Trump Must Work with Congress to Provide Lasting Relief

Covid-19, Economic Justice News, Economic Justice Resources 08.8,20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shin Inouye, [email protected], 202.869.0398

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on Trump’s executive actions:

“Trump’s toothless executive actions are woefully inadequate and fail to respond to the dire needs of people in America who continue to suffer under the weight of this pandemic. Trump claims to be a great negotiator but is unable to reach a deal with Congress. These actions are a political move to give the appearance of meaningful action and do not come close to what is needed. There are serious questions as to whether he even has the legal authority to make these policy changes without congressional approval. Robust legislative action is required to protect our communities and our democracy amid soaring infection rates, high unemployment, and food insecurity.”

The Leadership Conference and leading civil rights organizations outlined the steps the Senate needs to take to protect public health more effectively, preserve and strengthen our public institutions, and ensure that our economic recovery works for everyone. The groups urge senators to pass legislation that:

  • Ensures robust and equal access to quality health care
  • Provides targeted and more relief for marginalized communities, including immigrants and children
  • Protects the most vulnerable working people
  • Ensures safeguards for homes and financial health, and provides shelter to those most in need
  • Reduces law enforcement responses and the risks to incarcerated people and corrections employees
  • Combats the sharp increase in hate crimes
  • Minimizes learning loss, ensures equal educational opportunity, and protects student loan borrowers
  • Provides emergency funding to states to ensure a safe, fair, and inclusive election
  • Extends the 2020 Census congressional reporting deadlines to ensure a fair and accurate count

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.