Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) During this time, my staff is working and available to serve the people of Mississippi. If you need immediate assistance, please call any of our offices or fill out our online contact form by clicking here. You can also check out my Coronavirus Resources page for quick access to the many federal, state, and local resources available to help combat the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker Menu
  • About
    • Welcome
    • Biography
    • Committee Assignments
    • Video Gallery
    • Photo Gallery
  • Constituent Services
    • Help with Federal Agencies
    • Academy Nominations
    • Flag Requests
    • Grants
    • Government Resources
    • D.C. Tour Requests
    • Internships
    • FAQ
    • Grants E-Newsletter
    • Mississippi Morning
  • Newsroom
    • Press Releases
    • Weekly Report
    • Op-Eds
    • In The News
  • Issues & Legislation
    • Issues
    • Sponsored Legislation
    • Co-Sponsored Legislation
    • Senator Wicker's Record on Obamacare
    • Senate Resources
  • Coronavirus
  • Students
    • About the Senate
    • Internships
    • Student Resources
  • Contact
    • Office Locations

Press Releases

  • Home /
  • Newsroom /
  • Press Releases
Bookmark and Share

Dec 21 2020

Wicker Supports Coronavirus Relief Package

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement ahead of a vote to advance a coronavirus relief package. The legislation will be included as part of a year-end agreement that will fund the government through the end of the fiscal year.

“After months of unnecessary delays, Congress is working to deliver much-needed relief to the American people,” Wicker said. “Although this is not the legislation I would have written, it represents a strong, bipartisan compromise that will help millions of Americans through what I hope are the final months of this pandemic.

“This package boosts resources for vaccine distribution and our frontline health workers. It also extends and improves upon the Paycheck Protection Program, providing a lifeline to our smallest businesses and local restaurants. The temporary expansion of unemployment benefits and another round of direct payments should help many families who continue to struggle through no fault of their own. With this additional targeted support, I am confident we are on the path to beating this virus and restoring our economy.”

Among other provisions, the final coronavirus relief package would:

  • Accelerate vaccine development and coronavirus response efforts by providing $68 billion in additional support for front-line providers, vaccine distribution, and testing and tracing efforts.
  • Add $284 billion to the highly-successful Paycheck Protection Program and make key modifications to the program to make it work better for small businesses with high-operating costs and low margins, including local restaurants.
  • Extend additional federal unemployment insurance payments at a rate of $300 per week.
  • Include a one-time direct payment of up to $600 each for legal residents, including adults and children.
  • Extend aid to key transportation sectors, including airports, passenger rail, motor coaches, passenger vessels, transit, and highways.
  • Include $82 billion to help schools and institutions of higher learning cover expenses necessary for safe reopening and continued learning.
  • Include $10.25 billion to support child care providers.
  • Provide $11 billion to support agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Wicker led provisions to:

  • Provide $7 billion for broadband expansion, including telehealth and supply chain security.
  • Continue support for the Payroll Support Program, which provides support to keep thousands of aviation industry employees employed.

Permalink: https://www.wicker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/wicker-supports-coronavirus-relief-package

  • Related Links
  • Press Releases
  • Weekly Report
  • Op-Eds
  • In The News
  • Office Locations
  • Washington, DC Office

    555 Dirksen Senate Office Building
    Washington, DC 20510 
    Main: (202) 224-6253
    Map this | Directions To
  • Tupelo Office

    330 West Jefferson Street, Suite B
    Tupelo, MS 38804
    P.O. Box 3777
    Tupelo, MS 38803
    Main: (662) 844-5010
    Map this | Directions To

  • Jackson Office

    U.S. Federal Courthouse
    501 East Court Street, Suite 3-500 
    Jackson, MS 39201 
    Main: (601) 965-4644
    Map this | Directions To

  • Hernando Office

    321 Losher Street
    PO Box 385
    Hernando, MS 38632 
    Main: (662) 429-1002
    Map this | Directions To
  • Gulfport Office

    2909 13th Street
    3rd Floor, Suite 303
    Gulfport, MS 39501
    Main: (228) 871-7017
    Map this | Directions To
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • About
  • Constituent Services
  • Newsroom
  • Issues & Legislation
  • Coronavirus
  • Students
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy