TUCSON— Last night, President Trump tweeted that he would no longer support ongoing negotiations for a compromised COVID-19 relief package, instead ordering the Senate to prioritize the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice. Later, he reversed his position and tweeted support for smaller bills while still opposing a comprehensive approach. In response, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement:

“With over 210,000 people dead, millions unemployed, thousands of small businesses shuttered, and countless families facing evictions, President Trump has simply shrugged his shoulders and reverted back to his governing philosophy: ‘It is what it is.’ Despite the House of Representatives passing two different comprehensive bills, the latest being a compromised bill as a plea to Senate Republicans to help America’s working families and small businesses, President Trump has sat on his hands, refused to meet us halfway, and neglected to offer any real solutions to address the magnitude of this crisis.

“If Trump had an inkling of reality he would know our country needs much more than another stimulus check. As our country and communities suffer, his response is to rush through the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice to further his agenda of ending the Affordable Care Act and its protections—even though voting has already begun.

“Trump has turned his back on the American people in our time of need. I call on Republicans to reject this dereliction of duty and to work with Democrats to help our constituents.”

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