Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement after Senate Democrats twice blocked the consideration of the CARES Act, the Phase III coronavirus relief package that will deliver much-needed aid to small businesses and Americans. The legislation includes direct financial help for American families, rapid relief for small businesses and their employees, and increased resources for hospitals and our hardworking healthcare professionals on the front lines. Democrats are delaying the bill in an attempt to add unrelated and partisan provisions, including Green New Deal measures:
"It's unconscionable that Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer have decided to derail the bipartisan efforts they helped lead in order to push their partisan agenda. In less than 24 hours, Senate Democrats have twice blocked the advancement of critical relief legislation--which they helped write--because they now see this as an opportunity to include progressive policy goals unrelated to coronavirus efforts. They are trying to exploit a bill that will provide vital support to American families, small businesses, workers, and healthcare providers. These self-serving political games are deeply irresponsible and delaying the delivery of aid to Arkansans and citizens across the country. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to recognize what is at stake--to think of the people--and immediately advance the CARES Act."