Congresswoman Garcia Responds to Senate Leadership and the White House Reaching a Deal on the Senate Stimulus Package

HOUSTON, TX – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) issued the following statement in response to Senate leaders and the White House reaching a deal on the nearly $2 trillion Senate stimulus package:

"The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented public health crisis that is affecting everyone around the world. Here at home, in Houston, and all across the country, hardworking families are losing their jobs or on the brink of doing so, small businesses are being forced to close, and major industries have come to a standstill.

Through this process, I have made it clear that this package must be centered around urgently helping people that have been hit the hardest by this outbreak – our hardworking Americans who have lost their jobs or could be losing their homes, our seniors who are at greater risk of getting fatally sick, our children whose food security has been put at risk, people with disabilities who already face significant barriers to accessing health care, and our mom and pop shops that have been forced to close.

This package is not about politics, but rather ensuring that all people get the medical care they need during this time, as well as the financial and food assistance needed now and after as we recover as a nation. This virus does not discriminate based on immigration status or race and does not care whether you have a social security number or tax ID. We are all Americans in our hearts, mind, and soul. We are all God's children, called to care for each other in good or bad times, but especially in the middle of a crisis.

With the end of the month fast approaching and rents and mortgages due, we must act swiftly, but with a sense of responsibility towards working people. Once the full details of the renegotiated Senate stimulus package are released, I will assess if it puts people over corporations and takes care of all people during these difficult times."

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary and Financial Services Committees.