Friend --

When I asked this community last week to tell Mitch McConnell that a new relief bill should be the Senate's #1 priority, the skeletal bill he's bringing to a vote (as early as tomorrow) is not what I meant.

Thousands of you lent your voices in support of the millions of Americans who need relief now. Senate Republicans responded with a politically motivated bill, watered down to be palatable to the most members of his party while helping the fewest number of Americans. Their goal is to stage a vote on a bill that they know can't, won't, and shouldn't pass, with no real plan for action or relief.

Mitch McConnell isn't even allowing amendments or debate. It's take or leave this feeble bill.

Here's what we need and here's what you can do to help: Tonight, before tomorrow's potential vote, please add your name to tell Mitch to allow open debate on this bill, so we can put forth our best effort for the American people.

The Republicans are calling it a skinny bill. Skinny? No, it's anemic, lacking in substance, crucial funding, clarity, and purpose.

You may be wondering what's even in this bill. Well, so am I. From what I've seen, it provides even less relief than the package the Trump administration offered last month. It shields corporations who don't protect their workers from liability. It only offers HALF of the additional unemployment benefits for those who've lost jobs due to COVID.

And more shockingly might be what's missing from this bill. No funding for state and local governments. No direct assistance to those who need it the most. And woefully little funding for coronavirus testing or the U.S. Postal Service.

Like I said, anemic.

But you can help. Sign your name, next to mine, asking Mitch McConnell to open up a debate and allow amendments on this bill.

With your help, we can keep the pressure up to get a bill that helps Americans and gets our economy back on its feet. Together, we can make a difference on this and a needed change in November.

Thank you, sincerely,

Patrick Leahy
U.S. Senator