Upton Calls On House Leadership To Draft Bipartisan COVID Package

Congressman Fred Upton is calling on House leadership to work on a COVID-19 relief package that can be approved by both the House and the Senate. That’s after he says House Democrats on Thursday approved a plan with no chance of getting final passage. Speaking to WSJM News earlier this week, Upton said it’s the job of Congress to come up with an aid package before heading home for the elections.

“Small businesses, individuals looking for stimulus checks, people that are being threatened with evictions, bills not being paid,” Upton said. “We are so close that we just can’t let it get lost in electioneering.”

Thursday’s $2.2 trillion plan passed 214 to 207 with 18 Democrats voting no and all Republicans voting against the measure. In a statement after the vote, Upton called it “a partisan deal that won’t even be considered by the Senate or signed by the President.” He added that he’s “calling on the White House, Senate leadership, and House leadership to continue talks.” Below is his full statement:

“Folks need help. I hear from so many across southwest Michigan that this pandemic has presented one challenge after another. As much as we all wanted this over by Easter, it wasn’t, and we need to do everything we can to improve it by Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s why I’ve repeatedly called for a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal and worked day and night with the Problem Solvers Caucus on a framework that could have worked.

Unfortunately, today the House voted on a partisan deal that won’t even be considered by the Senate or signed by the President. It’s no secret a large majority of Americans think our country is on the wrong track – we can’t even agree to deliver help in the worst public health crisis in a century.

I am calling on the White House, Senate leadership, and House leadership to continue talks. Let’s get back to the table and find the bipartisan sweet spot that can navigate the legislative process and help the most vulnerable, schools, airlines, cities, townships, and small businesses.”

Source: WSJM
Full story at: https://www.wsjm.com/2020/10/02/upton-calls-on-house-leadership-to-draft-bipartisan-covid-package/