Statement On President Trump Unilaterally ending COVID-19 Relief Talks
Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement after President Trump tweeted that he is unilaterally ending the White House's participation in negotiations on a compromise COVID-19 response bill and walking away from the table as American COVID-19 deaths surpass 200,000 and hundreds of thousands remain unemployed:
"I am incredibly disappointed that President Trump has unilaterally decided to end his participation in bipartisan negotiations on a comprise COVID-19 response package," said Congressman Pappas. "As America continues to reel from this pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, ending negotiations is the height of irresponsibility. By walking away from the table, President Trump is walking away from New Hampshire families, small businesses, and communities who need our help. I voted for a deal last week in the House, and I have repeatedly urged leaders of both parties to keep talking, keep negotiating, and keep working until a deal is reached. I will continue to work with anyone, anywhere, from either party, to get a deal that helps Americans get through this crisis. I urge the President and the Senate to do the same."
On October 1st, Congressman Pappas voted to pass a revised COVID relief package that provides direct support to small businesses, expands access to COVID treatment, directly supports our struggling communities, and helps reduce financial burdens on New Hampshire veterans. He called on the Senate and President Trump to take up that bill and continue negotiations.
In September, Pappas joined a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling on her to bring forward and pass a compromise COVID-19 relief package that provides direct support to small businesses, supports local law enforcement and public safety, bolsters our health care system, and helps Granite State workers.
For months Pappas has called for all sides to come together and work to pass another round of COVID-19 support. It has been nearly five months since the Heroes Act was passed in May. Pappas called on leaders of both parties to end the political game-playing and gimmicks and get a bill done. Pappas has also supported the House remaining in session and prioritizing a COVID-19 bill as U.S. deaths surpassed 200,000.
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