Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal admits that she and her progressive colleagues are blocking the PPP legislation. They do not want to pass legislation providing relief to small businesses. They believe it more important to hold on to political leverage.
I only hurt you because I love you… you believe that… right?
The congresswoman made the comments during a virtual news conference Monday. She was with fellow Leftist lawmakers and activists. The group was pushing the inclusion of illegal immigrants in the next round of coronavirus relief. It was one among many other Congressional Progressive Caucus priorities.
Jayapal said during the #PutPeopleFirst conference, “…We don’t know what’s in the package yet, we only know what’s been reported… But I think what you’re hearing from all of us on the call is that we have real concerns about giving away leverage now without getting some of the priorities we need.”
The Senate Republican Communications Center (SRCC) posted a video of her remarks on Twitter. They responded: “Think about that: Democrats would rather use workers as partisan leverage than actually help them.”
Do you know who else belongs to the Congressional Progressive Caucus?
Along with Jayapal, the #PutPeopleFirst conference included progressive activists, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and “squad” members Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
Jayapal’s comments come as Congress is in the middle of negotiations over “Phase 3.5” of the coronavirus relief package. This one is to aid small businesses shut down by government action stemming from the coronavirus. News broke Tuesday afternoon the White House and congressional leaders have a handshake on the core components of the relief bill.
In a statement regarding the deal, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicates Democratic leaders are finally dropping a number of their “unrelated demands.” He laments they took 12 days to do so and at the expense of so many American workers.
Wrapping it up
But at least Speaker Pelosi had time to go to the freezers and get more ice cream. The legislation is will likely get a vote soon. It appears that Jayapal and her progressive colleagues’ push for leverage cost small business workers weeks of misery. But at least they had an opportunity to demonstrate again what Democrat leadership looks like. It is good to know who our friends are.