WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted in favor of a COVID-19 relief package offered by Senate Republicans. The bill failed to reach the 60 votes needed to proceed after every Democratic senator voted against it.
“Democrats blocked extended unemployment benefits, another stimulus check, $100 billion for schools, and money for more testing. Republicans have repeatedly tried to negotiate, and each time the other side refuses. Democrats are playing politics while lives are being lost, and they should be ashamed,” said Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy and U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) also offered an amendment to include the SMART Act, Cassidy’s bipartisan bill that provides $500 billion to state and local governments to offset steep revenue declines. This is especially important for Louisiana. Moody’s financial found that states that rely on sales tax, tourism and oil and gas revenue would be hardest hit financially. The amendment was not adopted.
“State and local aid seems to be a main sticking point in negotiations. The SMART Act strikes a balance between both sides’ demands, which increases the likelihood of a broader COVID relief bill passing. Our goal is to help those who need it. This is not the time for politics as usual,” said Dr. Cassidy.
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