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Thune Statement on Democrats’ Filibuster of Coronavirus Relief Funding

“While this setback is disappointing, Republicans are committed to providing targeted resources to continue to fight COVID-19 and support families and businesses.”

September 10, 2020

Washington — 

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after Senate Democrats filibustered crucial COVID-19 relief legislation that would respond to this crisis by prioritizing federal assistance to help hard-hit small businesses, safely get students back to school, and support frontline workers who are fighting the coronavirus.

“When it comes to the coronavirus crisis, it should be clear to any objective observer that Democrats would rather keep a political issue than give the American people and businesses the assistance they need,” said Thune. “With today’s vote, Democrats apparently believe that approving zero dollars in COVID relief funding is a better outcome than working with Republicans to find common ground on a targeted approach to this critical issue. It’s disappointing, to say the least.

“Despite many good-faith attempts from Republicans, Democrats are unwilling to compromise unless Republicans simply concede to adding trillions of additional dollars to our national debt. If Democrats were serious about coronavirus relief, they would be willing to negotiate with Republicans to arrive at a bill that both sides could agree to – and that could actually pass Congress. While this setback is disappointing, Republicans are committed to providing targeted resources to continue to fight COVID-19 and support families and businesses.”