FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2020
Contact: Emily Phelps | press@indivisible.org
Washington, DC — Today, Ezra Levin, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible, released the following statement in response to Congress' latest coronavirus relief package:
“This is a win for McConnell and Trump. This country is facing an unprecedented crisis. Our communities need Congress—and the Democrats who control an entire chamber of Congress—to fight for them. This COVID 3.5 package is nothing close to what families and workers need right now.
“Just as importantly as the inadequate policy provisions, this bill gives away all Democratic leverage. What Republicans want most is more money for their corporate donors, which means now Democrats have less leverage for a future package. It undercuts Democrats' position for next round.”
“We fought so hard to win back the House in 2018—to make sure that we had a voice in negotiations like this. So far we've heard silence from the House.”
“This bill may be our last chance to get the things we need. Mitch McConnell has already said he doesn't want to push through another bill, and if he does, it won't be for weeks.”
“We absolutely want to support small businesses to make sure they can weather this disaster and keep their workers paid. But the small business loan program is sending millions to Ruth’s Chris Steak House while leaving nothing for real small businesses around the country. And if we don't provide support for families—and for local governments who will soon begin furloughing workers—there won't be anyone to shop at small businesses.”
“Here’s what we see when we review this bill, and what the constituents of every Democratic and Republcan member of the House of Representatives will see:
No money to secure our elections.
Does not provide protections or support for front line workers
Does not include immigrants
Does not provide additional economic support for workers and families
No additional money for states and local governments
No money for the USPS
Nothing to make sure companies maintain payroll
No rent or mortgage freeze
“The Senate has had its say. It’s a bad deal for Americans but a great deal for political donors. The people’s House should now use its power to make it better rather than rubber stamping Trump and McConnell’s failed agenda.”
“We need to see better.”
# # #
ABOUT THE INDIVISIBLE PROJECT
The Indivisible Project is a registered 501(c)(4) nonprofit. Our mission is to cultivate and lift up a grassroots movement of local groups to defeat the Trump agenda, elect progressive leaders, and realize bold progressive policies. Across the nation, thousands of local groups are using the Indivisible Guide to hold their members of Congress accountable. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.