Congressional Record, House, Thursday, April 23, 2020 (Vol. 166, No. 77)
- Date
- 2020-04-23
Summary
The Congressional Record for Thursday, April 23, 2020, Vol. 166, No. 77, covering House of Representatives proceedings in the 116th Congress, Second Session. The House is called to order with Representative Kathy Castor serving as Speaker pro tempore under a designation from Speaker Nancy Pelosi, followed by a prayer from the Chaplain. Representative McGovern submits a Rules Committee report (Rept. No. 116–419) on House Resolution 938, which provides for adoption of House Resolution 935 establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis as a select investigative subcommittee. In debate, McGovern discusses remote House operations, cites more than 855,000 confirmed cases, and argues for oversight of relief spending and for nutrition assistance. The issue closes with a Government Publishing Office notice on publication.
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Cite this document
“Congressional Record, House, Thursday, April 23, 2020 (Vol. 166, No. 77).”
Dated 2020-04-23. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2020-04-23-called-to-order-by-the-speaker-pro-tem/
, SHA-256 bd17d0dd600040cb1a41182a9b9af236ad5883bffdb39bf1cc9786dc15a2661b.Full text
Congressional Record
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116 th CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
United States
of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 No. 77
House of Representatives
The House met at 10 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE distinguished ranking member of the
called to order by the Speaker pro tem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Rules Committee, pending which I
pore (Ms. CASTOR of Florida). Chair will lead the House in the Pledge yield myself such time as I may con-
f of Allegiance. sume. During consideration of this res-
The SPEAKER pro tempore led the olution, all time yielded is for the pur-
DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER
Pledge of Allegiance as follows: pose of debate only.
PRO TEMPORE
GENERAL LEAVE
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the
The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
United States of America, and to the Repub-
fore the House the following commu- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ask unanimous consent that all Mem-
nication from the Speaker: indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. bers be given 5 legislative days to re-
WASHINGTON, DC,
f vise and extend their remarks.
April 23, 2020.
I hereby appoint the Honorable KATHY CAS-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- objection to the request of the gen-
TOR to act as Speaker pro tempore on this
day. VIDING FOR ADOPTION OF H. tleman from Massachusetts?
NANCY PELOSI, RES. 935, ESTABLISHING A SE- There was no objection.
Speaker of the House of Representatives. LECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker,
f CORONAVIRUS CRISIS before we get into the resolution before
Mr. MCGOVERN, from the Com- us, I want to speak to my colleagues
PRAYER about an important issue.
mittee on Rules, submitted a privi-
The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick leged report (Rept. No. 116–419) on the Over the last several weeks, I have
J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: resolution (H. Res. 938) providing for heard from Democrats and Repub-
Merciful God, thank You for giving the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. licans, who have expressed concern
us another day. Send Your spirit of 935) establishing a Select Sub- that we, as a House, are not adequately
peace and comity among the Members committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as prepared to do our business during a
of the people’s House. These are days of a select investigative subcommittee of pandemic. They are right.
great political, social, and economic the Committee on Oversight and Re- Over a month ago, I prepared a report
stress in our Nation, and those whose form, which was referred to the House that I sent to everyone in the House—
work is to legislate through this pan- Calendar and ordered to be printed. Democrats and Republicans—about
demic are naturally under considerable possible ways that we could operate re-
pressure. Give us all patience, espe- f motely. I received constructive feed-
cially with one another. PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF H. back from both sides of the aisle, and
May all our citizens, in the midst of RES. 935, ESTABLISHING A SE- this week I released text of a proposal
great turmoil, be filled with gratitude LECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE that I hoped could have been voted on
for those in our Nation whose work CORONAVIRUS CRISIS today.
must go on when it would be so easy The Republican leader had some ob-
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, by jections to that proposal, and our
not to assume their responsibility to
direction of the Committee on Rules, I Speaker has agreed to continue the
do so. Continue to bless those whose
call up House Resolution 938 and ask conversation for 2 more weeks. I have
life’s work is in service to public safe-
for its immediate consideration. always believed that, whenever pos-
ty, be it police, medical professionals,
The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- sible, any changes to our rules should
or those producing and delivering our
lows: be bipartisan, and I still believe that.
daily necessities.
May everything done this day be for H. RES. 938 However, the status quo, in my opin-
Your greater honor and glory. Resolved, That House Resolution 935 is ion, is unacceptable and dangerous. I
Amen. hereby adopted. am not talking about to Members of
f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Congress; more importantly, it is dan-
tleman from Massachusetts is recog- gerous to everyone we come in contact
THE JOURNAL nized for 1 hour. with.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, for The year is 2020. Technology has ad-
ant to section 7(a) of House Resolution the purpose of debate only, I yield the vanced and improved considerably over
891, the Journal of the last day’s pro- customary 30 minutes to the gen- the last 231 years. And, yes, there are
ceedings is approved. tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. COLE), the problems with some of the technology
b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m.
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Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
H1907
.
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H1908 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
that exists out there, but there are help hospitals and healthcare workers You know, the President and so
low-tech approaches to dealing with re- on the front lines, to expand testing, to many of his allies in the Senate con-
mote participation by our Members, provide every American access to an tinue to block efforts to increase SNAP
and there are higher-tech ways to deal affordable vaccine when it is developed. benefits for hungry people trying to
with it. And we can work that out. And I could go on and on and on. put food on the table for their families.
There are smart people in this Con- We need to make sure these resources The demand for food banks right now
gress who can figure all of this out. But are going where Congress intended, wraps around city blocks in some
I believe both sides of the aisle need to that they are helping struggling Amer- places. We have seen it on TV. The
have some urgency in addressing this icans and small businesses without any lines go for miles. This is a crisis of
issue, especially in light of the state- rampant fraud or abuse, and that com- food insecurity that we haven’t seen in
ments by the head of the CDC and panies aren’t taking part in price- this country since the Great Depres-
other medical experts, that things gouging or profiteering. sion.
could be very problematic come the That is what this Select Sub- Madam Speaker, whatever happened
fall. I hope and I pray that that is not committee on the Coronavirus is all to taking care of the neediest among
the case. But we need to be prepared so about. This proactive approach is what us? Maybe the President doesn’t have
that we can do the people’s business. then-Senator Harry Truman spear- to worry about where his next meal is
I also want to publicly acknowledge headed at the dawn of World War II to going to come from, but millions and
my ranking member, the gentleman ensure Federal dollars spent then saved millions and millions of Americans do.
from Oklahoma (Mr. COLE). We don’t lives on the battlefield. They are terrified.
see eye-to-eye on this issue yet, but Well, today the battle is much dif- We should be suspending this admin-
over our years-long working relation- ferent. It is against a worldwide pan- istration’s SNAP cuts. We should be
ship and friendship, we have found demic currently without a vaccine or strengthening nutrition assistance for
common ground many, many times. A preventative treatment. But our ag- those impacted by this pandemic. And
task force is going to be convened gressive oversight should be the same. we should be showing the American
Democratic governors and Republican
today that includes myself, Mr. COLE, people that ending hunger is not a par-
governors all over the country are
the chair and ranking member of the tisan issue. But some on the other side
pleading for more tests, despite the bil-
House Administration Committee, Ms. of Pennsylvania Avenue have chosen
lions we have allocated to provide
LOFGREN, and Mr. DAVIS, as well as instead to take meals away from fami-
them.
Democratic Leader HOYER and Repub- The Republican governor of Mary- lies.
lican Leader MCCARTHY to discuss land has said the lack of available test- Just yesterday the Secretary of Agri-
these matters. ing is the number one stumbling block culture tried to paper over their dis-
I have been saying this for a month, in America. He is absolutely right. graceful record by taking credit for the
and I am going to say it again here The President talks about reopening bill that we passed in a bipartisan way
today: If you are a Member of Congress America, but Madam Speaker, how in Congress. The USDA didn’t increase
and you care about this issue, call me. about first testing America? Without SNAP benefits by 40 percent; the House
I want to hear from Members what that, we can’t fully track and contain Democrats led that charge and, thank-
they think about this critically impor- this virus. We need to make sure that fully, many of my Republican col-
tant matter. the money we provided for testing is leagues supported that in the Families
Now, back to the measure before us. actually going to testing. We need to First bill.
Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, the make sure that our hospitals have all And by the way, while we are at it,
Rules Committee met and reported a the PPE equipment that they need. USDA was in court trying to kick mil-
rule, House Resolution 938, providing In my home city of Worcester in Mas- lions of people off of SNAP through
that upon passage of the rule, H. Res. sachusetts, we recently opened up a their disastrous regulatory scheme.
935, which establishes a Select Sub- field hospital in our convention center. The only thing this administration
committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as The day before we opened, there was has done is to try to push people off of
a select investigative subcommittee of considerable anxiety because they had nutrition assistance. I think it is cold-
the Committee on Oversight and Re- enough PPE maybe to last for a couple hearted and I think it is cruel for the
form is hereby adopted. of days. Now working together with Senate majority leader and others to
Madam Speaker, we are here today as the governor and others, we were able turn their backs on struggling families.
Congress continues responding to the to remedy that situation, but for so That needs to be fixed, and it has to be
biggest public health and economic many of our healthcare institutions, fixed in our next bill. And I hope in
emergency this Nation has seen in 100 for our first responders, trying to find this Chamber, we can come together—
years: The coronavirus pandemic. PPE is like something out of the movie Democrats and Republicans—and deal
What started just weeks ago half a The Hunger Games. States competing with it.
world away is having a devastating im- with States, competing with the Fed- I know that it is unrelated to the un-
pact across our country. No commu- eral Government, people receiving derlying measure here, but hungry
nity has been spared: calls—I know somebody who knows families are being ignored in this coun-
More than 855,000 cases have been somebody in China who might have try. Sadly, even in the best of times,
confirmed; lifesaving masks. Can you maybe fol- poor people oftentimes get ignored by
Nearly 48,000 lives lost as of the time low up that lead? That is not the way this Chamber. I worry that in the worst
we are meeting right now; this is supposed to work. of times, what we are going through
And more than 22 million initial un- In the United States of America, the right now, that these people, these in-
employment claims filed in the past wealthiest Nation on the face of the dividuals, these families become invis-
month. Earth, officials are making cold calls ible. We cannot let that happen. I want
Some regions of our country have to try to get enough equipment to sur- them to know that this House is listen-
now lost as many jobs over the last vive the next surge of patients. Relying ing to them, and we will continue to
month as they did during the worst on the goodwill of people and busi- fight to strengthen the programs they
year of the Great Recession. nesses when they should be able to rely on.
These statistics are not just numbers count on Federal agencies. Congress Now, I don’t know what is radical
on a page, Madam Speaker. These are provided money for this equipment. We about that. Just as I don’t understand
our neighbors. They are our family. need to make sure it is going where it why some on the other side are against
They are our friends. Their health is at is badly needed. a subcommittee that is designed to
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risk, and their economic reality has Madam Speaker, as we talk today make sure that Federal dollars are
changed overnight. Since the start of about what Congress has done, I want spent well.
this pandemic, Congress has provided to take a moment to talk about what
more than $2 trillion in emergency re- it has not done, and that is provide b 1015
lief to get small businesses the finan- enough for hungry families during this I mean, that is what this is about.
cial help that they need to survive, to pandemic. That is it.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1909
This is an extraordinary time. We and was radio silent since her an- I urge opposition to the rule, and I
have sent trillions of dollars into our nouncement, except for the occasional reserve the balance of my time.
communities. They should be going to media mention. In fact, we did not even Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
small businesses and not to big cor- know we were meeting on this item include in the RECORD an article, enti-
porations—our workers, not the until the afternoon of the hearing. tled, ‘‘Democrats Pushed for Robust
wealthy and those already well-off. Our That is hardly the way to operate on Oversight of the $2.2 Trillion
workers are the ones who should be our something the Speaker purportedly Coronavirus Aid Package. It Hasn’t
priority. We need to make sure that wants to do in a bipartisan fashion. Happened Yet,’’ detailing the need for
that is what is happening here. Perhaps even more problematic, oversight. The article explains that
If you believe this administration has Madam Speaker, is that I am not sure rapidly approved funds are being spent
done things perfectly, then you have what the end goal of such committee quickly with little monitoring or over-
nothing to fear. But the American peo- will be. Speaker PELOSI claims that the sight.
ple have a lot of questions and they de- proposed select committee will exam- [From TIME, April 17, 2020]
serve answers, and they expect us to ine all aspects of the Federal response DEMOCRATS PUSHED FOR ROBUST OVERSIGHT
live up to our constitutional respon- to the coronavirus pandemic and will OF THE $2.2 TRILLION CORONAVIRUS AID
sibilities with regard to oversight, and provide oversight for Federal dollars PACKAGE. IT HASN’T HAPPENED YET
they deserve to know that their tax being spent in response. (By Alana Abramson)
dollars are being well spent. But Congress already has significant Some of the most heated negotiations be-
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- oversight tools at our disposal. The tween Democrats and Republicans over last
ance of my time. CARES Act itself established a five- month’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief pack-
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield member Congressional Oversight Com- age were over who should watch how that
myself such time as I may consume. mission specifically for that problem. money gets spent. It is the largest emer-
I want to thank my good friend, Mr. That Commission is in addition to Con- gency relief fund the U.S. government has
MCGOVERN, the distinguished chairman ever approved, and concerns over fraud and
gress’ other oversight tools, which in-
abuse were rife. In particular, Democrats
of the House Rules Committee, for clude the House Committee on Over- were outraged that Republicans and the
yielding me the customary 30 minutes. sight and Reform and the oversight White House wanted to let the Treasury De-
Madam Speaker, let me quickly re- subcommittees that exist on most partment distribute $500 billion to industry
spond to my friend’s mention about the other permanent House committees. and states without anyone overseeing the
group that will work on reopening Con- If we already have a separate Over- process, and vowed to block any bill without
gress. I look forward to working with sight Commission specifically for the that safeguard in place.
my friend and our colleagues on that CARES Act and we already have a sep- ‘‘There was this idea that they put forth
particular issue. that there would be a $500 billion slush fund
arate Oversight and Reform Committee
for the Secretary of the Treasury with no ac-
I do want to point out, it is impor- and each committee already has sepa- countability whatsoever. Are you kidding?’’
tant to note, last night we actually did rate oversight committees, what, then, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last month
function as a committee under the is the actual purpose of the proposed after the bill passed the Senate. ‘‘For all re-
chairman’s leadership, and we got our select committee? spect in the world for the Treasury Sec-
work done. We are on the floor right It is entirely plausible for one to con- retary, that was a complete nonstarter.’’
now getting our work done. The execu- clude that this new select committee Ultimately, the bill signed into law by
tive branch is in Washington, D.C., will simply turn into yet another par- President Donald Trump mandates the mas-
right now getting its work done. tisan witch hunt aimed at damaging sive tranche of aid will be overseen through
three key mechanisms: an inspector general
The President and the Vice President the President. at the Treasury Department to oversee that
aren’t hunkered down in Cheyenne There may be a time in the future $500 billion Treasury fund, and Congress and
Mountain. They are in the West Wing when it makes sense to establish a executive branch panels, which will also
working every day. The Joint Chiefs of commission, like the 9/11 Commission, monitor the Treasury fund and broadly over-
Staff are in the Pentagon, working to review the COVID–19 pandemic and see the law’s implementation, respectively.
every day. Every Cabinet member is the government response. I actually But more than two weeks later, after hun-
working every day. support doing that at an appropriate dreds of billions of dollars have already
I just say that to note that other peo- time. But such a commission needs to flown out the door through the Paycheck
Protection Program, the Treasury’s Inspec-
ple are able to get their jobs done with be truly bipartisan and devoted to tor General post has not yet been confirmed
appropriate changes and appropriate what happened and what we can learn by the Senate and the two panels are not
precautions, so I rule nothing in or out. from it to improve government re- fully staffed. Congress is preoccupied with
I look forward to listening to my col- sponses for the future. This select com- the unprecedented task of managing dueling
league, but I do think we are capable of mittee doesn’t meet that test. public health and economic crises remotely,
working in the House of Representa- Before I reserve my time, later and Trump, whose administration has
tives, and I will be extraordinarily cau- today, the House will be voting on the blocked Congressional oversight for years,
tious about giving up procedures and Paycheck Protection Program and has already threatened to scuttle the proc-
precedents that are 230-plus years old. ess. When he signed the bill into law in
Health Care Enhancement Act. This bi-
March, he said he would not allow the In-
Madam Speaker, we are here today to partisan bill is the next step and fol- spector General overseeing the executive
consider a rule that creates Speaker low-up to the CARES Act, which Con- branch’s committee to submit reports to
PELOSI’s proposed select committee on gress passed a few weeks ago. Congress without his supervision, arguing it
the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this Today’s bill includes $310 billion for was unconstitutional.
month, Speaker PELOSI announced that the Paycheck Protection Program, a ‘‘It’s incredibly problematic . . . those
she would create this select com- critical program for protecting small oversight mechanisms don’t do us much good
mittee, conveniently ignoring that any businesses and their employees. It also if they aren’t functioning,’’ Liz Hempowicz,
such select committee must be estab- includes $75 billion for hospitals on the Director of Public Policy at the Project on
Government Oversight, wrote in an e-mail to
lished through the Rules Committee front line of the coronavirus pandemic TIME. ‘‘This money is being spent incredibly
and, ultimately, through a vote on the and a further $25 billion for quickly. The (Small Business Administra-
House floor. coronavirus testing. tion) has already spent the $349 billion dol-
Yesterday, the Rules Committee met Refilling the Paycheck Protection lars allocated to the Paycheck Protection
on extremely short notice to, essen- Program account will help countless Program. It’s imperative that these over-
tially, rubberstamp the Speaker’s ac- small businesses and their employees sight mechanisms are fully functional so we
tion. This was particularly egregious across the country, including hundreds can have confidence that this money won’t
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considering that, up until right before in my district. Frankly, refilling this be lost to waste, fraud, or abuse.’’
The group with the broadest oversight ju-
we met, we had absolutely no details important account could not come
risdiction in the $2.2 trillion CARES Act is
on the proposal. soon enough. It should have happened a the executive branch panel, called the Pan-
In the last month, the Speaker gave week ago. But I am fully supportive of demic Response Accountability Committee.
the minority no notice of her plans, no this important bill, and I look forward Glenn Fine, who was acting Inspector Gen-
indication of her rationale or vision, to voting in favor of it later today. eral at the Pentagon, was quickly appointed
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H1910 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
to lead the committee at the end of last ‘‘Our watching eyes can help ensure that the garding the House Ways and Means Commit-
month but was removed by Trump just a money broadly benefits American families,’’ tee’s efforts to obtain President Trump’s tax
week later. The President did not provide a he wrote. ‘‘There isn’t time to waste.’’ returns. The administration has also with-
specific reason, but Fine’s ouster was part of Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I held information related to White House se-
a broader re-shuffling of watchdogs. curity clearances, natural disaster relief ef-
Although the committee is composed of include for the RECORD an article, enti- forts, and other areas of potential mis-
nearly two dozen inspectors general who tled, ‘‘Congressional Oversight of the conduct.
have been appointed, the top spot remains CARES Act Could Prove Trouble- Second, both the House and Senate are on
vacant. The law mandates that Michael some,’’ detailing the need for over- recess and it remains unclear when they will
Horowitz, the Inspector General for the De- sight. The article says oversight will return. Once members come back to Wash-
partment of Justice who heads the Council of help limit fraud and accelerate effec- ington, the number of committee hearings
the Inspectors General on Integrity and Effi- they hold will likely be lower than normal
tive use of appropriated funds.
ciency, appoint a new head, but he has not with social distancing recommendations re-
yet announced Fine’s replacement. A spokes- [From Brookings, April 15, 2020] maining in effect.
person for Horowitz did not respond to a CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF THE CARES Hearings are an essential part of
query about when a new replacement would ACT COULD PROVE TROUBLESOME Congress’s oversight mandate as they pro-
be named. vide lawmakers with a public platform to
(By Jackson Gode) question administration officials that many
On April 4, Trump announced that he had
appointed Brian Miller to serve as the In- On March 27th, President Trump signed rank-and-file members do not receive on a
spector General for the Treasury depart- the CARES Act providing for more than $2 day-to-day basis. In place of hearings, mem-
ment. Miller has over 15 years of federal ex- Trillion in federal spending in response to bers will have to rely more heavily on writ-
perience; he spent nine years as the Inspec- the COVID–19 crisis. Overseeing the outlay of ten correspondence. While letters have the
tor General for the General Services Admin- relief funding from the bill will be no easy potential to be more effective than hearings
istration, working under former Presidents task, given its size, complexity and the back- at obtaining detailed information, recipients
George W. Bush and Barack Obama. But drop of the 2020 election. are only legally required to respond to in-
since 2018, he has worked as a Special Assist- However, this is not the first time that a quiries from committee chairs.
ant to the President and Senior Associate major government rescue package has in- The current administration has made a
Counsel in the White House counsel’s office. cluded oversight measures. The 2008 Emer- habit of ignoring written information re-
His tenure there coincided with some of the gency Economic Stabilization Act created quests and it remains too soon to tell wheth-
White House counsel’s most high profile the office of the Special Inspector General er COVID–19 oversight will be met with simi-
feuds with House Democrats in their over- for the Targeted Asset Relief Program the lar resistance. Documents released by the
sight probes, including Trump’s impeach- powers of which were strengthened by the House Oversight and Reform Committee on
SIGTARP Act of 2009. In just over a decade, the availability of medical supplies from the
ment last December.
Democrats lambasted Miller’s appoint- SIGTARP has recovered $11 Billion in federal government’s stockpile suggest that
ment, arguing that a Trump staffer would be misspent funds and successfully convicted the administration is responding to at least
unable to exercise the kind of independence 380 fraudulent actors, leading many to con- some inquiries. Partial or private responses
the job requires. ‘‘To nominate a member of sider it a success. however, can make it difficult for commit-
the President’s own staff is exactly the Members of Congress sought to mimic this tees to signal a lack of cooperation to the
wrong type of person to choose for this posi- success by including three major mecha- public.
nisms to oversee spending within the CARES Third, as their efforts to oversee the
tion,’’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schu-
Act. The Pandemic Response Accountability Trump administration response ramp up,
mer said in a statement after Trump’s an-
Committee will be made up of Inspectors House Democrats may find themselves con-
nouncement. Since confirmations of presi-
General from, at minimum, nine federal fronting intra-party cooperation challenges.
dential appointees now only require a simple Due to the political visibility of the pan-
majority in the Senate, it’s likely that Mil- agencies, and be responsible for oversight of
outlays for the entire bill. A new office with- demic, committee chairs will likely compete
ler will be confirmed despite Democrats’ ob- to demonstrate their willingness to hold the
jections. But since he cannot be confirmed in the Department of the Treasury, the Spe-
cial Inspector General for Pandemic Recov- administration accountable. Coordination
by unanimous consent, lawmakers have to among Democrats will be necessary to en-
physically be in Washington for that to hap- ery, will oversee the $500 billion Treasury
fund for targeted loans to large businesses. sure that panels’ efforts are complementary,
pen—and they are not expected to return rather than competitive.
until May 4th at the earliest. Brian Miller, a White House lawyer and
former GSA Inspector General, has already Conflict between the parties will also cre-
The final component of the oversight ate challenges. The creation of a Select Com-
framework, the Congressional commission, been selected for this role. Finally, a Con-
mittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic already
is also incomplete. The bill mandates that gressional Oversight Commission will in-
seems to be increasing tensions between
the top four leaders in Congress—Schumer, clude four members appointed by party lead-
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D–Calif.) and Minor-
Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch ership in each chamber and a chairperson
ity Leader Kevin McCarthy (R–Calif.) who
McConnell, and House Minority Leader agreed to by the speaker of the House and
indicated that Republicans will object to a
Kevin McCarthy—each select a member for the Senate majority leader. The Commission
unanimous consent request creating the
the panel. The fifth member will chair the will oversee economic stability efforts by the
panel. Speaker Pelosi has signaled the pro-
committee and be jointly selected by Pelosi Treasury Department and the Federal Re-
file she expects the committee’s work to
and McConnell. serve Board.
have by naming Majority Whip Jim Clyburn
Schumer has appointed Bharat The CARES Act also includes funding in-
(D–S.C.) as chair. The committee will have
Ramamurti, who previously worked for Eliz- creases for several preexisting oversight bod-
subpoena power, but the House’s experience
abeth Warren as an economic adviser, on the ies providing more than $140 million for In-
so far this Congress with having to go to
panel. On Friday, McCarthy announced he spectors General offices to investigate var- court to try to enforce subpoenas illustrates
had selected Rep. French Hill, McConnell an- ious aspects of the bill and $20 million in the limits of that tool.
nounced he had chosen Pennsylvania Sen. funds for the Government Accountability Of- Finally, the Trump administration has be-
Pat Toomey, and Pelosi selected Florida fice. come famous for vacancies and ‘‘acting’’ offi-
Rep. Donna Shalala. But as of Friday Even with these mechanisms and funding cials in the highest positions of government.
evening, the chair has not been selected, so increases, Congress will face several unique By tolerating a large number of acting posi-
the panel can’t fully function. Pelosi told re- challenges while conducting substantive tions, the Senate has given up one of its
porters in her weekly press conference on oversight of pandemic relief. most important tools for influencing execu-
Thursday that she and McConnell had agreed First, the Trump Administration has indi- tive branch conduct. On April 3rd, the Presi-
to submit names to each other for their joint cated reluctance to cooperate with oversight dent nominated five individuals to Inspector
pick. inquiries. Immediately after President General positions. However, while the Senate
There are signs that additional oversight Trump signed the CARES Act, the White remains on recess, those roles will continue
of the massive relief package not set up ex- House released a statement outlining his to be served by officials in an acting capac-
pressly in the law is also moving forward. constitutional concerns with the newly cre- ity.
