Last week, President Trump abruptly ended negotiations on another COVID-19 relief package. Since then talks gave been on and off again several times, but the prognosis for a deal does not look good. This is devastating news—especially for the millions of people unable to pay rent, without work, and struggling to feed their families.
I am outraged that the Senate can find the time to advance a Supreme Court confirmation but not pandemic relief. Yet, I refuse to lose hope.
I am outraged that the Senate can find the time to advance a Supreme Court confirmation but not pandemic relief. Yet, I refuse to lose hope.
FCNL advocates have sent more than 24,000 messages to legislators, held dozens of lobby visits, and published numerous letters to the editor about the need for relief. This advocacy has moved nutrition assistance from a partisan sticking point to a bipartisan no-brainer. When we finally do get a COVID-19 relief bill, I believe that increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be included.
As we hope that negotiations will resume after the election, it’s important we hold our elected leaders accountable. Here are three ways you can do that:
- Speak out: Write a letter to the editor of your local paper expressing your dismay that the White House and Senate broke off negotiations. Contact media@fcnl.org and we can help.
- Make this an election issue: Get the candidates on the record and make sure you have a voting plan. When you cast your ballot, go with the concerns of your most vulnerable neighbors in mind.
- Give: Donate to FCNL so we can keep doing this important work.
I won’t give up. The political challenges are real, but so is our faith, and our faith calls us to hope.
