You know, if Republicans had negotiated in good faith, I'm sure Dems would have accepted some form of liability protections months ago.

For instance, a rule based on state anti-SLAPP laws could weed out frivolous suits while letting legitimate workplace negligence cases proceed.

But McConnell didn't want to negotiate. He demanded total immunity for negligent employers, effectively stripping workers of their 7th amendment rights, AND he wanted to make it EASIER for *businesses* to sue *workers* for defamation if they criticize their pandemic preparedness.

THAT is a complete nonstarter.

Not only would it be horrible for workers' rights, it would actually make the pandemic worse, by forcing people back to work in unsafe conditions with no legal recourse. https://www.vox.com/2020/7/29/21345228/liability-shield-mitch-mcconnell-republican-safe-to-work-act-gross-negligence

Seems like McConnell is finally willing to compromise and accept a smaller, more reasonable liability shield.

But in the four months he dicked around, hundreds of thousands needlessly died and millions needlessly lost their jobs.

This mess is squarely on him and the Senate GOP.