Pelosi has appointed House Majority Whip ated Pandemic Response Accountability Four of the IG offices receiving funding in-
Jim Clyburn to lead the House Select Com- Committee and Special Inspector General for creases from the CARES Act are currently
mittee on the coronavirus crisis, which she Pandemic Recovery. headed by acting officials. Notably, Glenn
says will be a bipartisan committee dedi- This is not the first time that Trump has Fine, the Department of Defense Inspector
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
cated to oversight of all of the funds. And questioned the legitimacy of oversight ef- General who was originally appointed as the
McConnell announced Friday that Idaho forts. The administration is currently tied Chairman of PRAC, only served in an acting
Senator Mike Crapo will lead the Senate’s up in several court battles regarding the ex- capacity. On April 7th, President Trump re-
efforts. ecutive branch’s ability to withhold informa- moved him from the DOD IG role and ap-
In a New York Times op-ed earlier this tion from Congress. On March 16th, nearly a pointed EPA Inspector General Sean
week, Ramamurti urged Congress to act year after the original request, the Supreme O’Donnell, making Fine ineligible to be
swiftly so his specific panel can get to work. Court postponed oral arguments in a case re- PRAC Chairman.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1911
Congress will face many challenges pro- small number of institutions but to reach as Mnuchin on Thursday said he didn’t think
tecting against fraud and helping an econ- far and wide as possible,’’ he said. the panel was necessary.
omy stalled by the pandemic, which may re- The small business loan initiative, known ‘‘Both parties wanted us to have oversight,
quire members to find unique solutions for as the Paycheck Protection Program, will be wanted us to have transparency. We have
ensuring effective implementation of the ‘‘an extraordinarily easy program to defraud, full transparency,’’ he said at the daily
CARES Act. With $2 trillion of taxpayer and it will be defrauded in massive ways,’’ he White House coronavirus briefing.
money on the line, nothing is more impor- added. ‘‘It’s witch hunt after witch hunt after
tant than effective oversight. The $2.2 trillion, 880–page CARES ACT ap- witch hunt,’’ Trump said of the select com-
proved by Congress last week included over- mittee at the same briefing.
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Senate Finance Committee Ranking Mem-
sight provisions, modeled after some of the
include for the RECORD an April 4 ABC safeguards implemented to track the finan- ber Ron Wyden, D–Ore., on Saturday, issued
News article, entitled, ‘‘Experts Warn cial system bailout and stimulus money the following statement on the nomination
About Big Dollar Fraud in $2.2 Trillion after the Great Recession. of Brian Miller to be special inspector gen-
Coronavirus Relief Package.’’ It formed three major groups to lead over- eral for pandemic recovery:
sight efforts: A new special inspector gen- ‘‘The special inspector general needs to be
[From ABC News, April 4, 2020] independent above all. Someone who cur-
eral, who will be nominated by Trump and
EXPERTS WARN ABOUT BIG DOLLAR FRAUD IN confirmed by the Senate, will be responsible rently works in the White House counsel’s
$2.2 TRILLION CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE for oversight of the $500 billion fund adminis- office, serving a president who has tried to
(By Benjamin Siegel) tered by the Treasury Department and Sec- silence other inspector generals and an-
The U.S. government’s historic $2.2 trillion retary Steven Mnuchin. nounced his intention to silence this one, is
coronavirus aid relief package recently ap- Trump plans to nominate Brian Miller, a not independent. It’s no wonder President
proved by Congress is highly vulnerable to special assistant to the president and senior Trump announced this nomination late on a
fraud and abuse, oversight experts and vet- associate counsel in the Office of White Friday evening.’’
‘‘While Mr. Miller has requisite experience
eran watchdogs who investigated abuse of House Counsel, to serve as inspector general,
for this position, he must clear a high bar to
the government’s financial system bailout the White House announced Friday night.
A five-member panel appointed by a bipar- show the Senate he would protect the inter-
more than a decade ago told ABC News. ests of the American people over the polit-
The size of the unprecedented relief pack- tisan group of lawmakers will monitor the
ical interests of this administration.’’
age—in the scale of spending and the number Treasury Department program and Federal
While it’s not uncommon for both parties
of businesses eligible for funds—will make it Reserve’s implementation of the stimulus to snipe over the use—and potential abuse—
difficult to verify the information from each package. of stimulus funds, the level of partisanship
applicant, and how they plan to use their The third group, the Pandemic Response
in Washington and the immediate need for
money. Accountability Committee, have the broad-
the funds to be delivered to businesses and
With roughly 10 million Americans filing est mandate, aimed at rooting out waste and
Americans make this situation much more
jobless claims over the last two weeks, and fraud throughout programs in the entire $2.2 difficult than the oversight efforts following
millions of small businesses seeking govern- trillion relief package. the last recession, Devaney told ABC News.
ment aid to stay afloat, the need for the gov- Led by Glenn Fine, the acting inspector ‘‘The atmosphere on the Hill, I thought it
ernment to immediately push out money to general of the Department of Defense who was acrimonious when I was there. It’s a lot
Americans and into the staggering economy was part of the panel’s precursor following worse today and I suspect that whoever
could hinder efforts to filter out efforts from the financial crisis, the group will be able to takes this job is going to be testifying once
potential fraudsters to seek relief funds. conduct audits, subpoena individuals and in- a week,’’ he said of the eventual special in-
Tune into ABC at 1 p.m. ET and ABC News formation, and refer matters to the Justice spector general.
Live at 4 p.m. ET every weekday for special Department for investigation. Former Rep. Tom Davis, R–Virginia, who
coverage of the novel coronavirus with the ‘‘Every time there’s kind of an emergency served as chair of the House Oversight Com-
full ABC News team, including the latest surge in spending like this it’s even more im- mittee, defended the stimulus package, given
news, context and analysis. portant that there’s additional layers of the time constraints put on lawmakers and
‘‘Everybody’s acceptance of some or a lot oversight to make sure that everything is on the Trump administration.
of fraud is going to have to be high, because the up and up,’’ Liz Hempowicz, the director ‘‘It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the
it’s going to happen,’’ said Earl Devaney, of public policy at the Project on Govern- last 50 years,’’ he told ABC News. ‘‘Emer-
who served as the top watchdog of the Re- ment Oversight, told ABC News. gency situations call for emergency meas-
covery Accountability and Transparency House and Senate Democrats, who were ures. You can’t sit and write layers and lay-
Board, which tracked the stimulus spending particularly worried about how the $500 bil- ers of oversight.’’
following the Great Recession in the late lion supervised by Mnuchin will be awarded, ‘‘There’s always going to be money going
2000s. also pushed Republicans to add additional to people who shouldn’t have gotten it,’’
Though the legislation mandates multiple language into the legislation preventing Davis said. ‘‘The question is, what were the
oversight bodies, if even a small percentage President Trump, his family, top govern- alternatives?
of the funds are misused, it could mean fraud ment officials and lawmakers from receiving Lawmakers and coronavirus stimulus
on the scale of potentially millions, if not loans or investments from the Treasury pro- watchdogs won’t just have this historic $2.2
billions, before there are any efforts to re- grams. trillion coronavirus package to police. Con-
coup losses, according to experts. Already, there are signs that President versations have already started on Capitol
They see the $350 billion in funding ear- Trump and Democrats could tangle over Hill around a fourth phase of relief funding,
marked for small businesses in the form of oversight of the massive stimulus programs including more money for small businesses.
forgivable loans as particularly susceptible as money begins to flow from the federal Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker,
to abuse. Millions of small business owners government to workers and businesses. this emergency surge in spending to
began applying to banks for the loans on Fri- Trump’s plans to nominate Miller, a
former inspector general for the General confront the coronavirus is unprece-
day, though many applicants and lenders ex-
perienced problems with the program’s roll- Services Administration, will likely be met dented, but the idea of what we are es-
out. with criticism by Democrats. Inspectors tablishing is not. As I said, then-Sen-
While the Treasury Department has said General are typically independent and apo- ator Truman proposed it at the dawn of
money will begin flowing immediately, some litical appointees; Miller played a role in re- World War II. It worked then, and it
institutions, including JP Morgan Chase, buffing investigations into the withheld will work now as well.
said Thursday they would not be ready to re- military aid to Ukraine that led to Trump’s So if you believe that this adminis-
ceive applications by Friday. impeachment. tration has nothing to hide, then no-
Other veteran investigators are concerned In a signing statement last week, Trump
said he wouldn’t allow the inspector general
body should oppose this and let the
that the review process, which leaves it up to
banks to vet potential borrowers and appli- to share information with Congress without American people see how their money
cants to attest to their eligibility, doesn’t ‘‘presidential supervision,’’ objecting to the is being spent.
give authorities enough time to effectively provisions of the law that require the watch- Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
weed out potential fraud. dog to notify Congress when they are ‘‘un- the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
‘‘If you have fewer entities that has a lot reasonably’’ denied information about the PELOSI), the distinguished Speaker of
of implications for oversight. It’s fewer enti- stimulus program. the House, who has been an incredible
ties to worry about. But it also means that Democrats criticized the comments, and on leader during this pandemic.
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
the processes for application can be a little Thursday House Speaker Nancy Pelosi an- Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I
more thoughtful,’’ Neil Barofsky, the former nounced the formation of a special select
thank the gentleman for yielding, and
special inspector general of the $700 billion committee to provide additional oversight of
Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), told the recovery funds and the administration’s I thank him for his leadership as chair
ABC News. management of the coronavirus crisis, a of the Rules Committee for bringing
‘‘In contrast here, the very purpose of move Republicans and the White House this important legislation to the floor
these programs is not to impact a relatively quickly condemned as redundant. today.
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H1912 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
I also acknowledge the bipartisan co- cussion if he or she were not in agree- Senate said: This is it, 250. We are not
operation of the Republicans in this ment. So I have been a victim of that, doing anything else.
House and pay tribute to Mr. COLE, and I don’t want there to be any doubt That failed to get unanimous con-
who is highly respected on both sides of in mind that it is a complete, accurate, sent. At the same time, that other pro-
the aisle. I am sorry that he doesn’t see guardrailed reflection of the wish of posal was put forth. But I will talk
a pattern in this, as the Republicans the person granting the proxy. about that later.
have had these kinds of committees Having said that, I want to salute our Again, why we are here for this par-
time and again. I never heard him distinguished chairman for his cham- ticular initiative is we need to ensure
question them then, but I do hear him pionship. He has gone on starvation, that the historic advancement of dol-
questioning them today. this, that, and the other on behalf of lars in these bills and in future pack-
But I am very pleased that the two of solving the hunger crisis, the food inse- ages are spent carefully and effectively
them will be working together with the curity crisis in our country, and his en- to save lives and rebuild our economy.
distinguished majority leader, Mr. thusiasm on SNAP and what we are b 1030
HOYER, and the distinguished Repub- doing as we go forward, the recognition As the distinguished chairman men-
lican leader, Mr. MCCARTHY, as well as that people are hungry in our country tioned, at the dawn of World War II,
with the leadership of Chairwoman and that we have to do something then-Senator Harry Truman spear-
LOFGREN and Ranking Member DAVIS about it. headed the creation of a special com-
in the days ahead to consider the pro- But hearing him as chair of the Rules mittee to ensure that the dollars spent
posal that we have for how we can act Committee talk about that, recog- on the war effort had oversight and ac-
as a Congress when everybody cannot nizing his history, chair of the task countability.
be present. force on hunger, so many times going Now, there was a democratic Presi-
I see in the paper that I pulled it. No, on starvation diets and I would say, dent in the White House, President
I didn’t pull it. I said all along I wanted ‘‘Why are you doing that? I am not Roosevelt, so this was not partisan in
this to be bipartisan. As Speaker of the sure the other side even cares if you any way, nor should this be considered
whole House, as we changed how we are on a starvation diet,’’ but, nonethe- partisan. The purpose was to prevent
participate, I wanted it to be bipar- less, I salute the gentleman again and waste, fraud, and abuse, profiteering,
tisan. When we saw that that oppor- again for his leadership on that. price-gouging, and the rest.
tunity existed, in my conversation So, Madam Speaker, here we are, and As Truman said later, when he was
with the distinguished Republican I thank Mr. MCGOVERN, our distin- President, he was interviewed about
leader, Mr. MCCARTHY, I then said we guished chairman, for bringing this this and he said: I knew that after
have to give this a chance. resolution to the floor, again for his World War I there had been 116 com-
I do think that there are many op- great leadership trying to move us for- mittees set up to investigate the
tions that may be available. We want ward in a bipartisan way to continue money spent in World War I. 116 com-
to give all the options to our Members, the operations of Congress during this mittees, after the fact. He said: First of
but consistent with the Constitution of extraordinary time. I again acknowl- all, there had been 116 investigating
the United States, the rules of the edge Mr. COLE’s interest in doing that committees after the fact, and I felt
House of Representatives, the security as well. one committee before the fact would
of this body’s information, as well as, Our Nation faces a deadly virus, a prevent a lot of waste and maybe even
again, the technology to make sure it battered economy with tens of thou- save some lives. And that, he said, is
works when we are depending on it. sands of sick, some died, millions out the way it worked out.
So I yield to the wisdom that they of work. This is really a very, very, The Truman committee turned into a
will bring to all of this to give Mem- very sad day. tremendous investment for taxpayers.
bers as many options as possible and to We come to the floor with nearly The total cost at the time was less
do so in a way that, again, is respectful 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people than $1 million, and it saved lives and
of this being the coronavirus—and not impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. nearly $15 billion by preventing waste,
just for how we do business generally, We have to be very prayerful, and we fraud, and abuse. That is the equiva-
but in this specific time—as, also, a have to be as bipartisan as we can pos- lent of like $750 billion today.
What made sense then makes even
template for any other kind of emer- sibly be, as united, working together.
more sense now. That is why the House
gency that might arise. The bill we will vote on later today,
is forming a special bipartisan over-
So I thank the chairman and I thank which I will speak about later today, is
sight panel, the House Select Com-
Ranking Member COLE for their com- the fourth bipartisan bill that we will
mittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.
ments about willingness to discuss be passing in the Congress of the And by the way, Mr. COLE, I did in-
that, and hopefully by the time we re- United States. Starting March 4, we form the distinguished leader of my in-
turn, if that is May 4, we will have an had our first bill: testing, testing, test- tention to announce such a thing be-
opportunity to vote in a bipartisan way ing; shortly thereafter, the 14th: fore I did.
on how we can do that. masks, masks, masks, in terms of the The committee won’t root out waste,
By the way, when we are talking personal protective equipment that fraud, and abuse. We keep saying it. It
about proxy voting, we have to be sure people needed; and, again, our big will be laser focused on ensuring that
that it is consistent with the wishes of CARES Act, which was bipartisan, as is taxpayer money goes to workers’ pay-
the Member of Congress who is yielding this bill today. That is why I hope, as checks and benefits, and it will ensure
a proxy, consistent with his or her rep- we continue to talk about how Con- that the Federal response is based on
resentation of their district. It is not gress conducts itself, we can do so in a the best possible science and guided by
just a license to the proxy holder to bipartisan way. health experts and that the money in-
work his or her well or the leadership Congress, again, has taken important vested is not being exploited by profit-
to have a handful of proxies. It is about steps in addressing this crisis, as I eers and price-gougers.
the actual representation of that per- mentioned, by passing three bills, over We already have been hearing of fam-
son whose district, his or her district, $2 trillion in desperately needed emer- ilies facing scams. There are people out
wishes to vote on a matter, with not gency relief. We started: emergency, there creating scams to steal the direct
that much latitude except as spelled emergency, mitigation for the impact payment checks. The Secretary of HHS
out by the granter of the proxy. on the health and the economy of our told me of a scam, one entity was sell-
As a new Member of Congress—some country. We hope to soon get to a re- ing masks they didn’t even have. That
of you may have identified with this— covery phase. But right now, we are is why this is so important, and that
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
I would go into a committee room and still in mitigation. timing is important, so people know we
think I had the best argument in the Again, later today, as we pass this, will be watching how these tax dollars
world for my new, fresh idea as a Mem- the fourth bill and urgently needed in- are spent.
ber of Congress, and the chairman terim bill, I am very pleased that it I agree with Mr. COLE. There is plen-
would have a pocketful of proxies and was transformed from a bill 2 weeks ty of time later for an after-action re-
there was no need to even have a dis- ago on the floor where the leader in the view of what went before. What we are
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1913
talking about is how this money is Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, first, I [From The New York Times, April 7, 2020]
spent as we go forward, to make sure, want to say that I am praying for com- TRUMP OUSTS PANDEMIC SPENDING WATCHDOG
as President Truman—Senator Truman fort for all of the families that have KNOWN FOR INDEPENDENCE
at the time—did, to put a spotlight on lost someone to COVID–19. I also want (By Ben Protess, Steve Eder, and David
the factories that were doing the work to pray for the families and those peo- Enrich)
that they were supposed to be doing. ple that are in the hospitals now sick WASHINGTON—President Trump moved on
We have a tall order in terms of vac- from COVID–19, that they have total Tuesday to oust the leader of a new watch-
cines and therapies and the rest, and and complete healing. dog panel charged with overseeing how his
we want to be sure that if there is, God And I want to thank the healthcare administration spends trillions of taxpayer
willing, a vaccine soon or a cure, even dollars in coronavirus pandemic relief, the
workers, the grocery store workers, the
latest step in an abruptly unfolding White
sooner than that, that we will be able truckers, everybody that every day is House power play against semi-independent
to have the resources available in putting their health at risk and their inspectors general across the government.
places where they need to be in real family’s health at risk to keep the The official, Glenn A. Fine, has been the
time, to be able to advance that. economy going and to help Americans. acting inspector general for the Defense De-
Led by Majority Whip CLYBURN—and And it is really good to be back here partment since before Mr. Trump took office
I am very proud of him, Mr. CLYBURN. today in Congress working and con- and was set to become the chairman of a new
I had the privilege of naming him then tinuing to do our job during this crisis. Pandemic Response Accountability Com-
to oversee what was happening in re- You know, two weeks ago, in the mittee to police how the government carries
sponse to Katrina, and he just was Senate—it was two weeks ago now—the out the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill.
magnificent in his precision of thought But Mr. Trump replaced Mr. Fine in his Pen-
Senate Republicans put up a bill to
and objectivity. tagon job, disqualifying him from serving on
help continue funding for small busi- the new oversight panel.
And again, this isn’t about assigning nesses so they could pay their workers. The move came at a time when the presi-
blame. This is about taking responsi- Two weeks—two weeks—we have been dent has been reasserting authority over the
bility and to be able to answer for what waiting around while Democrats have executive branch and signaling impatience
we have put forth, that it really did been delaying it. And why? I don’t un- with independent voices within the govern-
work. derstand why. ment that he considers disloyal. In recent
And so, the committee will exercise I have had businesses, just like all of days, he fired an inspector general who re-
oversight to ensure that the historic my fellow Members of Congress, that viewed the whistle-blower complaint that led
investment of taxpayers’ dollars, which have called me and said: I need the to his impeachment, nominated a White
is enormous, are being used wisely and House aide to another key inspector general
money; I need the money from this pro- post, declared that he would ignore certain
efficiently and that nobody is ripping gram, or my business is going to go
us off. Because where there is big oversight provisions in the new relief law
under. and attacked another inspector general who
money—we know this—people will Two weeks ago this could have hap- criticized virus testing shortages.
come up with a scam of some kind. pened. But, no, in those two weeks, Mr. Trump even cheered the firing of the
Mr. CLYBURN’s leadership, again, is millions and millions more people filed captain of an aircraft carrier for sending a
essential to the work. His review of the for unemployment insurance. And letter to fellow Navy officers pleading for
response to Hurricane Katrina, which I why? We could have done this funding help for his virus-stricken crew, castigating
mentioned, and so many issues critical for small businesses so they could pay the officer for airing unfavorable informa-
to working families, I am proud that he tion. Only after a loud backlash over the fir-
their workers two weeks ago. I am ing and the acting Navy secretary’s speech
has accepted the opportunity to serve thankful that we are finally—finally—
our country in this role now. calling the captain ‘‘stupid’’ did the presi-
getting it done. dent partly reverse himself and say he would
We urge our Republican colleagues Now, the rule talks about Speaker
and the administration to join us in re- look into it. The acting Navy secretary, who
PELOSI’s oversight committee. Maybe said he had ordered the firing because he as-
specting this oversight, that we can that is the reason that Democrats de- sumed Mr. Trump might have done it himself
save lives, deliver relief, and protect layed funding for small businesses and otherwise, took the hint and resigned on
our economy. And I say this with all their workers for two weeks. Tuesday.
the hope that I can muster, that we can Why do we need another oversight The questions of accountability and loy-
do this in a very bipartisan way. committee? Speaker PELOSI said, oh, it alty within the government have been per-
So anyone who is thinking of a scam sistent themes in the past three years as Mr.
is going to be all bipartisan. I am Trump has repeatedly waged war with what
or a delay in terms of how the product
sorry; I don’t believe it. And the reason he calls ‘‘the deep state.’’ He has rejected the
we are looking out for is produced and
I don’t believe it is because since the conventional views that figures like the di-
how available it is to everyone in our
beginning of 2019, I have served on rector of the F.B.I., the attorney general, in-
country, they will know that we, again,
are watching from both sides of the three committees, including Judiciary telligence directors, uniformed military
Committee, and in every single com- commanders, ethics officers and now inspec-
aisle how taxpayers’ dollars are being tors general should have a degree of auton-
spent. mittee, the entire goal has been non-
stop to criticize President Trump and omy.
With that, I once again thank the At his daily coronavirus briefing, Mr.
distinguished chairman for bringing try to influence the 2020 election. Trump offered no particular explanation for
this important legislation to the floor. And now you are going to tell me sidelining Mr. Fine but characterized it as
I hope that we may—on a different side that you are going to have another part of a larger shuffle of inspectors general,
of this vote, when the committee is oversight committee, even though some of them left over from past administra-
formed—have much in common in how every standing committee has over- tions, and cited unspecified ‘‘reports of
we put a very bright light on how the sight on this, and we have inspector bias.’’
generals and the CARES Act has over- Critics said on Tuesday that it sent a mes-
money is spent to make people sage to government watchdogs to tread soft-
healthier, to make our economy sight. Now we need a ninth committee
ly. ‘‘I cannot see how any inspector general
stronger, and to do so in a way that to do oversight, and it is supposedly
will feel in any way safe to do a good job,’’
brings us all together. going to be bipartisan? I am sorry. I said Danielle Brian, the executive director of
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I want to call BS. the Project on Government Oversight, a non-
thank the Speaker for her kind and And the reason I know this is because profit group. ‘‘They are all at the mercy at
thoughtful remarks. of past history. While Democrats were what the president feels.’’
I also want to acknowledge—I am focusing on impeachment, the Presi- But Mr. Trump’s allies said he felt burned
going to follow her example. I think we dent was working on coronavirus. by the investigations of his campaign and as-
should keep our mask on when we are Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, sociates and therefore distrusts figures he
doing our normal business but take the reason why we are doing this is be- perceives to be partisan foes within govern-
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
cause the President is undercutting ment, particularly former F.B.I. officials
them off when we are speaking. And
who obtained warrants under the Foreign In-
thank you for setting that example, oversight. telligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, to in-
Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I want to insert in vestigate a campaign aide’s ties to Russia.
With that, I would like to yield 3 the RECORD ‘‘Trump Ousts Pandemic ‘‘I’ve never heard the president express
minutes to the gentlewoman from Ari- Spending Watchdog Known for Inde- frustrations about independent oversight,’’
zona (Mrs. LESKO). pendence.’’ said Cliff Sims, a former White House aide.
