Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Reed and Josh Gottheimer Lead Bipartisan Group Letter Encouraging COVID Relief Agreement in Eleventh Hour

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Tom Reed and Congressman Josh Gottheimer, along with 26 of their colleagues within the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, sent a letter to Congressional leadership and President Trump urging both sides to work together to get a bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal across the finish line as soon as possible.

The bipartisan group of lawmakers noted, “We are only 14 days away from the election, after which the prospect of moving stimulus legislation forward is very dim until early February. Every day that passes is another missed opportunity to deliver relief for American families and businesses who will continue to suffer needlessly as a result of Congress failing to do its job.”

The letter was signed by:  Rep. Tom Reed, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Rep. Tom Suozzi, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, Rep. Kurt Schrader, Rep. Fred Upton, Rep. Dean Phillips, Rep. Max Rose, Rep. Van Taylor, Rep. Susie Lee, Rep. Scott Peters, Rep. John Katko, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Rep. Salud Carbajal, Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, Rep. Ben McAdams, Rep. Tom O’Halleran, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Rep. Elaine Luria, Rep. Dan Lipinski, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Rep. Jimmy Panetta, Rep. Joe Cunningham, Rep. Anthony Brindisi, Rep. Abigail D. Spanberger, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Kendra Horn, and Rep. Will Hurd.

The full text of the letter can be found below and HERE:

Dear President Trump, Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer:

As this public health and economic crisis continues to disrupt our nation, it is critical Congress act immediately to pass bipartisan relief legislation that can be signed into law. The fact is time is running out for the American people.

We are only 14 days away from the election, after which the prospect of moving stimulus legislation forward is very dim until early February.  Every day that passes is another missed opportunity to deliver relief for American families and businesses who will continue to suffer needlessly as a result of Congress failing to do its job.

We believe the following steps must be taken to push a bipartisan relief deal across the finish line:

First, we urge the Administration to follow through on its public comments and formally resolve the issue of including a national testing strategy in a broader stimulus package as submitted by Speaker Pelosi.

Second, while we appreciate Majority Leader McConnell’s decision to schedule a vote on a “skinny” $500 billion COVID-19 relief package, it does not go nearly far enough.  More must be done. Given the broad, bipartisan support in Congress, and in the Administration, for a compromise proposal, we respectfully request the Senate also schedule a vote on a broader compromise proposal once produced that meets the urgent needs of the American people.

While the package may not be perfect, it is clear the compromise proposal will be comprehensive and will contain key provisions that address the greatest areas of need for the American people.

Third, we know there may be remaining issues to be resolved between the negotiators, but it appears those issues are certainly solvable.  We stand ready to help, if there is anything we can do to help close the gaps. We know if there is a will, there is a way to find common ground.

The bottom line: our families, businesses, and local communities don’t have the luxury of time so Washington can continue its partisan games. We must do our job and do it now.  We stand ready to work with all of you, and are prepared to take any action to ensure we pass a bipartisan relief deal as soon as possible.

Thank you for staying at the table.

Sincerely,

MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

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