John,

The threat posed by COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. It has altered the daily routine for Americans across the country and is quickly taking lives and devastating families here in Central Virginia. I’d like to share some important updates with you today about our efforts to combat this threat.

Congressional Update: I have been working around the clock with my congressional team to make as much progress as possible with legislation and policy. Last week, I introduced a resolution urging the Trump administration to use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to compel and direct the production of personal protective equipment (PPE), tests, testing supplies, ventilators, and other desperately needed resources to combat the coronavirus. The administration has taken the initial first step of using the DPA for ventilator production, but with healthcare workers and nursing home attendants wearing trash bags and reusing masks for their whole shifts, we need the DPA used to its full capacity for the production and distribution of PPE.

In Congress, we have now passed three COVID-19 relief bills. On Friday, I was on Capitol Hill to vote for the CARES Act. This legislation provides relief to American workers, small businesses, hospitals, and our states. Here are a few provisions of the bill:

- It authorizes $1,200 payments to every American who makes under $75,000 a year, while those making up to $99,000 will also receive prorated support, and families will receive $500 per child.

- It increases unemployment payments by an additional $600 and extends eligibility by another 13 weeks. It also creates a specific fund to ensure that our nation’s gig and self-employed workforce are eligible for the unemployment resources available as we try to stabilize our economy and help American workers.

- It provides grants and forgivable loans for our small businesses so that they have support as they endure the hardship of closing their doors or recreating their businesses to protect our communities in this pandemic.

- It provides $100 billion in funding to our nation’s hospitals and our national preparedness efforts, including billions to the Strategic National Stockpile to restock and a fund for DPA-purchases.

Campaign Update: Our campaign has made many changes to adapt to this challenging situation. Our entire team is working remotely, we’ve closed our offices, and we’ve been organizing virtually. We have also canceled all of our in-person fundraising events. Because we have amazing volunteers, we are forging ahead with new technology and innovating as we go.

John, our election is just over seven months away. While our tactics may change, our goal remains the same: we are focused on running a campaign with intention, integrity, and empathy so that I can continue to serve the 7th district. Our campaign must win in November. As the past several weeks have continued to demonstrate: leadership matters. It has been a difficult time for everyone, but I have never been so proud to be your representative.

Personal Update: My three daughters are doing their school work from home, and Adam and I are working remotely. My work has converted quickly to being done via teleconference, and I am learning a lot about my Congressional colleagues based on the Zoom backgrounds they choose.

We are so thankful to all of the healthcare professionals, first responders, grocery store workers, sanitation workers, postal service employees, and delivery drivers across Virginia and the rest of the country. They are on the frontlines of this battle every day making sure people are cared for, fed, and healthy. I am so appreciative of their efforts.

Thank you for being a part of our campaign.

Stay safe and healthy,
Abigail


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Spanberger for Congress
PO Box 3121
Glen Allen VA 23058 United States

Abigail Spanberger is a proud Democrat, former CIA officer, and representative for Virginia's 7th Congressional District. She believes in leadership that flows from our shared American values of integrity, responsibility, and decency, and she wants to work to move this country forward together. To learn more, please visit AbigailSpanberger.com.

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