LATEST FROM DC: Chuck Schumer is refusing to cooperate.

I’m writing to you from DC with the latest update on COVID-19 relief negotiations in Congress. To say I’m disappointed with my Democratic colleagues is an understatement.

Chuck Schumer is refusing to cooperate. He and Nancy Pelosi are demanding their $3.4 trillion, 1,800 page liberal wish list – or nothing. 

They don’t care that American businesses are closing. That families are losing their homes. That children are going hungry. Schumer isn’t fighting for them. Instead, he’s fighting for:

• Banking subsidies for marijuana companies 
• Bailouts for local governments in Blue States that have created deficits because of their union pension systems
• “SALT” tax relief for multi-millionaires in NY and California 
• $50 million for “Environmental Justice Grants” 
• $1 trillion for state and local governments — even though they haven’t spent 75% of the funds allocated to them in April 

How does any of this get PPE to our doctors and nurses, sanitation resources to schools, or grants to small businesses? The answer: It doesn’t.

I’ve called for the Senate to remain in session until we deliver on our solemn duty toprovide critical lifelines to millions of struggling Americans. This relief includes:

• Extending emergency unemployment benefits at an appropriate amount
• Funding to safely reopen schools
• Funding to safely reopen childcare facilities 
• Funding for testing and contact tracing 
• Funding for vaccine and therapeutic development 
• Funding to save small businesses
• Direct payments for families in need 

This is a time for people – not politics. I will continue fighting for you, and for ALL Texans. We’re going to get through this together and, when we do, emerge a stronger and safer America.