May 15.

That’s when the next round of coronavirus relief Americans desperately need was passed in the House of Representatives.

But, for 73 days, Mitch McConnell has callously stonewalled any similar legislation in the Senate, where he alone decides what bills do and do not get voted on.

Because of McConnell’s foot-dragging, federal unemployment assistance and eviction moratoriums that were keeping millions of Americans afloat expired last week.

We are heading full steam into an economic iceberg. Yet Senate Republicans have only now, just this afternoon, put forth their own proposal.

And while pieces are still being rolled out, we know enough to know that the proposal from Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans is about as worthwhile as the Titanic was “unsinkable.”

Based on what we know, here are JUST SOME WAYS the half-baked, watered-down, corporate-bailout proposal kludged together by McConnell’s gang in secret at the White House falls short:

• McConnell’s proposal SLASHES FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. That means millions of Americans will be out looking for work — jobs that, by and large, do not exist — to put food on their tables rather than staying home to help limit the spread of the virus.

• McConnell’s proposal expects schools to reopen but DOES NOT PROVIDE ANYTHING CLOSE TO THE AMOUNT OF FEDERAL SUPPORT NEEDED TO MAKE OUR NATION’S SCHOOLS SAFE for children, teachers, and staff.

• McConnell’s proposal INCLUDES A BRAZEN GIVEAWAY TO BIG BUSINESS IN THE FORM OF NEAR-BLANKET IMMUNITY from lawsuits for companies that fail to take reasonable steps to keep employees and customers safe from the coronavirus.

• McConnell’s proposal reportedly GIVES THE PENTAGON A $25 BILLION SLUSH FUND TO PROP UP DEFENSE CONTRACTORS — as if they haven’t gouged taxpayers enough already.

• McConnell’s proposal reportedly contains NO FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP STATES AND LOCALITIES make up for lost revenue. That means governors and mayors will be torn between ill-advised “reopenings” and science-based stay-at-home policies. It means hundreds of thousands more layoffs. And it means stripping away services at a time when they are needed most.

• McConnell’s proposal DOES NOT ADOPT SAFETY PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS, ensuring that many, many more will get sick needlessly. And it leaves out hazard pay for the essential workers we are all relying on.

• McConnell’s proposal, so far as we know, DOES NOT EXTEND THE FEDERAL MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS. Millions of Americans could soon find themselves on the streets.

• McConnell’s proposal PROVIDES ZERO DOLLARS TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE CAN VOTE SAFELY in the election this fall. That would force people to risk their health to vote and virtually guarantees election chaos.

There’s more.

So far as we know, McConnell’s proposal does nothing, or nearly nothing, to provide emergency food assistance or housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Nothing, or nearly nothing, to rescue the United States Postal Service.

Nothing, or nearly nothing, to ensure health care for the millions who have lost insurance due to pandemic-related layoffs.

And on and on.

If he thinks this beyond-inadequate proposal is going to cut it, Mitch McConnell is out of his mind.

Tell the Senate:

Reject Mitch McConnell’s ridiculous proposal and get to work improving on the coronavirus relief legislation the House passed more than two months ago.

Add your name.

Thanks for taking action.

In unity,

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus emergency. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Thank you.
 
 
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