Local congressmen weigh in on COVID relief package

CBS 13's April Hettinger speaks to Arizona's representatives ahead of long-anticipated vote

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Help is on the way to millions of Americans after Congress approved a $900 billion COVID relief package.

After thumbing through more than 5,000 pages in just 2 hours, the House has agreed to pass the COVID relief package in a 359 to 53 vote.

The Senate also agreed to pass the bill. It will now head to the president's desk for the final green light.

The eviction moratorium and unemployment benefits expire December 31, but has now been extended for 30 days.

Congressman Raul Grijalva says time is ticking to get money out to the people.

"It is a huge urgency now and that's why I'm going to support it. It continues to try to deal with the pain and the loss of small businesses," Congressman Grijalva.

Congressman Paul Gosar says he has mixed feelings about the proposal as he heads in to deliberate.

"The unemployment benefit is fine," Congressman Gosar. "It would be nice if it was not there at all, but the situation that we've created for businesses, we owe it to them because it's like a takings."

The proposal includes $25 billion for rental assistance, 82 billion for schools and 13 billion for food assistance.

Anyone making $75,000 per year or less will get a $600 stimulus check. Congressman Gosar voted 'no' on this package because he disagrees with giving those a boost in cash.

"I think the $600, I definitely want to make sure that is for citizens and not just for everybody," Congressman Gosar explained. "It should only be for the people that really need it."

Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema released a statement about the bill saying this will only help restore Arizonan's finances.

"I’ll continue working closely with Arizona communities and my colleagues in the Senate to secure additional relief and set Arizona up for a full economic recovery"

Arizonans will receive $300 a week in unemployment benefits.