The Misadventures of Moscow Mitch: KDP: What They’re Saying About McConnell’s Failure on the Latest Coronavirus Relief Bill

By KENNY COLSTON

Kentucky Democratic Party

Frankfort, KY — After dragging his feet for three months, Mitch McConnell finally unveiled a Republican response to much-needed relief while the COVID-19 pandemic rages on in America. 

Almost immediately, the legislation became a failure as it was exposed as McConnell’s typical response to any federal issue -- bail out the rich and starve everyone else. 

Here’s what they are saying about McConnell’s failure of leadership:

• “In other words, Republicans cut the subsidy for unemployed waiters but gave a tax break to employers who get their meals delivered by essential workers, who, if they get sick, have no recourse against their employers.” --  Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post

• “In short, the bill is not only a political nonstarter; it is rotten politics for Republicans who (thanks to the $2-trillion tax cut and attempts to take away the Affordable Care Act) have lived up to the caricature of being pawns of millionaires and billionaires with little conception of the needs of struggling Americans.” -- Rubin, Washington Post

• “Guess which state gets whacked the most by the Senate plan to cut unemployment benefits?” (It’s Kentucky) -- Jason Bailey, Exec. Director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy

• “An unprecedented eviction crisis will soon hit the U.S.” Up to 48 percent of Kentucky renters are at-risk since the Senate GOP lifts the federal moratorium on evictions. -- CNBC

• “This plan would also be devastating to the broader economy. A new report from the Economic Policy Institute says that cutting the federal boost from $600 to $200 would cost the economy 3.4 million jobs.” -- U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden

• “They don’t have money for food stamps but they have money for an FBI building just so that they can diminish competition for the president’s hotel.” -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

In a statement, Kentucky Democratic Party spokesperson Marisa McNee said McConnell’s failure to lead during the pandemic gives further reason for Kentuckians to vote for new leadership this November. 

“Kentuckians are hurting. They need real leadership, not someone who puts politics above their economic well-being in the middle of a dangerous situation or takes weekends off during a pandemic,” McNee said. “Kentucky deserves a real leader like Amy McGrath who will fight for them every day, not just when it’s convenient.”