COVID-19: Democrats' Partisan Response
Responding to COVID-19 and reopening our economy requires a bipartisan, measured response. Instead of bringing the House back to Washington D.C. over the last few weeks to work on legislation to help move our nation forward, Speaker Pelosi and Democrats introduced a $3 trillion spending bill that even the media knew wouldn't become law.
It was nothing more than a political stunt to change our election process, fund abortions, disincentivize people going back to work, provide payments to illegal immigrants and bail out states. None of these priorities will help our nation recover from this crisis and I voted NO because Texans deserve better.
An unconstitutional power grab
Our United States Constitution does not just disappear because we are in the midst of a crisis. Democrats changed over 200 years of precedent this week by introducing a resolution to "vote by proxy," which means that Members of Congress can stay home instead of showing up for work while others vote on their behalf. It's a dangerous ploy that takes away the voices of those who elected us and leaves Texans without complete representation in our democracy. If members of our community are going to work every day during the COVID-19 pandemic, so should we. I was at the Capitol to vote NO on this unconstitutional power grab.
Saving independent music venues
Live music venues nationwide have been uniquely affected by the government's actions during COVID-19. Unlike some businesses who are on the road to recovery, music venues that have been cultural staples for generations will continue to bear the negative impacts of recommended social-distancing and health precautions for the foreseeable future. I led a bipartisan letter with 92 of my colleagues urging support for independent music venues as they face devastating challenges due to the pandemic.
It is my hope that our venues, with the help of Congress and our communities, will be able to once again turn their bright lights back on and welcome their next act to the stage.
Fighting for life
I am unapologetically pro-life and believe that every child is a precious gift from God. That's why I joined my colleagues in introducing the Protecting Life in Crisis Act (H.R. 6742) to prevent federal funds allocated in COVID-19 response legislation from being used for abortions or abortion coverage. The abortion-obsessed House Majority will use every opportunity to undermine Hyde Amendment protections, including a global health crisis. I will always fight to protect our nation's most vulnerable.
Funding coronavirus research
Greater understanding of COVID-19 is critical to beating the virus, and we must provide our scientists and labs with the resources needed to keep future generations safe and healthy. I was proud to announce that our very own University of Texas at Austin was the recipient of $1 million in grants intended to support research to prepare for, prevent and respond to a coronavirus outbreak. UT Austin is already conducting breakthrough research on COVID-19, and I'm pleased that this CARES Act funding will continue enhancing their efforts.
We're here to help
Please continue following the guidance of your local officials as we navigate reopening Texas. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my team in either our Cleburne or Austin offices with any questions, or send us an email here. You can also stay up to date by following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
In God we trust,
Roger Williams
Member of Congress