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McCollum Statement on Protecting the Health and Economic Security of Americans

March 18, 2020

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today following the U.S. Senate passage of H.R. 6201, the Families First Act, and regarding Congress's next steps to protect Americans during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic:

"This is an unprecedented crisis for all of us. We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities by doing our part to stay healthy. Congress also has an obligation – we must continue to take immediate, bold action to protect the health and economic security of all Americans.

"Congress has now passed two bipartisan emergency appropriations bills providing billions of dollars for testing, vaccine development, food security for vulnerable populations, and paid sick leave for workers. Now, we are working on a third bill (and preparing for a fourth if needed) to save our economy from collapse. While I refuse to bail out billionaire investors, I am determined to protect workers, small businesses, and industries vital to America's economic strength – including direct cash payments to low- and middle- income individuals.

"As we all take the difficult but necessary actions to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must respond to this emergency by giving our frontline health sector all the resources they need, meet the basic human needs of our most vulnerable, keep small businesses and their employees economically viable, and defeat this virus!

"I want to commend my colleagues in the Minnesota Congressional Delegation and Governor Tim Walz for their determined commitment to meet the needs of all Minnesotans. My office will continue to work with our local government, businesses, and community leaders to meet the needs of my constituents and all Minnesotans."

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