Comments from Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank):

“We have repeatedly passed economic relief legislation in the House that would provide families, workers and small businesses the help they need, only to see it languish in the Senate. I’m glad that there was a bipartisan group of Senators willing to compromise to kickstart this latest round of negotiations – and I am increasingly optimistic we will get to yes in the next week to 10 days.

“We simply cannot wait any longer, and I think there’s growing consensus that any package we pass must help as many Americans and businesses as possible, including PPP funds, pandemic unemployment insurance, direct payments to families and aid to states and cities so they don’t have to layoff teachers, firefighters, police officers, transportation workers, and more. State and local governments will also need assistance so they’re ready to distribute the vaccine in the near future.

“I hope the package will also include stimulus checks to families. But any package we approve now must simply be a down payment to get us through the next few months. It’s likely more will be needed before this is all over, a vaccine is administered, and this pandemic finally comes to an end.”