Chairman Scott Statement on President Trump Ending Coronavirus Relief Negotiations
WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott released the following statement after President Trump announced he is walking away from negotiations on any further coronavirus relief until after the 2020 election.
“President Trump’s unwillingness to continue negotiations to provide much needed relief to the American people is just another example of this administration needlessly playing politics with the lives of students, workers, and families.
“Over the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged this nation into a deep recession. As dire as the economic situation is, the damage would have been far worse if not for expanded unemployment benefits, hundreds of billions of dollars in relief for businesses, support for public education, and other provisions passed as a result of previous relief Congress provided. In fact, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated today that the current downturn will be longer, deeper, and more painful if Congress does not provide substantial relief. By withdrawing from negotiations, the president is risking the health and safety of not only our economy, but communities across the country.
“Since the House passed the Heroes Act five months ago, the need for federal support has only grown. I am deeply disappointed in the president’s decision to abandon these critical relief negotiations when Americans need it most.”
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