Today, the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, a nearly $500 billion legislative package to provide American businesses and health care providers with resources they need to continue operations during the coronavirus crisis. The bill provides an additional $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with $60 billion reserved for smaller and medium-sized community-based lenders. The bill also provides $50 billion more for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and $75 billion to hospitals and health care providers. Finally, the bill provides $25 billion to help enhance nationwide testing capabilities, a crucial step toward reopening the economy.

“This bill is a massively important step in the right direction, and will go a long way toward keeping small businesses in the Inland Empire afloat and preventing more devastating layoffs. The bill also will help our local health care providers continue treating patents and saving lives in our community. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans’ refusal to allow any additional funding for state and local governments means that first responders and frontline workers like police officers, fire fighters and paramedics still do not have the resources they need to get through this crisis. I will continue working to make sure these essential workers are not left behind as Congress negotiates the next relief package,” said Aguilar.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus, and as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.