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H1914 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
‘‘But he doesn’t think he should be subjected Before being appointed as the E.P.A. cut oversight. So we need to do our job
to his political enemies in supposedly apo- watchdog, Mr. O’Donnell clerked for two fed- here.
litical oversight roles. This has been deeply eral judges and worked since 2005 as a career
ingrained in his psyche since the moment he lawyer at the Justice Department, most re- STATEMENTS & RELEASES
learned that FISA had been abused to spy on cently in the criminal division working on STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
his campaign.’’ cases involving fraud, corruption and na- (Issued on: March 27, 2020)
In removing Mr. Fine from his role over- tional security. HEALTHCARE
seeing pandemic spending, Mr. Trump tar- At the Pentagon, Mr. O’Donnell will serve Today, I have signed into law H.R. 748, the
geted a former Justice Department inspector in an acting capacity pending Senate action ‘‘Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Se-
general who earned a reputation for aggres- on Jason Abend, a Customs and Border Pro- curity Act’’ or the ‘‘CARES’’ Act (the
sive independence in scrutinizing the F.B.I.’s tection official, who was nominated by Mr. ‘‘Act’’). The Act makes emergency supple-
use of surveillance and other law enforce- Trump last week to take on the post perma- mental appropriations and other changes to
ment powers in the years after the Sept. 11, nently. Mr. Fine remains the No. 2 official at law to help the Nation respond to the
2001, attacks. the Pentagon’s watchdog office. coronavirus outbreak. I note, however, that
Replacing Mr. Fine as the Pentagon’s act- Late last month, several hours after Mr. the Act includes several provisions that raise
ing inspector general will be Sean O’Donnell, Trump signed the $2 trillion coronavirus re- constitutional concerns.
who serves as the inspector general at the lief and stimulus bill with fanfare on tele- Section 15010(c)(3)(B) of Division B of the
Environmental Protection Agency and will vision, he issued a signing statement chal- Act purports to require the Chairperson of
do double duty for the time being. A group of lenging a key safeguard congressional Demo- the Council of the Inspectors General on In-
inspectors general led by Michael E. Horo- crats insisted upon as a condition of approv- tegrity and Efficiency to consult with mem-
witz, the Justice Department inspector gen- ing $500 billion in corporate bailout funds: bers of the Congress regarding the selection
eral, will determine who will replace Mr. that a special inspector general be empow- of the Executive Director and Deputy Execu-
Fine as chairman of the new pandemic over- ered to demand information about how the tive Director for the newly formed Pandemic
sight committee. Treasury Department spends the money and Response Accountability Committee. The
Created as part of the coronavirus relief who would be required to tell Congress if ex- Committee is an executive branch entity
bill, the committee consists of nine inspec- ecutive branch officials unreasonably balk. charged with conducting and coordinating
tors general from across the executive In his signing statement, Mr. Trump effec- oversight of the Federal Government’s re-
branch and will have an $80 million budget to tively declared that he could control what sponse to the coronavirus outbreak. I antici-
hunt for waste, fraud, abuse and illegality in information goes to Congress about any dis- pate that the Chairperson will be able to
the disbursement of the $2.2 trillion approved putes over access to information about how consult with members of the Congress with
by Congress to provide relief to Americans and why the money is spent. On Friday, he respect to these hiring decisions and will
affected by the pandemic. nominated Brian D. Miller, a White House welcome their input. But a requirement to
In announcing Mr. Fine’s short-lived role aide, to serve as the special inspector general consult with the Congress regarding execu-
last week, Mr. Horowitz had praised him as overseeing the corporate relief. tive decision-making, including with respect
‘‘uniquely qualified’’ to run oversight of Then late that night, Mr. Trump fired the to the President’s Article II authority to
‘‘large organizations,’’ citing his 11 years as inspector general for the intelligence com- oversee executive branch operations, vio-
the top Justice Department watchdog and munity, Michael K. Atkinson, whose insist- lates the separation of powers by intruding
his four years serving as the top Pentagon ence on telling Congress about the whistle- upon the President’s power and duty to su-
one. blower complaint about Mr. Trump’s deal- pervise the staffing of the executive branch
‘‘The inspector general community recog- ings with Ukraine prompted impeachment under Article II, section 1 (vesting the Presi-
nizes the need for transparency surrounding, proceedings last fall. dent with the ‘‘executive Power’’) and Arti-
and strong and effective independent over- At the same time, Mr. Trump also an- cle II, section 3 (instructing the President to
sight of, the federal government’s spending nounced a slew of other inspector general ‘‘take Care’’ that the laws are faithfully exe-
in response to this public health crisis,’’ Mr. nominees, including Mr. Abend as the new cuted). Accordingly, my Administration will
Horowitz said at the time. Defense Department inspector general, and treat this provision as hortatory but not
Democrats immediately condemned Mr. three current and former Justice Depart- mandatory.
Fine’s sudden ouster as ‘‘corrupt,’’ in the ment officials to be the new inspectors gen- Section 4018 of Division A of the Act estab-
words of Senator Chuck Schumer of New eral at the C.I.A., the Education Department lishes a new Special Inspector General for
York, the minority leader. ‘‘President and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR) within the De-
Trump is abusing the coronavirus pandemic Mr. Trump redoubled his attacks on the partment of the Treasury to manage audits
to eliminate honest and independent public acting inspector general for the Department and investigations of loans and investments
servants because they are willing to speak of Health and Human Services, Christi A. made by the Secretary of the Treasury under
truth to power and because he is so clearly Grimm, in a statement on Twitter on Tues- the Act. Section 4018(e)(4)(B) of the Act au-
afraid of strong oversight,’’ Mr. Schumer day, a day after she released a report about thorizes the SIGPR to request information
said. hospitals facing severe shortages in tests as from other government agencies and requires
Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, Demo- they battle the pandemic: the SIGPR to report to the Congress ‘‘with-
crat of New York and the chairwoman of the Why didn’t the I.G., who spent 8 years with out delay’’ any refusal of such a request that
House Oversight and Government Reform the Obama Administration (Did she Report ‘‘in the judgment of the Special Inspector
Committee, called Mr. Trump’s actions ‘‘a on the failed H1N1 Swine Flu debacle where General’’ is unreasonable. I do not under-
direct insult to the American taxpayers—of 17,000 people died?), want to talk to the Ad- stand, and my Administration will not treat,
all political stripes—who want to make sure mirals, Generals, V.P. & others in charge, be- this provision as permitting the SIGPR to
that their tax dollars are not squandered on fore doing her report. Another Fake Dos- issue reports to the Congress without the
wasteful boondoggles, incompetence or polit- sier!—Trump Tweet presidential supervision required by the
ical favors.’’ On Monday, Mr. Trump had suggested that Take Care Clause, Article II, section 3.
Still, it is not a given that Mr. O’Donnell Ms. Grimm’s report was politically biased Certain other provisions (such as sections
will toe the line at the Pentagon. At the against him. Ms. Grimm is a career official 20001, 21007, and 21010 of Division B of the
E.P.A., he has issued reports that are critical who began work at the inspector general of- Act) purport to condition the authority of
of Mr. Trump’s appointed administrator, An- fice late in the Clinton administration and officers to spend or reallocate funds upon
drew R. Wheeler, who has sought to limit stayed there throughout the Bush and consultation with, or the approval of, one or
Mr. O’Donnell’s authority and oversight. Obama administrations, taking over the role more congressional committees. These provi-
Only last week, after Mr. O’Donnell’s office of acting inspector general in an interim ca- sions are impermissible forms of congres-
released a report concluding that the E.P.A. pacity this year. sional aggrandizement with respect to the
failed to adequately warn communities liv- Mr. Trump’s interest in inspectors general execution of the laws. The Congress may af-
ing in proximity to certain carcinogenic has grown more intense lately. Until his fect the execution of the laws only by enact-
chemicals of their health risks, Mr. Wheeler most recent nominations, he had failed to ing a new statute in accordance with the re-
publicly rebuked the inspector general’s re- pick anyone for about one-third of the 37 in- quirements of bicameralism and present-
port for its ‘‘tone and substance’’ and de- spector general positions that are presi- ment prescribed in Article I, section 7. My
manded that he rescind it. Mr. O’Donnell re- dentially appointed, according to the Project Administration will make appropriate ef-
fused. on Government Oversight. Those roles were forts to notify the relevant committees be-
Privately, some people within the govern- temporarily assumed by other officials fore taking the specified actions and will ac-
ment’s inspector general community sug- whose lack of job security and status typi- cord the recommendations of such commit-
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gested that the appointment of Mr. cally makes them more cautious than a per- tees all appropriate and serious consider-
O’Donnell to the Pentagon post would divert manent appointee, government experts say. ation, but it will not treat spending deci-
his oversight from the E.P.A., which has con- sions as dependent on prior consultation
tinued to move forward with Mr. Trump’s Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I with or the approval of congressional com-
agenda of reducing or eliminating public also insert into the RECORD the Presi- mittees.
health and environmental regulations, even dent’s signing statement, which is Finally, several provisions (such as sec-
as the coronavirus rages. crystal clear that he is trying to under- tions 3511(d)(4) and 3862 (creating section
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1915
744N(d)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and (Mr. BURGESS), my good friend and dis- It is a testament to the private sector
Cosmetic Act) of Division A of the Act) pur- tinguished member of both the Rules in this country that responded so well.
port to require recommendations regarding Committee and the Energy and Com- And it certainly puts to shame the
legislation to the Congress. Because Article Democratic majority’s response during
merce Committee.
II, section 3 gives the President the author-
ity to recommend only ‘‘such Measures as he Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, of January and February.
shall judge necessary and expedient,’’ my course, we are all observing the At- We are in the middle of working to
Administration will continue the practice of tending Physician’s request that we ensure patient survival and keeping
treating provisions like these as advisory stay at least 6 feet apart. And I appre- our economy afloat. Now is not the
and non-binding. ciate the Democratic Speaker’s ac- time to authorize yet another partisan
DONALD J. TRUMP. knowledgment that it is perhaps better committee to conduct oversight in a
THE WHITE HOUSE, March 27, 2020. to address the American people with- manner that we know will only be good
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I out a mask. for the next new cycle.
yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman Mr. COLE, I also want to extend my Early in this crisis, we forewent an
from New York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. sympathies to you. I know your dis- opportunity to prepare. Let us not
MALONEY), the distinguished chair of trict suffered greatly last night in the make the same mistake again. Let us
the Committee on Oversight and Re- storm, and certainly our hearts are not continue to waste time. Let us do
form. the work of the American people and
with our near neighbors in Oklahoma.
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New get to business as usual. If we had been
So our actions today represent a lost
York. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong better authorizers, less oversight would
opportunity. I am grateful that we are
be necessary.
support of this resolution which estab- going to finally pass legislation that Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
lishes a new select subcommittee on will provide more funding for our small yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
the coronavirus within the Committee businesses and for our healthcare pro- from Georgia (Mrs. MCBATH).
on Oversight and Reform. viders. Mrs. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I
I look forward to working closely We should have been preparing for thank the gentleman for yielding.
with the distinguished majority whip the needs of the American people since I rise to support the rule and under-
from South Carolina, Mr. CLYBURN, on the first of this year. Instead, the lying legislation to establish the select
this very important effort. House considered 15 pieces of non-cru- committee, and I also support this bill
As the Speaker has explained, this cial legislation and five resolutions that we will be voting on later today.
new subcommittee is modeled directly that do not now, nor ever will, have the Small businesses are the heart of a
after the Truman committee which force of law. thriving community and vital to the
saved billions of taxpayer dollars dur- Six months before this crisis started American economy, and there isn’t one
ing World War II and helped mobilize in January, President Trump signed in Georgia or across the country that
our Nation, our industries, and our en- into law the Pandemic and All-Hazards has not been impacted by the pan-
tire population for war. Preparedness Act, the product of our demic.
Harry Truman explained at the time health subcommittee, last Congress This crisis demands we all continue
that it was critical during this effort to and this Congress. our work together to ensure that our
conduct oversight, to prevent the But after this fire broke out across American families are kept safe, Amer-
waste of taxpayer funds, rather than the globe, did we do any real-time over- ican small businesses are supported,
waiting until after they were spent. sight as to whether or not the bill that and American workers receive the re-
Catching problems early and cor- we had passed, the bill that we had la- lief that they need. This funding is one
recting them immediately saved not bored over, was, in fact, performing as more step on the long journey toward
only money but lives. Today our Na- indicated? recovery.
tion, our economy, and our people, face The Speaker talked about real-time I want to take this time to offer my
a similar mobilization effort as we en- oversight. We had an opportunity, but condolences to the victims who have
gage in this war against the we didn’t take it. lost their lives to this awful disease.
coronavirus. Microbes are killing more The Energy and Commerce Com- My prayers are with those mourning in
people than missiles. mittee held hearings on flavored to- Georgia, across America, and around
And let me be clear. Right now, we bacco, we looked into horse racing, we the globe.
are only in the first battle. This week looked into ticket scalping. And these To our doctors, nurses, and first re-
the director of the Centers for Disease issues have a place in our legislative sponders: Americans everywhere are
Control and Prevention warned that we agenda, but not in the middle of a pan- looking up to your love, your sacrifice,
could face a second, more deadly wave demic when we should have been doing and your uncommon courage.
of coronavirus this fall. He warned that I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the rule and
real-time oversight of a bill we had
it could, ‘‘Actually be even more dif- the underlying bill.
signed into law a mere 6 months before. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3
ficult than the one we just went So as the leader of the Health Sub-
through.’’ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
committee on Energy and Commerce, I (Mr. JORDAN), my good friend and a dis-
But our national stockpile is nearly began calling for action in January. It
depleted. We need protective equip- tinguished Member.
was not until February 26, as an add-on Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I
ment, we need critical medical sup- to a budget hearing for Health and thank the gentleman for yielding.
plies, we need tests, and we need new Human Services where there was a Madam Speaker, eight different over-
vaccines and treatments. We need all brief panel assembled, and only 10 sight processes are in place as we
the supplies and materials necessary Members were allowed to ask questions speak:
not only to safeguard our current med- of this expert panel on the emerging We have got the Oversight Com-
ical workers but to restore our stock- novel coronavirus. mittee itself, which has the broadest
piles and to build them up, so we are jurisdiction of any committee in Con-
ready for the next battle and the one b 1045
gress to do oversight.
after that and whatever comes next. It was a full 2 weeks later before Con- We have the committees of jurisdic-
This is something we all should be gress considered its first comprehen- tion, which each have a subcommittee
able to agree on. This should be a bi- sive bill. During consideration in the that does oversight: Ways and Means,
partisan effort, and I encourage all of Rules Committee, I requested, because Energy and Commerce, Small Business,
my colleagues to come together, to one hadn’t been done, a survey of ven- and, of course, Financial Services.
protect the interests of the American tilators. We didn’t know how many we We have the CARES Act itself, which
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taxpayers, and to promote the most ef- had available. created the Oversight Commission in
ficient, effective, equitable, and trans- Now, thanks to vital steps taken by the bill itself.
parent mobilization in history in re- the Trump administration, to this We have the CARES Act, which also
sponse to this deadly crisis. date, no patient has been denied a ven- created the Pandemic Response Ac-
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 tilator that needed one. This is a testa- countability Committee in the bill
minutes to the gentleman from Texas ment to the administration’s response. itself. That is the fourth one.
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H1916 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
The fifth one, we have the IGs, the tion with the Office of the Attending Physi- Do we really need an oversight com-
inspectors general from each of the re- cian (OAP), the Office of the Sergeant at mittee? Look what has happened al-
spective agencies: Health and Human Arms (SAA), and the Committee on House ready.
Administration. The OAP continues to rec-
Services, Treasury. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
ommend teleworking for all Congressional
Sixth, we have a special inspector offices and that Members and staff maintain time of the gentlewoman has expired.
general created in the CARES Act. 6-foot social distance spacing as much as Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
Seventh, we have $20 million in fund- practicable when in the offices or the Cap- yield an additional 15 seconds to the
ing appropriated in the CARES Act, itol. gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. SCHA-
which created a process for auditors The OAP, in conjunction with guidance KOWSKY).
and experts at GAO to do further over- from the Centers for Disease Control and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Headlines such
sight. Prevention, recommends that all Members as a $55 million contract to a bankrupt
And finally, eighth, we have the FTC and attendees should:
1. Avoid congregating in groups upon ar-
company, who is a baker, in order to
and DOJ, the agencies doing oversight rival to the room; make N95 masks.
and holding people accountable for the 2. Use provided hand sanitizer; ‘‘Hedge Fund Managers Claiming
fraud that may be committed. 3. Apply a face cover if a face covering is Bailouts As Small Businesses.’’
Eight different entities doing over- not already worn (a face cover will be avail- ‘‘Over 43,000 U.S. Millionaires Will
sight, but the Democrats want a ninth. able for those who need them); Get ‘stimulus’ Averaging $1.6 Million
Why? Eight different committees doing 4. Proceed directly to their seat, maintain- Each.’’
ing proper distancing; and Yes, we need an oversight committee,
the work making sure that the hard-
5. Remain seated until the conclusion of
earned tax dollars of the American peo- the meeting, to the extent possible. and we need it now.
ple have the proper oversight. But we Use of a face covering, while voluntary, is Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2
need a ninth for what reason? The recommended for this specific proceeding minutes to the gentleman from Ken-
ninth is political. Eight committees due to occasions when the six-foot separa- tucky (Mr. COMER), my good friend and
looking out for the taxpayer, the ninth tion distance may be not be possible (Mem- a distinguished gentleman.
looking out for Joe Biden; the ninth to ber private communications with staff, docu- Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I
go after President Trump. ment distribution if needed, witness or staff thank the gentleman for yielding.
movements, etc.).
This is just a continuation of the at- Americans are suffering right now.
The OAP has advised that a face cover will
tack that the Democrats have had on produce a minimal reduction in sound when Hospitals, families, and businesses are
the President for the past 4 years. It using a microphone. The face covering is figuring out what their next step will
started before he was President when likely to be most useful in preventing viral be.
they opened the Trump Russia inves- spread while a person is speaking. But, instead of helping American
tigation, spied on two American citi- Members are encouraged to attend without families, Speaker PELOSI wants to set
zens associated with the Trump cam- staff or to limit themselves to a maximum of up a new, costly, unnecessary select
one staff person per Member if necessary. committee. This is an outrageous at-
paign. It continued with the Mueller
Staff who do accompany their bosses are re-
investigation. And then, of course, we quested to sit in the audience and only ap-
tempt to yet again use Congress to
had the ridiculous impeachment proc- proach the dais if/when needed. smear President Trump in an election
ess based on a phone call between the Members and attendees should not engage year, just like the impeachment cha-
President of Ukraine and President in personal greetings such as handshakes or rade a few months ago.
Trump. embraces. I am all about oversight. We already
And now this. Now this, a select com- Members and attendees are asked to re- have an Oversight Committee that is
mittee in the summer of an election spect markings present on chairs to prevent tasked with carrying out these very
their use, in accordance with social
year to attack the President when we duties, and it is a very good com-
distancing guidelines.
already have eight different entities Access restrictions to the Capitol Complex mittee, a quality committee made up
doing the oversight we are all supposed remain in place. Per guidance from the SAA, of outstanding members from both
to do to look out for the taxpayer in- House Office Buildings remain open to Mem- sides of the aisle.
terests. bers, Congressional staff, and credentialed This is yet another political game
The Democrats want a ninth because press. from Speaker PELOSI using tax dollars
the ninth is political, and the ninth When the meeting is adjourned, departure for political gain. Creating a new select
from the room should continue to respect so- committee is completely redundant.
will be chaired by our colleague, the
cial distancing by avoiding congregating in
biggest supporter of the Democrats’ groups near the exit doors, hallways, or ele-
We must stop these games and, instead,
nominee for President. vators. Members and attendees should use focus on the real problems facing the
Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. waterless hand cleansing upon exit after re- American people.
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I moving and disposing of their face covering. Creating an entirely new select com-
include in the RECORD the Guidance for Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I mittee is an irresponsible waste of time
Members and Attendees provided to us yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman and resources that could be used else-
by the Office of the Attending Physi- from Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). where. Let’s refocus on getting this
cian. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, country back on track and moving for-
While face coverings are not manda- I thank the gentleman for yielding. ward for the American people.
tory, they are certainly recommended. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker,
The Office of Attending Physician has this resolution. It is sad to say, but when it comes to $2 trillion, I don’t
also advised that ‘‘a face cover will this coronavirus pandemic has caused think there can be enough oversight. I
produce a minimal reduction in sound some of the greatest suffering in our think our constituents expect us to
when using a microphone. The face time for individuals and for our coun- make sure that that money is being
covering is likely to be most useful in try at large. And yet there are those spent where it should be spent, where
preventing viral spread while a person few who would see this as an oppor- Congress intended it.
is speaking.’’ tunity to benefit for themselves and Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
So people can do whatever they want their companies by price gouging or, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
to do, but I would say, while we are all one might say, pandemic profiteering. JACKSON LEE).
trying to show how fearless we are, we We have good reason to be skeptical Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
should be mindful of the people sur- about many of these companies, includ- I thank the gentleman for yielding.
rounding us. So until I am advised oth- ing the pharmaceutical industry. For Madam Speaker, I rise to support the
erwise, I am going to keep my mask example, even during this crisis, we underlying bill, which was made much
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on. saw Gilead seek and receive from the safer to save lives and to provide eco-
GUIDANCE FOR MEMBERS AND ATTENDEES FDA 7 years of orphan drug exclusivity nomic opportunity. But, as well, I rise
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON RULES for a possible treatment for the virus. to support the bipartisan, as it should
In order to accommodate this meeting of Only after organizations stepped in and be, oversight bill created by the vision
the House Committee on Rules, the following protested did Gilead go back to the of our Speaker, and I ask my col-
guidelines have been developed in consulta- FDA to withdraw their request. leagues to understand what oversight
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1917
is in COVID–19. It is to save lives and partisan hack job; and if it is not, I will Commerce Committee and others. It
to make sure that we focus on the be the first one to apologize and happy will erode the trust and effectiveness in
needs of those like the elderly in nurs- to buy the Speaker a pint of her favor- our work that is underway during the
ing homes who need to be tested or es- ite ice cream. greatest healthcare and economic cri-
sential workers. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- sis we have seen in our lifetime.
Or we find out the underlying incom- bers are reminded to address their re- We shouldn’t create a new committee
petence, if you will, of large companies marks to the Chair. that will divide us, make this response
getting money from the mom-and-pop Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I partisan, create more bureaucracy in
businesses. That needs oversight. want to remind my colleagues, one of Congress, and undermine the hard, bi-
Or we promote more testing, like the our constitutional responsibilities is partisan work of my colleagues and
$25 billion that is in the underlying oversight. We just appropriated over $2 staff who are doing their jobs on their
bill, and contact tracing. That is what trillion, and I applaud the Speaker of committees already.
oversight is. the House for making sure that this Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
Oversight is to maintain the idea Congress does its job and does proper leagues on both sides of the aisle to let
that we have responsibility for the oversight. our committees continue to do their
budget of this Nation, but we have the I don’t know about their constitu- jobs and reject this resolution.
responsibility for the lives of this Na- ents, but my constituents are puzzled Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, we
tion. why some of the money that was de- are waiting for a couple of other speak-
I served as a staffer for the Select signed to go to small businesses ended ers. I reserve the balance of my time.
Committee on Assassinations when Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2
up going to these megabusinesses like
people were in dismay about the assas- minutes to the gentleman from Geor-
Shake Shack or Ruth’s Chris Steak
sinations of Dr. King and John F. Ken- gia (Mr. HICE), my good friend.
House, so they want accountability. Mr. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speak-
nedy. I will tell you that even that Two trillion dollars, I mean, is that er, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
small committee in the House gave too much to ask? So I applaud the Madam Speaker, in a very short pe-
some comfort that Congress was caring Speaker of the House for focusing us on riod of time, this body has moved an
about lives and about our budget. making sure that we do our job, but we unprecedented amount of money at an
I support enthusiastically the rule do oversight. This select committee is unprecedented speed, and rather than
and, as well, the bipartisan Oversight warranted, it is important, and I think taking a step back now and looking at
Committee. Wise people will know that Democrats and Republicans should the effectiveness of what we have im-
Congress must continue to do its work overwhelmingly support it. plemented so far, here we are today
in a way that saves lives and strength- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- rushing forward, not only with addi-
ens our economy. ance of my time. tional funds, but also to rig up an un-
I ask support for this bill and the Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 necessary and duplicative select sub-
rule. minutes to the gentlewoman from committee for the purpose of inves-
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 Washington (Mrs. RODGERS), my good tigating the President of the United
minutes to the gentleman from Geor- friend and a distinguished member of States. Make no mistake. That is the
gia (Mr. FERGUSON), my good friend the Energy and Commerce Committee. purpose of this subcommittee.
and the distinguished chief deputy Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. It is entirely political in nature, de-
whip of the Republican Conference. Madam Speaker, I thank the gen- signed to influence the 2020 elections.
Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I tleman for yielding. I appreciate his From the moment it is gaveled into
thank the gentleman for yielding. leadership. life, there is no question that the mis-
Madam Speaker, here we go again. I rise in opposition to this select sion will be to prevent the reelection of
Once again you are about to do what committee. Energy and Commerce has President Donald Trump.
America doesn’t want. a long tradition of bipartisan oversight There are already eight real over-
We just came from our districts in its broad jurisdiction and has the sight and watchdog processes in this
where we have been solving problems tools to prevent any fraud, waste, or body. Eight.
with our constituents, helping them abuse. The Oversight and Reform Com-
through a very, very difficult time, In the Consumer Protection and mittee, of which I am a member, has
working to make sure that they had Commerce Subcommittee, we are the broadest jurisdiction in this body,
funding through the PPP loan pro- working right now, Republicans and and we have the power and the experi-
gram, working to make sure that our Democrats, to make sure the FTC is ence needed to oversee any Federal
hospitals had the supplies that they protecting Americans from bad actors coronavirus response.
needed. who are using the coronavirus to com- So why does the Speaker want a
I hoped there would be a sense of co- mit fraud. Our Oversight and Investiga- ninth? Why are we here looking at a
operation and shared stories of good tion team is working around the clock ninth oversight subcommittee, espe-
things that were going on back in our to stop bad actors and to track the cially when the Democrats are already
district, despite the hard times. I had spread of the virus itself, as well as the in charge of the eight that we already
hoped that those commonalities from stockpiles of PPE, ventilators, and test have? Why would the appointment of
all congressional districts could be the kits sent to the States. this new select subcommittee be a
shared stories that we built a new Our Health Subcommittee is working member of her own leadership team
sense of cooperation on. But, no. You with HHS, FDA, CDC, and NIH to en- who has already publicly stated that
all seem to be like a bird dog pointing sure resources reach hospitals and this virus creates for the Democrats a
at a quail. You just can’t help your- frontline healthcare workers who need tremendous opportunity to restructure
selves. it most. things to fit their vision?
