Lawmakers Push Congress to Implement Another COVID Relief Package
Recent surges in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations due to the omicron variant are raising concerns among lawmakers about whether another COVID-19 relief package, particularly for restaurants, will be needed.
“We, the undersigned, call on House and Senate leadership to expedite a targeted relief package that funds all previously eligible requests through the [Restaurant Revitalization Fund] and allows small businesses in the fitness, live events and travel industries to request much-needed federal assistance,” write lawmakers in a letter sent to the House and Senate leadership, which was co-signed by 83 Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
Since the start of the pandemic, $6 trillion in relief aid has been provided in the U.S., including $1.9 trillion through the American Rescue Plan.
In May 2021, the RRF offered $28.6 billion from American Rescue Plan funds for local restaurants and businesses that suffered economic losses and staffing shortages due to COVID-19.
When asked about whether the administration is eyeing any extra COVID-19 relief for businesses or restaurants, or a larger package to get through this new phase, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki replied during a press conference this week that the administration is “constantly in conversation with Congress and leadership and members about what we think and what they think the American people need in any moment.”
“But it’s important also to remember we are in a very different place than we were a year ago,” she continued.
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