Ward 8 Protesters Call On Senate To Pass Coronavirus Relief Bill

WASHINGTON, DC — A group of Ward 8 residents protested Thursday outside of the U.S. Capitol, calling for members of the Senate to pass another coronavirus stimulus package.

The Democratic-controlled House passed a $3.5 trillion stimulus package in May, but negotiations with leaders in the GOP-controlled Senate failed to produce a new coronavirus relief bill. The Washington Post reports Republicans plan to introduce a scaled-back version of the $1 trillion Senate bill they proposed at the end of July.

Thursday's protesters said prayers, sang "We Shall Overcome," and praised the late Congressman John Lewis, who was fighting for those impacted by the virus before his death in July.

The protest was organized by Fred Hill, Independent Democratic candidate for Ward 8's D.C City Council seat. Hill faces Christopher Cole (Independent), Nate "Ward 8" Derenge (Republican), and incumbent Trayon White (Democrat) in the Nov. 3 general election.