WASHINGTON—AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins released the following statement on the bipartisan agreement on the coronavirus stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate last night:

“On behalf of AARP’s 38 million members and all older Americans nationwide, I thank the Administration and leaders in Congress for their bipartisan work to address the unprecedented public health and economic crisis that faces our nation. Today older Americans, like Americans of all ages, worry about their families, their futures, their jobs, and their retirement savings. Older Americans face the one-two punch of coronavirus’s health and economic consequences, and many need immediate relief and ongoing help and support to cope with the pandemic. Those needs are only set to grow in the weeks and months ahead. That is why AARP supports the quick enactment of the bipartisan CARES Act.

“AARP is heartened that the bipartisan package will provide both economic stimulus and individual financial relief through direct payments to eligible individuals, whether they’re working, unable to work, unemployed, or retired. We appreciate that the agreement includes two key priorities of ours: authorizing the maximum payment for those whose primary income is Social Security, which is both fair and good for the economy, and ensuring that the Social Security and Medicare trust funds will be made whole as employer payroll tax payments are delayed.

“AARP thanks congressional leaders for stepping up in a bipartisan way on three major pieces of emergency legislation now. We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration on further measures to protect Americans, especially seniors in nursing homes and other at-risk facilities, and address the health impacts of this terrible disease. Unity is our strength in fighting this virus.”

AARP sent a detailed letter to lawmakers on the CARES Act and specific provisions, signed by AARP Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond. Read the letter here.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Contact: AARP External Relations, Media@aarp.org, 202-434-2560, @AARPmedia