WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) released the following statement upon voting in favor of the CARES Act, which will deliver rapid relief to the millions of Americans who are suffering as a direct or indirect result of the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, COVID-19:

“No one likes to spend this amount of money, but the crisis we find ourselves in compels us to take drastic and decisive measures to protect millions of American lives and livelihoods. The CARES Act provides a lifeline to our nation’s economy, business owners, workers, medical professionals and those on the front lines of the outbreak, and the people and families battling COVID-19.

“The CARES Act will deliver direct financial assistance to Idaho’s low- and middle-income individuals and families, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet, as well as resources to stabilize our states and municipalities. The legislation will provide rapid cash-flow assistance to small and medium-sized business owners, ensuring they can pay their employees, cover mortgage payments and utilities, and survive through these uncertain times, as well as to large businesses that employ millions of Americans. It will also greatly improve our ability to produce and distribute the resources and medical supplies needed to battle this virus.

“This nation has been through a revolution, a civil war, two world wars, the Great Depression, and 9/11. Each challenge has tested us, but ultimately, we have come out of every adversity stronger. I have always had confidence in Americans and their ability to rise to a challenge; we will rise to this challenge as we always have.”

For more information on the CARES Act, click here.

For CDC resources on COVID-19, click here.

For resources on the State of Idaho’s response to COVID-19, click here.

# # #