Rep. Mike Levin Statement on Latest Coronavirus Relief Package

San Juan Capistrano, CA – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) released the following statement on The Heroes Act, an ambitious COVID-19 response bill that includes many of Levin’s top priorities for the 49th District. Among the many provisions in The Heroes Act, the bill includes bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Levin last week to address personal financial losses that some military families have suffered as a result of the stop movement order issued by the Department of Defense in response to the pandemic.

“Every day I hear from people who have lost their jobs and can’t pay their bills, small business owners who might not be able to reopen, health centers that may have to shut their doors, and city officials who are worried about keeping essential services running for our communities. This pandemic continues to threaten our lives and livelihoods, and we need to respond in a way that meets the scale of this crisis. The Heroes Act delivers desperately-needed aid for the people I serve, including roughly $300 million for cities in the 49th District, strengthened loan and grant programs for local small businesses, nutrition assistance for hungry families, another direct stimulus payment for those who need it most, hazard pay for those on the frontlines, and billions to help community health centers and other providers keep their doors open. To help reopen our economy in a safe and responsible way, the legislation includes much-needed funding for testing, tracing, and treatment. And to make sure everyone can exercise their right to vote without risking their health, the bill establishes national vote-by-mail and provides a lifeline for the United States Postal Service. These are the kind of immediate needs that we must address without delay.
 
“However, it’s important to be clear that I do not support every item in this 1,815 page bill. That being said, this bill represents a strong starting point. My hope is that our friends across the aisle will come to the table and work with us on legislation that provides the relief that Americans need.”
 
Prior to The Heroes Act, Rep. Levin helped pass the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For text of The Heroes Act, H.R. 6800, click here. For a section-by-section summary, click here.