Finkenauer Votes to Pass Third Coronavirus Emergency Aid Package

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) was in the House chamber for debate and voted to 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 bill, which has now passed the House and Senate, would provide direct payments to individuals, suspension of student loan payments, and financial assistance to small businesses, farmers, healthcare workers and hospitals among other things.

"I'm proud of the fact that in the face of a global pandemic, we are able to pass a historic bill that provides immediate relief to millions of folks across the country whose lives have been altered," Finkenauer said. "We know hard-working Iowans will find the direct financial assistance helpful, as we heard directly on our telephone town hall Thursday, and through the feedback we’ve received over the last few weeks. Healthcare workers will get much-needed help as they battle the outbreak 24 hours a day. Small businesses, educators and farmers will get the aid they need to continue persevering in our communities. We still have more work to do, but hopefully this helps make the next few weeks or months more manageable for everyone."

The package also assists in the areas that Finkenauer prioritized in her response plan that would directly affect her district, including financial aid for small businesses and healthcare professionals, and stronger unemployment benefits for the millions of Americans left without a job.

Among other things, the stimulus package includes: 

• Direct payment to individuals - Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child under age 17 unless you're above an income threshold.

• Student loan payments suspended - The Department of Education would suspend payments on student loan borrowers without penalty through September 30.

• Boost for unemployment benefits - The federal government would give jobless workers an extra $600 a week for four months on top of their state benefits.

• Billions in funding for hospitals - Hospitals across the country will receive more than $100 billion.

• Federal aid for independent contractors and 'gig' workers - Millions of part-time workers would receive federal aid.

• Funding for food assistance - The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supplies food banks, would receive $450 million.

• Emergency assistance for schools - More than $30 billion would be provided for emergency education funding for colleges, universities, state and school districts.

• Funding for state and local governments - $150 billion would be dedicated to state and local governments.

Also included is Finkenauer-introduced legislation to help small businesses that are receiving State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funding and have been affected by coronavirus. The final legislation includes reimbursement of expenses to STEP recipients for financial losses relating to trade missions and trade show exhibitions that were canceled because of coronavirus.

Congresswoman Finkenauer’s Ongoing Response Efforts: 

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.