, suspension of student loan payments, and financial assistance to small businesses, farmers, healthcare workers and hospitals among other things.
Congresswoman Finkenauer’s Ongoing Response Efforts:
On March 27, Finkenauer sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds urging her to issue a statewide ‘stay-at-home’ order.
On March 27, Finkenauer voted for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) an emergency aid package to help hospitals, frontline workers, and working families across Iowa and the country.
On March 26, held a telephone town hall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Business and workforce leaders from around the district answered questions about personal financial impacts of coronavirus response.
On March 25, Finkenauer released her priorities she pushed to have included in the third coronavirus response supplemental - Preparing Iowa Communities & Protecting our Families.
On March 19, Finkenauer held a telephone town hall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Health officials from Black Hawk and Linn counties participated and answered questions, as well as the liaison for Dubuque City and County Emergency Health Response Team.
Finkenauer also sent a letter to federal health officials on March 19, urging them to ensure Iowa medical professionals have the necessary protective equipment to treat patients.
Finkenauer joined a call for President Trump to use his authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to increase production of necessary medical supplies. On March 18, President Trump announced he would use the authority to avoid supply shortages.
On March 17, Finkenauer reached out to community leaders in Iowa asking for their concerns, priorities and more info on how the outbreak is affected local economies.
On March 15, Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds encouraging the state to create a more centralized location for key information, including consideration of school closures.
Finkenauer voted to pass an emergency package to help Iowa families and health professionals impacted by coronavirus on March 14.
Taking early action, Finkenauer voted to approve a critical coronavirus funding package to help expand testing and research. Finkenauer also sent an oversight letter to the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar seeking specific answers on whether local health agencies and hospitals have the tools they need.
On March 13, Finkenauer helped host a Small Business Committee hearing on Coronavirus and asked a witness about health and safety, and financial security for hard-working Iowans impacted by coronavirus.
Finkenauer followed up that hearing with an oversight letter asking the Small Business Administration (SBA) about their progress on providing information on small business assistance to Iowans along with what methods they will be doing outreach to Iowa businesses. Later that day, the SBA posted this information webpage.
Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available at https://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information
Finkenauer’s office has been in contact with area hospitals, business organizations, schools and colleges with respect to the virus to understand any ongoing concerns. Finkenauer has also spoken with Governor Kim Reynolds for an update on Iowa’s response to coronavirus.