Blumenthal Statement on Republican Coronavirus Relief Proposal

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the following statement on the COVID-19 relief proposal put forward by Republican Senate leadership that dramatically underfunds testing and support for healthcare providers while slashing unemployment benefits:

“After weeks of unconscionable delay, Republicans have released a partisan travesty that is inadequate and unacceptable. This bill does nothing to make our communities safer from COVID-19 – dramatically underfunding testing while delays still run rampant and including just a quarter of what is needed for healthcare providers.”

“Senate Republicans apparently think the response to a global pandemic is to cut benefits for people who have lost their jobs and increase burdens on states in the midst of an economic crisis. This kind of major cut to unemployment benefits means families across the country won’t be able to pay their bills or feed their children. Senator McConnell may think this relief package is a political game, but those families sure don’t. And as expected, Senator McConnell would rather prioritize a near-blanket immunity shield for big businesses over the frontline workers making sure we can all put food on our table. Slamming the courthouse doors closed on workers doesn’t just put their lives at risk, it also hurts responsible businesses that are trying to do right by their employees and customers.”

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