March 21, 2020

Dear Friend,

We live in the greatest nation on Earth, capable of meeting any challenge with a swift and decisive response. Under the leadership of President Trump and in coordination with his Coronavirus Task Force, Congress is passing bipartisan legislation and negotiating additional policies to help protect American lives, deliver aid to those who need it most, and to stabilize our economy. While our work continues to accomplish all of these goals, it is important for everyone to focus on their health and the well being of their families.

Americans have been advised to adhere to President Trump's Coronavirus Guidelines for America. More people are working from home. Social distancing is the new normal - at least for the time being. These sudden lifestyle changes can be unsettling, but adhering to them will save lives. Additional information to protect your health is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and the Mississippi State Department of Health website.

This week, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss our work in Congress on behalf of the American people on SuperTalk Mississippi. To listen to the interview, please click on the link.

On a final note, I want to thank all those who are on the front lines from healthcare professionals to law enforcement. Truck drivers are on the road, hauling goods to meet the needs of Mississippians and all Americans. Let us also remember our men and women in uniform who are watching over us at this hour at home and across the world.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

The amount of information regarding the coronavirus is staggering and constantly changing. As a result, I understand how difficult it can be to tell what steps Congress, and the rest of the federal government, have been taking. Below is a brief summary of what has been done so far, and what to look for as we move ahead into next week.

There are 3 legislative packages that are related to the coronavirus:

1) The first was an $8 billion package aimed at addressing medical emergency preparedness. It was signed into law 2 weeks ago and included money for testing, preventing the spread of the virus, and developing a vaccine.

2) The second package was a $105 billion package signed into law by President Trump on Wednesday, March 18^th. This package was focused on Small Business relief. For small businesses (less than 500 employees), it allows 14 days of paid sick leave at 100% (up to $511/week) and 12 weeks of paid family/medical leave for employees whose children can’t attend school or daycare at 2/3 their salary. It also authorizes and funds free testing regardless of health insurance.

3) The third package is being negotiated now between the Senate and the Administration. It will be the largest by far and is estimated to cost between $750 billion to over $1 trillion. Direct payments (referred to in the media as a check) could be included in this package. This bill will also include relief to businesses struggling with the unprecedented, abrupt halt in business across the country. The priorities of the bill also include significant steps to stabilize our economy and protect jobs, and more support for our healthcare professionals and patients fighting COVID-19. A vote in the Senate is expected on Monday.

Congress and the Trump administration are committed to getting Americans the medical and economic assistance they need as quickly as possible.

House ways and means committee faqs

My colleagues at the House Ways and Means Committee have assembled additional information about the legislation that Congress has passed to address the coronavirus. It also includes a preview of what is to come along with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). For a good read, please click on the link.

treasury Dept. & IRS defer tax payments

In the effort to further bolster the economy, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has joined forces with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to allow qualified individual, corporate and non-corporate taxpayers to defer federal income tax payments - without interest or penalties, until July 15, 2020. The limits vary, but the end result is the same - more cash on hand. The deferment is projected to free up to $300 billion for American taxpayers.

Read more about it HERE.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress