Washington, D.C. — Following today’s announcement by Senate Republicans of their proposed COVID relief response, which is not even a single bill they agree on, but a collection of separate measures, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“The Republican approach to COVID relief falls tragically short of what the American people need. It is a shadow of what is provided for in the HEROES Act passed months ago by the House. At a time when the coronavirus poses a mortal threat to our elections, the Senate bill offers precisely zero additional dollars to ensure the security of our elections and no new funds to support local and state budgets. Compared with the House bill, there is less money for unemployed workers and far less for COVID testing and tracing, but there are provisions to bail out businesses if their employees get sick from coming back to work. We say it all the time: a budget is a statement of values. And what Republicans have budgeted for COVID aid in this package is a stark illustration of just how little they value the health and safety of millions of Americans.”

About People For the American Way Foundation 

People For the American Way Foundation is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.