03.27.20

Hoeven Statement After House Approves Phase III COVID-19 Response Legislation

Senator Secured Nearly $25 Billion in USDA Resources to Support Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Communities

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Senate approved the legislation Wednesday, so the legislation will now go to the President to be signed into law.

“This Phase III legislation will help us battle both the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Hoeven. “It provides vital support for our health care workers and facilities, so first and foremost we can save lives and combat COVID-19. At the same time, it provides direct assistance to families and workers and bolsters small businesses and the economy. As the chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I worked hard to secure nearly $25 billion to support our farmers and ranchers, who continue to produce the food, fuel and fiber our nation needs as we battle COVID-19. The CARES Act will help provide much needed support for the American people so that we can beat the coronavirus.”

The CARES Act provides:

  • Support for health care workers and patients.
  • Direct financial help to the American people.
  • Relief for small businesses and their employees.
  • Help to stabilize the economy.

As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured provisions in the legislation to provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with nearly $25 billion in resources to assist farmers and ranchers. Specifically, the bill:

  • Replenishes $14 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) borrowing authority for the USDA.
  • Includes $9.5 billion in separate funding for USDA to help producers, including livestock and specialty crop producers, impacted by COVID-19.
  • Provides funding to support rural communities. 

Click here for additional information on the agriculture provisions secured by Hoeven.

Click here for more information on the CARES Act.

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