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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2020

Contact: Brooke Lillard, 202-225-2965



Blue Dogs Call on Republican, Democratic Leadership to End Partisan Games with Economic Rescue Legislation



WASHINGTON-Today, Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration, Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), issued the following statement calling for the leaders of both parties to stop the partisan games and work together to reach a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on an economic rescue package:



"Passing partisan legislation that prioritizes corporations over small businesses and lacks adequate independent oversight of taxpayer dollars is wrong. Using an economic rescue package as a vehicle for a wish list of partisan policies that have nothing to do with the pandemic that we face is also wrong. Leadership of both parties must stop with the partisan games. Now is the time for everyone in Washington to put politics aside and come to a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to ensure we can deliver relief and necessary resources as quickly as possible."



BACKGROUND:



Yesterday, Blue Dog Coalition released its policy recommendations<[link removed]> for both Congress and the Trump Administration to consider as they continue to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The recommendations were developed within the policy parameters of the Blue Dog Coalition's five policy task forces: 1) Task Force on Economic Growth, 2) Task Force on Fiscal Responsibility and Government Reform, 3) Task Force on Infrastructure and Job Creation, 4) Task Force on National Security, and 5) Task Force on Rural Opportunity.



On March 22, the Co-Chairs of the Blue Dog Coalition-Reps. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Lou Correa (CA-46), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), and Anthony Brindisi (NY-22)-published an essay on Medium<[link removed]> calling for a balanced economic rescue package that focuses on the middle class. Specifically, the Co-Chairs called on Congress to produce an economic rescue package that ensures large corporations will not misuse taxpayer dollars, while also giving businesses the necessary resources to survive, because the fate of employees and the future of United States economy depend on it.



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The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives comprised of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people. Visit our website<[link removed]> to learn more, and get the latest news updates by following us on Twitter<[link removed]> or liking us on Facebook<[link removed]>.