Yesterday, Joe Biden met with 10 Republican senators whose primary concern seems to be spending “less” — rather than what we need — in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic collapse.
Biden’s American Rescue Plan — in recognition of the truly unprecedented crisis facing the nation — devotes nearly $2 trillion to begin providing the relief Americans desperately need, including:
- Rushing $1,400 checks to millions and millions of Americans.
- Scaling up vaccine distribution.
- Boosting the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.
- Extending unemployment benefits.
- Providing federal support so states and cities can maintain essential services and schools can open safely.
But these 10 Republicans responded with a watered down proposal that wouldn’t come close to delivering the relief the American people need.
And, of course, many other Republicans seem perfectly content to just go on letting thousands of people die every day and letting millions of Americans and small businesses fall into financial ruin.
Meanwhile, here’s what a Republican who is actually paying attention to reality — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice — said on TV yesterday:
“We have really got to move and get people taken care of. ... At this point in time in this nation, we need to go big.”
Again, that’s the Republican governor of West Virginia, a state Donald Trump won by a lot.
Let’s make sure Joe Biden knows that we are counting on him to “go big.”
Tell President Biden:
Your American Rescue Plan is what the American people need right now. And you can pass it without catering to Republicans who only care about government spending when a Democrat is in the White House. Go big, Joe!
Add your name.
Thank you for taking action.
Onward,
- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen
P.S. For half a century, Public Citizen has been advancing policies that put the needs of everyday Americans before the greed of billionaires and Big Business. That legacy of progress and that ongoing work could not matter more right now, as our nation transitions to a Joe Biden presidency that will be as progressive as we — you and Public Citizen, together — make it. We’re also busy undoing all the damage Trump did. And, like so many nonprofits and small businesses, we continue to experience financial strain related to the coronavirus pandemic. If you can, please make an emergency donation today to support the critical work we’re doing together or even join our popular Monthly Giving program. Thank you.
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