NLC Statement on End of COVID-19 Relief Package Negotiations

Washington, D.C. – Following tweets by President Trump instructing his representatives to stop negotiating towards a COVID-19 relief package until after the election, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence E. Anthony issued the following statement:

“We are deeply disappointed to see that the President stopped further negotiations on a package that would have delivered critical aid to communities across the country. Abandoning our communities in this time of need will have a profound impact on the safety, health and economic security of all Americans.

“America’s cities, towns and villages are reeling from the financial impact of the pandemic while continuing to expend significant resources to combat ongoing cases of COVID-19, recover from natural disasters and provide essentials services to their residents. We can expect severe economic consequences from the failed negotiations, including more businesses closing and more public and private sector layoffs.

“We call on Congress and the White House to keep at it. America’s communities and our economic recovery hang in the balance. We cannot give up.”

NLC launched the Cities Are Essential campaign in May, calling on the federal government to ensure there is flexible, direct funding relief provided to America’s municipalities.