Press Releases

Miami, FL – Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement in response to the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on millions of Americans' health and well-being and the nation's economy. There have been nearly 870,000 confirmed cases, nearly 50,000 dead and more than 26 million initial unemployment claims in the past five weeks alone.

"I am pleased that Congress has passed another funding package that will provide the emergency resources to help protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. There is no question that we must do more, however, and move quickly to provide relief to our state and local governments that provide police, fire and important government services. Unlike the federal government, they must balance their budgets and the pandemic is rapidly dwindling their revenues," said Congresswoman Wilson. "I am especially pleased that the House will form the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis to root out waste, fraud and abuse, and it will protect against price gouging and profiteering. The select committee also will work to ensure that the federal response is based on the best possible science and guided by our nation's leading health experts."

The $484 billion aid package includes:

• $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), forgivable loans to help small businesses to pay their employees during the pandemic.
• $60 billion for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, to provide relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.
• $75 billion for hospitals, to provide resources to the frontlines, including Personal Protective Equipment.
• $25 billion for virus testing, which is the key to reopening the economy and resuming our lives.

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 388 to 5 and was signed into the law by President Trump today.