Hudson Releases Statement on Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, by a unanimous vote in the U.S. House of Representatives:

“These are challenging times for our country. Yet throughout our history, America his risen to every challenge and today is no different,” said Rep. Hudson. “While it is not perfect, the CARES Act provides direct relief to people in need due to the coronavirus outbreak. Families, hospitals and small businesses need immediate relief and are counting on this legislation.”

The CARES Act provides tax rebate checks of up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, in addition to $500 for each eligible child. The bill includes $250 billion to expand unemployment benefits for more workers. For small businesses, it boosts loan programs and gives businesses more access to immediate cash flow to continue paying bills, payroll and other expenses. For hospitals and health care workers, the bill provides new protective equipment for those on the front lines of addressing the virus and invests in more testing, expanded telehealth services, and new treatments and vaccines. Finally, the bill also contains $30 billion for the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to boost health care programs for active duty soldiers, veterans and their families. A summary of the CARES Act and Rep. Hudson’s overall coronavirus response efforts can be found at Hudson.house.gov/coronavirus/ or here.

During remarks on the House floor prior to the vote, Rep. Hudson highlighted successful efforts to remove “dangerous provisions like union bailouts, the Green New Deal and election schemes,” from the legislation. Watch Rep. Hudson’s floor remarks here.

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed the CARES Act by a vote of 96-0. President Donald Trump urged the House to quickly approve the measure and has said he will sign it into law.