The Misadventures of Moscow Mitch: KDP: ICYMI: McConnell Chooses August Vacation Instead of COVID Relief
By KENNY COLSTON
Kentucky Democratic Party
Frankfort, KY — In a stunning move yesterday, Mitch McConnell decided to recess the U.S. Senate until after Labor Day without having passed another round of federal relief to help handle the COVID-19 pandemic.
McConnell’s decision comes as it is increasingly obvious that several recent executive orders are toothless or ineffective. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has said a recent federal executive order dealing with unemployment insurance is “unworkable for states.” And McConnell’s endorsement to defund Social Security and Medicare may end up costing workers more in the next year and is optional for employers.
It also means McConnell has completely given up on his failure of a bill, not even putting it on the floor for a vote. The U.S. House of Representatives passed their latest round of relief legislation back in May, but McConnell chose to ignore it. Meanwhile, Kentuckians are furious at McConnell’s lack of help.
Here’s what else they’re saying about McConnell’s decision to recess the Senate:
- “This is an abject failure in leadership.” - Journalist John Stanton
- “When it came to tax cuts for corporations and the rich, McConnell and his GOP lackeys delayed recess and rammed the legislation through. When it comes to bailing out the American people during a deadly pandemic, they're leaving town for 25 days. It's clear who they work for.” - former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich