U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) joined their colleagues on the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus this week to release a post-pandemic, nationwide back-to-work plan designed to safely reopen America and spur the economy.
“We must continue to work together, stay focused on the problem, and put the country ahead of ideological opportunism,” according to the caucus’ Reopening and Recovery “Back to Work” Checklist, a multi-prong, science-based, data-driven proposal.
The 50-member caucus, which is equally divided between Democrats and Republicans, reached consensus on the bipartisan set of recommendations, which are focused on public health, economic rescue and stimulus plans, according to statements from Rep. Upton and Rep. Joyce.
“COVID-19 is a two-headed monster, having created both a public health crisis and an economic one,” Rep. Joyce said in his statement. “Not only do we need to accept the fact that COVID-19 will be a part of our society until we have a vaccine, we need to plan for it. There’s no doubt that we are entering uncharted territory as we prepare to reopen our country, but we can do it safely if we work together.”
The Problem Solvers Caucus wants to see the checklist’s guiding principles incorporated into the federal government’s plans to address the global COVID-19 crisis, according to the congressmen.
“Our bipartisan plan to get folks back to work while prioritizing public health and safety sets benchmarks based on science,” said Rep. Fred Upton. “This plan focuses on our nation’s immediate needs to keep people healthy, stimulate our economy and protect folks’ jobs.”
For instance, the caucus’ recommendations focus on the importance of rapid mass COVID-19 testing; the need to establish new supply chains for manufactured goods, including pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, while also financially incentivizing overseas manufacturers to return to the United States; and investing in the nation’s infrastructure to ensure businesses may compete as the economy reopens, according to a summary of the checklist provided by the lawmakers.
“We need to lower the temperature in the room and realize that reopening our nation will require a dynamic, multifaceted approach, and I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reopen America,” Rep. Upton said.
Copies of the caucus’ checklist have been delivered to congressional leadership and to the White House.
“I’m proud to be part of the Problem Solvers Caucus and firmly believe our bipartisan checklist offers an in-depth guide that will help us reignite our economy while also protecting Americans from this deadly virus,” added Rep. Joyce.