On the recordMay 15, 2020
Over the last two months, I have pushed for and strongly supported four comprehensive, bipartisan COVID-19 relief laws. By enacting those laws, Congress and the President have provided over $3 trillion to meet the challenges posed by the virus and loan guarantees backed by the Federal Reserve have added trillions more to the rescue. Despite some stark differences of opinion on what constitutes the best federal, state and local response to the pandemic, we have managed to put partisanship aside and seek solutions. We have rallied for the people we serve--to make our communities safer and to ensure that the tens of millions made unemployed by COVID- 19 have a bridge to prosperity again. Because so many Americans--especially those on the front lines-have sacrificed so much including their own lives to prevent the spread and heal the sick, many are alive today. Still, the loss of life--and disability suffered by those who have survived-is staggering. In my state of New Jersey, more than ten thousand people have tragically died so far with more than half of the fatalities suffered by women and men who resided in long term health facilities. During this unprecedented crisis, there have been serious negotiations with all parties and stakeholders to craft legislation to mitigate the pandemic through an integrated plan to prevent, test and treat. Much has been done--but much work remains. As you know, Mr.…
