Third Way Statement on COVID Relief Legislation and the Year-End Spending Deal

WASHINGTON — Third Way released the following statement from Executive Vice President Jim Kessler:

“We wanted more, the country needed more, but this year-end package is critical. Democrats acted quickly and decisively, but they were met by months of the Republican leadership’s intransigence and indifference. Now, at the eleventh hour, we are relieved to see a package that takes real steps to fight the pandemic, help Americans weather this recession, and make important down payments on a host of critical issues.

“Again, we will need a lot more, but this package is a good start. Boosts to Unemployment Insurance, SNAP benefits, renter assistance, and childcare will help American families grappling with the downturn, as will the ban on surprise billing. Funding for testing and tracing, vaccine procurement and distribution, and health care providers will help battle the disease. Support for small businesses and transit will help on main streets across the country. And the first ever phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons, the extension of crucial tax credits for clean energy, and money for clean energy innovation programs will help fight climate change.

“We applaud the moderate Democrats in the Senate who brought Republicans back to the table, and the leadership shown by Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who were steadfast in their demands for the best possible deal for this country. In the new year, with a new Congress and a new president, we will be there to help them do much more.”