First of all, you had Russia, then im- The same can be said for the Small That makes it clear what the purpose
peachment, and now the coronavirus. Business and Financial Services Com- of this is all about: it is because this is
You just can’t do it. And you will say— mittees’ efforts to ensure that PPP an election year, it is because they
I have heard it already—that this will loans are implemented effectively. hate the President of the United
not be partisan, that this is needed There is also the Ways and Means States, and because of that, I strongly
work. Needed more than eight commit- Committee oversight of the economic encourage my colleagues to reject this
tees that are already out there? Well, I impact payments or any of a number of resolution, which is intended to create
can tell you this will be partisan, being other committees involved in Congress’ an un-needed and duplicative com-
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led by an individual who is the Demo- unprecedented bipartisan response to mittee.
cratic nominee’s number one sup- this crisis. Madam Chair, I again thank the gen-
porter. tleman for yielding.
And I will tell you this: I am willing b 1100 Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
to bet just about everything I have got This select committee duplicates the yield myself such time as I may con-
that this will be nothing more than a existing jurisdiction of the Energy and sume.
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H1918 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
We are still waiting for a couple of mands that wasted time and added There are suicides, like in Knox
additional speakers but let me just say costs. County, Tennessee: they have lost
one thing here again. It is hard to be- I supported the CARES Act only be- more people to suicide than the
lieve what we are hearing here. cause I believed a better bill could not coronavirus.
My friends on one hand are telling be produced given the current major- We have got to be careful about
the American people that we all care ity. spreading fear. We can be concerned,
deeply about oversight, we all want to For the same reason, I support the but we shouldn’t be afraid.
make sure that the money is being bill to be taken up later today, but But another committee? For heav-
spent properly, but yet they are op- with this grave warning: unprecedented en’s sake, that is not what we need.
posed to this. and unconstitutional government It is interesting that the answer the
It is $2 trillion that we have re- edicts have deliberately destroyed the Democrats have to potential waste,
sponded with to try to deal with the livelihoods of millions of Americans fraud, and abuse is to create another
crisis that we are faced with. That is a and have set in motion both an eco- wasteful committee.
lot of money. To object to a select nomic depression and government in- Just make the committees we have
committee to basically make sure that solvencies that threaten the very sur- do their job of oversight, and then we
it is being spent properly as this thing vival of our Nation. They must end will be all right. There needs to be
is unfolding, my colleagues have such a now. oversight.
difficult time dealing with that. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I We apparently need a committee to
Madam Speaker, again, I applaud the yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman give oversight to the oversight com-
Speaker of the House for her leadership from Illinois (Mrs. BUSTOS). mittees, because they are not doing
during this pandemic, not only on this, Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, 4 their job, and that is why we need a
but on a whole range of other issues. weeks ago we passed the largest eco- new one.
She has taken what my Republican nomic rescue in American history. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
friends in the Senate and what the Today we replenish some of its most am absolutely stunned over the out-
White House has proposed and made it important programs. rage to sunshine and oversight. Give
better and made it more responsive to Behind each program are real people me a break.
average working people. in desperate need of our help: Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
That is what this is about: making healthcare workers and hospitals in the gentleman from California (Mr.
sure the money gets to the people who dire need of support, supplies, and test- THOMPSON).
need it, not to the people who don’t ing; Mr. THOMPSON of California.
need it, not to the big corporations, Small business owners agonizing Madam Speaker, I thank the gen-
not to the well-off or the well con- amid uncertainty and boxed out of tleman for yielding.
nected. loans by big banks serving well-con- Madam Speaker, this isn’t the bill I
So I don’t understand all of the hand- nected clients; and would have written. I am incredibly
wringing over this select committee. Our family farmers who continue to frustrated that Senate Republicans
This is an important select committee, feed the world under unprecedented stalled negotiations without offering
just like the one that then-Senator hardship, unable to qualify for the dis- any fixes to help get money into the
Truman did to make sure that the aster loans afforded to others. hands of the small businesses that are
moneys that were appropriated went to Today’s legislation rights these
hardest hit.
help win the war. wrongs. It also harnesses the help of
Funding needs to get to legitimate
We want to win this war too. our community banks and our credit
small businesses quickly and effi-
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- unions, but it does not go far enough.
ciently, not to big corporations.
ance of my time. Our cities, our States need assistance
Senate Republicans also rejected
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield now. They soon may have to lay off po-
funding to help support State and local
myself such time as I may consume for lice and first responders, the very peo-
governments that are on the tip of the
a quick response to my friend. ple we need on the front lines in this
I recall that we requested oversight spear in fighting this pandemic.
crisis.
committees for TARP. That was not al- Our corn growers and ethanol pro- With your help, Madam Speaker, we
lowed by then-Speaker PELOSI. We re- ducers deserve the same help afforded did get some improvements in this bill,
quested oversight committees for the Big Oil. We must take care of them in such as additional funding for hospitals
stimulus package in 2009. That, too, this next relief package. and testing to help respond to this cri-
was not agreed to by Speaker PELOSI. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 sis so we can eventually reopen our
So we find this new need for oversight minutes to the gentleman from Texas country, and improvements to the PPP
refreshing, but somewhat questionable. (Mr. GOHMERT), my very good friend. and the EIDL program, which were cru-
Madam Speaker, I also remind my Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, I cial.
friend, there are eight existing com- thank my friend, the gentleman from Times are uncertain and people in
mittees, all of which, by the way, the Oklahoma (Mr. COLE), for yielding, and my district are hurting. They need re-
Democrats control, all of which they I am greatly sorry for the losses yes- lief now.
chair. terday, as well as down in BRIAN I will support this bill, but I look for-
We have confidence in the eight ex- BABIN’s district. ward to future packages to get the
isting committees to do their job. We I heard the Speaker say we need to needed relief to our communities that
don’t see the need for a ninth. move in a bipartisan manner, and I be- need it the most.
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to lieve she meant that. But then I can’t Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I reserve
the gentleman from California (Mr. forget that she said the same thing the balance of my time.
MCCLINTOCK), my great friend. about impeachment a year ago: we Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Madam Speaker, can’t move forward with impeachment yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman
when we passed the Paycheck Protec- unless it is bipartisan. from California (Ms. BASS).
tion Program, I warned that serious So what are we doing first? We are Ms. BASS. Madam Speaker, a few
flaws would deliver a windfall to busi- going to have a vote to create another days after the last bill became law, sto-
nesses that did not need it at the ex- oversight committee. So apparently ries began to surface of an extreme dis-
pense of those that do. That is exactly the answer the Democrats have is if proportionate death rate among Afri-
what happened, exhausting the fund you have got eight committees that can Americans in several cities, with a
within days. aren’t doing their job, we have the an- 70 percent death rate, while African
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Now it is imperative to replenish this swer: another committee. Americans are only 20 to 30 percent of
program to assure that small busi- For heaven’s sake, we have got peo- the population.
nesses that desperately need these ple losing their businesses, they are Some cite underlying health condi-
funds receive them. isolated. tions as the reason for the extreme dis-
Now, this could have been done 2 Humans are social animals; we like proportionate death rate, as though
weeks ago but for the Democrats’ de- to be around other people. this is a reason that nothing can be
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1919
done, as though we have to just accept b 1115 Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
this for now. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I con- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
This bill begins the process of ad- tinue to reserve the balance of my from California (Ms. LEE).
dressing the disproportionate death time. Ms. LEE of California. Madam
rate, but oversight and advocacy from Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Speaker, first of all, let me just say I
Congress and the public will still be am happy to yield 1 minute to the gen- rise in support of this package. I want
needed. tlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. to thank the Speaker; our leadership
The bill calls for a report to be issued CLARK), my good friend. committee chair; members of the Con-
in 21 days, where we should have a bet- Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. gressional Black Caucus, including
ter picture of what is happening and, Madam Speaker, with the Second Chairwoman BASS; Chairwoman KELLY,
hopefully, provide a roadmap. World War raging, Eleanor Roosevelt chair of the Health Braintrust; and all
The bill calls for reporting data on noted that: ‘‘When all is said and done, of the Members and staff who are work-
demographics including race, on the and the statesmen discuss the future of ing together on the health provisions
number and rates of cases, hospitaliza- the world, the fact remains that people of this bill.
tion, and deaths from COVID. fight these wars.’’ Also, let me just take this moment
When the report is made public, it The war on the pandemic is being to thank our essential workers for
will be clear that communities with waged in our crowded hospitals, our their sacrifices during this horrific
large African American populations empty classrooms, and our closed busi- pandemic.
will require focused and concentrated nesses. Today’s bill will bring Ameri- Evidence has piled up that Black and
testing with rapid results, that contact cans desperately needed relief, and I Brown people are bearing some of the
tracing and early and aggressive treat- am deeply grateful for the victories worst burdens of COVID. This bill re-
ment will be required, and that hos- that Democrats secured. quires, as Chairwoman BASS said, the
pitals should reevaluate how they But the pandemic has exposed the CDC to get us the data on which com-
make decisions regarding who has ac- deep income, racial, and health dispari- munities are bearing the worst brunt
cess to ventilators. ties as it cuts a lethal path through our and then to make sure that testing is
Using formulas that decide based on communities. And it has exposed the focused on these communities.
who they believe has a better chance of callous and deadly indifference of the But let me just say, we have much
survival will undoubtedly hurt African protectors of the wealthy and the con- more work to do. Too many people
Americans and contribute to the dis- nected all too willing to sacrifice our were trapped in poverty before this cri-
proportionate death rate. neighbors for the bottom line. sis, and now more people have been
When we gather again to pass an- But in this House, the people’s pushed into the ranks of the poor be-
other bill, we must include targeted re- House, we know that our strength and cause of COVID. People are lining up in
sources that support aggressive inter- our recovery as a nation rests in the front of food banks.
ventions. health and prosperity of all Americans, We need to increase SNAP funding,
It is just not acceptable for the rich- and we will fight with everything we support the State and local govern-
est country in the history of the world have for the people. ment workers who are on the front
to allow different populations to suffer Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I con- lines of this crisis, protect our elec-
like they don’t even live in the United tinue to reserve the balance of my tions, and help people who are falling
States but live in countries without time. through the cracks and living on the
the resources to protect its population. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I edge. We have a moral and we have a
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I reserve yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman patriotic duty to do this.
the balance of my time. from Ohio (Ms. FUDGE). Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I myself the balance of my time.
yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I want to begin by
Madam Speaker, I wonder when this thanking my friend and the Rules Com-
from the Virgin Islands (Ms.
administration will treat all of its citi- mittee as a committee and the staff.
PLASKETT).
zens with the same concern. Yes, our We met last night. Obviously, we are
Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, I
small businesses need additional sup- all meeting now at an extraordinary
thank the gentleman for yielding the
port and our hospitals, too, but big time, a very difficult time.
time.
Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues banks should not have access to any I was very proud of our committee
more money because they have really last night, particularly our chairman
in support of this rule. It will continue
already taken care of all of their and our staff for reopening and func-
urgent support for our small busi-
friends. tioning and producing a contentious
nesses, hospitals, and healthcare pro- I am happy our farmers are being
viders on the front line. item, but a worthy item, to discuss
helped, but what about hungry people? here today. So thank you to Mr. Chair-
Madam Speaker, I want to commend
The USDA has decided to buy meat and
the House leadership for ensuring that man for his leadership, and I thank our
produce, put it in a box, and send it to
this agreement, which includes the staff and thank our fellow members of
the unemployed through food banks.
agreement that we will pass later on the committee.
Why not just increase SNAP benefits And I want to thank the body, in-
today, includes $120 million more in as we have requested?
small business relief that the Senate cluding the Speaker. We are here today
When is the right time to fight for
initially wanted to provide. functioning. Obviously, we are taking
teachers and sanitation workers, po-
I am pleased to see that we will in- precautions. Obviously, we are doing
lice, fire, and EMS?
clude SBA disaster loan programs and When do we ensure prisoners are safe things differently. We are a little bit
other provisions for extra support for and are afforded appropriate care? out of our comfort zone as a body. This
small businesses. When do we provide nursing homes isn’t the way we normally work. But
The dynamic work of the members of with adequate resources? the point is we are here in Washington,
the House leadership have been hard When do we guarantee every child D.C., and we are working.
fought for those forgotten, and I have a has access to distance learning? While we disagree very strongly over
great concern that without the select When is it the right time to fight for this particular piece of legislation,
committee, the implementation of the those who can’t afford to pay 2 or 3 later today we will vote in over-
incredible work will not be done. months’ rent at once? whelming bipartisan numbers for an-
Reporting requirements holding this Most Americans don’t have the lux- other relief package, Madam Speaker,
administration to task are important ury of waiting for us to pick and for the American people.
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for those that have been forgotten, for choose who gets help. We keep saying That is the fourth time in a row that
people like those in the Virgin Islands it will be in the next bill. Our people we have done it, and we have done it
and for those who have been dispropor- need it now. without partisanship. That doesn’t
tionately affected by this law. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I con- mean there wasn’t hard bargaining. It
Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of tinue to reserve the balance of my doesn’t mean that everybody got ev-
the rule. time. erything they wanted in the package.
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H1920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
Quite the opposite. Everybody gave up Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- The yeas and nays were ordered.
some things that they wanted. But at ance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
the end of the day, we did come to- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro-
gether. yield myself the balance of my time. ceedings on this question will be post-
Now, personally, I wish we would Madam Speaker, I want to thank my poned.
have put money earlier in the Pay- friend, Mr. COLE—and he is my friend.
check Protection Program, but I cer- f
I appreciate all of his counsel and ad-
tainly don’t begrudge the additional vice in the Rules Committee, and I ap- b 1130
money for hospitals and testing. So, preciate his respect for this institu-
hopefully, we can avoid that and keep tion. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
programs that are working going, fine- I want to thank the distinguished PRO TEMPORE
tune them where we must. Speaker of this House for her leader-
There are certainly some changes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
ship. This is a moment in history that ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair
that could be made. But I think, on demands strong leadership, and she has
balance, we ought to look back and will postpone further proceedings
risen to the occasion, and I applaud her today on motions to suspend the rules
say, at a time of great crisis, Congress and I appreciate that.
has continued to function and has on which a recorded vote or the yeas
I also want to thank all of those who
come together in a bipartisan manner and nays are ordered, or votes objected
work on the Hill here: the Capitol Po-
and has done important work on behalf to under clause 6 of rule XX.
lice, the Sergeant at Arms, the attend-
of the American people. The House will resume proceedings
ing physician, the chief administrative
We have a lot more important work on postponed questions at a later time.
officer, and all of the people who main-
to do. There are many, many chal- tain this incredible building. I want to f
lenges that are going to confront us. thank them. They protect us and they
Secretary Mnuchin sometimes calls do an unbelievable job. PERMISSION TO EXTEND DEBATE
the response to coronavirus a baseball Madam Speaker, I want to remind TIME ON H.R. 266
game with nine innings. And I suspect people that more than 855,000 cases of Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I ask
that we are completing the fourth in- coronavirus have been confirmed. unanimous consent that debate under
ning today, Madam Speaker, with the Nearly 48,000 lives have been lost as of clause 1(c) of rule XV on a motion to
ultimate passage of the additional re- today, more than 22 million initial un- suspend the rules relating to the Sen-
sources for the CARES Act. employment claims filed in the past ate amendment to H.R. 266 be extended
Again, while we disagree on this month. Families will be changed for- to 2 hours.
one—I want to talk about that in a sec-
ever. We are in a crisis, and we should The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
ond—we agree on the most important
be proud that we have come together objection to the request of the gen-
act of the day, which is getting relief
repeatedly in a bipartisan way to move tleman from Massachusetts?
out the door to the American people
legislation forward to respond to that There was no objection.
and sustaining our economy under a
crisis.
time of great stress, helping our f
Now, over $2 trillion we have ap-
healthcare workers who are on the
proved to try to help our constituents, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
front line, trying to make sure we have
protect them, and help protect small ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED
the robust testing that is necessary so
businesses, but that is just part of our AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
our Governors can make good decisions
job. Our job is not just to appropriate ACT, 2019
when they grapple with the tough issue
the money and just hope it goes to
of how they are to reopen their respec- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I move
tive States. wherever it is supposed to go. We need
to do the oversight. We need to make to suspend the rules and concur in the
We think, Madam Speaker, the par- Senate amendment to the bill (H.R.
ticular item we are considering this sure that every single penny that we
have appropriated goes to where it 266) making appropriations for the De-
morning is simply unnecessary. We partment of the Interior, environment,
have eight oversight committees, all of needs to go.
I don’t want to be here a year from and related agencies for the fiscal year
which, I remind my friends, they con- ending September 30, 2019, and for
trol. They are the majority in this now looking back and saying: Oh, look
at all of the waste and all of the abuse. other purposes.
body. That is appropriate. They are The Clerk read the title of the bill.
their oversight committees. Look at all of the well-connected peo-
ple who benefited, but look at all the The text of the Senate amendment is
Creating another one we just think
people who needed the funds who as follows:
is, at a minimum, superfluous; and,
didn’t. Senate amendment:
frankly, history has taught us it is
We need to get this right. That is Strike all after the enacting clause
more apt to be a weapon, in our view,
what this select committee is about. and insert the following:
used to attack the President of the
This should not be controversial. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
United States relentlessly during an
Again, I am stunned by the resist- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Paycheck Pro-
election year. I would love to be wrong tection Program and Health Care Enhancement
about that. As my friend Mr. FERGUSON ance to sunshine and transparency.
Act’’.
said he would be the first to apologize, That is what this is about, and I hope
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
I will be happy to apologize, too, if I and pray that everything goes per-
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
am wrong. fectly. But we cannot take that
chance. We have to make sure we live Sec. 1. Short title.
But, even if that were not the case, I Sec. 2. Table of contents.
would question the need for an addi- up to our constitutional responsibility. Sec. 3. References.
tional committee. I simply don’t see So I urge my colleagues to vote for
DIVISION A—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
any need for that. We have committees this rule so that we can establish this
select committee. Sec. 101. Amendments to the Paycheck Protec-
that do this. We have committees that
tion Program, economic injury
have a lot of experience in doing this. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
disaster loans, and emergency
And, frankly, we have committees that ance of my time, and I move the pre- grants.
have done it in a pretty bipartisan way vious question on the resolution. Sec. 102. Emergency designation.
in the past. So I would hope we would The previous question was ordered. DIVISION B—ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY
rely on those committees. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORONAVIRUS
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With that, Madam Speaker, I again question is on the resolution. RESPONSE
thank my friend for the debate and The question was taken; and the SEC. 3. REFERENCES.
thank his side for the spirited partici- Speaker pro tempore announced that Except as expressly provided otherwise, any
pation, but I urge rejection of this par- the ayes appeared to have it. reference to ‘‘this Act’’ contained in any divi-
ticular measure, and I urge my col- Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, on that I sion of this Act shall be treated as referring only
leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule. demand the yeas and nays. to the provisions of that division.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1921
DIVISION A—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS CREDIT UNIONS.—In making loan guarantees emergency payment: Provided further, That to
SEC. 101. AMENDMENTS TO THE PAYCHECK PRO- under this paragraph after the date of enact- be eligible for a payment under this paragraph
TECTION PROGRAM, ECONOMIC IN- ment of this clause, the Administrator shall in this Act, an eligible health care provider shall
JURY DISASTER LOANS, AND EMER- guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans submit to the Secretary an application that in-
GENCY GRANTS. made by— cludes a statement justifying the need of the
(a) INCREASED AUTHORITY FOR COMMITMENTS ‘‘(I) community financial institutions; provider for the payment and the eligible health
AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR PAYCHECK PROTEC- ‘‘(II) insured depository institutions with con- care provider shall have a valid tax identifica-
TION PROGRAM.—Title I of division A of the solidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and tion number: Provided further, That, not later
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ‘‘(III) credit unions with consolidated assets than 3 years after final payments are made
Act (Public Law 116–136) is amended— of less than $10,000,000,000.’’. under this paragraph in this Act, the Office of
(1) in section 1102(b)(1), by striking SEC. 102. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION. Inspector General of the Department of Health
‘‘$349,000,000,000’’ and inserting (a) IN GENERAL.—The amounts provided and Human Services shall transmit a final re-
‘‘$659,000,000,000’’; and under this division are designated as an emer- port on audit findings with respect to this pro-
(2) in section 1107(a)(1), by striking gram to the Committees on Appropriations of the
gency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of
‘‘$349,000,000,000’’ and inserting House of Representatives and the Senate: Pro-
the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2
‘‘$670,335,000,000’’. vided further, That nothing in this paragraph
(b) INCREASED AUTHORIZATION FOR EMER- U.S.C. 933(g)).
limits the authority of the Inspector General or
GENCY EIDL GRANTS.—Section 1110(e)(7) of divi-
(b) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate,
the Comptroller General to conduct audits of in-
sion A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- this division is designated as an emergency re-
terim payments at an earlier date: Provided fur-
nomic Security Act (Public Law 116–136) is quirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con.
ther, That not later than 60 days after the date
amended by striking ‘‘$10,000,000,000’’ and in- Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolu-
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
serting ‘‘$20,000,000,000’’. tion on the budget for fiscal year 2018.
provide a report to the Committees on Appro-
(c) ELIGIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL ENTER- DIVISION B—ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY priations of the House of Representatives and
PRISES FOR ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORONAVIRUS the Senate on obligation of funds, including ob-
AND EMERGENCY GRANTS.—Section 1110(a)(2) of RESPONSE ligations to such eligible health care providers
division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and The following sums are hereby appropriated, summarized by State of the payment receipt:
Economic Security Act (Public Law 116–136) is out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise Provided further, That such reports shall be up-
amended— appropriated, for the fiscal year ending Sep- dated and submitted to such Committees every
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘or’’ at tember 30, 2020, and for other purposes, namely: 60 days until funds are expended: Provided fur-
the end; ther, That such amount is designated by the
TITLE I
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period Congress as being for an emergency requirement
at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal-
(3) by adding at the end the following: SERVICES anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
‘‘(F) an agricultural enterprise (as defined in OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Act of 1985.
