Survey: 9 in 10 Voters Support Congress Passing Another COVID Relief Bill to Help Distressed Businesses

Americans are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of the economy, and 90 percent support Congress passing another economic stimulus bill to help distressed small businesses and employees, according to a new survey of registered voters conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). A resounding 89 percent agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package.

“Millions of Americans are out of work, and thousands of small businesses are dying,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “It is well past time for our leaders in Washington to pass a stimulus bill to help these employees and businesses in the hardest-hit industries, including and especially, ours. It is unacceptable for Congress to adjourn without passing a bill.”

There is widespread concern about the effects of COVID-19 on all elements of the economy, including small businesses (93% very/somewhat concerned), unemployment rates (90%), and Americans’ own personal/family financial situation (75%). As Congress considers how to respond to the ongoing pandemic, voters agree on the importance of helping families (74% very important) and small businesses (68%) that are struggling.

The survey of 1,994 registered voters was conducted October 7-9, 2020 by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. Key findings of the survey include the following:

• Travel and tourism most affected industry: Voters believe the travel and tourism industry was the most affected by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 (50% selected travel and tourism as a top two most affected industry). Other highly affected industries include food and beverage (34% selected), education (26%), retail (19%), and health care (18%).
• Strong support for a stimulus bill: Nine in 10 voters (90%) support Congress passing an economic stimulus bill to provide aid to small businesses and protect jobs that have been impacted by the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ninety-two percent of Democrats, 87 percent of independents, and 89 percent of Republicans support another economic stimulus bill.
• No recess without relief: Nearly nine in 10 voters (89%) agree that Congress should remain in session until reaching an agreement on an economic stimulus package. Agreement is high among Republicans (88% agree), Democrats (91% agree), and independents alike (86% agree).
• COVID>SCOTUS: 48 percent of voters say the COVID-19 pandemic is the most important issue for Congress to focus on right now, while 23 percent say the economy and jobs should be the priority. Just 5 percent name the Supreme Court vacancy as the top priority.

Survey Methodology

This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of AHLA. The survey was conducted October 7-9, 2020 among a national sample of 1,994 registered voters. The interviews were conducted online, and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of registered voters based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality was the first industry impacted and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting safe travel while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide through the Safe Stay initiative. With an enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees, hotels across America are ready to welcome back travelers when they are ready to travel.