03.10.20

McConnell Offers Update on Coronavirus

‘Yesterday evening, the President, the Vice President, and their task force offered an extensive public briefing on ongoing efforts to combat this new virus which has spread from China throughout the world... Nationwide, the risk to any individual American remains low. But as the Vice President and the experts reminded us, the time is now for all Americans to engage in basic common-sense measures, and for Americans at heightened risk to take additional precautions.’

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

‘Yesterday evening, the President, the Vice President, and their task force offered an extensive public briefing on ongoing efforts to combat this new virus which has spread from China throughout the world.

‘As the director of the CDC explained, officials are now tracking more than 500 cases across the country. Nationwide, the risk to any individual American remains low. But as the Vice President and the experts reminded us, the time is now for all Americans to engage in basic common-sense measures, and for Americans at heightened risk to take additional precautions. 

‘Detailed recommendations for individuals, families, and employers are available online at Coronavirus.gov.

‘President Trump also announced that, in parallel with the public health response, his administration is considering ways to mitigate the impact of the virus on our economy.

‘Senate Republicans look forward to discussing this with Secretary Mnuchin and the President’s team so we can all consider the best ways to move forward for the American people.

‘And as our government continues to prepare and protect our nation, I would urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, to put reflexive partisanship aside and stay focused on our common work to promote the common good. This virus does not care about partisan divisions.

‘This disease poses a challenge, no question. But our nation is strong, we are well equipped, and we have overcome far greater challenges before.

‘As the Vice President put it yesterday: “We’re all in this together.”

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