Rep. Rouda Applauds Passage of CARES Act

Laguna Beach, CA - Today, Congressman Harley Rouda (CA-48) applauded passage of the historic CARES Act, which will now go to the President's desk for his signature.

"I am proud to support this historic and essential bipartisan legislation," said Rouda. "The CARES Act brings urgently needed relief to Orange County families and small businesses — but it is not enough."

"Direct cash payments are not adjusted to match the regional cost of living. We know that in Orange County, $1,200 does not amount to much. Additionally, arbitrary population stipulations ensure that not a single Orange County city will qualify for direct local funding assistance."

"In the coming days and weeks, Congress should continue fighting around-the-clock to help communities like Orange County, provide oversight of this nearly $2 trillion package, and protect the American people by any means necessary."

Here are just a few of the numerous initiatives in this historic piece of legislation that will benefit Americans:

• $260 Billion in Dramatically Expanded Unemployment Benefits:  Includes numerous provisions to improve unemployment benefits including providing an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers.
• Immediate Direct Cash Payments to Lower and Middle-Income Americans:  Provides for immediate, direct cash payments to lower-and middle-income Americans of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household.  These payments will provide individuals with the cash they need right now to survive with much of the economy currently shut down.
• More Than $375 Billion in Small Business Relief:  Provides more than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on the payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants.
• Approximately $200 Billion for Our Hospitals, Health Care Workers, and Health Research:  Provides an investment of about $200 billion in our hospitals, health systems, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment desperately needed by our health care workers, including ventilators, n95 masks, gowns, gloves, etc.   

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