section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY For an additional amount for ‘‘Public Health
U.S.C. 647(b)) with not more than 500 employ- FUND and Social Services Emergency Fund’’,
ees.’’. $25,000,000,000, to remain available until ex-
(d) SET ASIDE FOR INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTI- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
TUTIONS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND COMMUNITY FI- For an additional amount for ‘‘Public Health coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for
NANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.—Section 7(a)(36) of the and Social Services Emergency Fund’’, necessary expenses to research, develop, vali-
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)) is $75,000,000,000, to remain available until ex- date, manufacture, purchase, administer, and
amended— pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to expand capacity for COVID–19 tests to effec-
(1) in subparagraph (A)— coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for tively monitor and suppress COVID–19, includ-
(A) in clause (viii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the necessary expenses to reimburse, through grants ing tests for both active infection and prior ex-
end; or other mechanisms, eligible health care pro- posure, including molecular, antigen, and sero-
(B) in clause (ix), by striking the period at the viders for health care related expenses or lost logical tests, the manufacturing, procurement
end and inserting a semicolon; and revenues that are attributable to coronavirus: and distribution of tests, testing equipment and
(C) by adding at the end the following: Provided, That these funds may not be used to testing supplies, including personal protective
‘‘(x) the term ‘community development finan- reimburse expenses or losses that have been re- equipment needed for administering tests, the
cial institution’ has the meaning given the term imbursed from other sources or that other development and validation of rapid, molecular
in section 103 of the Riegle Community Develop- sources are obligated to reimburse: Provided fur- point-of-care tests, and other tests, support for
ment and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ther, That recipients of payments under this workforce, epidemiology, to scale up academic,
(12 U.S.C. 4702)); paragraph in this Act shall submit reports and commercial, public health, and hospital labora-
‘‘(xi) the term ‘community financial institu- maintain documentation as the Secretary of tories, to conduct surveillance and contact trac-
tions’ means— Health and Human Services (referred to in this ing, support development of COVID–19 testing
‘‘(I) a community development financial insti- paragraph as the ‘‘Secretary’’) determines are plans, and other related activities related to
tution; needed to ensure compliance with conditions COVID–19 testing: Provided, That of the
‘‘(II) a minority depository institution, as de-
that are imposed by this paragraph in this Act amount appropriated under this paragraph in
fined in section 308 of the Financial Institutions
for such payments, and such reports and docu- this Act, not less than $11,000,000,000 shall be
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989
mentation shall be in such form, with such con- for States, localities, territories, tribes, tribal or-
(12 U.S.C. 1463 note);
tent, and in such time as the Secretary may pre- ganizations, urban Indian health organizations,
‘‘(III) a development company that is certified
scribe for such purpose: Provided further, That or health service providers to tribes for nec-
under title V of the Small Business Investment
‘‘eligible health care providers’’ means public essary expenses to develop, purchase, admin-
Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.); and
‘‘(IV) an intermediary, as defined in section entities, Medicare or Medicaid enrolled suppliers ister, process, and analyze COVID–19 tests, in-
7(m)(11); and and providers, and such for-profit entities and cluding support for workforce, epidemiology, use
‘‘(xii) the term ‘credit union’ means a State not-for-profit entities not otherwise described in by employers or in other settings, scale up of
credit union or a Federal credit union, as those this proviso as the Secretary may specify, within testing by public health, academic, commercial,
terms are defined, respectively, in section 101 of the United States (including territories), that and hospital laboratories, and community-based
the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752).’’; provide diagnoses, testing, or care for individ- testing sites, health care facilities, and other en-
and uals with possible or actual cases of COVID–19: tities engaged in COVID–19 testing, conduct
(2) by adding at the end the following: Provided further, That the Secretary shall, on a surveillance, trace contacts, and other related
‘‘(S) SET-ASIDE FOR INSURED DEPOSITORY IN- rolling basis, review applications and make pay- activities related to COVID–19 testing: Provided
STITUTIONS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND COMMUNITY FI- ments under this paragraph in this Act: Pro- further, That of the amount identified in the
NANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.— vided further, That funds appropriated under preceding proviso, not less than $2,000,000,000
‘‘(i) INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS AND this paragraph in this Act shall be available for shall be allocated to States, localities, and terri-
CREDIT UNIONS.—In making loan guarantees building or construction of temporary struc- tories according to the formula that applied to
under this paragraph after the date of enact- tures, leasing of properties, medical supplies and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness co-
ment of this clause, the Administrator shall equipment including personal protective equip- operative agreement in fiscal year 2019, not less
guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans ment and testing supplies, increased workforce than $4,250,000,000 shall be allocated to States,
made by— and trainings, emergency operation centers, ret- localities, and territories according to a formula
‘‘(I) insured depository institutions with con- rofitting facilities, and surge capacity: Provided methodology that is based on relative number of
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solidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 further, That, in this paragraph, the term ‘‘pay- cases of COVID–19, and not less than
and less than $50,000,000,000; and ment’’ means a pre-payment, prospective pay- $750,000,000 shall be allocated in coordination
‘‘(II) credit unions with consolidated assets of ment, or retrospective payment, as determined with the Director of the Indian Health Service,
not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than appropriate by the Secretary: Provided further, to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian
$50,000,000,000. That payments under this paragraph in this Act health organizations, or health service providers
‘‘(ii) COMMUNITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, shall be made in consideration of the most effi- to tribes: Provided further, That the Secretary
SMALL INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS, AND cient payment systems practicable to provide of Health and Human Services (referred to in
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H1922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
this paragraph as the ‘‘Secretary’’) may satisfy under this paragraph in this Act, $22,000,000, nosed with COVID–19, to the extent such infor-
the funding thresholds outlined in the first and shall be transferred to the ‘‘Department of mation is available: Provided further, That such
second provisos under this paragraph in this Health and Human Services—Food and Drug report shall include information on the number
Act by making awards through other grant or Administration—Salaries and Expenses’’ to sup- and rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths
cooperative agreement mechanisms: Provided port activities associated with diagnostic, sero- as a result of COVID–19: Provided further, That
further, That not later than 30 days after the logical, antigen, and other tests, and related ad- such report shall be submitted to the Committees
date of enactment of this Act, the Governor or ministrative activities: Provided further, That on Appropriations of the House and Senate, and
designee of each State, locality, territory, tribe, the amount appropriated under this paragraph the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
or tribal organization receiving funds pursuant in this Act may be used for grants for the rent, House of Representatives and the Committee on
to this Act shall submit to the Secretary its plan lease, purchase, acquisition, construction, alter- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
for COVID–19 testing, including goals for the re- ation, renovation, or equipping of non-federally Senate, and updated and resubmitted to such
mainder of calendar year 2020, to include: (1) owned facilities to improve preparedness and re- Committees, as necessary, every 30 days until
the number of tests needed, month-by-month, to sponse capability at the State and local level for the end of the COVID–19 public health emer-
include diagnostic, serological, and other tests, diagnostic, serologic, or other COVID–19 tests, gency first declared by the Secretary on Janu-
as appropriate; (2) month-by-month estimates of or related supplies: Provided further, That the ary 31, 2020: Provided further, That not later
laboratory and testing capacity, including re- amount appropriated under this paragraph in than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
lated to workforce, equipment and supplies, and this Act may be used for construction, alter- Act, the Secretary shall issue a report on the
available tests; and (3) a description of how the ation, renovation, or equipping of non-federally number of positive diagnoses, hospitalizations,
State, locality, territory, tribe, or tribal organi- owned facilities for the production of diagnostic, and deaths as a result of COVID–19,
zation will use its resources for testing, includ- serologic, or other COVID–19 tests, or related disaggregated nationally by race, ethnicity, age,
ing as it relates to easing any COVID–19 com- supplies, where the Secretary determines that sex, geographic region, and other relevant fac-
munity mitigation policies: Provided further, such a contract is necessary to secure, or for the tors: Provided further, That such report shall
That the Secretary shall submit such formula production of, sufficient amounts of such tests include epidemiological analysis of such data:
methodology identified in the first proviso under or related supplies: Provided further, That Provided further, That not later than 30 days
this paragraph in this Act to the Committees on funds appropriated under this paragraph in this after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Appropriations of the House of Representatives Act may be used for purchase of medical sup- Secretary, in coordination with other depart-
and the Senate one day prior to awarding such plies and equipment, including personal protec- ments and agencies, as appropriate, shall report
funds: Provided further, That such funds iden- tive equipment and testing supplies to be used to the Committees on Appropriations of the
tified in the first and second provisos under this for administering tests, increased workforce and House and Senate, the Committee on Energy
paragraph in this Act shall be allocated within trainings, emergency operation centers, and and Commerce of the House of Representatives,
30 days of the date of enactment of this Act: surge capacity for diagnostic, serologic, or other and the Committee on Health, Education,
Provided further, That of the amount appro- COVID–19 tests, or related supplies: Provided Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on a COVID–
priated under this paragraph in this Act, not further, That products purchased with funds 19 strategic testing plan: Provided further, That
less than $1,000,000,000 shall be transferred to appropriated under this paragraph in this Act such plan shall assist States, localities, terri-
the ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and Preven- may, at the discretion of the Secretary, be de- tories, tribes, tribal organizations, and urban
tion—CDC-Wide Activities and Program Sup- posited in the Strategic National Stockpile Indian health organizations, in understanding
port’’ for surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory under section 319F–2 of the Public Health Serv- COVID–19 testing for both active infection and
capacity expansion, contact tracing, public ice Act: Provided further, That of the amount prior exposure, including hospital-based testing,
health data surveillance and analytics infra- appropriated under this paragraph in this Act, high-complexity laboratory testing, point-of-
structure modernization, disseminating informa- $600,000,000 shall be transferred to ‘‘Health Re- care testing, mobile-testing units, testing for em-
tion about testing, and workforce support nec- sources and Services Administration—Primary ployers and other settings, and other tests as
essary to expand and improve COVID–19 test- Health Care’’ for grants under the Health Cen- necessary: Provided further, That such plan
ing: Provided further, That of the amount ap- ters program, as defined by section 330 of the shall include estimates of testing production
propriated under this paragraph in this Act, not Public Health Service Act, and for grants to fed-
that account for new and emerging tech-
less than $306,000,000 shall be transferred to the erally qualified health centers, as defined in sec-
nologies, as well as guidelines for testing: Pro-
‘‘National Institutes of Health—National Can- tion 1861(aa)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act:
vided further, That such plan shall address how
cer Institute’’ to develop, validate, improve, and Provided further, That sections 330(e)(6)(A)(iii),
the Secretary will increase domestic testing ca-
implement serological testing and associated 330(e)(6)(B)(iii), and 330(r)(2)(B) of the Public
pacity, including testing supplies; and address
technologies for the purposes specified under Health Service Act shall not apply to funds pro-
disparities in all communities: Provided further,
this paragraph in this Act: Provided further, vided under the previous proviso: Provided fur-
That such plan shall outline Federal resources
That of the amount appropriated under this ther, That of the amount appropriated under
that are available to support the testing plans of
paragraph in this Act, not less than $500,000,000 this paragraph in this Act, $225,000,000 shall be
each State, locality, territory, tribe, tribal orga-
shall be transferred to the ‘‘National Institutes used to provide additional funding for COVID–
of Health—National Institute of Biomedical Im- 19 testing and related expenses, through grants nization, and urban Indian health organiza-
aging and Bioengineering’’ to accelerate re- or other mechanisms, to rural health clinics as tion: Provided further, That such plan shall be
search, development, and implementation of defined in section 1861(aa)(2) of the Social Secu- updated every 90 days until funds are expended:
point of care and other rapid testing related to rity Act, with such funds also available to such Provided further, That such amount is des-
coronavirus: Provided further, That of the entities for building or construction of tem- ignated by the Congress as being for an emer-
amount appropriated under this paragraph in porary structures, leasing of properties, and ret- gency requirement pursuant to section
this Act, not less than $1,000,000,000 shall be rofitting facilities as necessary to support 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
transferred to the ‘‘National Institutes of COVID–19 testing: Provided further, That such Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Health—Office of the Director’’ to develop, vali- funds shall be distributed using the procedures GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE
date, improve, and implement testing and asso- developed for the Provider Relief Fund author- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
ciated technologies; to accelerate research, de- ized under the third paragraph under this head- SEC. 101. The requirements, authorities, and
velopment, and implementation of point of care ing in division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, conditions described in sections 18108, 18109, and
and other rapid testing; and for partnerships and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116– 18112 of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Re-
with governmental and non-governmental enti- 136); may be distributed using contracts or lief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law
ties to research, develop, and implement the ac- agreements established for such program; and 116–136) shall apply to funds appropriated in
tivities outlined in this proviso: Provided fur- shall be subject to the process requirements ap- this Act to the Department of Health and
ther, That funds in the preceding proviso may plicable to such program: Provided further, Human Services.
be transferred to the accounts of the Institutes That the Secretary may specify a minimum SEC. 102. Funds appropriated by this Act
and Centers of the National Institutes of Health amount for each eligible entity accepting assist- under the heading ‘‘Department of Health and
(referred to in this paragraph as the ‘‘NIH’’) for ance under the two previous provisos: Provided Human Services’’, except for the amounts speci-
the purposes specified in the preceding proviso: further, That up to $1,000,000,000 of funds pro- fied in the first paragraph and the first and sec-
Provided further, That the transfer authority vided under this paragraph in this Act may be ond provisos in the second paragraph under the
provided in the preceding proviso is in addition used to cover the cost of testing for the unin- heading ‘‘Public Health and Social Services
to all other transfer authority available to the sured, using the definitions applicable to funds Emergency Fund’’, may be transferred to, and
NIH: Provided further, That of the amount ap- provided under this heading in Public Law 116– merged with, other appropriation accounts
propriated under this paragraph in this Act, not 127: Provided further, That not later than 21 under the headings ‘‘Centers for Disease Control
less than $1,000,000,000 shall be available to the days after the date of enactment of this Act, the and Prevention’’, ‘‘Public Health and Social
Biomedical Advanced Research and Develop- Secretary, in coordination with other appro- Services Emergency Fund’’, ‘‘Food and Drug
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ment Authority for necessary expenses of ad- priate departments and agencies, shall issue a Administration’’, and ‘‘National Institutes of
vanced research, development, manufacturing, report on COVID–19 testing: Provided further, Health’’ to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
production, and purchase of diagnostic, sero- That such report shall include data on demo- coronavirus following consultation with the Of-
logic, or other COVID–19 tests or related sup- graphic characteristics, including, in a de-iden- fice of Management and Budget: Provided, That
plies, and other activities related to COVID–19 tified and disaggregated manner, race, eth- the Committees on Appropriations of the House
testing at the discretion of the Secretary: Pro- nicity, age, sex, geographic region and other rel- of Representatives and the Senate shall be noti-
vided further, That of the amount appropriated evant factors of individuals tested for or diag- fied 10 days in advance of any such transfer:
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1923
Provided further, That, upon a determination in this Act, may only be used to prevent, pre- combat this virus. This means more
that all or part of the funds transferred from an pare for, and respond to coronavirus. funding for hospitals and healthcare
appropriation by this Act are not necessary, SEC. 305. In this Act, the term ‘‘coronavirus’’ workers. It also means resources des-
such amounts may be transferred back to that means SARS–CoV–2 or another coronavirus with
pandemic potential.
ignated for testing.
appropriation: Provided further, That none of
the funds made available by this Act may be SEC. 306. Each amount designated in this Act I am encouraged that the administra-
transferred pursuant to the authority in section by the Congress as being for an emergency re- tion has committed to a national test-
205 of division A of Public Law 116–94 or section quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of ing strategy which will be necessary to
241(a) of the Public Health Service Act. the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit reopen our economy. We are all pain-
SEC. 103. Of the funds appropriated by this Control Act of 1985 shall be available (or re- fully aware that the American people
Act under the heading ‘‘Public Health and So- scinded or transferred, if applicable) only if the are worried about their health, their
cial Services Emergency Fund’’, up to $6,000,000 President subsequently so designates all such jobs, the economy, and what life will
shall be transferred to, and merged with, funds amounts and transmits such designations to the
look like after the emergency subsides.
made available under the heading ‘‘Office of the Congress.
Secretary, Office of Inspector General’’, and SEC. 307. Any amount appropriated by this It is our responsibility to give our com-
shall remain available until expended, for over- Act, designated by the Congress as an emer- munities the confidence that we will
sight of activities supported with funds appro- gency requirement pursuant to section get through this crisis, and that, even-
priated to the Department of Health and Human 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and tually, we will return to normal lives.
Services to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and sub- To do this, we must protect our small
coronavirus, domestically or internationally: sequently so designated by the President, and businesses on Main Street, and that is
Provided, That the Inspector General of the De- transferred pursuant to transfer authorities pro- why we fought to increase funding for
partment of Health and Human Services shall vided by this Act shall retain such designation.
the Paycheck Protection Program and
consult with the Committees on Appropriations BUDGETARY EFFECTS
of the House of Representatives and the Senate
target the funds to community-based
SEC. 308. (a) STATUTORY PAYGO SCORE- lenders, small banks, and credit
prior to obligating such funds: Provided further,
CARDS.—The budgetary effects of this division unions. The legislation before us today
That the transfer authority provided by this sec-
shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard
tion is in addition to any other transfer author- is a marked improvement from where
maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Stat-
ity provided by law.
utory Pay As-You-Go Act of 2010. the Senate majority started, but I
TITLE II (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The budg- want to be clear: This does not come
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES etary effects of this division shall not be entered close to addressing the staggering
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for pur- needs of the American family. That is
SALARIES AND EXPENSES poses of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th why my fellow chairs and I have al-
Congress). ready begun working on COVID four.
For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries and (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.—
Expenses’’, $2,100,000,000, to remain available Our next legislative package must be
Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budget
until September 30, 2021, to prevent, prepare for, grounded in the understanding that re-
Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint
and respond to coronavirus, domestically or explanatory statement of the committee of con-
starting our economy can only happen
internationally: Provided, That such amount is ference accompanying Conference Report 105– when Americans are healthy and have
designated by the Congress as being for an 217 and section 250(c)(7) and (c)(8) of the Bal- the confidence to return to work. For
emergency requirement pursuant to section anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control our part, the Committee on Ways and
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of this division Means will prioritize funding for hos-
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. shall be estimated for purposes of section 251 of pitals and assistance for those on the
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT such Act. front lines—and I know Mr. BRADY
For an additional amount for ‘‘Disaster Loans This division may be cited as the ‘‘Additional
agrees with us on that—as we proceed.
Program Account’’ for the cost of direct loans Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Re-
authorized by section 7(b) of the Small Business sponse’’.
In addition, our State and local gov-
Act, $50,000,000,000, to remain available until ex- ernments are feeling the pain of
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- slashed revenue from this pandemic.
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
ant to the order of the House of today, Without our support, essential workers
coronavirus, domestically or internationally:
Provided, That such amount is designated by the gentleman from Massachusetts who have been risking their lives are at
the Congress as being for an emergency require- (Mr. NEAL) and the gentleman from risk of losing their jobs.
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Texas (Mr. BRADY) each will control 60 Finally, we must look at what the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Con- minutes. most vulnerable in our country are fac-
trol Act of 1985. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ing by putting money into their pock-
EMERGENCY EIDL GRANTS from Massachusetts. ets with another round of stimulus
For an additional amount for ‘‘Emergency GENERAL LEAVE payments so they can pay for essen-
EIDL Grants’’ for the cost of emergency EIDL Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I ask tials. Similarly, we need to extend Fed-
grants authorized by section 1110 of division A unanimous consent that all Members
of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136), eral unemployment compensation into
$10,000,000,000, to remain available until ex-
have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- the fall and help take the pressure off
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to tend their remarks and include extra- of overwhelmed State governments at
coronavirus, domestically or internationally: neous material on the bill under con- the moment.
Provided, That such amount is designated by sideration. Since this crisis began, Members and
the Congress as being for an emergency require- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there staff have made Herculean efforts to
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the objection to the request of the gen- address the challenges we are now fac-
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Con- tleman from Massachusetts? ing. We still have much work to do to
trol Act of 1985. There was no objection. ensure that we put the needs of our
TITLE III Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield neighbors first, and we need to ac-
GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS ACT myself such time as I may consume. knowledge—and I know Mr. BRADY
SEC. 301. Each amount appropriated or made Madam Speaker, we are here today in feels as I do—the work of the Com-
available by this Act is in addition to amounts these very trying and unprecedented mittee on Ways and Means’ staffers in
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year in- times to act on an emergency interim
volved.
bringing us to this moment. Together,
SEC. 302. No part of any appropriation con-
funding package that I am pleased has we will rise to this challenge.
tained in this Act shall remain available for ob- strong bipartisan support. But we did Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
ligation beyond the current fiscal year unless not arrive here without significant ef- leagues to support this legislation, and
expressly so provided herein. forts by our Democratic colleagues. I reserve the balance of my time.
SEC. 303. Unless otherwise provided for by this When we began negotiations with the Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
Act, the additional amounts appropriated by Senate, we were presented with an in- myself such time as I may consume.
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this Act to appropriations accounts shall be sufficient proposal that did not address Madam Speaker, the coronavirus
available under the authorities and conditions
the public health crisis that has now launched an unprecedented attack on
applicable to such appropriations accounts for
fiscal year 2020. claimed the lives of nearly 48,000 Amer- Americans’ health in the best economy
SEC. 304. Notwithstanding any other provision icans. The measures that we fought for our Nation has experienced in decades.
of law, funds made available in this Act, or will now bring real relief to the Amer- America responded with an unprece-
transferred pursuant to authorization granted ican people and prioritizes resources to dented effort to contain the virus, led
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H1924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
by President Trump and the healthcare lights on. And once we get to the other still do not have the personal protec-
community. Congress responded by end of this, we will return to a safe, tive equipment that they need.
working with the President to deliver healthy America for our seniors, our And just this morning, we learned
not one, not two, but three bipartisan children, and our grandchildren. that more than 4 million workers filed
measures to combat the health and I will conclude with this: The Presi- for unemployment last week, with
economic damage of COVID–19. dent is right. We can continue to apply more than 26 million having lost their
The battle continues amidst signs maximum pressure on the coronavirus jobs during this pandemic so far.
that in some regions we are flattening while reopening our economy safely So, as we work to protect the Amer-
the curve and beginning to reopen the and responsibly. Not only can we, we ican people, we have to make decisions.
economy safely as health conditions on must, if we hope to prevent hurting We recognize that the key to opening
the ground permit. This fourth bill re- working families and the jobless with up our economy, the key to opening
plenishes the crucial help for Main an unnecessarily extended economic that door, the threshold we must cross,
Street businesses and local healthcare recession marked by shortages of need- is a scientific one: testing, testing,
providers, while devoting more re- ed day-to-day supplies and serious testing, testing; contact tracing; isola-
sources to producing more tests and healthcare problems created by long- tion; of course, treatment; and, best of
distributing them more quickly. term unemployment. all, prevention. But the key is sci-
It adds $320 billion in crucial funding This isn’t a choice between lives and entific, and we must make our decision
to the Paycheck Protection Program livelihoods. We must do both. With the in that way.
to help keep our local businesses President, State and local leaders, So here we are, and I say this in
afloat. It boosts funding for local healthcare providers, and local busi- terms of the overarching. The Amer-
healthcare providers by another $75 bil- nesses all working together, I am con- ican people have told us, when we did
lion. It expands our States’ testing ca- vinced we can. our earlier bill, they do not want any
pacities and ensures more resources for How? The way we tackle every adver- taxpayer dollars going to enriching
our Nation-wide effort to continue sity our Nation has faced: with Amer- shareholders, dividends, bonuses, CEO
locking down this virus. It is targeted. ican ingenuity, know-how, and com- pay, all of that. They want their tax-
It will have an immediate impact, and mon sense. payer dollars to keep people in their
it deserves strong bipartisan support. Today, we help our small businesses jobs.
Once President Trump signed the and healthcare heroes. Tomorrow, Con- The oversight of that is exactly what
CARES Act into law merely 4 weeks gress and President Trump will con- we passed, we will pass—we passed by
ago, then moved with historic speed to tinue to work together to identify voice vote earlier, we will vote on
provide forgivable loans to small busi- practical ways to help businesses cre- later. That is very important. It is very
nesses, it soon became clear more dol- ate safe, healthy workplaces, jump- important to the American people to
lars are needed to keep workers on start this economic rebound, and accel- have confidence, as they make their
local payrolls. erate a return to work for those who sacrifices, that their taxpayer dollars
So far, the Paycheck Protection Pro- are jobless or furloughed. I urge all my that they pay are not being squan-
gram is helping nearly 1.6 million local colleagues to support it. dered.
businesses, impacting and helping save Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Our colleagues have said: Why do we
30 million jobs for local construction, ance of my time. need oversight? We have all these com-
retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hos- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 mittees that do oversight—and I hope
pitality, and service businesses. De- minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- they will—but they have other work to
spite media portrayals, the average fornia (Ms. PELOSI), whose career has do as well.
loan is around $200,000—that is Main been marked by a steadfast determina- And as the Republicans have put
Street—and more often than not, it is tion to expand healthcare coverage for forth select committees themselves—
provided by a community bank. These all members of the American family Benghazi; trying to destroy Planned
dollars are reaching small businesses. and continues to be a champion for the Parenthood, which did not have any ur-
And when funding ran out, Republicans least, the last, and the lost, who are gency for the American people—this
and President Trump urged Congress to feeling part of the grip of this pan- has an urgency to the American people.
quickly replenish them. demic. We need a select committee whose
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I focus, whose purpose is to address the
b 1145 thank the gentleman for yielding, and challenge that the coronavirus places
It is unfortunate that Speaker I thank him for managing this impor- on us. That is one.
PELOSI decided to hold up this bill tant legislation on the floor of the Two, the American people want their
nearly 16 days while small businesses House. I also commend him for the checks. They want their checks, and
and their workers desperately fought work that he did in the previous legis- that is what we are doing with the PPP
to hold on, especially minority-owned lation that we have had. and the direct payments and other ini-
businesses in underserved commu- As has been acknowledged, this is the tiatives that are there, and we need to
nities. They suffered, and during this fourth bipartisan bill that we have do more.
unnecessary delay, America’s jobless brought to the floor to address the And third, and we haven’t done
numbers climbed to 26 million. coronavirus pandemic, and this is a enough in this regard, they want our
How many jobs could we have saved very important piece of legislation. heroes, our healthcare providers, our
if partisan politics had not reared its So we come to the floor with such police and fire, our first responders,
ugly head? heartache, with such sorrow for those our emergency services folks, our tran-
This emergency funding is just that; who have lost their lives and for their sit people, everyone, our food service
it is funding. It doesn’t adjust the de- loved ones, for those who are suffering folks, they want everyone to have the
sign of the Paycheck Protection Pro- from the virus assault now, and for equipment that they need to do their
gram nor does it address the flawed un- those who are in doubt about their eco- jobs.
employment design that pays some nomic situation. It is about the lives Our healthcare workers are on the
Americans more than they make at and the livelihood of the American peo- front line, as are the others. Emer-
work. It takes what is working for ple; that is what this is about. gency services, police, and fire, some of
businesses and healthcare providers Nearly 900,000 Americans have been them are the first people to respond to
and replenishes it, which is why it has diagnosed and are sick. Nearly 50,000 a 911 call. They are in the line of de-
earned the support of a number of orga- have tragically died. Oh, my goodness. fense, and they do not have the PPE,
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nizations like the American Hospital We have to be prayerful, prayerful the personal protective equipment,
Association and the National Federa- about this assault again on the lives that they need, and we owe them.
tion of Independent Business. and livelihoods of the American people. We are not worthy of thanking them,
Today’s bill makes it possible for Countless hospitals and healthcare thanking them, praising them, unless
families to stay connected to their systems remain swamped with cases, we support them, and that is not being
work. Local businesses can keep their and far too many frontline workers done sufficiently. That is what we have
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1925
to do in the next bill—I call it the He- The Senate Republicans went to the health needs of the American people. I
roes Act—when we will come together floor the next day, on April 9, which want more, of course. I want more than
to support our heroes. was the 24 hours from the request of that.
