#TBT -- Yesterday I joined Senate Democrats to call on Pres Trump to invoke the #StaffordAct and consider disaster declarations that would free up funding to assist state & local governments in responding to this int’l #coronavirus health crisis. democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/press… 
The #StaffordAct is named after the late Robert Stafford, a mentor of mine who was a giant of the Senate and a commanding figure in Vermont. Bob, a Republican, and Helen took Marcelle and me under their wings when I joined the Senate in 1974.
Bob and Helen and Marcelle and I became close friends, and Bob showed me that to do what is best for our country, we must set aside party labels and work together. Bob’s wisdom, calm demeanor, and ability to work across the aisle are sorely lacking in the Senate today.
As we confront this crisis, I’ve found myself remembering what Bob Stafford stood for, and appreciating what his guidance today would be. This is beyond party labels, and we must come together as one American people to confront this crisis.
