With endorsements from President-Elect Biden and others, momentum is building for passage
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Thursday, December 3, 2020, Dean Phillips (D-MN) and other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus stood together to fight for their common-sense bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief package. It is being supported by a rapidly growing group of Senators on both sides of the aisle, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and others to help American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers during this crisis.
- Phillips gave an impassioned speech in front of the Capitol calling on Democrats and Republicans to get a deal done.
Leaders in both parties have stated support for the Problem Solvers Caucus’ framework as the basis for immediate bipartisan, bicameral legislation. On Wednesday night, President-Elect Joe Biden announced his support for the plan, calling it a needed “down payment” ahead of more proposed aid under his administration next year.
- A breakdown of the COVID-19 emergency relief framework can be found here.
“Vision without action is just a daydream, and we have had enough daydreaming in Congress. We need to show Americans and our allies across the world that the great experiment of America still works. The clock is ticking, but we can and must pass the Emergency COVID Relief Framework. Failure is not an option when Americans are suffering,” said Rep. Dean Phillips.
“We won’t leave town until we pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer. “Too many families, small businesses, and communities are suffering all across our country — and that’s why the momentum around our bipartisan, bicameral framework is continuing to grow by the hour.”
“The bipartisan, bicameral relief package we’ve put forward with our Senate partners is already generating significant support from leaders across Washington because it is right in the range of reason,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Tom Reed. “Millions of Americans don’t have time for Congress to continue playing games; let’s pass this common-sense emergency relief measure to ensure our communities receive the federal support they deserve.”
“The effects of this pandemic have been cruelly uneven. While some individuals and businesses remain unscathed or even better off, others have been completely devastated. Only those living in a beltway fantasy land are immune from the cries for help to get through the winter. This bipartisan compromise is an essential lifeline that must be a starting point for Democratic and Republican leadership to demonstrate that the United States government can actually fulfill its obligation to serve the American people. We cannot, in good conscience, leave DC before the holidays without a relief package,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi.
“While news about vaccines gives us hope for the future, right now Americans are suffering in even greater numbers as the COVID pandemic crisis deepens. This bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief plan formulated by the Problems Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of senators is our best hope for providing the emergency relief needed now by families, students, workers, small businesses, and health care providers. Democrats and Republicans, representatives and senators, Congress and the White House, all must come together to get this commonsense plan passed for the American people,” said Rep. Dan Lipinski.
“As COVID cases skyrocket nationwide, Americans are struggling. It is getting more and more difficult for small businesses to keep their lights on and workers employed,” said Rep. Kurt Schrader. “Folks need relief now and it’s time to put party aside and do what is right. This package is a bipartisan, bicameral solution, supported by House and Senate leadership and President-Elect Biden. It is the only one of its kind. I urge leaders of the House and Senate to put this package on the floor now and get aid into the hands of the American people.”
“Our small business owners, teachers, workers, first responders, healthcare workers are doing everything they can to weather this crisis –– and they want to look to Washington and see that we are, too. There is no excuse for not passing a COVID relief package before the winter holidays. It is our fundamental responsibility as legislators. That’s why I’m proud to join the Problem Solvers Caucus and a group of Senators from both sides of the aisle in putting forth this bipartisan, bicameral emergency relief proposal to take us through April 1st. Our group has been working diligently behind the scenes to get to this proposal. With support from Senators and 50 members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, we can, and must get this done,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin.
“This framework is the direct result of continued bipartisan collaboration between lawmakers from both chambers of Congress. Central New York and our nation desperately need additional COVID-19 relief. This bipartisan, bicameral framework represents an important step forward in delivering critical relief to the frontlines,” said Rep. John Katko.
“The work being done by the Problem Solvers Caucus is bipartisan and bicameral. Our Caucus is working to deliver real results to the American people in their time of need,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “Further delays in relief are unacceptable, and we need to provide real solutions that help the American people. We need to do our job and get America back to work.”
“We must come together to deliver timely, targeted, and transparent COVID relief to the American people. We are still experiencing a historic pandemic. Our families, workers, communities and businesses need help to make it through. I’m proud to be a part of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to pass another relief package. Our framework includes expanded unemployment assistance, help for our hospitals and schools, state and local funding, and relief for small businesses. Importantly, it has the bipartisan support to pass into law. It’s time to put political games aside and take action,” said Rep. Kendra Horn.
“I am pleased to support a targeted relief package for the people of Pennsylvania and our country. This bicameral, bipartisan framework is focused on bolstering our economic recovery, supporting our schools, and distributing safe and effective vaccines in an efficient manner. I hope my colleagues in the House and Senate join the Problem Solvers to deliver immediate assistance for the millions of Americans who are counting on us,” said Rep. Dan Meuser.
“Coronavirus cases are surging to unprecedented levels and millions of Americans have lost their jobs or their businesses to the pandemic. Sadly, many are now facing poverty, food insecurity, and eviction. The American people need immediate relief, and they are tired of waiting for Congress to do its job,” said Rep. Salud Carbajal. “Our proposal is a bipartisan down-payment, which is necessary to preserve the health and economic well-being of our country until the next Administration takes office. I’m proud of the bipartisan and bicameral package we’ve put forward and I urge my colleagues to pass this as soon as possible to deliver the immediate relief Americans need.”
“With COVID-19 cases surging across the country, many Americans still out of work, small businesses continuing to struggle, and state and local governments teetering towards a fiscal cliff, Americans are desperate for more relief. This bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 relief package will see us through the worst of this crisis and give American families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers the support they need. Inaction is not an option any longer,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham.
“Eight months after the CARES Act became law, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to devastate families and small businesses across our nation,” said Rep. Elaine Luria. “Congress must do its job by finding common ground and putting forth a realistic COVID-19 relief package. I am encouraged by this framework that presents the viable and bipartisan proposals our communities need during this unprecedented public health emergency and economic crisis.”
“Right now, Americans are out of work, small businesses are closing their doors, and communities nationwide face incredible financial strain as they endure this bruising pandemic,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “Our Problem Solvers Caucus bipartisan, bicameral package delivers relief to our nation’s families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers, who have carried the burden of this pandemic for too long without comprehensive federal relief. It’s time for Congress to step up, get back to the negotiating table, and provide the support the Central Coast and communities nationwide so desperately need.”
We cannot wait any longer for COVID relief. In addition to the heartbreaking loss from the pandemic, Washington inaction is hurting our communities. Our families, schools, small businesses, local governments, essential workers, and local economies need assistance. This compromise, led by members of both parties and both the House and Senate, needs to get done. With critical aid to small businesses, unemployment benefits, money for state and local governments, investment in education, child care, health care, and the postal service, we can get help to those who need it most. It’s time to cut through the partisan politics and deliver much-needed relief,” said Rep. Anthony Brindisi.
Rep. Dusty Johnson said, “It’s time to act. Our relief proposal has gained broad support amongst businesses, political leaders, and most importantly, the American people. Let’s get something done TODAY.”