Reps. Eshoo and Clyburn Introduce Bill Calling for Moment of Silence to Honor Victims of COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18) and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) announced the COVID-19 Pandemic Moment of Silence Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill to honor the victims of the coronavirus pandemic with a national moment of silence.
"This week our nation eclipsed a tragic milestone: 100,000 Americans souls have been lost to COVID-19. These individuals were loved and cherished by their families, friends, and nation, and the pain and grief of their loss is only made more difficult by the knowledge that so many of the victims died alone," said Rep. Eshoo. "By pausing and paying tribute to the victims of COVID-19, our entire country stands with the families who are enveloped in grief."
"This country has tragically lost more lives due to the coronavirus pandemic than any other country and Americans continue to needlessly die every day from this virus," said Whip Clyburn. "I am pleased to join Rep. Eshoo in introducing bipartisan and bicameral legislation to honor the victims of this devastating pandemic. It is critical that we pay tribute to those we have lost and work together to mitigate harm to those who need it most. As Chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, I am working every day to ensure the federal government's response is efficient, effective and equitable so that we can emerge from this crisis and improve our preparedness for future pandemics."
The COVID-19 Pandemic Moment of Silence Act instructs the President to issue a proclamation designating a National Day of Mourning and Lament and calling on the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the more than 100,000 lives lost in the United States due to the COVID–19 pandemic, as well as their families.
Cosponsors of the legislation include: Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), Donna E. Shalala (FL-27), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Max Rose (NY-11), Andy Levin (MI-09), Angie Craig (MN-02), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Michael F.Q. San Nicolas (Guam, At-Large).
Companion legislation was introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
To read a copy of the legislation, click HERE.