U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) expressed optimism Tuesday that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted late last week will provide relief to struggling communities in his home state and across the country, adding that work is already under way on another relief package.
Kilmer, a member of the defense appropriations subcommittee, said at a COVID-19 Military Support Initiative town hall that the stimulus legislation addresses medical supply shortages, eviction and foreclosure relief, and the defense critical infrastructure program.
It also provides direct support to communities and individuals taking an economic hit.
“Small businesses and workers who have been rocked by the massive disruption caused by this virus shouldn’t have to worry about paying the bills,” he said. “We are all in this together.”
As payments begin making their way to states, governors across the country are asking the White House to ensure “our National Guard members are taken care of as they are on the front lines” of the response, said Mary Catherine Ott, a legislative director at the National Governors Association. “We are telling the governors to keep thinking of the military family impact.”
Photo courtesy Kilmer.house.gov