Fellow Illinoisan,

As the holidays approach, COVID-19 continues to surge across the United States.  Last week was the deadliest week in the U.S. since the pandemic began, and we are setting alarming new records for hospitalizations nearly every day.

My heart goes out to all those dealing with incredible grief and sadness during this time.  There are few words any of us can say to comfort the families and loved ones of those who have lost someone to COVID-19.  I urge all of you to consider taking precautions to protect your loved ones.  We are all in this together.

DURBIN TO MCCONNELL: DON’T HOLD COVID-19 RELIEF HOSTAGE OVER LIABILITY IMMUNITY FOR CORPORATIONS

As cases and infections surge, Congress has been unable to pass additional COVID-19 relief since the spring.  Senate Majority Leader McConnell has refused to negotiate for months and the American people are suffering because of his inaction. 

It’s time for Congress to step up to the plate.  For the past several weeks, I have joined a group of Senators from both sides of the aisle—Democrats and Republicans—working on a bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief package.

Our work has led to a $908 billion plan, a balanced framework that will help break the gridlock we’ve found ourselves in over the past months.  It includes funding for state and local governments, unemployment insurance, small businesses, vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, health care providers, housing and education assistance, and more. It’s not everything I wanted, but it reflects an honest compromise. 

The bipartisan proposal should get a day on the floor in the House and Senate.  None of us want to go home for the holidays and turn our backs on those who desperately need our help.  I hope Leader McConnell will finally put politics aside to help the American people during this moment of crisis.

Sincerely,

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