Unfortunately, there was not enough the quarter of a trillion dollars. MITCH So now we go to the next bill. I call
interest in this bill right here on the MCCONNELL went to the floor and said: it the Heroes Act. We fully support
part of others to join us in supporting This is it, 250, not one penny more. that. We helped create that. But that
our heroes, our healthcare workers, our This is what it is. isn’t the end of the day for what else
police and fire, emergency services, in The Senate Democrats objected, of- we needed to do.
the form of supporting State and local fered an amendment that includes And while I understand that they are
government. what we are voting on today. MITCH resistant to helping those at the lower
When you hear State and local, it MCCONNELL said: Absolutely not. That end of the scale, I can’t understand
might sound bureaucratic, but it isn’t. was it. why they resisted $100 billion for the
Those are the people who meet the So for 1 week, he kept saying: I am hospitals and the testing, because that
needs of the American people and are going to bring it up again on Monday. was central
on the front line of fighting this virus. I am going to bring it up on Thursday. b 1200
So, when we finish this—and I am
pleased to hear the distinguished chair- For 1 week there was that delay. Unfortunately, they do not want to
man of the Ways and Means Com- Finally, that was Thursday of last put the heroes into this bill today as
mittee, Mr. NEAL, talk about the fact week, there was interest in negotia- fully as they should by supporting
that we are already preparing for that. tion. And what we have on the floor State and local.
today is the result of not time that we And what does the distinguished
We have been for a while, because we leader on the Senate side, Mr. MCCON-
just didn’t really know that this in- delayed the legislation, but the time
that the Republicans refused to accept NELL, say? I am not doing any more
terim bill would come up. But when it bills. I think the States should go
did, again, we had to meet the needs of the fact that we needed $100 billion for
our hospitals and our testing, that we bankrupt.
the American people. Oh, really? And not pay the
I am so proud that all of the bills we needed more money for those who do
not have sophisticated banking rela- healthcare workers and public hos-
are passing, as has been acknowledged, pitals, the first responders and the
have been done in a bipartisan way, tionships, where we can have commu-
rest? Oh, really? What made you think
and the next bill will be as well. nity development financial institutions
that was a good idea? It is just more
But let me just correct the RECORD, reach into communities where they
notion mongering to get attention, I
because the distinguished gentleman know the businesses, the neighborhood,
guess.
from Texas said we held up this bill, the community, the people, the cus- And so I came to this floor fully
and I want to correct that RECORD be- tomers, the clients. happy in terms of our bipartisanship,
cause nothing could be further from So we should be very, very proud of totally sad about what it is in terms of
the truth, and perhaps he isn’t aware, the work that was done by Chairwoman the lives of America’s families and the
but let me inform. NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ of the Small Busi- uncertainty they face and the illness
Two weeks ago, the distinguished ness Committee and Chairwoman MAX- that some are suffering and the loss of
Secretary of the Treasury called me INE WATERS, chair of the Financial life that many others, tens of thou-
and said: I need a quarter of a trillion Services Committee, banks, small busi- sands, have suffered.
in 48 hours. ness coming with an idea that was re- But to hear them say we held up this
Oh, really? Well, I don’t know about jected out of hand by the leader of the bill, when they are doing today, with
that. Let’s see what we can do. Let’s Senate: Don’t even bring that around. great pride, exactly what the Senate
see. Why do you need that? It is only this; that is it, or else you Democrats asked them to do on April 9.
That was April 7. The next day, on
don’t support small business. So I just wanted to set the record
April 8, Democrats came together, So when I hear, during the previous straight on that.
House and Senate Democrats, and debate on the other bill and then this Again, I want to thank MAXINE
made a proposal that went beyond the WATERS and NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ and I
distinguished ranking member on the
$250 billion for the PPP, a program want to thank FRANK PALLONE for the
Ways and Means Committee, whom I
that we helped shape and that we fully great work that he did and the staff of
respect, and he knows that, say we de-
support, supporting our small busi- all of those committees.
layed this, no, you delayed this be-
nesses, the entrepreneurship of Amer- We are voting on the floor today with
cause—now, this isn’t about assign-
ica, the optimism of America, the cre- a strong agreement that sets a path
ment. This is about taking responsi-
ators of jobs and wealth and commu- that we had in the CARES Act, the
bility.
nity in our country. So we are there issues that were addressed in the
Without the discussion over this past
with that. CARES Act. Of course, we had State
But we saw some evidence that ev- weekend which resulted in the Senate
passing the bill unanimously, MITCH and local in the CARES Act; they
erything wasn’t being done as we had wouldn’t go there here.
hoped, and so we proposed, 1 day later, MCCONNELL, who wasn’t going to do
So what we are doing is we are help-
that we would have additional funding one more penny, unanimously passing
ing small businesses. We are strength-
for small businesses, a $60 billion set- the bill, and then saying it has all this
ening the Paycheck Protection Pro-
aside for the smallest of small busi- additional help that we initiated, that gram. It is $310 billion, including that
nesses: women, minority-owned busi- he initiated. He resisted it, but he ini- critical $60 billion reserved for under-
nesses, rural America, veterans, Native tiated it. served rural, urban, and Tribal commu-
American communities, and the rest, So I think it is really important for
nities.
who were not, shall we say, as bank- people to understand what this fight is By supporting small businesses that
able as some others, the underbanked, about. It is not about trickle-down. We cannot access the PPP, we secured $50
$60 billion. were successful in turning the CARES billion for emergency assistance lend-
Another $60 billion, we said, for all of Act from a corporate-oriented, trickle- ing. That will be leveraged into over
our small businesses: $50 billion of it down bill to a workers-first, bubble-up $300 billion in disaster assistance loans
for the EIDL, the disaster assistance bill, and we were proud of that and that and $10 billion more for grants to small
loans, put $50 billion there. That $50 it passed and was signed by the Presi- businesses.
billion is leveraged to over $300 billion dent. For hospitals, providers, and health
in lending, easier lending for some than Once again, they just had the 250. We workers: We secured $75 billion for
PPP because it is just a loan; it is not fully support that. We helped create health providers, which are losing rev-
about the bank deciding. And then the that. But that isn’t the end of the day enue every day, and for physicians and
other $10 billion—we wanted 15, we got for what else we needed to do. health workers who are risking their
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
10 for the grants. And while I understand that they are lives because they don’t have PPE.
So there we got 60 and 60, 120, and resistant to helping those at the lower In one of the New York hospitals, I
then another $100 billion for the hos- end of the scale, I can’t understand heard a nurse say on TV that when she
pitals. That was on April 8, $100 billion why they resisted $100 billion for the went to meet the needs of the patients,
for the hospitals, divided: hospitals, 75; hospitals and the testing, because that she was given not the regular gown and
testing, $25 billion. was central to meeting the needs, the mask and gloves and the rest. She was
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H1926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
given a New York Yankees rain pon- that God would enlighten those who CARES Act, has already helped small
cho. Others were wearing garbage bags. have responsibility to take responsi- businesses save millions of jobs and
Some of them said they were wearing bility for those in their care. cover essential expenses.
medical waste on their faces because Let us hope that we can all be pray- One company, for example, New York
they could not change the mask, and erful, take responsibility, do the job for Bagel, survived the Great Depression
they would go to maybe four patients the American people. We have an ex- and World War II during its 99 years of
instead of the one and discard. traordinary opportunity to do that. operation. This Ferndale, Michigan,
So again, we thank them, we honor But we must do so in a way that business was forced to close due to the
them, we revere them. But we have no keeps them safe, as we want to open coronavirus. But thanks to the Pay-
right to do that unless we support our economy and do so—again, science, check Protection Program, their em-
them with what they need. They are science, science, and science. Let us ployees are still getting paid.
risking their lives to save other lives, show the same courage and strength After losing 70 percent of their busi-
and now they may lose their jobs un- and move with great urgency to pro- ness, Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas
less we do our Heroes Act, which I look vide the support that they need, that City was only a week or two away from
forward to doing. they provide to others. laying off workers or even closing per-
For testing: We secured $25 billion for And, again, we have our differences, manently. Their paycheck protection
testing, which is key, central, to re- there is no question. I heard the gen- loan will allow them to stay in busi-
opening our economy and resuming our tleman speak out against the $600 for ness.
lives. people who are unemployed. I think These examples are only a fraction of
The administration has also agreed— that we have to do whatever we can to those who have been helped. Under-
and this is very positive—to a national recognize that public policy has a role standably, this program has been very
testing strategy that will increase do- here, that governance carries with it popular. In fact, demand was so high
mestic testing capacity and address responsibility and opportunity and re- that funding was exhausted within 2
disparities, including across race, eth- sults and progress for the American weeks of the program being started up.
nicity, and geographic regions. people and that science and governance Over a million-and-a-half loans have
Unfortunately, as I mentioned, the are the answers to meeting the been processed, with nearly 60,000 in
administration was not ready to in- healthcare needs and meeting the my home State of Ohio alone.
clude funding for our heroes, our needs of our economy as we go forward. Madam Speaker, small businesses are
healthcare, fire, EMS, and other essen- So I thank our colleagues for their resilient. Start-ups are pioneering new
tial workers, for the postal system, leadership, MAXINE WATERS, NYDIA techniques for sanitizing masks and
which is essential to us now in getting VELÁZQUEZ, FRANK PALLONE, our dis- surfaces. Neighborhood grocers are
information and materials where they tinguished chair of the Ways and bravely staying open to provide nec-
need to be. And that is why CARES 2 Means Committee, for his work, and so essary supplies, yes, including toilet
must be about our Heroes Act, focusing many people. paper, for their communities.
on support for healthcare and essential Again, right now, as we speak, the
Small manufacturers are retooling to
workers. And I can’t say it enough. Agriculture Committee is meeting.
make personal protective equipment
And then with that overarching con- And as some of our colleagues have
for frontline workers. These small busi-
cern for them, OSHA, so they have said, we can’t do SNAP? They turned
nesses and entrepreneurs make the
safety in the workplace, family and down SNAP, food stamps, at a time
America we all know and love.
medical leave, so that they can meet when America is hungry?
We have our differences, but we are Congress should have passed this leg-
the needs of their families, COBRA for
coming together on this particular bill, islation last week, but to those small
those who have lost their jobs. And we
and I am proud of that. It is bipartisan, businesses who already applied and are
need full funding for COBRA, and I
it is urgent, and let us get on with it so waiting to hear, or those who are yet
hope the administration will be recep-
that we can get on to supporting our to apply for this relief, finally, help is
tive to that. Pension, additional UI,
heroes in a way that is worthy of their on the way.
and more indirect payments and more.
So let us be clear, the health and sacrifice. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
safety of our country will be endan- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield minute to the gentlewoman from Ala-
gered if we cannot pay the heroes who myself 30 seconds. bama (Ms. SEWELL), a member of the
sacrifice to keep us safe. They are I respectfully remember a different Ways and Means Committee.
being fired as we speak. Mr. SCHUMER history where only one fund was out of Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam
was referencing hospitals in his State money, those for our small businesses. Speaker, today I rise in support of this
where people were let go from public The President asked for us to move bill to provide additional resources for
hospitals. But that is not unusual. Our quickly, and it was blocked in the Sen- small, local, and minority-owned busi-
teachers, the custodians of our chil- ate by those who said there is no proof nesses and nonprofits under the Pay-
dren, are being let go. We have to face small businesses need this money. And check Protection Program, as well as
that, and we have to do it very soon I remember the Speaker herself saying to provide resources for our hospitals
and next. there is no data that shows small busi- and for testing.
And it is unacceptable that Leader nesses need money. Those critical Madam Speaker, the Paycheck Pro-
MCCONNELL thinks that no further leg- funds were blocked and held up for 16 tection Program has not been without
islation is needed. That is what he said: days. This agreement we have today its controversy. I have heard too many
No further legislation is needed. And could have been agreed to in 5 minutes. stories of frustrated business owners
he thinks our heroic workers can wait Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to who have not been able to access the
and our States who hire them should the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT), program due to a lack of existing rela-
go bankrupt. the leading Republican on the Small tionships with a lender or difficulty
As CARES 2 protects the lives and Business Committee. navigating the complex application
livelihoods of the American people, it Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, this process. And these are issues that are
must also protect the life of the Amer- has not been an easy time for Amer- disproportionately harming local,
ican democracy: safeguarding the in- ica’s small businesses. As the ranking rural, and minority-owned businesses
tegrity of our elections and supporting member of the House Small Business that make up the heart of my district.
voting by mail. Committee, I hear daily from owners of Madam Speaker, I am glad that we
So, again, it is the lives of the people, restaurants and hair salons and small are taking steps today to address the
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the livelihood of the people, the life of retailers and manufacturers and gro- inequities and indirectly and directly
our democracy. cers and others, about the gut-wrench- allow funding for lenders that service
Again, our prayers are with those ing choices that they have been forced the truly local barber shops, beauty
who are suffering. His Holiness, Pope to make recently. shops, restaurants on Main Street
Francis—and I quote him all the time— Fortunately, the Paycheck Protec- across this country. These are the busi-
he said weeks ago, his world prayer, tion Program, created under the nesses that are the lifeline of so many
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1927
of our local economies, and it is impor- Now, let’s pass this measure, get it to opening our communities and restart-
tant that we make sure that this lend- the President’s desk, so we can begin ing our economy.
ing gets to these vitally important to safely reopen this country. While it took much too long to get
businesses. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, let me this bill to the floor today, I want to
I hope that this bill will offer some describe hospitals as a priority. thank my colleagues for coming to-
relief to these businesses, and I urge With that, Madam Speaker, I yield 30 gether to deliver results for the Amer-
my colleagues to support this bill. seconds to the gentleman from Rhode ican people whose health and liveli-
I also ask our leaders and the lenders Island (Mr. LANGEVIN). hoods depend on it.
to know that we are watching them. I urge my colleagues to join me in
b 1215 voting on this measure to continue
We want the truly small, local busi-
nesses to get their fair share. Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I supporting our Nation’s small busi-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield thank the gentleman for yielding. nesses, their hardworking employees,
2 minutes to the gentleman from Or- I rise in strong support of the Pay- and our critical healthcare workers.
egon (Mr. WALDEN), the lead Repub- check Protection Program and Health Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
lican on the Energy and Commerce Care Enhancement Act. minute to the gentleman from New
Committee. COVID–19 is a crisis with few par- Mexico (Mr. LUJÁN), the well-regarded
Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I allels in world history. Yet I have been Congressman who also has the title of
want to thank my colleague from amazed by the resilience of my fellow Assistant Speaker.
Texas for his leadership on this issue. Rhode Islanders: the tenacity of our Mr. LUJÁN. Madam Speaker, I thank
I, too, rise in support of the Pay- small businesses and the dedication the gentleman for yielding.
check Protection Program and the and bravery of our frontline healthcare In the face of this crisis, I have seen
Health Care Enhancement Act. This workers. so many New Mexicans step up. They
provides a fourth installment of funds This bill is for them. It refills the have gathered fabric scraps, distributed
to continue to address the impact of coffers of the Paycheck Protection masks, checked in with their neigh-
Program, which is a vital lifeline for so bors, and showed their resilience over
the COVID–19 virus on the American
many small businesses. Thanks to and over. But so many people, small
people.
We have heard all the stories about House Democrats’ efforts, it backstops businesses, and communities continue
our hospitals, community health cen- to struggle.
how people have lost their lives, lost
ters, and nursing homes and funds the Today, we approve $360 billion for
their loved ones, lost their business,
nationwide testing strategy. small businesses, $75 billion for our
lost their jobs. This bill will replenish hospitals and frontline workers who
the Paycheck Protection Program for This cannot be the end of the work of
are doing heroic work to save lives, and
small businesses, and it will provide Congress to help Americans weather
$25 billion so that more people can be
additional funding for healthcare pro- the storm, but it is another vital step
tested for this deadly virus.
viders and expanded testing. as we confront this crisis.
But our work is not done. Everyone
And I am glad we are finally here. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
knows this is not enough, and due to
For too long, Democrat leaders in the 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Republican opposition, this package
House and Senate played partisan poli- Texas (Ms. GRANGER), the top Repub-
fails to provide necessary relief to our
tics. They needlessly delayed the ini- lican on the Appropriations Com-
local, State, and Tribal governments.
tial passage of the CARES Act, and mittee.
MITCH MCCONNELL said local govern-
then they prevented a quick replenish- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I
ments should file for bankruptcy to
ment of the funds for the PPP. That thank the gentleman for yielding.
make themselves whole.
left our small businesses and the people I rise today in support of the Pay- I had the honor this last week to par-
they employ in the lurch. check Protection Program and the ticipate in a townhall with the Navajo
With record unemployment claims, Health Care Enhancement Act, which Nation, and I heard firsthand their
we have seen that every single day, provides nearly $500 billion for eco- struggles. They need resources, water,
every day, counts in this pandemic. nomic recovery and public health ef- and testing. We need to do more for
That is why Republicans and President forts in response to the coronavirus them, and we need to do more for the
Trump were so adamant over the last pandemic. people of New Mexico and everyone liv-
two weeks about the need to not let The cornerstone of this legislation is ing in the United States of America.
these programs run out of money. We the support for small businesses Small businesses must be prioritized
all knew that was going to happen. We through the PPP, the Paycheck Pro- by approving these loans and grants.
could have done this unanimously. tection Program. These PPP loans, The American people are counting on
Painfully, Democrats took an ice- which can be completely forgiven, are us. Let’s act.
cream break while small businesses essential for small businesses to con- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
were left empty-handed, a pointless tinue paying their employees and cover 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from
weeklong shuttering of the Paycheck operating costs. Texas (Mr. MCCAUL), the Republican
Protection Program that hurt Ameri- To illustrate how crucial this loan leader of the Foreign Affairs Com-
cans and undoubtedly cost thousands has been to the 30 million small busi- mittee.
of jobs. nesses in this country, the SBA sup- Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I
As a member of the President’s bipar- ported more loans in the first 14 days thank my good friend from Texas (Mr.
tisan task force on reopening the econ- of the PPP than it did in the last 14 BRADY) for yielding and for his great
omy, I remain committed to ensuring years. In total, more than $340 billion leadership on this bill.
that there are resources and strategies has been provided to more than 1.6 mil- Today, America is in a crisis. Not
in place for widespread testing that our lion American small businesses. since the Spanish flu of 1918 has the
health and economic experts have said An additional $60 billion is provided world faced a global pandemic of such
is needed to reopen the country. in this bill for another key source of epic proportions. This virus, which
And while I support additional fund- assistance for small business: economic came out of Wuhan, China, has created
ing for healthcare-related expenses, it injury disaster loans and grants. Bor- fear and devastation across the globe.
should never have been at the expense rowers can get loans at low interest COVID–19 has infected more than 2.6
of bankrupting more small employers rates and then repay them over a long million people around the world and
and throwing more people into the un- period of time, up to 30 years. killed nearly 200,000. It has paralyzed
employment lines. This legislation also provides $100 bil- our economy, forcing more than 26 mil-
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The American people’s plight should lion for critical healthcare initiatives. lion Americans into unemployment in
not be used as leverage for partisan pri- These funds will support our heroes on just a few short weeks. And that is why
orities, especially in the midst of a cri- the front lines and allow us to deploy we took the risk, Madam Speaker, to
sis. We must move forward in a united more tests so we know where the virus fly back here today so we can do our
way that puts the needs of the Amer- is having the most impact. With this job and vote for this important legisla-
ican people first. information, we can begin safely re- tion.
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H1928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
This rescue package throws a lifeline April 7, Secretary Mnuchin requests back to work here in the Capitol. We
to small businesses and the American more funding for the program, warning all must resume our full duties and ob-
worker to keep them whole during this that we will run out. ligations to the Constitution and, most
hard time. It provides much-needed April 9, Senate Democrats block re- importantly, to the American people.
funding for testing and for our hos- plenishing this funding, winning praise We took an oath to preserve and pro-
pitals that need it desperately. from fellow Democrats. tect both.
In closing, I want to take this oppor- Members, colleagues, we had ample Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield
tunity to thank the brave American warning of the funding running out on to the distinguished Congresswoman
heroes who are on the front line today: numerous occasions during this month from Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY).
our doctors, nurses, and first respond- of April that we have been away. How Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I
ers who are risking their lives every many small restaurants, hairdressers, thank the gentleman for yielding.
day. We honor their sacrifice to our bookstores, et cetera, in your districts I rise with the good, the bad, and the
Nation. have suffered and closed because the ugly for small businesses.
At the end of the day, as Americans, majority is too busy looking at the The good: Democrats fought hard and
we are all in this together, and to- election in November to see today’s won in providing more than $310 billion
gether we will get through this hard crisis in April? for small businesses.
time and be stronger than ever before. Yet, so after all this time and the The bad: It may not be enough.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 travel it took us all to get here wear- The ugly: Thousands and thousands
minutes to the gentleman from South ing masks, what is the first thing we of small businesses and minority busi-
Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN), the very capa- bring up? A duplicative, partisan select nesses may be left out again.
ble Democratic whip. subcommittee to make a political spec- The past weeks of economic history
Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I tacle of the virus. and trends offer reasonable predictions
thank the gentleman for yielding me I sit as a member on the Transpor- of what we should do in this financial
time. tation Committee. We can oversee the assistance funding bill.
Madam Speaker I rise today in sup- oversight of FEMA just fine. The longstanding economic inequal-
port of this emergency spending pack- Our Commerce Committee can have ities already undermine any ability to
age. I believe this legislation moves us oversight of HHS. We don’t need extra, close the wealth gap, and COVID–19
a step closer to my vision of making duplicative committees. will undeniably exacerbate this para-
America’s greatness accessible and af- We are 22 days behind. We need to get digm.
fordable for all. back to work and put the people back I am asking that we match the lan-
The COVID–19 pandemic has laid bare
to work and get this done. guage that the Democrats fought so
the inequities in our healthcare system Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 hard for. It is not enough just to allo-
that are having dramatic negative im- minute to the gentleman from Nevada cate funding to institutions; we must
pacts on health outcomes in minority (Mr. HORSFORD), a well-regarded Con- hold the Secretary of the Treasury ac-
communities. gressman.
Martin Luther King, Jr., observed countable that minority and small
Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, I businesses will not be left out.
back in 1966: ‘‘Of all the forms of in-
thank the gentleman for yielding. Just like in the film ‘‘The Good, the
equality, injustice in health is the
I rise today to speak in favor of this Bad and the Ugly,’’ we must be the one
most shocking and the most inhuman
emergency coronavirus supplemental to shoot the COVID–19 noose to save
because it often results in physical
package. small businesses. I know that we will
death.’’ How prescient. I am glad that we are delivering for
To know the full extent of how this do more in the weeks to come because
the people of Nevada, including bring- this a great victory for Democrats, but
virus is ravaging communities of color,
ing home billions of dollars of addi- still not enough.
we must test, test, test. That is why I
tional funding for Nevada’s 270,000 Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
am pleased there is $25 billion in this
small businesses and nonprofits. We 1 minute to the gentleman from Penn-
package for testing, which allows for
also are positioning our country for re- sylvania (Mr. JOYCE), a member of the
my advocacy of mobile testing.
We must make testing accessible and covery in voting for $25 billion for Small Business Committee.
affordable for rural and persistent-pov- COVID–19 testing. Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam
erty communities facing obstacles due This bipartisan agreement is one of Speaker, all of us want our small busi-
to a lack of transportation. the many steps that we must take to nesses to survive this economic crisis.
This pandemic has also laid bare the provide the American people with the All of us want to save American liveli-
inequities in our financial system. The relief they need. However, for Senate hoods. All of us want to get Americans
first round of funding through the Pay- majority Leader MCCONNELL to suggest back to work.
check Protection Program went to that our States and local governments For weeks, I have talked to workers,
businesses with long-term banking re- should be bankrupt in order to be made small business owners, farmers in
lationships. Many small family and mi- whole is outrageous. These are our he- Pennsylvania who are counting on the
nority-owned businesses and nonprofit roes. They are on the front lines. Paycheck Protection Act.
organizations were shut out. That is I urge this body to pass this legisla- Today, we are offering these Penn-
why Democrats insisted that $60 billion tion and to work with us now to pass sylvanians an opportunity to keep
be reserved in this package for commu- the Heroes Act. their workers paid and emerge stronger
nity-based lenders, such as community Mr. BRADY. I yield 1 minute to the on the other side of this unprecedented
development, financial institutions, gentleman from Michigan (Mr. MITCH- challenge by protecting our workforce
ELL). and safeguarding our economy.
minority depository institutions, and
credit unions. Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I Truly these are difficult days, but we
This legislation is not perfect, but it rise in support of H.R. 266, which pro- know there is light ahead.
is a step towards making some much- vides badly needed financial support The people of Pennsylvania are resil-
needed relief accessible and affordable. for small businesses and hospitals. Our ient. The people of our great Nation
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Nation continues to struggle with the are resilient. Together, we will weather
1 minute to the gentleman from Cali- health and economic impacts of the storm.
fornia (Mr. LAMALFA). COVID–19. We cannot allow a virus to destroy
Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, I But I must also comment on the the American Dream.
thank the gentleman for yielding. function of Congress. We passed the
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April 1, Secretary Mnuchin warned CARES Act almost 30 days ago. Since
us that the PPP has high demand and then, the lights have been off here. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
will likely need more funding. Today, we vote for one crucial item minute to the gentlewoman from
April 4, President Trump tweeted out and depart again. Michigan (Mrs. LAWRENCE), a well-
a statement supporting more funding a I will vote ‘‘aye’’ on the relief pack- known advocate for the people of
day after the program opened up. age, but I stress Congress must get Michigan.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1929
Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Speaker, I $250 billion to $480 billion to include women BASS, LEE, and PRESSLEY, as
rise today in support of the latest our priorities. An additional $60 billion well as Senators WARREN, HARRIS, and
COVID–19 relief package. was set aside for small banks and com- BOOKER, to ensure that we collect and
In my State of Michigan, the num- munity development financial institu- analyze racial data related to the obvi-
bers are devastating. There are more tions and credit unions. ous disparity in COVID–19.
than 33,000 confirmed cases. I want to We were determined to add billions The better data made possible by this
add another number today: over 2,800 for small community lenders. We wrote bill must effectively direct resources
deaths. I just got a phone call that an- into the legislation that these loans into our communities where needed,
other dear friend of mine has passed. will be forgiven if properly used for not where best connected.
