Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers seek several priorities in third coronavirus response package

U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) joined their Washington State congressional colleagues in requesting several priorities in the upcoming third COVID-19 response package from leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Unfortunately, Washington state was the first state impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and remains one of the most negatively affected today,” the lawmakers wrote in a March 17 letter sent to House leadership. “As you consider provisions for the next coronavirus-related stimulus package, we hope you will consider the following proposals, many of which were developed by Washington state officials and our local communities who are working tirelessly to mitigate the deep economic impacts that our state is already experiencing, and that are beginning to expand nationwide.”

Among the requested provisions in the letter is one to ensure that all federal resources provided to support communities, workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19 are made available retroactively to the date on which a state, local or tribal government first declared a state of emergency related to the spread of the disease.

Another requested priority by the lawmakers is to expand direct access to economic assistance through increased investment in the Economic Development Administration, according to their letter, and to increase investments in existing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs to prevent displacement of people experiencing financial hardship.

Additionally, the members of Congress want parity created for tribes, tribal organizations and urban Indian organizations via guaranteed direct access to all federal funding streams and resources created to combat, prevent and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, among other priorities listed in their letter.

Among the members joining Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers in signing the letter was Derek Kilmer (D-WA).