SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL BRIEFS GLI MEMBERS ON CONGRESS’ RESPONSE TO COVID-19

This afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell briefed GLI members on how Congress is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At GLI’s first virtual Capitol Connections event, presented by Norton Healthcare, Leader McConnell addressed a wide range of issues, including the CARES Act, the Senate’s priorities for another relief bill, and how the pandemic has impacted the policymaking process in Washington.

On the issue of the next COVID-19 relief bill from Congress, Leader McConnell stressed the need for addressing legal liability exposure for employers, an issue that GLI highlighted in its Healthy at Work in Greater Louisville proposal. With the disruption, uncertainty, and major changes to local, state, and federal law brought on by the pandemic, employers need clear guidance and protections from the threat of lawsuits, which would serve to hinder an economic recovery.

Leader McConnell also stated that the Senate will likely consider ways to support state and local governments as well as changes to the $600 federal unemployment payments implemented by the CARES Act to help ensure that these payments are not an impediment to individuals returning to work as the economy reopens.

The Senate returns to Washington next week. The House was originally scheduled to return next week as well, but that date has been pushed back to the week of May 11. Read more about the congressional schedule here.