House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is requesting a meeting with Republican lawmakers in an effort to begin negotiations to fast-track the next coronavirus relief package.
On Monday, the top-ranking Democrat released a statement addressed to Republican leaders. Pelosi noted that while Democrats passed the Heroes Act ten weeks ago, she says Republican lawmakers have delayed discussions about the next installment of their proposed bill.
“Ten weeks ago, Democrats passed the Heroes Act, which contains the solution to defeating the virus and safely reopening the country: supporting our heroes, crushing the virus and putting money in Americans’ pockets,” she said.
Pelosi noted Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) decision to “pause” before moving forward with discussions about the next bill, and she highlighted the problems Americans are faced with as a result of their delays.
“But for ten weeks, the Senate GOP has said just ‘pause.’ Once again, they have delayed releasing their plan,” the statement read. “Children are hungry, families cannot pay the rent, unemployment is expiring and the Republicans want to pause again and go piecemeal.”
Democrats have stood ready to negotiate for more than two months. I call upon GOP congressional leaders & the President’s team to join Leader Schumer & me within a half an hour of releasing their plan today to negotiate and get the job done. https://t.co/Savdgh4dmM
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 27, 2020
The California lawmaker challenged Republicans to “produce a proposal today” since Democratic leaders have “stood ready to negotiate for more than two months.”
She is also requesting that Republican leaders consider having a meeting with her and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
“We have stood ready to negotiate for more than two months. Unfortunately, it still remains unclear if Republicans will produce a proposal today. I call upon the Republican leadership of the House and Senate and representatives of the President to come to the Speaker’s Office and join Leader Schumer and me within a half an hour of releasing their plan today to negotiate and get the job done.”
Pelosi’s latest statement comes just days ahead of the official expiration of federally enhanced unemployment benefits of $600 per week and the nationwide eviction moratorium already faced its deadline.
With Great Depression levels of unemployment, states rolling back reopening plans, businesses continuing to face problems maintaining stability, and the pandemic continuing to rage on, Pelosi is urging Republicans to act quickly.
“If Republicans care about working families, this won’t take long,” Pelosi concluded. “Time is running out. Congress cannot go home without an agreement.”