Covid Relief Package

Floor Speech

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Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore my colleagues to come together and pass a COVID relief bill that will help communities that are still struggling to recover from this pandemic.

Since the beginning of December, over 150 people a day have died from COVID-19 in Illinois. Across the Midwest, heat maps are glowing red with the increased rates of transmissions and deaths. We cannot wait any longer. Families and small businesses are looking for Congress to act. Time and time again, we have seen the House take action, only to have the GOP Senate ignore the crisis facing this country. The increase in empty chairs around kitchen tables and vacant storefronts will only continue if we do not take decisive action.

Mr. Speaker, a recent study found that 1 in 3 African Americans know someone close to them who died of COVID-19. I fall into this category, as I lost my uncle in May, and I know many of my constituents do as well. Something has to be done. People need money now to meet their expenses. Businesses need support now to continue operating, and State and local governments need assistance now to provide services. Inaction is not an option.

Mr. Speaker, lastly, I say Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends.

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