We are in the midst of a global pandemic that continues to spread. Small businesses and workers across the country are facing layoffs or unpaid leave, and a devastating economic collapse is teetering on the horizon.

 

But the proposal released by Senate Republicans, with zero input from my Democratic colleagues, is another example of their priorities beginning and ending with helping the gilded few over the workers who are the backbone of our nation’s economy, and are feeling the consequences of our current reality.

 

This is a human crisis, and our priority has to be helping people. People who are waking up every day unsure if they can pay their bills next month or put food on the table. People who are losing their jobs as this pandemic carries on, facing an anxious tomorrow. Not corporations and the fortunate few. 

 

But instead of any expansion of unemployment assistance or robust assistance for small businesses, Republican leaders are hoping to use this crisis to push through more giveaways to corporate America and their political donors.

 

Our chief priority has to be doing more, as quickly as possible, for every worker needing help.