Thread by @ACLU

👉 Public health experts agree: To address this pandemic, we must ensure everyone has access to care — anything less is dangerously inadequate.

Yet the Senate has passed a COVID-19 package that fails to protect millions of people, our rights, and our democracy.

1. The Senate COVID-19 package leaves out tens of millions of people — including green card holders, DACA recipients, TPS holders, & undocumented people — from accessing care and testing.

Everyone deserves access to testing and care. Anything less is irresponsible & detrimental

2. Law enforcement must use the money allocated by the Senate to reduce jail and prison populations, starting by releasing the most vulnerable.

The Bureau of Prisons must use its authority — given by the Senate — to let more people serve their sentences at home.

3. The Senate investment in federal defenders fell short. In the wake of COVID-19, we must remember defenders are on the front lines of our criminal legal system.

4. The Senate bill targets reproductive health care — particularly for people struggling to make ends meet — by attempting to deny relief to Planned Parenthood, which provides essential care to patients. It also expands the Hyde amendment with an unnecessary abortion coverage ban

5. The Senate bill does not adequately protect our public health & democracy. For this election season, Congress should guarantee:

🗳️ No-excuse absentee voting
🗳️ A 14 day minimum early vote period
🗳️ Self-sealing return envelopes w prepaid postage
🗳️ Additional federal funding

6. Under the Senate’s bill, each state will receive $1.25 billion minimum, but Washington, DC will receive less than $500 million.

DC has confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. It should receive equal funding as states to address the pandemic.

For our collective safety, Congress can and MUST protect our democracy and ensure adequate care for ALL.