by SEAN GROSSNICKLE
Common Ground profiles members of opposing parties who are working together to advance issues important to hoteliers.
THE ISSUE
The novel coronavirus has disrupted nearly all facets of the American economy and way of life. Many businesses have been forced to close, travel has been restricted, and Americans across the country face the unsettling reality of COVID-19’s permeating effects. In light of this, the U.S. government has rushed to pass legislation to alleviate the economic and humanitarian toll of COVID-19.
COMMON GROUND
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides more than $2 trillion in financial help for many Americans, relief for small businesses and their employees, and support for American healthcare professionals and patients fighting COVID-19. Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. worked across party lines to draft and pass this legislation in the government’s “Phase 3” step to address the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act garnered immense bipartisan support, passing in the Senate with a vote of 96-0 and again in the House of Representatives with a voice vote.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House (D-CA)
First Elected in 1987
The American people deserve a government-wide, visionary, evidence-based response to address these threats to their lives and their livelihoods, and they need it now. Again, I acknowledge the bipartisanship in which we – on which we bring this legislation to the Floor.
Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader (R-KY)
First Elected in 1984
I laid out four urgent priorities for new Senate legislation to help our nation through this crisis. I led Republicans and Democrats to work together around the clock to make the bill even better. And I am proud to say the Senate stood together, acted together, and passed this historic relief package.
