Afraid of Conservative Firebrands, McConnell is Obstructing an Up-or-Down Vote
Washington, D.C. — After giving the U.S. Senate a four-day weekend, Senate Majority Leader’s obstruction of the bipartisan Pelosi-Trump emergency coronavirus bill continues today.
Following four days of unneeded delay, McConnell’s Senate is on track to continue to delay for days as McConnell’s allies, such as Sen. Tom Cotton, come out in opposition to the legislation negotiated by Speaker Pelosi and the Trump administration. “Much uncertainty remains over timing and logistics, despite mounting public pressure,” reports Politico.
"Call a spade a spade: Mitch McConnell is obstructing emergency coronavirus legislation because he puts his own power above doing what is right in a national crisis,” said Joshua Karp of Fix Our Senate. “Mitch McConnell could convene the Senate right now and call for a vote on this essential legislation — but doing so would anger the far-right members of his caucus. McConnell and his senate allies need to do the right thing and pass this bill immediately.”
The Pelosi-Trump legislation, which passed with large majorities of both parties in the House and includes paid sick leave, free testing, and expanded food assistance and unemployment insurance, is an essential step in our nation’s ongoing response to coronavirus.
Across America, working families are dealing with school closures, business closures, and unforeseen medical expenses. The health and economic consequences of this pandemic are not yet known, but with anxiety and uncertainty rising in communities across the country, Mitch McConnell’s inaction is inexplicable and deeply harmful.
➡ Demand Mitch McConnell stop obstructing bills that will help the American people, defend our democracy, and demand an end to the gridlock in the U.S. Senate at www.fixoursenate.org.