Voting for a Coronavirus Response
Dear Friend,
This week, I flew up to Washington to vote for the third coronavirus response bill which includes $2 trillion that will help hospitals, health care workers, those suddenly unemployed and the economy at large as our nation faces perhaps its greatest challenge in a generation. I am pleased that the bill includes a special commission that I called for to assure that the money is spent in the public interest transparently and that politicians and elected officials don't benefit financially. I also dispatched regular updates on Twitter, Facebook and my Congressional web page on coronavirus-related developments. I also followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on keeping social distancing and washing my hands and encourage everyone to do the same. As both my D.C. and District office staffs are working from home, they are fielding questions from constituents on a variety of issues, including questions about how the response bill that passed the House today will affect them and how to apply for assistance. I also expressed concerns about a possible blood donation shortage; offered some guidance on applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans; announced two significant Health and Human Services grants to Christ Community Health Services, including one targeting the coronavirus outbreak in Memphis; and offered a health tip. Keep reading to learn more about my week and follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see more updates as they happen.
Voting for the Third Coronavirus Response Bill
Being Available to Help Despite Office Closures
Noting Impact of Pandemic on Possible Blood Supply Shortages
Applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans
Staying in Touch with My Office
Weekly Health Tip
Quote of the Week
Voting for the Third Coronavirus Response Bill
Early this morning, I flew from Memphis to Washington on a nearly empty plane to vote for the $2 trillion response to the coronavirus pandemic which is expected to be signed into law immediately. Its provisions should help businesses maintain their payrolls and help unemployed workers stay afloat while the nation weathers the biggest crisis in a generation. See my floor speech and release on the vote here. My office can be helpful in navigating the new law and helping constituents receive the benefits they need. I am regularly updating my Congressional web page, Cohen.House.gov, with practical information you can use as the crisis deepens.
Being Available to Help Despite Office Closures
Two weeks ago, I announced that I would be temporarily closing my Washington, D.C. and District offices and begin teleworking. I regret that this crisis requires such drastic action but, out of an abundance of caution, it seems the prudent course. Limiting exposure will help ensure my staff and I remain healthy and able to serve the people of the Ninth Congressional District. My staff will continue to be available by phone and email. Constituents should continue to call my office with their concerns and email my office via the "Contact" page on my website, Cohen.House.Gov. The website will also be updated regularly with information regarding this crisis, including legislative action Congress is taking to address the pandemic and its effects on our country.
Noting Impact of Pandemic on Possible Blood Supply Shortages
Blood drives are slowing as the impact of the pandemic touches on routines of even our most altruistic neighbors. This coronavirus situation may affect blood donations and those who can donate blood should know that collection centers are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on keeping facilities sterile and safe.
Applying for Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance Loans
The Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that otherwise could not be paid because of the disaster's impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75 percent. For detailed information about how to receive support, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Staying in Touch with My Office
You can send a letter via my official Congressional web site: Cohen.House.Gov.
Normally in this space I would encourage you to sign up for my next "Congress On Your Corner" event where my staff can assist you with federal agencies and benefits. But for the moment, plans for "Congress On Your Corner" are suspended in response to the coronavirus. I'll let you know when they are scheduled to resume.
If you would like to receive this weekly e-Newsletter, or share it with others, you can do that with this form.
With many of us staying home and cooking our own meals, it's important to follow basic food safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See that guidance here.
"This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." –President Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933.
As always, I remain
Most sincerely,
Steve Cohen
Member of Congress