11.09.20

McConnell Celebrates Vaccine Developments and Falling Unemployment Rate

‘To be clear, our work is not finished. Too many Americans are still suffering economically, and infections are climbing across the country. We cannot give up on common-sense measures like wearing masks just because we’ve grown tired of them.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Senate business:

“The last several days have brought huge good news in our fight to beat this terrible virus.

“This morning, one drug manufacturer announced that ongoing trials suggest their candidate for a COVID-19 vaccine may be more than 90% effective.

“This is a huge testament to the ingenuity of the American private sector and their global partners, and to the historic efforts of Congress and the Trump Administration.

“We flattened regulatory roadblocks, sped up trials, and laid groundwork to buy and distribute a vaccine as fast as possible.

“Last week, we learned the unemployment rate has fallen to 6.9%, with more than 630,000 new jobs added just in October.

“Remember, in the springtime, many experts estimated we would still be saddled with double-digit joblessness through the end of this year. It turns out the news is much better.

“Another testament to the strong economic foundations that Congress and the Trump Administration spent three years laying before this pandemic struck — and most of all, to the resilience of the American people.

“To be clear, our work is not finished. Too many Americans are still suffering economically, and infections are climbing across the country.

“We cannot give up on common-sense measures like wearing masks just because we’ve grown tired of them.

“The Senate’s going to have a busy few weeks. I hope our Democratic colleagues will finally put aside their all-or-nothing obstruction and let targeted pandemic relief move forward. 

“In any event, we will need to fund the government, reach agreement with the House on the National Defense Authorization Act, and confirm more thoroughly-qualified nominees.

“I welcome all my colleagues back to the chamber and I look forward to finishing this year strong. Our states and our country are counting on us.”

Related Issues: COVID-19, NDAA