WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02) voted in support of H.R. 133 to secure bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief for New Mexican families, small businesses, healthcare providers, and agricultural economy. The bill was passed alongside legislation to fund the federal government through the end of fiscal year 2021 .
The House passage of COVID-19 relief follows Torres Small's efforts to restart negotiations with the Problem Solvers Caucus a group of 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats - through the "March to Common Ground" framework, which was key to the development of this bill.
"Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, I have heard from families that are struggling to make rent, small business owners who are fighting to keep their doors open, and rural hospital providers that are being pushed to their limit. The clock is running out for too many families, small businesses, and workers in New Mexico and across the country," said Torres Small. "I've been working with the Problem Solvers Caucus for months on a bipartisan plan to deliver lifeline relief millions of Americans need now. This relief package is a result of our continued efforts to fight for families across the country and I'm pleased to see Congress finally reach a compromise."
Specifically, the legislation secures:
• $286 billion in direct economic relief for workers and families, including direct payments of $600 for individuals and a $600 payment for each child, enhanced Unemployment Insurance, and an extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
$325 billion for small business relief, including $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and dedicated PPP funding for our smallest businesses and communitybased lenders.
$69 billion in funding for COVID-19 testing, vaccine distribution, and healthcare.
$25 billion in housing assistance, including $800 million reserved for Native American housing entities and an extension of the CDC eviction moratorium through January31,202l.
$26 billion for our nation's agriculture industry to support farmers and producers, including direct payments and support for critical food supply chains. Additionally, funds will increase SNAP benefits by 15 percent.
$10 billion to stabilize our childcare industry, in addition to helping states expand childcare assistance for essential workers and working families.
$7 billion investment in broadband, including $250 million for telehealth, $3.2 billion in emergency funds for lowincome families to access broadband, and $65 million to complete critical broadband mapping.
A one-year extension for states and localities to use the previously appropriated funds from the Corona virus Relief Fund.