Fellow Illinoisan,

Over the past month, I spoke to many Illinoisans who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on housing, hunger, and the American economy.  As of August 22, approximately 725,000 Illinoisans were claiming some form unemployment benefits in order to put food on the table, keep a roof over their head, and pay for health care.

They are doing everything they can to get their families through these particularly difficult times, but they need help.  In March, Congress passed a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package, called the CARES Act, that included $600 per week in enhanced unemployment benefits.  Republicans let those benefits expire at the end of July.

DURBIN: AFTER FOUR MONTHS OF DELAY, REPUBLICANS PLAN VOTE ON BILL THAT DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DURING THIS CRISIS

Nearly four months ago, Democrats put forward our own proposal—the Heroes Act—to extend federal benefits past July and help the American people weather this storm.  Republicans waited until this week to put forward their own ‘emaciated’ version of that proposal.

The Republican proposal did not include direct cash payments, assistance for renters and home owners, hungry families, the census, safe elections, hospitals and health clinics, and state and local governments.  It was a small effort at a time when America needs a substantial one. 

Today, just a few days after introducing their proposal, Republicans held a symbolic vote on this entirely partisan package.  Now that it has failed—as we all knew it would­—I hope the Republican leader in the Senate will be willing to sit down and negotiate, something he has failed to do so far. That is what it will take to get a deal done.

Our nation faces this challenge together.  If both parties want to help the unemployed, to give small businesses a fighting chance at survival, to make sure that our health care providers have the resources that they need, then we can start to address this coronavirus pandemic with the leadership that has been so lacking.  But before that can happen, Republicans will have to return to the negotiating table and commit to working with Democrats to make a deal. 

We stand ready on our side of the aisle to do just that.  I hope my Republican colleagues will join us. 

Sincerely,

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