Blue Dogs Support Stimulus Package While Stressing COVID-19 Threat Highlights Deficit Dangers

WASHINGTON – The Blue Dog Coalition of House Democrats are throwing their support behind a potential economic stimulus package aimed at helping Americans deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

But in doing so, the coalition of fiscally-responsible Democrats said the crisis illustrates why running a $1 trillion deficit hurts the nation and poses a national security risk.

“In times of economic expansion, both parties must work together to put us on a path toward fiscal sustainability to ensure we are prepared for any necessary response to an unforeseen emergency, including a public health threat such as coronavirus,” said Rep. Lou Correa, the California Democrat who serves as the Blue Dog Coalition’s co-chair for communications.

Correa went on to say an economic stimulus package is necessary, and that it should “target those who are most in need of economic support.”

“This includes working families, hourly employees, small businesses, local economies that are dependent on tourism, and other communities experiencing an outbreak,” he said.

Consistent with their philosophy, the Coalition reminded its colleagues on Capitol Hill that the stimulus funds must be allocated with “the highest level of transparency and accountability.”

“Congress should ensure funding is designated only for the response to the public health emergency, and attach accountability measures, including sunset clauses, to ensure the emergency funding is regularly evaluated for need and effectiveness,” Correa said.

“Partisan proposals will do nothing to contain the spread of this virus or deliver peace of mind to the American people. Now is the time for everyone in Washington to put politics aside and come to a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to ensure we can deliver relief and necessary resources as quickly as possible,” he concluded.