Simpson, Fulcher Applaud Passage of Critical Relief Package

H.R. 748 passes House following intense negotiations by President Trump and Senate passage with Idaho Senators’ support

Washington. D.C. - Today the House passed H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher supported the legislation which is needed to stabilize the economy and ensure the health of our citizens as we the fight the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The legislation includes direct payments to Americans who need it most, financial assistance for small businesses, funding for hospitals and providers who are on the front lines of battling the virus, and expanded unemployment benefits as jobless claims continue to rise.

“These are truly unprecedented times, and that calls for extraordinary measures for our country to rise to the occasion,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “The legislation passed by the House is a necessary step towards stabilizing our economy, providing resources for health providers on the front lines, and furthers access to patients who have been stricken by the virus. This will not be the last package Congress considers, but it is a meaningful step for workers and businesses who have already been severely impacted. I thank President Trump and his Administration for their work on crafting this legislation, and I also applaud Idaho Senator Mike Crapo who played a key role in negotiating the package. We are truly all in this together and I am thankful to Idaho Senator Jim Risch who is looking out for agriculture in our state, and Governor Brad Little as he continues to show leadership in combatting coronavirus across Idaho. I also thank Congressman Fulcher for his daily collaboration to ensure Idahoans voices and needs are heard at this crucial time.”

“The United States of America is at war with an invisible foe-- Coronavirus. Having a virus is not a new precedent for America. It has happened twice in the 20^th century; the Spanish Flu and Polio. But in an attempt to slow this outbreak, we did set a new precedent,” said Congressman Russ Fulcher. “For the first time in history, we mandated the economy shut down by law, and we know the cost - it’s about $2 trillion dollars. So we must ask, what is the cost of not acting? It’s agonizing to take on this debt, but here’s a game changer for me: when the government shut down the economy, it assumed the responsibility for bringing it back. This virus may threaten our health, but 98% or more will survive that, and we will not allow the virus to take away our livelihoods.”

Specifically, the legislation includes:

• A one-time direct payment of $1,200 for individuals making up to $74,900 ($2,400 per couple), and $500 per child.
• A new Small Business Administration program to help small businesses pay for expenses, which includes 501(c)(3)s.
• Increased unemployment benefits.
• Increased Medicare reimbursement to help our most vulnerable populations.
• Increased access to test kits.
• Expedited approval for FDA to approve new medications and treatments.
• $100 billion to help hospitals and providers who are on the front lines of treating the disease.
• $150 billion for states, local, and tribal governments to respond to the individual needs of communities battling the pandemic.
• Support for Veterans health care needs.
• Support for agriculture producers.

More information on the bill can be found here and text of the bill can be found here.

For resources on battling coronavirus in Idaho, please visit Congressman Simpson’s website here or Congressman Fulcher’s website here.

USDA Rural Development has launched a COVID-19 resource page to keep stakeholders continuously updated on actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more.

Social Security is NOT suspending or discontinuing benefits because of the COVID-19 outbreak. While many Social Security offices are closed to in-person visitors, their employees are still hard at work.

If you or a loved one receive notice that your benefits are being discontinued because of Social Security office closures or because of the Coronavirus, this is a SCAM. Find out how to protect yourself here: https://oig.ssa.gov/scam

If you have any issues with your social security please don't hesitate to reach out to my office here : https://simpson.house.gov/…/…/help-with-a-federal-agency.htm

The Salvation Army is on the ground now, and will be helping those who are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for years to come.

Learn about the great work they are doing and see how you can help by visiting their website https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/