WASHINGTON - COVID RELIEF NOW, a new coalition of nearly 200 major public and private sector groups across the U.S., today called for "No Recess without Relief," imploring Congress to not leave town for the 2020 elections without passing additional COVID economic relief - stating millions of jobs and survival of small businesses as well as vital government services are on the line.

The coalition stated that if Congress fails to act, millions of employees will be furloughed or terminated; millions of unemployed Americans will lose their unemployment insurance pandemic benefits; hundreds of thousands of companies will be at risk of closing their doors forever; and the vast majority of state and local governments will have to curtail critical services in order to balance budgets due to a decline in tax revenue.

Click here to download the letter.

Below is a quote from one of the founding members, Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

"It's time for Congress to put politics aside and prioritize the many businesses and employees in the hardest-hit industries. Millions of jobs and the livelihoods of people who have built their small business for decades are just withering away because Congress has done nothing. America's hotel industry is on the brink of collapse. We can't afford to let thousands of small businesses die and all of the jobs associated with them be lost for many years," said Rogers.

About the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the largest hotel association in America, representing more than 30,000 members from all segments of the industry nationwide – including iconic global brands, 80% of all franchised hotels, and the 16 largest hotel companies in the U.S. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.