Letter to the Hon. Donald Trump, President of the United States, and the Hon. Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States - Representatives García, Shalala and 47 Others Demand More COVID Resources in Spanish and Other Languages

Letter

Dear President Trump and Vice President Pence:

We write to urge the Administration and all underlying agencies to produce, distribute, and make publicly available materials and resources related to the COVID-19 health emergency and the implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in Spanish and other languages spoken throughout the country. As a matter of public health and safety for all, English-language proficiency should not serve as a barrier to obtain or distribute vital information from the Federal government.

To meet the tremendous needs during this unprecedented crisis, the federal government has expanded health and testing options, provided grants and loans to big and small businesses to keep their workforce, and bolstered federal assistance programs like unemployment insurance and nutrition assistance.

Unfortunately, much of the public safety guidance, benefit eligibility requirements, and application materials are being distributed in only English. We understand that federal agencies are working hard to implement guidance and programs as quickly as practicable, but many of those most in need may not understand guidance and miss out on life-saving guidance for these benefits because English is not their first language. Failing to immediately provide guidance in Spanish and other languages will jeopardize the health, safety, and economic stability of millions across this country, including small businesses, the workers they employ, and the families they support, as well as everyone else they reach by extension.

Immediately, the following agencies need to provide explanatory information, guidance, and other resources in Spanish and other languages for the following topics and programs:

Health Care - guidance from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about the availability and protocols for testing and medical treatment, including payment.
Economic Relief - guidance from the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) about eligibility and delivery of direct assistance payments.
Unemployment Relief - guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) about leave and unemployment entitlements, particularly since state unemployment agencies are currently overwhelmed.
Business and Non-Profit Organization Relief - guidance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) about the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), respectively.
English is not the first language or primary language at home for millions of Americans, but rather Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, or Arabic. During this challenging and disruptive time, the White House and federal agencies must establish and maintain content in Spanish and other languages on all official websites with COVID-19 and CARES Act benefit information. Agency representatives must also be available to answer questions in Spanish and other languages. This will ensure that everyone has the option of accessing up-to-date information.

Given the complexities of responding to the COVID-19 health emergency and its tremendous economic impacts, all of our constituents must be able to receive clear and understandable information from the federal government. We look forward to your quick response and to working together on this important matter.