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Team,

This is an extraordinary time that requires extraordinary action.

But over the past month, I have watched Trump repeatedly downplay the severity of the crisis we are facing in the COVID-19 pandemic. I have watched his administration fail to prepare an adequate number of coronavirus testing kits and refuse to accept any responsibility for problems caused by this failure. I have watched the administration stand by Trump’s proposed 2021 budget, which slashes $1.2 billion from the Centers for Disease Control.

So, it is clear that President Trump is not the leader we need in times of crisis. In the absence of a real leader, I promise to do everything I can to step up, stand up, and mitigate this public health and safety crisis.

I brought $1.25 billion home to Rhode Island, as part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus package. As part of this legislation, known as the CARES Act, Rhode Islanders will be eligible for up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits – something I called for early on when it became apparent that this crisis would devastate workers and businesses.

I called on Trump to invoke the Defense Protection Act (DPA) to ramp up the production of medical equipment. He has since signed an order directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require General Motors to produce ventilators, under the authority of the DPA.

Over the past few weeks, I have fought for urgent assistance for health care workers, cash assistance for small businesses and gig workers, and additional funding for kids in afterschool programs – all of which are addressed in legislation we've put together in Congress.

This is just a quick selection of actions from the past few weeks. My colleagues and I are working non-stop to ensure those who need relief receive it urgently and every American is kept healthy and safe.

More soon,

-- David

The news about the COVID-19 pandemic is changing quickly. David has been working tirelessly in Congress to help mitigate the impact and bring resources back to the Ocean State to keep our economy strong and our citizens healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control or the Rhode Island Department of Health.