As of this writing Congress continues to quibble over pet projects, partisan politics and ideological agendas rather than doing what is in the best interest of the American people.
The stimulus package to combat the impact of the coronavirus on the economy has yet to be completed. The price tag rises with every passing hour. What started as an $800 billion package has ballooned to $2 trillion in the Senate. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled a new 1,000-plus page bill with a $2.5 trillion price tag in the House. Senate negotiations continue.
The country needs help. Businesses large and small are hurting, as are American workers and families. The federal government has a role to play, but this is not the time to fund programs that have been fought over for decades.
The current crisis is also not the time for a spending Mardi Gras, where every possible program gets funded because the stimulus bill has to be passed. Such spending is reckless and irresponsible.
We have previously criticized Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for sneaking in subsidies for pet projects — Kentucky distilleries, NASCAR speedways and “bridges to nowhere” — in “must-pass” bills.
And on Monday, McConnell called out his Democratic colleagues for blocking the stimulus bill while demanding rebates for solar panels, calling for new emission standards and asking for loans for businesses dependent on their carbon footprint, among other items.
Both political parties have used crisis situations to produce massive spending bills, crafted behind closed doors and without bipartisan input, at an alarming rate.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seemed to be getting close to an agreement last Thursday. Talks stalled on Friday. Then, over the weekend Sen. Rand Paul tested positive for the coronavirus and other lawmakers, including both of Utah’s senators, were instructed to self-quarantine. Schumer’s leverage changed, negotiations unraveled and Democrats began to make more demands.
Time continues to tick, the crisis continues to mount and the inaction in Washington continues to undermine the nation’s trust in those who should be leading during these critical circumstances.
Wise is the saying, “Circumstances do not make the man, but reveal him.” The men and women of the Senate and the House should take note — America does not like what this crisis reveals about its leaders.
In history, seemingly great men and women have been exposed as less than noble, less than genuine and even less than human when presented with power, influence or a challenging circumstance. The reverse is also true: Seemingly ordinary men and women, when thrust into the most difficult situations, have risen to extraordinary heights of courage, character and selflessness.
It is time for members of Congress to show, not what political party or special interest group they represent, but what and who they stand for.
Congress has wasted critical time squabbling while the U.S. economy and the ordinary people are suffering.
Citizens have lost confidence in the ability of elected leaders and government officials to do the right thing, especially in a time of crisis.
President Trump should call out the leaders of both parties and demand action now. The president should send Vice President Mike Pence to preside over the Senate, who should call for the bill to be passed by unanimous consent. Speaker Pelosi should ask for unanimous consent to pass it in the House.
Unanimous passage would send an extraordinary message to the country while providing needed relief to the people Congress is supposed to be leading. The character of Congress is being revealed, and the world is watching.