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Government is supposed to be a powerful force for good, especially during times of crisis. That’s why it’s infuriating that @SenateMajLdr McConnell isn't working on a 4th package now. Here’s some of the things the Senate could do to fight this public health & economic emergency:
States like MA are still scrambling every way they can to get equipment for their frontline health workers. The Senate must force Trump to fully use the DPA for ventilators, test kits, masks, & everything else our health workers have needed for weeks. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/04/02/patriots-robert-kraft-uses-team-plane-help-get-n95-masks-massachusetts-ny-hospitals/
Testing should be free & accessible for all. The Senate should rapidly increase our testing capacity by establishing a fund dedicated to contracting with public & private manufacturers, & funding the hiring & training of temp workers to administer tests. https://medium.com/@SenWarren/congress-must-move-to-rapidly-increase-our-coronavirus-testing-capacity-8c5abd71b6f1?source=friends_link&sk=ae0e98f34e0606274c49634461df01dc
The $150B fund in the last coronavirus bill will help states, territories, & tribal nations fight this pandemic – but it won’t be nearly enough. I’ve urged the Fed & Treasury to support state & local govts, but the Senate needs to step up again too. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/on-small-business/democrats-push-for-fed-to-decide-who-gets-municipal-rescue/2020/04/01/d6837326-741f-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html
And then there’s the economic fallout. Banks aren't ready for today's launch of the $350B small business lending program because they need clear guidance from the Trump admin. Small businesses need the govt to do a lot more so they survive this crisis. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/02/banks-small-business-lending-program-launch-161106
Over 10 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in March. That number could double or even triple in the weeks ahead. A $1200 check isn’t going to cut it for working families hanging on by a thread. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/02/jobless-march-coronavirus/
State unemployment agencies are overwhelmed by the deluge of claims. People who needed checks yesterday may not get them for weeks. The Senate needs to find more ways to get relief directly into the hands of people who need it – not April 20, but now. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unemployment-benefits-millions-wait-for-jobless-pay-as-state-agencies-seek-more-workers-from-stimulus/
Getting more money to state & local governments is a key solution. Closed businesses & lost tax revenue means cities & states have laid off & furloughed workers. We can’t make government work for the people if government workers can't do their work. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-02/states-cities-already-cutting-jobs-with-financial-toll-mounting
The job of government isn’t complicated. It provides for the national defense, sets rules we all abide by, & builds the things together that none of us can build alone. President Trump is failing the American people with those basic functions. The Senate cannot fail them too.
There are about a zillion good ideas out there for how we can fight this public health & economic crisis. It’s time to get back to work, @SenateMajLdr McConnell. The American people expect a government that works, & it’s the Senate’s duty to serve them.
