Washington, D.C. – Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) released the following statement on recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control undermining the eviction moratorium amid a flurry of right-wing lawsuits attacking the executive order:

“House Democrats have repeatedly taken action to protect renters and prevent a mass eviction crisis – including in the CARES Act and in the HEROES Act, which has now passed the House twice. However, instead of coming to the table to help us avert this crisis, President Trump has repeatedly undermined negotiations and ignored the plight of millions.

“It’s more clear than ever that the Trump Administration’s executive order on evictions was nothing more than a politically-motivated stunt that failed to help or protect struggling families. Last week’s guidance from the CDC gives a green light to landlords to deceive, intimidate, and harass renters. According to the Administration’s own fact sheet, landlords aren’t even required to inform residents of the current eviction moratorium.

“Come January, 40 million Americans will be in danger of eviction. But instead of protecting families in the midst of a pandemic, the Trump Administration has declared open season on families facing eviction, allowing landlords to start eviction proceedings months before the eviction moratorium expires. Working people need real help – but the Trump Administration has shown no empathy for the millions living on the brink of financial catastrophe. If President Trump is serious about preventing mass evictions, we have real solutions ready to help renters get back on their feet.”

###