Fellow Illinoisan,

COVID-19 is taking its toll on our nation and on our people.  More than 83,000 Americans have passed away, 1.4 million have been infected, and 36.5 million are unemployed.  This pandemic is impacting every aspect of American life. 

But somehow, Senator Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans say they have “yet to feel the urgency of acting immediately” to address this unprecedented public health and economic crisis. I could not disagree more -- Congress must continue in our efforts to rebuild the economy and help the American people get back on their feet.

DURBIN CALLS ON SENATE COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE HEROES ACT 

We need to stand by our working families and small businesses. We need to stand by our hospitals, health care workers, first responders, and health providers. And we need to get to work on passing the next coronavirus relief package -- the Heroes Act -- that was passed in the House of Representatives last week. 

In the first three coronavirus economic stimulus packages, Congress was able to provide much-needed relief to the American people. But we cannot afford to stop there. You don’t build a bridge halfway across a river -- you build it all the way. 

So let’s finish our bridge. Let’s build it to the point where our economy can rebound with strength and people can get back to work.  Let’s stand with workers and their families, hospitals and health care workers, and small businesses. Democrats are ready to get to work for the American people -- I hope my Republican colleagues will join us. 

Sincerely, 

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)