Rep. Schrier Statement on House Passage of Heroes Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement after voting for the fourth coronavirus aid package, The Heroes Act:
"The American people need action. Businesses may never reopen, unemployment numbers continue to increase, and you still can't get a test if you want one. The Heroes Act is not a perfect bill, but it includes several important provisions to help protect the people of the 8th district from the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This bill has more than $10.8 billion for Washington State with $2.2 billion coming directly to 8th district communities. I have heard from almost every mayor in my district that their city's immediate financial future is grim without federal assistance. When we talk about financial support to cities, we are talking about schools, public health, and first responders. Cuts in these areas, especially during a pandemic and wildfire season, are dangerous. The relief included in The Heroes Act will help prevent layoffs that would jeopardize our health and safety.
The Heroes Act includes several of my bills that will ease the financial burden on our most vulnerable. The WIC Benefit Flexibility During COVID-19 Act is a bipartisan bill that will more than triple the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables for mothers and young children. Good nutrition is fundamental to good health. This helps our farmers and our families.
The Heroes Act also includes my bill Saving Seniors from COVID-19 Costs Act. Older adults are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. We know this disease can quickly become serious, and nobody should have to delay necessary care because they are worried about cost. This bill will make that a reality for Medicare beneficiaries.
Additionally, this bill provides critical assistance for renters and homeowners, so that people who have lost their jobs aren't at risk of losing shelter too. And it adds more funding for the testing and contact tracing that are sorely lacking now and are critical to fighting this pandemic and helping us feel safe in our communities.
I am disappointed that there is not more funding in The Heroes Act for our farmers and agriculture community. At a time when 1 in 4 families in our state are struggling to put food on their tables while farmers are sitting on excess product, we need an ‘all hands' approach to address our farming and food security crisis.
When it comes to protecting the American people and my 8th district constituents, we cannot let perfect be the enemy of the good. We are facing an unprecedented pandemic that demands bold solutions. This bill is a starting point for negotiations, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will come to the table so we can quickly find agreement and get the American people the help they need."