Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell are continuing to hold up a federal aid package, passed by the U.S. House and supported by President Trump, that would enact critical measures like free testing, paid emergency leave, and food assistance to help families cope with the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, a local editorial board is calling on Senator Tillis to “back the bill and press for action,” saying that it “has been remarkable, in North Carolina at least, that some Republicans and Democrats are doing more than talking about bipartisan cooperation.”

Senator Tillis still has not commented on the federal aid package, nor has he explained why he went home for a three-day weekend rather than stay in Washington to hammer out the details of the federal government’s response. Instead, he’s insisted the president “has taken every step he can to help the safety of the people in the United States” and said that he displayed “decisive leadership,” even as reports show the administration has been wracked by “infighting” and “indecision.”

CBC: Editorial: Tillis and Burr need NOW to back coronavirus relief for families
By the Editorial Board
March 17, 2020

Key Points:

• It has been remarkable, in North Carolina at least, that some Republicans and Democrats are doing more than talking about bipartisan cooperation. They are actually doing it.

• In Washington last week nearly all the Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House came together to approve on a 363-40 vote, the “Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.” Greg Murphy, who is a physician from Greenville voted for it along with fellow Republicans Virginia Foxx, George Holding, Richard Hudson, Patrick McHenry, David Rouzer and Mark Walker. The state’s Democrats in the House Alma Adams, G.K. Butterfield and David Price, all backed the bill which await Senate action this week.

• Who does or doesn’t get credit isn’t as important as leaders coming together to make sure citizens health and welfare is secure along with assuring those who can protect us – public health officials, medical professionals and law enforcement – have the resources to protect and direct citizens toward the safest behavior.

• NOW, North Carolina Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr should follow suit, back the bill and press for action on it as soon as possible.