McConnell Slams Delay in COVID Relief Bill: ‘Some Have Died While Needless Political Games Have Played Out’
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is blasting the months-long delay in passing a COVID-19 relief package and vowing that lawmakers will stay in the nation’s capital until a bill is passed. During a speech…
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is blasting the months-long delay in passing a COVID-19 relief package and vowing that lawmakers will stay in the nation’s capital until a bill is passed.
During a speech on the Senate floor on Thursday, McConnell argued the country “needs Congress to come through with another targeted rescue package.”
Congress passed the $2 trillion CARES Act in March, and since then, lawmakers have struggled to reach a deal on another massive relief packaged.
“They’ve waited months. They’ve waited and suffered. And some have died while needless political games have played out,” McConnell said, adding, “The American people’s wait for more emergency assistance ought to be over.”
He went on to noted that he has been for a “targeted” relief package that would provide funds for the Payroll Protection Plan, vaccine development and distribution, coronavirus testing, money to help schools reopen safely, and an extension of the enhanced unemployment benefits.
“I’m encouraged that our Democratic colleagues have now embraced this framework. It’s been the right solution for our country all this time. And a bipartisan, bicameral agreement appears to be close at hand,” he added.
The current proposal, McConnell said, would provide funds for more PPP, vaccine distribution, coronavirus testing, money for schools, and an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits.
He added that “at the particular urging” of President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin