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Slotkin Calls on Leaders in Washington to Approach COVID Relief Negotiations with Same Urgency Michiganders Feel During Crisis

December 9, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC –– U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, stressing the urgency of passing a bipartisan COVID relief package before the end of the year. As negotiations based on the bipartisan proposal Slotkin and the Problem Solvers Caucus unveiled last week continue, Slotkin called on leaders on both sides of the aisle to approach negotiations with the same urgency that Michiganders are feeling as they struggle to weather this crisis.

Slotkin's remarks can be viewed here.

"Platitudes won't feed a family. Empty words won't get folks through the holidays," Slotkin said. "And frankly, it's a slap in the face to the ICU nurses, the small business owners, and the frontline workers doing everything they can to weather this crisis."

Slotkin's full remarks, which can be viewed here, are below:

Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise today because the American people and the people of Michigan need our help. They need Congress to pass a COVID relief package, and failing to reach a deal would be a shameful dereliction of duty.

Just yesterday, my state confirmed its 10,000th death. I have hospitals in my district at 98% capacity and local businesses face oblivion.

The images of Americans in their cars, lining up for hours to pick up a Thanksgiving meal, should be seared into our memories. Make no mistake, these food lines are modern-day bread lines and it is our job to do something about it.

Platitudes won't feed a family. Empty words won't get folks through the holidays. And frankly, it's a slap in the face to the ICU nurses, small business owners, and frontline workers doing everything they can to weather this crisis.

It is a slap in the face to the nurse in East Lansing who wrote to my office pleading for economic relief. Her husband had to stop working in the spring to take care of their kids and every day she gets up worried she might bring COVID home to them.

They're getting behind on their bills, on their rent, and they're taking out loans against their retirement.

I ask leaders of both parties, of both chambers, to witness these stories, do their jobs, and reach a deal even if it's not perfect.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

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