From AAUW National

Last week, the U.S. Senate adjourned without addressing any of the crises endangering our country. With record unemployment fueling economic insecurity, an impending housing and eviction crisis, and our most vulnerable populations bearing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic, Congress must act to address the growing catastrophe. 

The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act) was introduced on May 12, 2020 and passed the House of Representatives just three days later. Yet the U.S. Senate left for summer recess without debating the HEROES Act or voting on any relief measures, despite having three months to propose alternative legislative packages.

In the past month, the United States reached once unthinkable milestones:

• 30 million workers receiving unemployment benefits (20 percent of all workers);
• 1 in 3 renters unsure if they will be able to pay rent in August;
• More than 170,000 COVID-19 deaths.

Our country cannot wait three more weeks. Demand that your Senators do their job and act now.

Any stimulus package must address the provisions in the HEROES Act that tackle vital AAUW priorities, including expanding funding for education, student debt relief, child care, paid leave, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance, and fair and accessible elections. AAUW is committed to advocating for the rights and protections of women and families during this time of extreme hardship. Congress must be too.

Urge your Senator to return from summer recess to vote on relief and support measures for the American people — they have a job to do and we need them to act now!