Congress holds candlelight vigil for American lives lost to COVID-19

Members of Congress held a candlelight vigil on Tuesday for the Americans that have lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The moment was held outside of the Capitol building by Republican and Democratic members of both the House and the Senate. 

A candlelight vigil and moment of silence was held outside the US Capitol tonight by Members of Congress led by their bipartisan bicameral leaders for the over 500,000 Americans who have died from COVD-19. https://t.co/TvI6g8vJMy pic.twitter.com/XZgN22aRHy

— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) February 23, 2021

Over 500,000 Americans have died during the pandemic. I took part in a candlelight vigil tonight to honor and remember them. To everyone who has lost someone, my heart goes out to you in this tragic time. pic.twitter.com/GmY3xcZ9dC

— Debbie Stabenow (@stabenow) February 23, 2021

The scene at the Capitol as members of Congress observe a moment of silence for the 500K lives lost to COVID. pic.twitter.com/Aw9I3ScxZD

— Kadia Goba (@kadiagoba) February 23, 2021

There have been over 500,000 deaths in the United States from the virus and over 28 million confirmed cases.

The Senate is currently debating a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) likely will need every Democrat on board in order for it to pass, as Republicans have signaled they’ll oppose it.

The federal government has already sent out two stimulus checks to help Americans with the economic hardships they have faced with the pandemic, but many say it’s not enough. 

The pandemic has caused unemployment to skyrocket as many businesses had to close down or reduce hours due to coronavirus lockdowns that have happened throughout the country. 

Vaccinations, masks and social distancing are being pushed by health officials in order to lower the number of cases and deaths in the country.