(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris releasing their COVID-19 relief plan.
“From the beginning of this pandemic I’ve said that a historic crisis like this demands bold solutions—because we want every worker and family to experience an economic recovery, not just those at the very top. And when we passed a relief bill in December, I was clear that we needed to double down in the year ahead on fighting for policies that truly reflect the depth of the crisis we’re facing, and help us dig out of this pandemic and come back stronger and fairer.
“I’m glad to say that President-Elect Biden’s proposal will bring us so much closer to meeting this moment and meeting those goals. Between increased direct relief for those who are out of work or struggling, support for state, local and Tribal governments who are on the forefront of this crisis, a real plan to get our country vaccinated, and so much more, I am excited to have a partner in the White House who understands the depth of this crisis for families in my home state of Washington and who will work with us to get them the help they need.
“Once President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris are inaugurated, the Senate should move quickly to pass additional COVID relief and truly start our country on a path to a more equitable future on the other side of this pandemic.”
Since COVID-19 first arrived in Washington state, Senator Murray has fought to get families, workers, small business owners, and everyone who has struggled during this pandemic the assistance they need. In March, Senator Murray successfully secured surge funding for hospitals and medical supplies, more than $375 billion in small business grants, loans, and assistance, expanded unemployment payments and direct payments, and much more in the CARES Act. While Senate Republicans then refused to even vote on additional relief until this past December, Senator Murray pushed for the House-passed HEROES Act in the Senate, and eventually helped secure additional direct relief and support for small businesses and vaccine distribution in the December relief package.