Editorial Boards Across the Nation Agree: Republicans Are Failing the American People
For months, House Republican leadership has struggled with deep divisions and dysfunction within their Conference, preventing Congress from acting on a number of serious public health crises. In the past few months alone, Republicans have failed to take action to address Puerto Rico’s debt crisis, failed to provide funding to combat the Zika virus, and failed to make investments that address the crisis of opioid addiction.
The lack of Congressional action has not gone unnoticed. Editorial boards across the nation have noted House Republicans’ failure to address three critical legislative matters and are urging Congress to take action:
On the debt crisis in Puerto Rico:
Los Angeles Times: “…Because U.S. territories are not permitted to go through bankruptcy the way companies and cities can, Congress has to provide a way to resolve the many competing claims from investors while protecting the interests of its 3.5 million residents — who are, after all, American citizens… the longer Congress waits, the greater the chance that the island will sink too deep into the red to restructure its debts, and really will need a bailout.” [5/3/16]
Boston Globe: “In the face of this emergency, Congress has done the one thing at which excels these days: nothing… Puerto Rico may not be a state, but its 3.5 million residents are still American citizens. They fully deserve governments — both in Washington and San Juan — that function in a timely and responsible manner. Both have abdicated their responsibilities…The fate of these Americans cannot continue to be a victim of government intransigence when practical solutions are within reach.” [4/26/16]
On the threat of the Zika virus:
Chicago Tribune: “President Barack Obama asked Congress to set aside $1.9 billion to better respond to the virus abroad and prepare for it here. He said the money was necessary to halt the spread of the disease and ‘protect the health and safety of Americans.’ That was in February. The response? So far, nothing. Full, screeching halt…Senate negotiators recently said they were close to a deal to provide at least $1.1 billion in emergency financing to battle the rapidly spreading virus. But House Republicans were still stalling. Maybe they’ll be convinced when the mosquitoes start biting on the Potomac, when mothers and babies start suffering.” [5/6/16]
Seattle Times: “Lawmakers should grant President Obama’s $1.9 billion emergency funding request to control Zika-carrying mosquitoes, develop a vaccine and assist countries dealing with much higher rates of infection…Every member of Congress should be focused on protecting women and infants from the horrible effects of the Zika virus.” [4/25/16]
New York Times: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that the Zika virus causes brain damage in babies born to infected women, which adds to the growing evidence that the virus is a major public health emergency. Yet Republicans in Congress are refusing to appropriate the money needed to respond to this crisis…if Congress doesn't do its job, the public will be put at needless risk.” [4/15/16]
On the need to address the growing opioid addiction crisis in America:
Hartford Courant: “[President] Obama has talked publicly about the opioid addiction epidemic and recently announced more money and a few federal actions to help quell the overdose crisis. It’s a welcome change, but it is also a sign that bodies are piling up like cordwood and becoming hard to ignore: 47,000 died of overdoses in 2014 alone, with 61 percent of the fatalities from prescription pain relievers and heroin.” [4/14/16]
Herald News: “It’s time for Washington to put aside the dysfunction and partisan rancor and deploy the federal resources that are so desperately needed to support these efforts. We urge Congress to approve more funding so that this necessary measure can be properly implemented. The opioid crisis is a nationwide emergency. There is no time to waste.” [3/2/16]
The American people have waited too long for Congress to act on these critical issues. It’s time for House Republicans to work together with Democrats to address these crises.
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