As the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the nation, House Democrats put forward a bill designed to help the most vulnerable and give them the care they need to beat the virus. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) rejected it on Thursday.
The legislation makes sure everyone who needs a test gets one, and strengthens the safety net so that fewer Americans slip through the cracks by mandating that any aid goes to those who need it most. The bill features paid emergency medical leave so that sick people can stay home instead of going to work without missing a paycheck, provides food assistance and unemployment insurance to those who lose their jobs during the crisis and provides aid to healthcare workers who are overloaded at this time.
It’s an emergency aid package that should be passed immediately. Instead of doing so, however, McConnell took to Twitter to inform the American people that he’s not going to bring it up for a vote.
Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s first draft from late last night was off-base. It does not focus immediate relief on affected Americans. It proposes new bureaucracy that would only delay assistance. It wanders into policy areas that are not related to the pressing issues at hand.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 12, 2020
Fortunately, we do not need to choose between Speaker Pelosi’s first draft and doing nothing. I am glad the Administration is continuing talks. The Senate is ready to consider a bipartisan, bicameral package if House Democrats return to the table & work with the President’s team.
— Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) March 12, 2020
In fact, every piece of the bill relates to the coronavirus and responding to it effectively, something the Trump administration and Republicans have been unable or unwilling to do.
At least 1,200 cases have been confirmed in the United States and over 35 people have died. Events are being canceled and the stock market is nosediving, yet Republicans continue to refuse to do anything about it. And now the public must wait 11 more days until the Senate reconvenes.
Twitter users were understandably outraged.
The new Dem plan rests on four principles:
* Anyone who needs a test must get it
* Aid must be targeted to most vulnerable
* We need a much stronger safety net
* Our biggest problem is the virus is already here and spreadingRs reject these, apparently.
— Tom (@AnneTrinh3) March 12, 2020
The Senate is leaving town for 11 days now without acting to take up any measures for relief for the American people from the coronavirus.
You might want to call your 2 senator today, and let them know how you feel about that:
☎️☎️ (202) 224-6441 ☎️☎️— Amy Siskind ?️? (@Amy_Siskind) March 12, 2020
They couldn’t do the right thing if it were the only available option.
— (((J.L.R. Lessard))) (@Luftmensch4Life) March 12, 2020
You are a pathetic excuse for a leader. People are going to die while you bicker. PASS THE DAMN BILL.
— Elizabeth C. McLaughlin ?? (@ECMcLaughlin) March 12, 2020
You’ve politicized this to the point of no credibility. #malfeasancemitch, there is no recovery for you fr this. Your corruption & cynicism, your inadequacies and your inability to uphold your oath of office is viewable to all now. you’ve put your dear leader above our democracy.
— Maymalfeasancemitchrotinhell (@nastywomanbites) March 12, 2020
Speaker Pelosi is helping those that need it most and are the most vulnerable.
— InMinivanHell (@inminivanhell) March 12, 2020
– free testing for everyone
– paid emergency medical leave
– extended unemployment insurance for those who will lose their jobs
– food assistance
– help for health care workersHOW DOES THIS NOT OFFER RELIEF TO AFFECTED AMERICANS??? pic.twitter.com/oOy6VPJFwP
— Jamie Schler (@lifesafeast) March 12, 2020
@Senatemajldr never misses an opportunity to disappoint.
Just an utter abdication of leadership for the public good, in service of partisan point scoring, in the midst of an international crisis.
It is time to #DitchMitch and replace him with a responsible adult.
— Brad Cromes (@BradCromes) March 12, 2020
It does focus on people. Those are the pressing issues at hand.
If you are unable to lead, then you need to resign. We need leaders now.
— Todd (@ToddF_Imagine) March 12, 2020
Make no mistake, people are going to die because McConnell refused to pass this bill. That makes him a true grim reaper.
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