Keller Provides Update on D.C. Legislative Matters
By John Lipez
LOCK HAVEN – Congressman Fred Keller (R-12) on Monday provided Lock Haven area business leaders with an update on efforts to get a second round of coronavirus stimulus money approved by Congress.
Keller told the dozen or so in attendance that he questioned the timing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her recent call to bring the House off its August recess and back to Washington on Saturday to address concerns about the US Postal Service. The first-term congressman said congress needs “to get beyond trying to make political points.”
He said the next CARES stimulus package should be more narrowly focused, getting resources to those most impacted, such as small businesses, by COVID-19-caused shutdowns. He said the next round should not go to states themselves.
Keller defended President Trump on his actions to provide $400 in weekly unemployment benefits to those laid off, $100 of which is to come from the states of those unemployed. As for the recently expired $600 a week in compensation, he said no one should be receiving more in benefits out of work than when they were employed. He termed the unemployment compensation question a “sticking point” in stalled negotiations on a new stimulus round.
The Republican legislator offered support to President Trump and his “Warp Speed” plan to find a virus vaccine by the beginning of the new year. Keller criticized the coronavirus response from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom, a Democrat, charging the governor with being inconsistent in the state’s handling of the pandemic.
Monday’s round-table was held at the VFW Post in Castanea Township and was facilitated by the Clinton County Economic Partnership.