Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) this evening expressed support for a bipartisan deal that will inject $900 billion into the national economy, provide direct relief to families and small businesses, and keep the federal government open amid the ongoing pandemic. Whitehouse issued the following statement about the agreement reached today:
“Rhode Islanders have made so many painful sacrifices this year to save lives, and those difficult decisions have left many families in need of a financial lifeline. As Americans begin to get vaccinated, this agreement will help workers and families make it through this difficult period. The relief on the way includes cash payments to households, boosted unemployment benefits, and forgivable loans for small businesses. In addition, increased investments in vaccine procurement and distribution will hasten our return to normal.
“It is worth noting tonight that Democrats in the House passed multiple relief bills that Leader McConnell held up for months and months. This deal should not have taken so long, and there is still more that needs to be done. While the bipartisan compromise will provide support for schools, transit, rental assistance, and public health programs, states and localities need additional budgetary relief, which I will keep fighting for.”
