Cleaver Calls on HHS to Prioritize Rural Hospitals After Voting for Relief Measures

April 10, 2020
Press Release

April 10, 2020

(Kansas City, MO) – On Thursday, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO), along with Reps. Robert Latta (R-OH), TJ Cox (D-CA), and Jack Bergman (R-MI), led thirty of their fellow members of Congress in sending a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, enumerating concerns regarding the $100 billion in assistance for hospitals and health care providers. As COVID-19 threatens to close hundreds of rural hospitals across the nation, it is imperative that these funds are equitably distributed. Congressman Cleaver, who voted in favor of these funds included in the CARES Act, provided his recommendations to Secretary Azar, which include establishing rural-conscious benchmarks in the allocation process and prioritizing facilities most in need of this support.

Congressman Cleaver continues to advocate for desperately needed aid at every phase of the federal response – including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and upcoming relief legislation – for farmers, small towns, and rural communities impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic and economic downturn. He voted in favor of all three relief acts.

"This is first and foremost, a public health crisis and as such, we must safeguard critical health care infrastructure in our rural communities where hospitals are already experiencing overwhelming financial challenges." – said Congressman Cleaver.

"We have also taken significant steps to provide desperately needed relief for farmers, rural businesses, and families. But this will not be enough, and more must be done in the coming days and weeks to close the gap. Our nation faces one of the most challenging situations in American history and it is not only our responsibility, but also our duty, to ensure we protect all Americans, regardless of where they live."

You can find the official letter here.

CARES Act Provisions:

Farmers and Ranchers

  • $9.5 billion dedicated disaster fund to assist farmers experiencing financial loss as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
  • $14 billion to fund the Farm Bill's farm safety net through the Commodity Credit Corporation
  • Inclusion of farmers and agricultural and rural businesses in the Small Business provision which provides up to $10 million in low interest, business interruption loans. These loans can be forgiven if used for payroll, rent, mortgage, rent or utility bills.
  • $3 million for the USDA Farm Service Agency to increase capacity in order to serve increased demand by farmers.

Small Towns and Rural Communities

  • $1 billion in guaranteed loans to help rural businesses during the economic downturn.
  • $100 billion to hospitals, health care providers, and facilities, including rural areas.
  • $25 million for telemedicine tools to assist rural patients access medical care.
  • $100 million for high speed internet expansion in small towns and rural communities.
  • Over $70 million to help the U.S. Forest Service serve rural communities and reduce the spread of coronavirus through personal protective equipment for first responders and cleaning of facilities.

Consumers and the Food Supply Protection

  • $55 million for inspection and quarantine at our borders to protect against invasive pests and animal disease.
  • $33 million for overtime and temporary food safety inspectors to protect America's food supply at meat processing plants.
  • $45 million to ensure quality produce and meat reaches grocery stores through increased support for the Agricultural Marketing Service.
  • $1.5 million to expedite EPA approvals of disinfectants needed to combat the pandemic.

Food Access for Families

  • $15.8 billion for food assistance changes made in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Republicans and the Trump Administration blocked additional funding to expand benefits for children, families, and seniors.
  • $9 billion to fund child nutrition improvements made in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  • $450 million for food banks to provide additional resources for food and distribution.
  • $100 million for food distribution in Tribal communities to provide facility improvements, equipment upgrades, and food purchases.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov