WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement regarding today’s vote to move forward to consider targeted coronavirus (COVID-19) relief legislation:

“I’ve heard from West Virginians from all corners of our state, and it is clear to me that there is still a great need to provide relief. That’s why we’ve been working for months to provide relief for priorities like testing, health care, schools, unemployment benefits, and economic support. We’ve offered legislation, we’ve tried to negotiate, we’ve tried to narrow discussions to some of the most urgent and bipartisan issues, and we’ve tried yet again to vote on targeted legislation today. Unfortunately, Democrats blocked all of these efforts. Shame on them. Today’s vote would have allowed us to move forward to consider legislation that included support for issues that both Democrats and Republicans have agreement, which is why this should have passed. Unfortunately, my Democrat colleagues feel that providing no relief is better than some. I disagree. We need to come together to deliver this critical relief that so many West Virginians and Americans are relying on during this difficult time. Until then, Americans will continue to suffer.”

Had this motion passed today, the Senate would have been able to move forward to consider legislation that would provide:

 

  • More enhanced unemployment benefits.
  • Over $100 billion to make schools safe and provide children the education they deserve.
  • Paycheck Protection funding to save workers’ jobs & America’s main street small businesses.
  • More testing.
  • More tracing.
  • More funding for a vaccine for the virus.
  • More funding to ensure everyone can get it.

 

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