Schumer Statement On Bipartisan Funding Agreement To Combat Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today released the following statement regarding the bipartisan funding agreement to combat the spread of coronavirus:

“Today, Democrats and Republicans in Congress showed they can come together in a bipartisan way to respond to the coronavirus in a swift, smart and strategic way to keep the American people safe. I’m pleased that this bipartisan agreement rejects the Trump administration’s dangerously inadequate proposal and is much closer to the $8.5 billion figure that I believed was more appropriate. It’s also welcome news that the final agreement includes funding to reimburse state and local governments for costs incurred while assisting the federal response to the coronavirus outbreak, funding for low-interest SBA loans to small businesses impacted by the outbreak, and funding for important healthcare programs, including BARDA, CDC, and NIH. The agreement also fulfills our trust responsibilities to Native American tribes by providing at least $40 million for tribal health entities, including Urban Indian programs, to ensure tribal communities have additional resources to respond to the virus outbreak. 

“I want to commend Congressional appropriators for their serious, sober, and credible leadership in this time of crisis. After the emergency funding bill passes the House, the Senate should move quickly to approve this much-needed funding and send it to the president’s desk for signature.”

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