President Biden recently signed a $1.9 trillion COVID relief law after much debate in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This is a historic moment since it is the largest anti-poverty package in generations.
The COVID relief law includes direct payments to qualifying Americans of up to $1400, increased child tax credit, and extended unemployment benefits, among other items.
As amazing as it is that the COVID bill was passed, no thanks can be given to the Republican party. Not a single Republican in the Senate voted in favor of the COVID bill. This is not surprising at all, but it is definitely disappointing.
It continues to amaze me how the Republican party refuses to help the American people.
Throughout the past year that we have been in quarantine, there have only been two stimulus checks handed out. The first check was $1200 and the second was $600. $1800 for a whole year is not enough money to help those that have been without a job and require assistance.
It upsets me that the Republican party did not believe that Americans deserved to get the $1400 checks, among other benefits. A lot of the political leaders that we have representing us really need to be humbled a bit.
If the Republican senators were in our shoes, perhaps they would have passed the bill with more ease. They are stuck on cloud 9 without realizing how many Americans have been struggling for the past year.
This is a big issue I see within our government. Government officials and political leaders often forget what is the best thing for the American people.
They act upon selfish interest and what benefits them. If these senators had to live like normal citizens for one month, I am sure they would realize that a $1400 check is the bare minimum that should be done.
Regardless of the lack of Republican support for the bill, I am elated that the COVID bill was passed and now signed by President Biden.
This bill is going to provide assistance to so many that desperately need it.
I would have loved to see bipartisan support for this bill, but unfortunately that was not the case. It is so important for both parties to come together and do what is best for the country and its citizens.
Although it seems impossible, I am hopeful that there will come a time when both parties are able to compromise and work together.