McConnell, Senate Republicans Turn on Their Heel as Families Suffer

Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Senate Republicans finally unveiled what they have dubbed the HEALS Act. Their proposal would slash unemployment benefits, does not provide additional funding for state and local governments, fails to include relief for those facing water and electricity shutoffs, and does not allocate a penny for either election voting reforms or the clean energy industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic. The Republican’s proposal does include, among other items, $1.75 billion for the construction of a new FBI building, weakening standards to rush critical minerals permitting, and widespread liability protection, providing protections for corporations and businesses while further endangering workers.

More than two months ago, House Democrats passed the HEROES Act, a $3 trillion package which provides critical funding for, among others, state, local and Tribal governments, first responders, hospitals, and others affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:

“As families continue to suffer and struggle in the face of a public health and economic crisis worsened by Donald Trump’s failures, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans could not have turned on their heels any faster. After sitting on their hands for more than two months, this proposal fails to provide the meaningful relief millions need. Mitch McConnell must quit playing politics and treating  people as pawns in some game and immediately pass legislation that provides relief for state, local, and Tribal governments, first responders, and the clean energy industry.