Senator Murray Delivers Weekly Democratic Address
“Democrats
understand the urgency of this moment in no uncertain terms—and we are going to
work to do everything we can, as fast as we can, to protect you, your loved
ones, and all our communities,” said Senator Murray (D-WA). “We are in this
together, and we will get through it together.”
Washington, D.C. – As
the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and American lives are disrupted,
Senator Murray (D-WA) delivers this week’s Weekly Democratic Address. In the
address, Senator Murray opens by saying that the American people need truth and
transparency during this crisis. She emphasizes that the Trump
Administration’s missteps and slow response to COVID-19 have caused concern and
confusion across the country and Senate Democrats will do everything they can
to hold the Trump administration accountable. Senator Murray also focuses
on the simple steps Americans can take to slow the spread of the virus, such as
social distancing, that will help save lives. In closing, the Senator
highlights that Senate Democrats will continue to fight for the passage of
people-focused policies such as paid sick leave, enhanced unemployment
insurance, food security, and free testing for Americans impacted by the coronavirus.
The Weekly Democratic Address is
available in both AUDIO AND VIDEO FORMAT.
You may download the audio of the address HERE
and the video of the address HERE.
Senator Murray’s remarks as delivered
follow:
“Hi, I’m Senator Patty Murray from
Washington state. Right now I know families in my state and across the country
are alarmed by the continued spread of the novel coronavirus.
“Like so many of the families I’m
hearing from, I have been incredibly frustrated and concerned by the Trump
Administration’s missteps and slow response to this crisis so far.
“People need the facts. They need a
plan. They need transparency. And they need it now.
“So I’m working to make sure we not
only hold the Trump Administration accountable for the delays and missed
opportunities so far, but that we also do everything in our power to
immediately take the steps we need to do to start to finally get ahead of this
crisis.
I know so many people are asking what they should be doing to help
keep their family and community safe.
“The most important thing we can do right now is make sure each and every one of us is taking steps to slow the spread of this virus so we can protect the people who are most vulnerable and prevent a spike in cases from overwhelming our health care workers on the frontlines.
“The most important thing we can do right now is make sure each and every one of us is taking steps to slow the spread of this virus so we can protect the people who are most vulnerable and prevent a spike in cases from overwhelming our health care workers on the frontlines.
“Public health experts have made
clear this is something everyone can, and must, play a role in.
“There are several simple,
straightforward steps you can take starting right now to prevent the spread of
respiratory diseases: avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and avoid close
contact with people who are sick; clean and disinfect frequently touched
objects and surfaces; cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw that
tissue in the trash; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds; and if you are sick—stay home.
“We should also all be taking steps
to improve social distancing to protect ourselves and others in our
communities.
“Now these steps may seem small—but
make no mistake, they are a critical part of this fight.
“The other critical part of this
effort is ensuring we’ve got a coordinated, comprehensive government response
that puts the needs of families, workers, and communities on the frontline of
this crisis first.
“Here are the next steps Democrats
believe are necessary.
“First, we need to make sure that no
matter how you are insured, or whether you are insured—you can get testing at
absolutely no cost.
“We need to ensure all employees have
access to fourteen paid sick days immediately, so they can afford to follow the
CDC’s advice and stay home if they are sick.
“Our health care workers need protective
gear to keep them safe as they care for those who are sick.
“And we need to make sure our schools
have plans for everyone who will be impacted by the difficult decisions they
may have to make. Children who rely on school for nutritious meals, college
students who get their housing, medical care, and meals on campus will need our
support.
”We also have to support our
communities in addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness and
those experiencing food insecurity.
“And, as coronavirus continues to
impact our small businesses, we will absolutely need to put policies in place
that help local economies recover.
“There is much more we need to do as
well—but steps like these will go a long way toward saving lives and reducing
the impact of coronavirus—and we need to take them as quickly as possible. That
is exactly what we’re going to keep pushing to get done.
“Let me also say that I know this is
a frightening time, and there are lots of unknowns.
“But here are two things you can
count on: First, you can make a huge difference for yourself and others by
following public health experts’ guidance on ways to slow the spread of this
virus. Small steps truly do save lives in this moment.
“And secondly, Democrats understand
the urgency of this moment in no uncertain terms—and we are going to work to do
everything we can, as fast as we can, to protect you, your loved ones, and all
our communities.
“We are in this together, and we will
get through it together.
“Thank you.”
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