Presidential COVID-19 Update: Legislative Package Seeks to Help With Jobs and Families

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In an daily press briefing, President Trump said he has approved major disaster declarations for New York, California, Washington, Iowas, Louisiana, Texas and Florida.

The administration is in constant communication with officials in New York, with President Trump calling the location, “By far, the hottest spot.  They’ve got a number of very tough weeks ahead of them,” he said.

President Trump said the Defense Appropriation Act is also being used where needed.  “There’s tremendous spirit with respect to these companies,” said President Trump noting that there’s involvement from General Motors, Ford and 3M are among the companies involved in production of products.

“We had very little product when we came, we built it up, and we give it away as fast as we can,” said President Trump.  “We’re also, as you know building numerous hospitals and medical centers throughout certain areas,” including at New York’s Convention Center.

“As we fight to protect American lives, we’re also protecting American livelihoods.  Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are very close to passing an emergency relief bill for American workers, families and businesses.  This legislation, in addition to the two bills I signed this month includes sick leave,” said President Trump, noting that the paid sick leave provision comes at no cost to employers.

He said the $2 trillion legislative package will help with jobs and families.  “The Senate bill as you know includes $350 billion in job retention loans for small businesses, with loan forgiveness available for businesses that continue paying their workers,” said President Trump.

Also during the press briefing, President Trump said the more aggressively commitments are made to social distancing, the more lives can be saved, and the sooner Americans can “go back to work, back to school, and back to normal.”