Joyce praises hospital provisions in new CARES Act law

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) this week commended provisions included in the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, such as the more than $100 billion in funding he fought to secure for hospitals and health systems.

Following passage on March 27 by the U.S. House of Representatives, which accepted the U.S. Senate-approved H.R. 748, the bill was presented to the president, who signed it into law the same day.

“The CARES Act supports our medical professionals and their patients, brings relief to small businesses and workers, gives financial assistance to Americans in need, and stabilizes the economy,” Rep. Joyce said on Monday.

H.R. 748 specifically includes the $100 billion in funding requested by Rep. Joyce and numerous members of Congress in a March 23 letter sent to congressional leaders. The funding will be used for medical supplies and life-saving equipment like ventilators and respirators.

“The full effects of this crisis have yet to be felt, but already hospitals and health care systems across the country are facing staffing challenges, an ever-increasing demand for testing, an influx of critically ill patients and a dwindling supply of medical equipment needed to care for these patients,” said Rep. Joyce. “As the husband of a nurse, I was proud to fight to ensure this bill included the funding necessary to support all of our unsung medical heroes on the front lines of this outbreak.”

The congressman also praised the inclusion of the newly created Paycheck Protection Program to give small businesses and nonprofits with less than 500 employees a 4 percent interest rate loan that is 100 percent guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.

“Having grown up my entire life in Northeast Ohio, I know full well that small businesses are the lifeline of the Buckeye State’s economy,” Rep. Joyce said. “I was proud to support the CARES Act so that we could provide these businesses with the support they need to get through this difficult time.”