The U.S. House on Friday approved a $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill. Introduced by Democrats, the House bill has almost no chance of passing the Republican Senate. In the House, Congressman Fred Upton voted against it. He has released the following statement:
“Our nation’s families and communities are facing extraordinary challenges that require an extraordinary response. We need to act quickly and effectively without getting tangled up in partisan politics. The first few emergency measures reflected those goals. Sadly, the one today did not.
It’s time for us to put the wheels back on the wagon and get to work on a real bipartisan relief package – for everyone’s sake. I have said from the beginning that with divided government we need a deal that can pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President. This 1,800 page, $3 trillion bill put together behind closed doors did not pass the test.
We need to get help into the hands of those in need and keep trying to repair unprecedented and, for many, unbearable damage.
States like Michigan have a severe revenue shortage due to this crisis, and after my discussions with state and local officials, it’s clear the state and our small communities need additional resources.
At the same time, we must do this in a fiscally responsible way that does not bailout states like Illinois and others that have greatly mismanaged their past budgets.
Workers and small businesses also need further relief. We need support for Michigan’s auto industry. And we need to help our families.
I remain ready and willing to work with anyone from either party to get a bill across the finish line that puts our workers and families first.”
