NASHVILLE - The U.S. House on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a sweeping $2.2 trillion spending bill intended to address national economic and health care systems as well as states and local governments left reeling by the coronavirus pandemic.
Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Ooltewah, a House Appropriations Committee member, applauded the favorable voice vote on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
"I am glad to see that Congress has once again come together in a bipartisan fashion to pass a third funding package in support of the American people as we work to combat COVID-19," said Fleischmann, ranking Republican member on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee. "It is the duty of Congress to continue to support American families and small businesses who are affected by the toll that COVID-19 has taken upon them. The CARES Act will provide tangible and real relief for many American families and businesses."
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn., speaks at a rally Tuesday, May 29, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a South Pittsburg, Tennessee, Republican, said the U.S. "only a few weeks ago was seeing a record economic expansion." The country will "emerge from this temporary crisis stronger than ever. To ensure that, I voted for the CARES Act, unprecedented legislation for an unprecedented problem, the severe slowdown or closure of industries and businesses, as we all work to prevent the spread of coronavirus."
Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett of Knoxville said in a Facebook post before the vote that "instead of our country going in different directions to combat #COVID19, we need to put aside partisanship and solve this crisis together. Small businesses, healthcare professionals on the front lines, workers and families all need help. Together, let's pass the CARES Act and deliver the help our nation needs right now."
On Wednesday, both of Tennessee's U.S. senators, Republicans Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn, voted for the legislation, as did Georgia Republican senators, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.
"With the passage of the CARES Act, we are providing immediate economic relief to Georgia businesses and families across our state," Loeffler said in a statement. "Despite the Democrats' repeated delays, I never stopped fighting to advance legislation that puts the American people first. This bill is far from perfect, but it's a major step toward getting job-creators – our farmers, our small business owners, and our entrepreneurs – back on their feet and Georgians back to work."
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550. Follow on Twitter @AndySher1.