Davids: Congress Must Pass Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Bill to Help Kansas Families, Workers, Small Business

Representative Sharice Davids today called for congressional leaders to come together and reach a deal on a bipartisan coronavirus relief package to help Kansas families, workers, and small businesses weather this pandemic and avoid cuts to public services:

"In the two months that congressional leaders have failed to reach an agreement on a coronavirus relief package, the virus has only gotten worse: cases are climbing, life-saving supplies are running low, and testing is still not where it needs to be. To make matters worse, enhanced unemployment assistance and housing protections are set to expire at the end of the month and state and local governments are being forced to make painful cuts.

"It's past time for Congress to come together and pass a bipartisan relief package, one that increases access to testing, protective equipment, and other vital supplies so we can get this virus under control and safely reopen our economy, just as my bill the SUPPLIES Act would do. It must also provide aid for state and local government so we can avoid devastating cuts to our public schools, roads, fire departments, public health agencies and other services that Kansans depend on. And in order to help our workers who are suffering through no fault of their own, we must extend additional unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, and housing support. Lastly, the package must include strong transparency and accountability measures so we make sure this funding is going to those who need it most – not just special interests and the well-connected.

"The coronavirus is not over, and neither are the challenges that Kansans are facing. If Congress fails to act, there will be real and devastating consequences for our communities. I stand ready to work with members in both parties to reach a deal that meets the needs of the American people and puts their health, safety, and financial security first."