Dear John,

We still have a long road ahead of us when it comes to responding to and recovering from the coronavirus crisis. Just within the past four weeks, nearly 30,000 additional Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. Millions more people have lost their jobs and are continuing to fight to make ends meet, while countless families are struggling to balance child care and schooling responsibilities while trying to work from home. We can, and must, do much more to protect Americans’ health and economic well-being during this unprecedented time.

The good news is that there is a bill that passed the House of Representatives over a month ago and is waiting for action in the Senate to bring help. The infuriating news is that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who controls the Senate’s debate and vote schedule, refuses to bring this critical coronavirus relief legislation to the Senate floor for consideration.

Throughout this crisis, I’ve continued to hold remote town halls online and over the phone, and have spoken to community leaders, workers, and business owners all across our state. What I hear over and over again is the urgent need for further support and help. So last week, I led a group of 18 Senators in urging the Senate Majority Leader to stand up for the Oregonians and Americans across the country who are struggling. It’s time to immediately bring this bill to the floor so we can debate and pass much needed relief.

The legislation -- which is called the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or the HEROES Act -- would help address the virus’ disproportionate impacts on Black and Brown communities; provide more protections for essential workers; help state, local and tribal governments maintain core services and prevent a new wave of layoffs; and ensure that every eligible voter in America can cast their ballot in November free from fear of contracting the coronavirus.

In addition, the bill would help strengthen important programs Oregonians are relying on throughout this crisis, including food stamps and rental assistance; provide the U.S. Postal Service with the critical funds it needs to continue delivering mail; and help establish the comprehensive national testing and contact tracing plans we need to get and keep the virus under control while we re-open our economy.

The stakes couldn’t be higher right now, so I’m going to keep pushing for bold action to keep our communities safe and get families back on their feet. As I fight in D.C. for the policy response we need, I hope you will keep doing your part back in Oregon to fight the virus. Keep washing your hands frequently, wearing a face covering when you go out in public, and staying home if you’re feeling sick. Together, we’re going to get through this.

All my best,
Jeff