Dear Friend,

I hope you are continuing to stay well. Today, we remember the attacks on Pearl Harbor. We will never forget the lives lost on American soil 79 years ago. Thank you to each of our veterans working tirelessly to defend our freedoms.

Below you will find some resources and updates I would like to make you aware of. 

Democrats' Failure to Produce COVID19 Relief

Millions of Americans and small businesses are still suffering from the closures caused by the pandemic. Speaker Pelosi has been waiting for a new President to pass COVID19 relief, but Americans who are hurting need Congress to do our job now.

The Senate has passed multiple targeted COVID-19 packages focused solely on providing relief for American workers and businesses. While there is still over $130+ billion available in the Paycheck Protection Program for businesses to use, Speaker Pelosi has been prioritizing passing bills unrelated to the pandemic, including legislation to legalize marijuana just last week. Congress must prioritize reopening the PPP and provide further relief to the American people without delay. 

I am continuing to urge my Democratic colleagues to swiftly bring bipartisan COVID-19 relief to the table so we can provide immediate assistance to those in need.

CARES Act Expiring Programs

If my Democratic colleagues fail to come to the negotiating table on COVID relief legislation, many critical benefits with bipartisan support that were provided by the CARES Act will expire On December 31st, 2020, including: 

• Unemployment Programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance has provided over 8.8 million Americans with benefits during the pandemic who might not otherwise have been eligible for unemployment insurance.
• Student Loans: Students with federal loans have been able to pause making payments on their loans, as well as be saved from penalties for defaulting on a loan, throughout the course of the pandemic so far. If these provisions expire, over 40 million students will be placed in a financial bind if payments are restarted.
• Paid and Sick leave: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act created tax incentives for employers to provide time off for families and individuals affected directly by the pandemic. Over 60 million workers in the private sector are set to lose these leave options when they expire.
• Housing Aid: The CARES Act provided a temporary ban on all evictions during the pandemic, as well forbearance for homeowners with federally-backed mortgages. Both provisions expire at the end of this year, potentially impacting millions of renters and homeowners come January 2021.

As I mentioned above, these are provisions both Republicans and Democrats have agreed on in COVID-19 proposals. Congress should prioritize passing legislation that can provide critical resources and support to our communities. 

Permanently Expanding Telehealth

I joined 48 of my colleagues in a recent letter asking to House and Senate leadership, asking to permanently expand telemedicine coverage. With the year quickly ending, provisions from the previous Connect for Health Act are set to expire, unless Congress acts now. We have seen great success and a growing appreciation for the use of telehealth for different doctors’ appointments, and we must continue to expand this resource for all Americans. 

I am pleased to see support for this healthcare technology grow amongst my colleagues, and look forward to continuing our work on the Telehealth Caucus to ensure every American has access to their healthcare. To read the full letter, click here. 

Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Today!

Today is the last day to apply for a Medicare healthcare plan. This annual enrollment period provides an opportunity for seniors to make changes or updates to their current plans, and for new members to join. 

My Scottsdale office is available to help constituents requesting assistance with issues involving Medicare and other federal agencies. Please feel welcome to give us a call if you are experiencing any issues. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read my weekly e-Newsletter. If we can ever be of service to you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

Sincerely,

David Schweikert