Congress must pass a COVID-19 relief package. Thank goodness vaccine trials are successful. But we have read and experienced that COVID-19 is not just a health crisis. In the U.S. there are long lines at food banks, higher unemployment leading to rental defaults, other health needs unaddressed, and schooling disrupted. Globally it is expected COVID-19 will double extreme hunger; drive 150 million into extreme poverty; disrupt TB, AIDS, and childhood vaccine programs; and affect students’ future income potential.
Congress can agree this crisis demands relief. They should pass a package including rental assistance and increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in addition to funding for global health and nutrition programs before the end of the year. Let’s call on U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and U.S. Reps. Denny Heck, Derek Kilmer and Jaime Herrera Beutler, to urge leadership to negotiate in good faith so all can survive until the vaccine is equitably distributed.
