Barbara Lee: “This pandemic has taken over 200,000 lives, bankrupted State and local governments, and destroyed our economy, not to…”

“This pandemic has taken over 200,000 lives, bankrupted State and local governments, and destroyed our economy, not to mention nearly 20 million people have lost their jobs as a result of this devastating public health and economic crisis. Communities of color have been hit the hardest. My condolences go out to those who have lost loved ones. Over 4 months ago, House Democrats passed the HEROES Act, which reflects the needs of the American people and allocates the resources to save lives and to boost the economy. It has been over 130 days since we passed the HEROES Act. Since that time, the other body and the White House have done nothing to help the American people. Instead, this administration and Senate Republicans muzzled scientists and refused to compromise. Let me be clear: The White House intentionally downplayed the severity of the virus, and now the COVID pandemic has taken lives that could have been saved. Time is of the essence. I urge my colleagues across the aisle to work with Democrats to save lives and protect livelihoods now more than ever. ____________________”