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Rep. Lee Secures Key Relief for Nevadans in Latest COVID-19 Relief Proposal

September 29, 2020

Bipartisan talks, new proposal come after Rep. Lee pushed for renewed negotiations.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03) released the following statement responding to the latest COVID-19 relief proposal, which the House released yesterday evening:

"The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the travel and tourism industry—the primary pillar of Nevada's economy. Since the pandemic began, I have heard the nonstop pleas for help from my constituents to do something to prevent further layoffs and to help the people whose jobs will not return any time soon.

"One thing is clear: Nevadans need immediate help, not after the election, or even worse, the inauguration. The House passed the original Heroes Act over four months ago and the additional $600 per week in federal unemployment relief expired nearly two months ago, yet Republican and Democratic leaders have failed to meet the urgency with additional relief. Nevada's tourism, restaurant, convention, and live entertainment workers need help now.

"On September 15th, I and my bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues unveiled a COVID-19 relief framework to urge congressional leadership to go back to the negotiating table and produce a new package that would help struggling Americans. I'm now encouraged that negotiations have restarted, and there is renewed energy to get a new, bipartisan COVID-19 relief package passed.

"In the latest COVID-19 relief proposal, I fought for the inclusion of relief for our stage, aviation, and restaurant workers, all of whom help form the backbone of Nevada's economy. I urge negotiators from both sides of the aisle to keep this essential relief in any final package. There has never been a time so critical for Washington to put party and politics aside and prioritize what's right for the American people."

BACKGROUND: On Sept. 15, 2020, Rep. Lee joined the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC)—which includes 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, including Rep. Lee—to unveil its "March to Common Ground" framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package and encourage negotiators to get back to the table. Shortly after the Problem Solvers Caucus announced its proposal, bipartisan negotiations around COVID-19 relief resumed. The latest COVID-19 relief proposal includes the following Nevada priorities:

  • $4.5 billion in funding for Nevada's state and local governments;
  • Targeted support for restaurant, aviation, and entertainment workers;
  • $225 billion for schools;
  • Second round of stimulus checks for families;
  • $600 per week in federal unemployment aid;
  • $71 billion in rent and mortgage assistance;
  • Paycheck Protection Program enhancements to support the hardest-hit small businesses;
  • 14 percentage point boost to Medicaid funding for states;
  • $7.6 billion for Community Health Centers; and
  • $75 billion for COVID-19 testing and tracing.

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