Senator Hassan Statement on President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) issued the following statement after President Biden’s Joint Address to Congress tonight:

“Tonight, President Biden spoke to the immense challenges that Americans have faced over the past year, discussed the strength and resilience of the American people, and outlined a path for a better future for families, small businesses, and our economy.

“I have been so impressed by the Granite Staters who have stepped up amid the pandemic, including Adam Hammill of Berlin, who was my virtual guest for tonight’s address. Adam showed grit and guts when he started a new restaurant during a pandemic, and I was proud to work with him and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to secure relief for new businesses like Adam’s in the American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed into law.

“We have a light at the end of the tunnel now, but we also know that there is much more work ahead of us to support individuals, families, and small businesses. Long before the pandemic, I heard from Granite Staters about the need to repair our roads and bridges, expand access to broadband, make child care more affordable, and ensure access to paid leave. I appreciate President Biden’s commitment to creating jobs, supporting working families, and laying the foundation for the next generation of economic growth -- and I look forward to reviewing his proposals. As the President shared today, we have an opportunity now to unite around the common goal of ensuring that all Americans can thrive, and in turn, strengthen our democracy.”

Senator Hassan brought Adam Hammill of Berlin, owner of Exile Burrito and a Coast Guard veteran, as her virtual guest to tonight’s address. Hammill opened his new restaurant during the pandemic, however like many new businesses, he was not eligible to receive COVID-19 relief. Hammill raised this concern with Senator Hassan, who successfully worked across the aisle to ensure that new businesses like Adam’s will be able to access payroll assistance through the Employee Retention Tax Credit.

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