Six months since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic, the U.S. has recorded over six million cases. More than 183,000 Americans have died from the virus. We’ve experienced heartbreaking losses across the country and an unprecedented blow to the economy – with no end in sight.

Texas has been and is still a hotspot for coronavirus cases. The first round of pandemic relief provided by the CARES Act included $12.5 billion to aid local governments and school districts in Texas with pandemic mitigation efforts. Unfortunately, the State of Texas is withholding most of this aid to fill gaps in next year’s state budget. Without a federal response to trace, contain, and provide relief from the impacts of the virus, state and local governments continue to experience financial strains.

That is why, last week, Henry secured $1.8 million in reimbursement funds for Texas to aid the state and local response to the pandemic. But this assistance is just a drop in the bucket for Texas. In order to actually stem the tide of this pandemic, we need a thorough federal response and mobilization that can only come through legislation.

In a second round of pandemic relief, the House passed the HEROES Act on May 15. The bill expands unemployment benefits, provides a 25% increase in aid to disabled veterans, aids small business by extending the Paycheck Protection Program, sends an additional $1,200 stimulus check to individuals, includes $100 billion in rental assistance, and extends moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures, and much more.

But that was 110 days ago. Where is the Senate?

Rent was due yesterday and once again, millions of American families struggle to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, and make ends meet. It is long overdue for the Senate to pass the HEROES Act. Friend, add your name to demand the Senate pass the HEROES Act and provide critical relief now.

Henry will not stop fighting to secure adequate funding and provide relief for the state and communities across the nation so that we have the means to combat the virus. He’s doing everything he can to demand the State of Texas release funding immediately, not next year. In the meantime, we need to speak up and hold the Senate accountable to provide meaningful relief to Texans and people across the country now.

Let’s stand with Henry and take action – millions of Americans depend on it. Add your name to our petition demanding the Senate step up and pass the HEROES Act immediately.

– Team Cuellar