WASHINGTON -The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the House passage of President Biden's $1.9T coronavirus aid package, and upcoming consideration of the package by the Senate.
“There is wide consensus that while overall economic conditions will continue to improve this year, there are still millions of American workers, families and small businesses that need additional support.
“As the Senate prepares to debate the latest stimulus package, we encourage members of the Senate to focus on enacting meaningful, bipartisan relief that provides additional support for hard-hit American families and workers, secures much-needed help for our nation’s small businesses, and keeps the economy expanding. It is critically important as well to expedite distribution of vaccines so access to the shots is more broadly available and citizens can quickly be immunized across the country.
“The retail industry is on the front lines of the pandemic, providing goods and services in a safe and secure environment. Now retailers are helping ensure their employees and the communities they serve receive the vaccine. Further stimulus to help businesses and communities overcome the impacts of COVID-19 remains essential, and we are asking Congress to move quickly to enact bipartisan relief legislation.”
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail thrive. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. NRF.com