We're in the home stretch of a monumental election, so the political world is focused on campaigning—and that's important. But we can't forget what's going on for so many who've been victimized by the GOP's inability to pass meaningful coronavirus relief.

In my state, three in ten Virginian renters surveyed a couple of weeks ago said they were uncertain how they would pay August rent; it was more than half for African American renters.

I hear heartbreaking hardships from constituents every day. Here are a few examples:

From Allison in Henrico: “I have now exhausted my savings account and have rent due, groceries to buy and bills to pay. I am now desperate for immediate help.”

From Rhys in Mechanicsville: “I have three children, one with significant special needs. My wife cannot work now due to COVID-19 and school closures. I am behind on numerous bills, including mortgage, utility, and other bills.”

From Dominque in Fairfax: “My rent is now 3 months behind as well as my other bills and I am receiving letters threatening of evictions and services being turned off.”

Unfortunately, these examples are not aberrations, but all too common right now.

Are we going to help? Or are we going to be indifferent? Let us surprise the cynics. Let us work together on a compromise to pass a bipartisan COVID relief package.

If you're with me—call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to urge your Senator to get to work on this.