Nearly 1.2 million people have filed for paycheck protection. Let us also remember the postal
unemployment. I call on Secretary Mnuchin to follow workers, the State and local govern-
That is why I am back here today. through on his commitment to Chairs ments, our teachers. They need our re-
We, however, have a lot more work to WATERS and VELÁZQUEZ to ensure that sources also.
do. The package is not perfect. More these small lenders get the money; Madam Speaker, I want to give my
work must be done to provide assist- make sure the money gets into the condolences to Senator WARREN for los-
ance to our States and our local gov- hands of African American, Latino, ing her brother to COVID–19.
ernments, to ensure the continuous op- women, and veteran-owned businesses; Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
eration of the Postal Service, where make sure the money gets into the 1 minute to the gentleman from Michi-
there is a statement that neither snow hands of nonprofits and churches. gan (Mr. HUIZENGA).
nor rain nor gloom of night should stay I call on the Small Business Adminis- Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker,
the completion of mail delivery. The tration to furnish data on the approved while we have many different ap-
COVID virus is devastating the Postal lenders authorized to originate these proaches about restarting our econ-
Service. loans, provide a report to us by race omy, we should all agree the Paycheck
I want you to know that the $484 bil- and ethnicity as to whether diverse en- Protection Program has provided a
lion measure will provide desperately tities are receiving these loans and vital lifeline to small businesses and
needed financial support. grants. communities across America, including
I stand here today with my heart bro- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield west Michigan.
ken in support of this bill. 1 minute to the gentleman from Ten- For example, media reports are that
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield nessee (Mr. KUSTOFF). Macatawa Bank, a community bank
1 minute to the gentlewoman from Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam based in Holland, Michigan, was able to
Puerto Rico (Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN). Speaker, I thank the gentleman for process over $300 million in PPP loans.
Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto yielding. This will help keep paychecks coming
Rico. Madam Speaker, I rise in support Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- to more than 27,000 hardworking people
of this emergency legislation that port of the Paycheck Protection Pro- in west Michigan.
prioritizes to replenish emergency re- gram and Health Care Enhancement In Wellington, Michigan, I heard
lief for all small businesses and hos- Act. from an owner of a bowling alley whose
pitals across the Nation. There is no doubt that our small business was literally saved by the
The Paycheck Protection Program businesses in west Tennessee and PPP. His employees are getting paid,
has, without doubt, been instrumental across the Nation have felt the brunt of he can pay his bills, and his business
in helping small businesses in Puerto the economic effects of the has avoided bankruptcy.
Rico and America keep their employ- coronavirus. Even with these successes, I have
ees paid through this unprecedented The Paycheck Protection Program
heard from employers across my dis-
crisis. has saved small businesses in west Ten-
Lenders in Puerto Rico approved trict waiting to receive their loan.
nessee and also allowed them to keep
more than 2,800 of these loans, dis- While I am glad that is happening
their employees on the payroll.
bursing a total of $658 million before Now, I am disappointed that the today, it shouldn’t have taken this
the funds ran out. We have got less Democrats didn’t allow a vote on this long.
Now, Madam Speaker, as we discuss
than .17 percent of all the Nation’s funding before today, but I am appre-
the next steps the Federal Government
PPP loans, making us jurisdiction ciative of the vote.
I look forward to voting for this can take, I encourage the Speaker and
number 52.
I expect this bill now would allow the funding today that will give American my colleagues to support H.R. 6433, a
rest of those small businesses to get it small businesses the resources to main- bill I introduced on April 3, the Heroes
and to get it now. tain their livelihoods and weather the Act, as a way to say thank you to the
The island’s economy has been great- storm. first responders and medical profes-
ly impacted, just like the people here Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 sionals risking their lives on a daily
on the mainland. And now with more minute to the gentlewoman from Illi- basis to save the lives of others.
than 150,000 employees that are out of nois (Ms. KELLY), a real champion of Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
work and the small businesses that are small business. minute to the gentleman from Oregon
out of business, it is imperative that Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam (Mr. BLUMENAUER), a very influential
we support this bill and immediately Speaker, I support this legislation be- member of the Ways and Means Com-
provide vital aid to American busi- cause hospitals and small businesses in mittee.
nesses across the Nation, which are the our communities need relief. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker,
lifeblood of our economy. Our communities need this bridge I thank Chairman NEAL for yielding me
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 over troubled waters. time.
minute to the gentleman from North This legislation rightfully invests I am in awe of the countless unsung
Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD), a very ca- $300-plus billion into the backbone of heroes who made it possible for all of
pable Congressman and a close friend our economy: small businesses. It puts us to get here safely today. We thank
of mine. $75 billion into our Nation’s hospitals them.
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speak- and ensures that those serving our I am here not just to vote for badly
er, I thank Chairman NEAL for yield- most vulnerable receive the resources needed additional relief, but in support
ing. they need to save lives. It invests $25 of the Speaker and our leadership in
Madam Speaker, I rise to thank and billion in testing. their successful effort resisting the Re-
commend my colleagues for their work As the chair of the CBC Health publicans and the Senate in fighting
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on this $480 billion legislation. Braintrust, we must make sure that against making it better.
On April 7, as the Speaker said, Re- the testing goes into the areas dis- But I am here to give voice to my fel-
publicans wanted $250 billion, but no proportionately affected, like the low Oregonians, who know so much
more. Black and Brown communities. more needs to be done, that it is out-
After Democratic demands, Repub- This legislation includes language rageous that big banks and the Trump
licans finally agreed to increase the developed by me, along with Congress- administration gave too much to the
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H1930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
wrong people and not enough to those We are here to legislate, not just pon- Letting State and local governments
most in need. tificate. flounder would dangerously weaken the
The administration can do something Vote ‘‘yes’’ and live to fight another response ahead of the virus’ second ex-
that costs taxpayers nothing: clarify day. pected wave.
the PPP provisions with a simple an- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield The American people deserve and
swer on how exactly the forgiveness 1 minute to the gentleman from Ken- need to be able to participate in their
provisions are going to work. tucky (Mr. GUTHRIE). democracy safely, without having to
I was on the phone until 1 a.m. last Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I risk their lives, and Congress should
night with a small businesswoman in thank the gentleman, my friend, for support State efforts to set up voting
Portland who, because of this lack of yielding. by mail.
clarity, is unsure if she should even ac- Madam Speaker, the PPP program Finally, postal workers are risking
cept the loan that she has been given. came out with astonishing speed. The their lives every day to deliver our
We must do better for the small busi- President and the Secretary imple- mail. They deserve our support, and
nesses and the millions of jobs that de- mented the legislation we passed, bi- the Federal Government needs to keep
pend upon them. partisan, in astonishing speed, but their agency from going bankrupt.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield there were criteria to get the money Only Congress can achieve these
1 minute to the gentleman from Wis- because we were spending $350 billion. things, and we cannot delay. The need
consin (Mr. GROTHMAN). I did have smaller banks and smaller in this country is urgent, and the
Mr. GROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, businesses who did not have experience American people are depending on us.
like all bills, this bill comes down to working with the SBA, with the Fed-
b 1245
how it is implemented. eral Government, who needed to come
up to speed. I think all of us, hopefully, Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am
Right now we have a problem, and I
were home, and I certainly was, talk- proud to yield 1 minute to the gen-
hope that bureaucracy does a better
ing to our small businesses, our small tleman from Texas (Mr. ROY).
job of implementing it.
banks, getting them online and getting Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I have one
The PPP in this program is going to,
them ready. question: Where has Congress been?
I believe, a lot of businesses that are Forty-three percent of American
actually even better off because of the I had small businesses saying, I don’t
have my 2019 taxes prepared yet, and I households have had a significant or
virus, because it is being so sloppily ad- total pay cut; 26 million Americans
ministered. I hope in the future, if we have to have that to show my income
for 2019. have filed for unemployment; schools
pass this bill, that people pay attention are shut down, placing burdens on fam-
to that. But it all came together right before
we ran out of money, at least in my ilies; and hospitals are laying off doc-
I also realize a lot of money is going tors and nurses. Where has Congress
to hospitals who have relied on pre- district. Everybody was in the portal
or the small businesses were ready. been?
dictions coming out of Washington Congress has met twice: first, to pass
that they were going to get a lot of pa- And that is what we wanted, was $250
billion to go forward, keep the program a $2 trillion bill that in many cases is
tients that they may not be getting. harming the very businesses it pur-
Right now in my district and many running, and they would be flush
today. ports to help; now, again, to spend
other districts, nurses and other hos- more borrowed money without asking
Doing the things we are doing now
pital personnel are being laid off and the important questions—no hearings,
today, they are important too, they are
hospitals are losing money because no oversight.
bipartisan, we agree, but we didn’t
they were expecting a deluge of pa- Today, I am holding my nose voting
have to have this interlude.
tients that never came, gratefully. for a bill I had no chance to shape be-
So help is on the way.
I hope in the future that the rec- Our small businesses are now ready. cause there are 700,000 businesses
ommendations out of Washington are It did take some time for some smaller closed by the power of government on
more on target and the employees of banks and smaller businesses, but I am the outside looking in while Harvard
my hospitals can get back to work as proud to say they are ready, and I am qualifies for $9 million.
we begin to do colonoscopies, mammo- proud to vote for this bill today. But this is it, Madam Speaker,
grams, hips, knees, and diagnostic Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 enough. No more half-assed legislating.
tests one more time. minute to the gentleman from Virginia No more picking winners and losers. No
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 (Mr. BEYER), an ambassador, Congress- more asking a small restaurant to
minute to the gentleman from New man, successful businessman, and gamble, to borrow money in hopes that
York (Mr. JEFFRIES), who has done a member of the Ways and Means Com- money will be forgiven by their govern-
remarkable job during this trying pe- mittee. ment if they rehire people. They can’t
riod as the chair of the Democratic Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I thank rehire because those same overlords
Caucus. the chairman for yielding. are paying workers more in unemploy-
Mr. JEFFRIES. Madam Speaker, I I rise in support of this legislation to ment than to do their job.
thank the distinguished chair for his protect jobs, support small businesses, Congress must convene not just
tremendous leadership. and save lives. today, but every day until America is
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- It is good that we agree on this fund- back on track. Our job is to make poli-
port of this emergency spending legis- ing, but Americans need more, much cies that will save lives by moving us
lation. More must be done, but it is a more. forward with deliberation, facts, and
strong step in the right direction. As of this morning, 26 million Ameri- balanced reason, not reaction, panic,
The COVID–19 pandemic is ravaging cans have lost their jobs, in some and fear.
America. Small businesses are shut- States as many as one-third of their Congress should be here, Madam
tered. Thousands have died. Millions of workforce. Speaker.
Americans are unemployed. Workers need our help in a way that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem-
Rome is burning. doesn’t stop or expire. Congress will bers are reminded to refrain from using
We can either put out the fire or have to do more to save small busi- profanity in debate.
watch our great Nation go down in nesses both in funding, in making Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am
flames. changes, and exercising oversight to pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentle-
This bill will help family-owned busi- ensure that it goes to small businesses. woman from California (Ms. JUDY CHU),
nesses, help women-owned businesses, State and local governments des- a very well-regarded gentlewoman and
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help minority-owned businesses, help perately need our help. The idea that a member of the Ways and Means Com-
small family farmers, and help our hos- we would tell States and localities to mittee.
pitals and our nursing homes. bear the brunt and then let them go Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam
Yes, it is not perfect, but we cannot bankrupt, and lay off medical workers, Speaker, I rise today in strong support
allow the perfect to be the enemy of police, firefighters, and teachers is des- of the Paycheck Protection Program
the good. picable, and we must reject it. and Health Care Enhancement Act.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1931
In order to reopen our economy and this disaster relief bill, and the Senate Madam Speaker, the coronavirus
conquer this virus, we need to have a majority leader’s arrogant advice for pandemic has resulted in an unprece-
real count of who has been infected, them to include bankruptcy is insult- dented public health and economic cri-
but we still don’t know the true impact ing and arrogant. sis. While frontline providers are fight-
of this pandemic because our Nation is What we need at the time of national ing to keep us all safe, the deliberate
facing a severe shortage of COVID–19 crisis, a national emergency, is we need slowdown of our economy has caused
tests. That is why it is so important leaders who possess goodness, humil- significant disruption for employers
that Democrats fought to include $25 ity, courage, and a sense that we are and employees throughout the country.
billion in this package to expand our all in this together, a sense of national In Pennsylvania, the Payroll Protec-
testing capacity. solidarity. tion Program has, in a period of 12
Also of critical importance is that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- days, processed over 70,000 loans, total-
this legislation has the Paycheck Pro- bers are advised to refrain from engag- ing $15.7 billion, to help small busi-
tection Program set aside $60 billion in ing in personalities toward the United nesses make payroll and save jobs. I
lending authority for small community States Senate. thank our community banks and small
lenders, helping the countless small Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am businesses and the SBA for everything
businesses turned away by big banks, proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- that was done.
like my constituent Tony, a dentist tleman from Illinois (Mr. RODNEY The severity of this crisis, however,
who has had a business account with DAVIS), Republican leader of the House necessitates additional funding for this
Bank of America since 1983 but was de- Administration Committee. program. For the past 2 weeks, Repub-
nied the opportunity to even apply for Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. licans in Congress have advocated for
PPP. This set-aside authority gives our Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking additional appropriations while Demo-
smallest businesses the resources and Member BRADY and Chairman NEAL. crat leadership has permitted such
hope they need that they can survive I really appreciate the opportunity to delays to continue.
come here to once again remind our It has been extremely disruptive for
this pandemic.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am colleagues that, if there is one thing businesses that it took this long for
proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- that we ought to do right in this insti- the PPP to be increased. Businesses
tleman from Arkansas (Mr. HILL), a tution, it is to help Americans recover need some certainty. They do not have
from a disaster that they didn’t ask the luxury of waiting for partisan po-
leader of the Financial Services Com-
for. We did that by coming together for litical games. Let’s not let this happen
mittee and newly appointed member of
the CARES Act. again, particularly during the course of
the Congressional Oversight Commis-
The PPP program in Illinois, alone, this crisis.
sion for the CARES Act. Our country must now focus our ef-
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam has made 69,893 loans to our Main
forts on planning to get back to work
Speaker, I thank the chairman for Street businesses, worth almost $16 bil-
while maintaining a high level of safe-
yielding. lion. But I want to tell you about one
ty standards. With new funding in
I rise in support of the Paycheck Pro- person who still has a need: Lindy
place, we can continue to fight the
tection Program Increase Act. In Ar- McDonald of Myler Automotive Repair
virus, stay safe, and get our economy
kansas, there are more than 13,000 in Champaign, Illinois. She kept all of
roaring again.
pending PPP loan applications, rep- her employees. She is keeping her busi- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am
resenting over $1.1 billion, Madam ness going even though customers are pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen-
Speaker, of loans in limbo. Likewise, down. She is still in the queue to get tleman from New York (Mr. SUOZZI), a
many await the SBA’s disaster loan funded by what we do today. champion of all things New York and a
funding and wait for it now. Vote ‘‘yes’’ for this legislation, and I member of the Ways and Means Com-
The timing of this additional funding thank you for the bipartisanship. mittee.
is critical, and yet, again, I regret the Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I sup-
delay by many leaders on the other minute to the gentleman from Illinois port this legislation. I am concerned,
side playing politics one more time (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS), chairman of the however, that the banks are focused on
with the livelihoods of our constitu- Subcommittee on Worker & Family big small businesses and have ignored
ents. Support. the smaller small businesses seeking
After the passage of this important Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. $100,000 or less.
package, I am confident that our em- Madam Speaker, the coronavirus has I am asking my colleagues to send a
ployers and our consumers will pru- brought to national attention the huge clear message to the banks and to Sec-
dently be able to combine common disparities in health status and eco- retary Mnuchin: We will be watching.
sense and follow the CDC precautions nomic status of African Americans and We need you to fight for the little
and get back to work, back to seeing other population groups in this coun- guys.
patients, back to the barbershop, back try. There are a lot of good things in this
to their faith communities, and back We have seen how some financial in- bill, including something we in New
to some semblance of normalcy. stitutions overlooked and denied small, York have pushed for: money for hos-
Americans always come together in struggling businesses. This bill will do pitals based on the rate of infection.
times of crisis. We will defeat this for- something about both. I hope it does, But we need more.
eign invader. We will get our economy and I am confident that it will. My three counties are in the top five
back to full capacity. After we have arrested the in the Nation in confirmed cases. New
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 coronavirus, let’s do something dif- York has over 30 percent of the cases
minute to the gentleman from New ferent and help equalize America so and 30 percent of the deaths. Pre-
York (Mr. HIGGINS), champion of all that Blacks and other population viously, this administration gave New
things Buffalo and a member of the groups are not dying in disproportion York hospitals less money than Texas,
Ways and Means Committee. to our population. which has only 3 percent of the cases.
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Let’s make America the great equal- How does that make sense?
Speaker, I thank Chairman NEAL for izer, the America that has never been Now Senator MCCONNELL is saying
yielding. and yet the America that we know can let’s bankrupt our hardest hit States
This disaster relief bill includes $360 and must be, and let’s save our Postal and local governments.
billion for paycheck protection for Service. Madam Speaker, my State subsidizes
American workers; $75 billion for our Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am Senator MCCONNELL’s State and has for
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courageous healthcare workers and the pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- decades. The grim reaper is telling my
institutions that they work at; and $25 tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. State and others to drop dead.
billion for virus testing to bend, break, MEUSER). Well, I have a message for you: We
and crush the disease curve. Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I are going to fight you. Most Democrats
Sadly, New York’s State, county, and thank the gentleman from Texas for and Republicans have put aside ideo-
local governments were kicked out of yielding. logical differences for the common
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H1932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
good. We must continue to fight for support our small businesses by pass- lief legislation, including legislation
New York, for my district, and for the ing the CARES Act. Today, I am here that creates a $100 billion emergency
little guy. again asking the House to pass this bill rental assistance fund and a $75 billion
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- and get it to the President’s desk so we homeowner assistance fund.
bers are reminded to address their re- can give our small businesses and Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 266,
marks to the Chair. healthcare providers the additional as- and look forward to working with my
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am sistance they need. colleagues on the next relief package.
proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- This bill provides an extra $75 billion Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, our
tleman from North Carolina (Mr. to our hospitals and $25 billion for ex- prayers are with Chairwoman WATERS,
BISHOP), a leader in the small business panded testing capacity, with resources her sister, and her family.
community. specifically set aside for community Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. health centers and rural health clinics. the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr.
Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking These additional funds will have a dra- FLEISCHMANN), one of the leaders of the
member for yielding. matic impact in rural areas like Michi- Committee on Appropriations.
In my 1 minute, let me tell you about Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speak-
gan’s First District, where access to
Hornwood, Inc.—talk about a survivor. er, I rise in support of this, the fourth
testing has lagged and our rural
Hornwood is a specialty textile manu- bill.
healthcare facilities are struggling to
facturer in operation 74 years. It manu- At a time of adversity, I would like
keep their doors open.
facturers products for the U.S. mili- This legislation also refills the Pay- to reach out to my colleagues on both
tary, many specialty applications, and check Protection Program, critical for sides of the aisle. The American people
now components for PPE. the Upper Peninsula and northern are concerned, but we are optimistic.
Hornwood’s main facility is in Anson The American people are worried, but
Michigan’s small businesses. This tem-
County, among the most economically we will come through this adversity. I
porary, targeted relief is our oppor-
challenged counties in North Carolina. think of the people I represent in Ten-
tunity to send a strong message to our
Hornwood employs almost 400, the nessee, but we are coming together as
Main Street businesses that we want
largest employer in that county. a Nation during this time like I have
Although it is designated essential, them to be able to open their doors
when it is time to open our economy never seen us come together before. At
its revenues plummeted as government a time of difficulty, we have an oppor-
shut down the economy. Without a back up.
I urge my colleagues to support this tunity to actually seize this moment
PPP loan, despite being essential, and move our great Nation forward. So,
Hornwood must shut down imminently. bill.
yes, am I concerned? Yes, I am con-
It applied for PPP on the second day, b 1300
cerned. Of course, I am. But we will see
but its application was caught in a Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 better days in this great Nation.
snafu and the funds ran out. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- Madam Speaker, let us never forget,
The 2 weeks consumed by the major- fornia (Ms. WATERS), the chairwoman we in this Chamber represent the peo-
ity’s exercise of leverage may well of the Financial Services Committee, ple of the greatest Nation in the world.
prove the fatal difference for Hornwood who is a major author of this legisla- We shall prevail.
and thousands of other small busi- tion. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, we cer-
nesses, but I am glad we are here fi- Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I tainly express our best to MAXINE
nally to finish the job. thank the gentleman for his leadership WATERS and her family at this chal-
To Hornwood and all of the others: and tough negotiations in support of lenging time.
Keep surviving. this legislation, H.R. 266.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am de- Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
I not only rise in support of this leg- the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
lighted to yield 1 minute to the gen-
islation, the Enhancement Act, I also JACKSON LEE), the distinguished con-
tleman from California (Mr. GOMEZ), a
would like to rise in support of what gresswoman.
well-regarded member of the Ways and
we are doing for the Health Care En- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
Means Committee.
Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise hancement Act in this bill. let me acknowledge that people are
in support of this package because I And I am going to take a moment to dying. That sometime in the future, we
have small businesses in my district dedicate this legislation to my dear may have one-sixth of the number of
that are closing, after being in business sister, who is dying in a hospital in St. people that died in World War II in the
for decades, right before our eyes. This Louis, Missouri, right now, infected by battles on behalf of the United States.
bill is better than what the Repub- the coronavirus. I rise because I support this legisla-
licans originally proposed. This legislation provides $370 billion tion because it has universal testing
And make no mistake about it, if it in funding for small businesses, as well for COVID–19. It is a matter of life and
wasn’t for Democrats pushing to make as $100 billion for hospitals and death. And I call upon using this $25
changes, the businesses, the true small coronavirus testing. I am pleased that billion for testing nursing homes and
businesses—not the publicly traded we have been able to set aside $60 bil- all essential workers. They must be as-
companies—would still continue to be lion for our Nation’s community devel- sured that they are safe.
left behind. There would be no money opment financial institutions, minor- I join with the Congressional Black
for hospitals, no money for PPEs, no ity depository institutions, community Caucus to make sure that we have con-
money for testing. It is the push of the banks, credit unions, certified develop- centrated voluntary testing in areas
Democrats that made this bill better ment companies, and microlenders to where there have been high deaths,
and is why I am supporting it. directly lend to their small business contact tracing to identify the people,
I also want to be clear that this virus customers, who are often minority- which has been included, antibody
is on a different timeline. No matter owned businesses. tests, working with our communities
what people think, no matter what Small businesses and their workers and faith-based. And, yes, The Nickel
people say, this is just the end of the all across the country are in dire need in the Fifth Ward, where Mickey Le-
beginning and not the beginning of the of assistance and will benefit from this land and Barbara Jordan work; that is
end. bill. And so with that, Congress must a restaurant. I want them to be part of
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am now immediately turn to the next those who will get now the new dollars,
pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- package of legislation to provide relief the $60 billion that is going to help the
tleman from Michigan (Mr. BERGMAN). during the pandemic. We need to do very, very small. And I want to stand
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Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I much more to help renters, home- in the way of the Ruth’s Chris and the
rise today in support of the Paycheck owners, people experiencing homeless- Shake Shacks, the large corporations,
Protection Program and Health Care ness, and mom-and-pop landlords. to make sure that they understand
Enhancement Act. As chairwoman of the Financial that we are sharing with each other. So
Less than a month ago, I stood on Services Committee, I am already small businesses now with minority
this floor and urged my colleagues to working on additional coronavirus re- banks and CDFIs can do this.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1933
Finally, our hospitals that have been As the economic impact of the coronavirus shine a light on where COVID–19 is and
on the front lines. They need to be re- pandemic becomes clearer and more far- where it is not present.
imbursed and those who are Medicare reaching, it will be necessary to replenish the The lack of testing early on and the contin-
focused, not just Medicaid focused, not Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Eco- ued lack of testing is costing trillions in lost
just Medicare focused. nomic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) economic output and it will continue to cost
And, yes, I want hero pay for our funding made available under the CARES Act. much more as we struggle to save lives
transit workers and hero pay for our The legislation before us replenishes these through social distancing and providing ade-
professionals. funds, and importantly, sets aside a portion of quate universal access to COVID–19 needed
Madam Speaker, I support this legis- those funds be deposited in Community De- medicines, equipment, and PPE to protect
lation now to save lives. velopment Financial Institutions (CDFIs), mi- medical personnel.
Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the nority depository institutions (MDIs), certified Madam Speaker, based on the limited data
Committees on the Judiciary and on Home- development companies, microloan inter- available to date, it is clear that African Ameri-
land Security, and founder and Co-Chair of mediaries, and State or Federal Credit Unions cans are at higher risk of contracting COVID–
the Congressional Coronavirus Taskforce, I to ensure that economically distressed or dis- 19 and experiencing the worst outcomes.
rise in strong support of the ‘‘Paycheck Pro- advantaged communities have access to the An April 2020 analysis by the Washington
tection Program and Health Care Enhance- capital needed to revive and regenerate their Post of available data and census demo-
ment Act,’’ an interim measure that supple- local economies. graphics shows that counties that are majority-
ments the CARES Act, the assistance and re- Specifically, the legislation before us black have three times the rate of infections
lief package passed by Congress providing strengthens the Paycheck Protection Program and almost six times the rate of deaths as
more than $2 trillion to address the adverse with $310 billion in additional funding and $50 counties where white residents are in the ma-
health and economic impacts of the COVID– billion for SBA disaster lending, translating into jority.
19 pandemic. more than $350 billion in loans, and $10 billion Madam Speaker, African Americans are 26
But more must be done, and it is our obliga- in SBA disaster grants. percent of the population in Milwaukee Coun-
tion to ensure that the necessary assistance is Additionally, and importantly, this legislation ty, Wisconsin but account for 73 percent of
provided, and that our decisions are informed directs that $30 billion be deposited in banks COVID–19 related deaths; comparable num-
by science, based on evidence, and put the and credit unions with less than $10 billion in bers in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
physical safety and economic security and assets, as well as all Community Development are 32 percent and 46 percent of the popu-
livelihoods of the American people foremost. Financial Institutions (CDFIs), MDIs, certified lation but 67 percent and 58 percent of
Every day, we see the need for further ac- development companies (CDCs), and micro- COVID–19 deaths respectively.
tion to combat the coronavirus crisis. lenders that are PPP lenders.
To date, there are more than 800,000 con- Faced with this grim reality, I am particularly
Madam Speaker, another reason I strongly pleased that the legislation before us directs
firmed cases, over 43,000 dead, including support this legislation is because it provides
20,196 cases and 547 deaths in my home the Secretary of Health and Human Services
$75 billion to provide hospitals and health care to collect, publicly release, and report to Con-
state of Texas. workers on the frontlines the necessary re-
On top of that, by taking the necessary gress racial and demographic data on
sources, especially personal protective equip- COVID–19 in order to identify and address ra-
measures to slow the pandemic and ‘flatten ment (PPE) to battle the coronavirus pan-
the curve’ so as not to overwhelm the nation’s cial disparities in the response.
demic and care for its victims. But Madam Speaker, we all recognize the
health care system, economic activity in the We have all seen the heart-wrenching sto-
United States has experienced a severe shock legislation before us is only an interim meas-
ries of courageous doctors, nurses, ambu-
to the system. ure and more must and will be done to protect
lance drivers, orderlies, and others selflessly
More than 22 million initial unemployment our nation and make our people whole.
striving to save others while putting them- In the next supplement to the CARES Act,
claims in the past month alone. selves in harm’s way because of the severe
In addition, on March 23, 2020, the Dow I look forward to working with my colleagues
shortage of PPE. to include the following priorities:
Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped to Madam Speaker, the current president fan-
18,321.62, which is even lower than it was on 1. Hero pay for mass transit workers;
cies calling himself a ‘‘War President.’’
Election Night 2016, and far below the 19,827 For anyone who needs reminding, the na- 2. Increased childcare direct payment as-
mark where it stood on January 20, 2017. tion’s greatest wartime presidents made sure sistance to essential workers;
In other words, Madam Speaker, all the 3. Additional funding for CDC data collection
that American troops on the frontlines were
gains that were made to the stock market and and research regarding disparate impact of
trained, equipped, and protected in battle.
heralded by this Administration as evidence of I also support this legislation because it pro- COVID–19 on African Americans and Latinos;
its genius have been wiped out, depleting the vides as I requested $25 billion for diagnostic 4. Expanded Medicaid payments to local
retirement savings and 401ks of millions of or- testing and contact tracing promised at no counties in states that have not accepted the
dinary Americans. charge to the person. expanded Medicaid;
Democrats dramatically changed the pack- This funding will help states and local juris- 5. Medical shelters creating extra COVID–
age originally proposed by the Senate from an diction conduct necessary COVID–19 testing 19 hospital beds to be funded at 100 percent
insufficient Republican plan that left behind in local jails, juvenile detention centers, and so counties like Harris County in my home
hospitals and health workers but did nothing to elsewhere in the criminal justice system. state of Texas is not subsidizing all of its
aid the survival of the most vulnerable small Testing is the key to reopening the economy neighboring counties; and
businesses on Main Street. and resuming our lives, and to prevent, pre- 6. Funding for an additional cash distribution
That is why Democrats in Congress insisted pare for, and respond to coronavirus, domesti- of $2,000 per adult and $500 per child.
on, fought for, and succeeded in shepherding cally or internationally, for necessary expenses Madam Speaker, the occasion demands
into law the CARES Act, established the Pay- to research, develop, validate, manufacture, that we rise, and I urge all Members to join
check Protection Program (PPP), a new guar- purchase, administer, and expand capacity for me in voting to pass the Senate Amendment
anteed loan program at the Small Business COVID–19 tests to effectively monitor and to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program
Administration (SBA) to help small businesses suppress COVID–19, including tests for both and Health Care Enhancement Act.
cover payroll and other expenses during the active infection and 19 prior exposure. Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1
crisis, with 100 percent of the amount eligible If we cannot see where COVID–19 is within minute to the gentleman from Georgia
for forgiveness if employers retain employees. a community, there is no reliable way to pre- (Mr. FERGUSON), the chief deputy whip,
The CARES Act also created the Economic vent its spread other than quarantine. a key member of the Committee on
Injury Disaster Loan Program, a new $10 bil- If we do not dramatically increase testing, Ways and Means.
lion grant program, leveraging SBA’s Office of we will remain prisoners of COVID–19 until we Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I
Disaster Assistance to provide small busi- have a vaccine widely available, which is not rise in support of the legislation.
nesses with much needed capital in a timely expected to occur until early 2021. This is important for our commu-
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manner. Universal testing for COVID–19 is a matter nities and our small businesses back
Congress intended that these programs of life and death for millions of Americans, but home. We are in a real battle. On one
would provide immediate financial support to it is also a salvation for millions of others who front, we have our incredible
secure the survival of the small business com- are living desperate lives behind locked doors. healthcare workers, our frontline
munity, which is the backbone of the national The liberation of millions hinges on getting healthcare workers, our first respond-
economy. testing in every community so that we can ers, and hospital administrators that
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H1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
are fighting out there. And those he- bring our pharmaceuticals home, but tion Program by providing an addi-
roes, we owe a debt of gratitude. This our technology and our business that tional $310 billion to help small busi-
bill will provide important resources, China is preying on right now, as we nesses stay afloat.
particularly for our rural hospitals. speak. Wake up America. We are in a Further, this bill ensures that true
But there is an economic disaster as cold war, and we have to do better. small businesses—not large, multi-
well. And I would like to say thank you Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 million-dollar corporations—have ac-
to another group of unexpected heroes seconds to the gentlewoman from Con- cess to these funds.
that are out there working very, very necticut (Ms. DELAURO), a fully capa- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
hard every single day, and those are ble member of the Committee on Ways leagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 266. The
our community bankers in our small, and Means. well-being of the American people de-
rural communities. Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, this pends on it.
These bankers have been working economic relief package is for small Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
long hours, helping the small business businesses, finally. 1 minute to the gentleman from South
in their communities that they serve. I am proud that we also secured $25 Carolina (Mr. WILSON).
And I will tell you, there are going to billion to expand testing, with $11 bil- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina.
be a lot of stories that come out about lion to increase State and local testing Madam Speaker, I support the legisla-
good things and bad things that happen capacity; $1 billion for the CDC, $1.8 tion.
with this program, but I could not be billion for the NIH, $1 billion for I am grateful that President Donald
more grateful for the men and women BARDA, money for the Food and Drug Trump has succeeded with an agree-
in our small community banks out Administration and money for commu- ment to address the destructive impact
there putting in long hours, long days, nity health centers. This is not every- of the Wuhan virus. Our families, small
doing their dead-level best to help the thing we wanted. businesses, and hospitals need this sup-
communities that they serve. Next, we need relief for States and lo- port to maintain jobs now more than
Madam Speaker, again, I ask that all calities, SNAP benefits, paid family ever.
colleagues support this legislation. leave and paid sick days, and the ex- The Paycheck Protection Program
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 pansion of the Child Tax Credit. Vote has been successful in supporting small
seconds to the gentlewoman from New ‘‘yes’’ to continue working for people. businesses in maintaining jobs, already
York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield saving 30 million jobs. A real-world ex-
chairperson of the Committee on Over- 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas ample of success was on Fox Business
sight and Reform. (Mr. ARRINGTON), a fellow Texan, and News last week with Melissa Francis
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New key member of the Committee on Ways interviewing Bill Dukes of the Blue
York. Madam Speaker, I support this and Means. Marlin restaurant in Columbia, prais-
bill, which provides an additional $310 Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, ing Scott Hagler of the Security Fed-
billion for PPP loans. And while this is these resources are a lifeline to our fel- eral Bank for saving jobs.
desperately needed, it almost certainly low Americans, whose lives and liveli- This agreement will help families
will not be enough. hoods have been turned upside down but, sadly, there was a delay because of
I am glad that an additional $60 bil- through no fault of their own. partisan politics, letting no disaster go
lion is being set aside for community They aren’t just numbers on some to waste.
banks, credit unions, minority banks, government spreadsheet. They are In conclusion, God bless our troops,
and CDFIs. And as chair of the Com- healthcare workers who rush to the and we will never forget September the
mittee on Oversight and Reform, I front lines in this battle, risking their 11th in the global war on terrorism.
promise I will watch the $60 billion like lives for our safety. They are family Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
a hawk to make sure that it goes to the farmers, independent energy producers, minute to the gentlewoman from Flor-
communities that we intended. and small businesses of all kinds who ida (Mrs. MURPHY), a very capable
But I also want to mention another listened to their leaders, did their part, member of the Committee on Ways and
key priority: The postal service, which made their sacrifices and stayed home, Means.
is running out of money and must be shuttered their businesses, all to keep Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Madam
funded soon. their communities and their country Speaker, today’s bill is a positive step
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield safe. and has my full support, but it took
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- This temporary support will com- too long. Next time let’s skip the par-
ida (Mr. WALTZ). pensate them partly, but more impor- tisan games and just do our jobs.
Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, we are tantly, will help them get on their feet We must be aggressive and smart. We
hearing a lot today about Democrats so that they can keep their employees should spare no expense when it comes
support this; Republicans support that. on the payroll and off the unemploy- to testing, treatments, and vaccines.
I don’t think this is the time for that. ment roll. These folks are the heart- And we must support workers and busi-
Americans don’t care. They don’t care beat of America. They are the lifeblood ness owners who bear no blame for this
about party. This virus doesn’t care. of this economy, and they—not the crisis.
They care about this Congress getting government—will lead one of the great- We should keep workers tethered to
things done and about America pulling est American comebacks in our his- their jobs and to their healthcare. And
through. tory. aid should be swift and direct rather
This is a good day for our businesses, Madam Speaker, let’s suit up, let’s than through complicated and time-
for our hospitals, but I think a silver strap it on, and let’s get America back consuming programs. For workers who
lining in all of this will be all of us see- to work. do lose their jobs, Congress has pro-
ing America pull together. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 vided billions to support them.
And I think the other silver lining seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Sadly, this support has been delayed
will be us drastically changing how we fornia (Mr. TAKANO), chairperson of the in States like Florida, whose unem-
view our relationship with China, and Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ployment system is marred by incom-
understanding the Chinese Communist Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, H.R. petence and indifference. Congress
Party is not our friend, they are ma- 266 provides billions of dollars in fund- must demand better. Our country con-
nipulating international organizations, ing for small businesses, hospitals, and fronts a deadly, serious crisis. As lead-
they are hoarding supplies, have much-needed testing. This is a bill that ers, we must unite to combat COVID–
brought manufacturing away from a works for the people, not just the fa- 19.
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place where we, as America, can ben- vorite clients of the big banks. My fellow Blue Dog colleagues and I
efit. We must bring that manufac- I have heard from small business will continue pushing for more bipar-
turing home. We will do that on the owners in Riverside County who have tisan cooperation to get the job done
other side of this. struggled to receive the help they need for the American people.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to intro- after the original funds ran dry. This Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
duce legislation today to not only bill strengthens the Paycheck Protec- 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1935
(Mr. HURD), a member of the Com- Madam Speaker, we fought to also move safely and responsibly to reopen
mittee on Appropriations, and a fellow include $75 billion for hospitals and the economy.
Texan. healthcare providers so the frontline This is critical economic support. I
Mr. HURD of Texas. Madam Speaker, healthcare heroes are taken care of and support this bipartisan legislation.
134,700—that is the number of small $25 billion for critical COVID–19 testing Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
businesses in my home State of Texas so we can better understand the spread 1 minute to the gentleman from Ken-
that have received Paycheck Protec- of this virus, to save lives, and to have tucky (Mr. BARR), a member of the Fi-
tion Program loans amounting to more the confidence to reopen our commu- nancial Services Committee.
than $28.4 billion. nities. Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, for
This money helps small business Madam Speaker, I urgently ask ev- America’s struggling small businesses,
owners catch their breath because they eryone to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this legisla- there is just no substitute for safely re-
didn’t have to fire their employees. tion. opening the economy; but until that
This money prevented thousands from Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 happens, the Paycheck Protection Pro-
going on unemployment and standing seconds to the gentlewoman from gram is a lifeline.
in line at already-overrun food banks. Washington (Ms. SCHRIER). The first wave of funding delivered
Madam Speaker, this money has been Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, to- $350 billion in forgivable loans to 1.6
a Band-Aid helping small businesses day’s bill is critical for small busi- million firms nationwide, including
stop bleeding. This program has and nesses in my district that are des- over $4 billion to save jobs in my home
will help many survive this moment of perately waiting for this financial life- State of Kentucky.
darkness. More funding for PPP will line. For the Wells family at Green Tree
save jobs. More funding for testing will The funding for testing is also crit- Forest Products, the funds meant that
save lives. Let’s get it done. No more ical as our country is woefully behind. they could keep their sawmill open and
delays. We need 10 to 20 times current levels of retain 93 employees in eastern Ken-
Madam Speaker, I am proud a solu- testing to know who is infected and tucky.
tion to add funds to this program fi- isolate them and to find emerging hot For Upper Right Marketing, a Lex-
nally came about, but I am dis- spots. Without that, we are flying ington tourism company impacted by
appointed partisanship delayed it. Our blind, and we will see new surges. Wide- the postponement of the Kentucky
neighbors and communities are step- spread testing is key to moving for- Derby and the closure of the Kentucky
ping up and working together to help ward. Bourbon Trail, funding arrived the day
one another. Congress should follow Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield before the company was set to lay off
that lead. 1 minute to the gentleman from Mon- 30 employees.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 So it is unfortunate that some in this
tana (Mr. GIANFORTE).
seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I House dithered the last 7 days, making
fornia (Mr. BERA). rise today in support of reopening the partisan demands after the program
Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, we are
Paycheck Protection Program after an ran out of money and an additional 41⁄2
in the middle of a global pandemic.
unnecessary lapse in funding. million Americans filed for unemploy-
This isn’t a Republican virus or Demo-
In just 2 weeks after the launch, the ment.
cratic virus. It doesn’t recognize the
program provided over 13,000 loans in But today’s replenishment of funding
color of your skin or the country of
Montana, totaling $1.4 billion. It has restores hope for workers, families, and
your origin. It doesn’t know what god
helped small businesses stay open and business owners, including Dennis from
you worship.
We are in this together, not just as a keep workers on the payroll. Lexington, who has operated a car re-
But as the well quickly ran dry on pair shop for 17 years, has 10 employ-
city, a State, a country. We are in this
this critical lifeline for small busi- ees, but has yet to receive a loan.
together—all of us—and we will get out
nesses and workers, the Speaker and Congress must ensure that, by flat-
of this together. Let’s find our human
the Senate Democratic Leader, CHUCK tening the curve, we don’t flatten
kindness and our better nature. We will
SCHUMER, stood on the sidelines and small business with it. I urge my col-
persevere. We will be more resilient.
failed to work with Republicans to leagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’
And we will come out stronger and
keep this program running. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, let me
kinder and gentler.
When Senate Majority Leader inquire as to how much time is remain-
b 1315 MCCONNELL moved to increase funding, ing on each side.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Democrats objected, refusing to allow The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
1 minute to the gentlewoman from Mis- immediate action. That is outrageous. tleman from Massachusetts has 31 min-
souri (Mrs. WAGNER), a member of the At last, we are doing the right thing utes remaining. The gentleman from
Financial Services Committee. by small businesses and workers, but it Texas has 241⁄2 minutes remaining.
Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I is overdue, and it has been needlessly Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
am here today to call on colleagues to held up with partisan games. seconds to the gentlewoman from Min-
support the Paycheck Protection Pro- I urge my colleagues to stand with nesota (Ms. CRAIG).
gram and Health Care Enhancement small businesses and workers today Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise in
Act, legislation that is poised to be a and pass the Paycheck Protection Pro- strong support today for America and
lifeline to my constituents in Mis- gram. Minnesota’s small businesses.
souri’s Second Congressional District Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Whether it is a florist in Apple Val-
during this pandemic. seconds to the gentleman from Utah ley, the Cannon River Winery, or a food
This bill includes $310 billion in in- (Mr. MCADAMS). shelf in Eagan, I have heard the urgent
creased funding for the Paycheck Pro- Mr. MCADAMS. Madam Speaker, need for funding assistance to survive
tection Program, a program that has Utah families are suffering and wor- the impacts of COVID–19. But we must
helped keep open thousands of Missouri rying about how they are going to sur- do more.
businesses, including Martha’s Hands, vive this crisis financially. This legis- I am grateful that we are going to
a St. Louis-based home healthcare pro- lation provides additional funds for the add additional support to small busi-
vider with over 200 employees. My of- Paycheck Protection Program to cover nesses and nonprofits by funding the
fice worked with Martha’s Hands to se- payroll and other essential expenses for Paycheck Protection Program and the
cure these vital PPP funds so that they small businesses, and it keeps pay- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Pro-
will be able to pay their employees and checks coming for employees. We must gram today to keep small businesses
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keep their doors open to help the most make sure that this money makes it to and the American Dream alive.
fragile in our community. the small businesses and hardworking Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
There are small businesses and work- families that deserve it. 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas
ers just like them all over that are de- This bill also provides critical sup- (Mr. CRENSHAW).
pendent. They are the backbone of our port to our hospitals that are saving Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I
economy. lives and money for testing so we can rise today where we should have been a
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H1936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
week ago when the Treasury warned us businesses that are struggling through Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
that the small business program need- this time. The Paycheck Protection seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
ed refunding. It is a program we al- Program has been incredibly successful fornia (Mr. RUIZ).
ready authorized. It is a program that as a lifeline to those small businesses. Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, the
Americans need desperately to keep President Trump called on us weeks coronavirus has upended life as we
their payrolls whole during this crisis. ago to come and replenish this fund know it.
But, in predictable fashion, it was de- that has been used by so many busi- Healthcare workers need personal
layed. My colleagues will claim victory nesses to hang on, and yet there were protective equipment and hospitals
for this delay, claiming ‘‘wins’’ for ad- cries from the other side. In fact, one need supplies.
ditional funding. But they know that of the leaders of the main caucus on Small businesses and small farmers
this vote today could have easily been the opposition side called the Pay- need financial security to weather this
agreed to last week. check Protection Program leverage, storm.
We are asking our grocers to stock that they should hold out from re-fund- America needs a national testing re-
our shelves, truckers to drive, and ing to get other things. gime to safely and efficiently get this
nurses and doctors to risk their lives, This isn’t about leveraging families country back to work.
who are struggling and hanging on and Underserved rural communities need
but Congress can’t even bother to vote
businesses that barely can make it doctors and increased access to care.
to help small businesses in time. In The Paycheck Protection Program
fact, many want to vote from home or while you try to go for other items.
Help those people who are in need. Ne- and Health Care Enhancement Act will
by proxy. If you think that is leader- provide much-needed relief to millions
ship, then I would encourage you to gotiate on other things that we can get
agreement on, but don’t hold hostages across the country and help save lives.
rethink what it means to be a Rep- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
resentative. during this time.
I reached out to so many small busi- time of the gentleman has expired.
Leadership is courage to lead from Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield
the front. It is steadfast judgment free nesses and heard from people in my dis-
trict and all around this country. We the gentleman from California another
from cynical opportunism. Leadership 10 seconds.
means acting worthy of the people we saw another 4.4 million people lose
Mr. RUIZ. Because of the urgency, I
represent. If we are to survive this his- their jobs just this week, and yet there
urge you to vote ‘‘yes.’’ However, State
toric crisis, we might collectively were businesses holding on, waiting for
and local governments and Tribal na-
stiffen our spines and demonstrate to this money that didn’t get it for the
tions across the country need funding,
the American people what that looks last 2 weeks while this leverage game
too, to provide essential services for
like. was played.
I just talked to one company, Delta our essential frontline workers: para-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 medics, law enforcement, firefighters.
Electronics in Harvey, Louisiana: ‘‘We
seconds to the gentlewoman from We must include the Coronavirus Re-
laid off two of our three employees.
Texas (Ms. ESCOBAR). lief Act, $250 billion for local govern-
. . . We are about 7 days away from
Ms. ESCOBAR. Madam Speaker, I ment for populations less than 500,000
shutting our doors down for good and
rise to support this interim package. in the next act because small cities’
possibly declaring bankruptcy.’’
I have spent every day in my district The SPEAKER pro tempore. The firefighters and paramedics in my dis-
speaking to constituents and stake- time of the gentleman has expired. trict matter, too.
holders battered by this health and Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
economic crisis. I am grateful to the gentleman from Louisiana an addi- 1 minute to the gentleman from New
Speaker PELOSI and Democratic col- tional 1 minute. Jersey (Mr. SMITH).
leagues who fought for additional Mr. SCALISE. ‘‘We are about 7 days Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam
money for small businesses, fixed prob- away from shutting our doors down for Speaker, in New Jersey, 100,000 people
lems we saw after the first round of good and possibly declaring bank- have tested positive for COVID–19, with
funding, and added money for hos- ruptcy. We don’t know what else to do. more than 5,000 suffering death. Forty
pitals. percent of those who have died are
I’m tired of crying myself to sleep
I am disappointed by Republican col- women and men in nursing homes and
every night wondering what tomorrow
leagues who refused to include local veterans in long-term care homes. We
holds. Will we lose everything we
and State governments, but we will grieve their loss.
worked for? Our house? Our retire- My constituents have shown remark-
keep fighting for them and so many ment?’’
others who were left out. able strength, resolve, and resiliency,
‘‘Enough is enough.’’
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield They had to wait an extra 2 weeks. especially those in healthcare, first re-
2 minutes to the gentleman from Lou- Hopefully, that company can hold on. sponders, postal workers, truckers, su-
isiana (Mr. SCALISE), the Republican MJ’s Grill in Columbia, South Caro- permarket employees, and more. With-
Whip. lina: ‘‘We are a small, family-run res- out their courage and sacrifice, things
Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I taurant that has a staff of 16. We have would be far worse.
thank my colleague from Texas for Signs outside of CentraState Medical
had to cut our staffing down to eight
yielding. Center in Freehold say it all: Heroes
and those employees work limited
Most importantly, I want to thank Work Here.
hours. I open and close the kitchen For our hospitals, the $70 billion in
all of those hardworking families every day without taking a paycheck this legislation, on top of the $100 bil-
across this country, people who are to try and keep the doors open. We are lion for the CARES Act, is critically
struggling through this crisis, who are quickly approaching the hard-line deci- needed to sustain our overworked,
adhering to the guidance from the sion of closing our doors permanently.’’ cash-starved hospitals that risk insol-
President and their Governors. But These are stories that go on and on,
vency, in large part, because they have
they want us to get back to work. They heartbreaking stories from businesses
been compelled by law to postpone
want us to work together to help them that just want to hold on to keep their elective surgeries.
through this critical time, to focus on family business going, to keep those A few days ago, Secretary Mnuchin
finding a cure as we are seeing so many employees, that represent millions of said 30 million jobs have been saved by
advances in medicine, on testing, and people. the Paycheck Protection Program, the
on therapies that may work. Stop thinking of them as leverage PPP. Today’s $310 billion replenish-
In the meantime, we are all learning and start thinking of them as our ment continues and expands this his-
how to deal with this disease better, neighbors. Just like we applaud our toric bridge to assist businesses with
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how to socially distance. Even if you frontline workers, the men and women forgivable loans to prevent layoffs and
go to the grocery store now, people are in the hospitals, the nurses, the doc- bankruptcy.
being more cautious. tors who are keeping us safe, let’s work
We also need to make sure that we to keep everybody safe and get through b 1330
help those families hold on through this and open our economy back again. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
this time, that we help those small Let’s pass this bill. seconds to the gentlewoman from New
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1937
York (Ms. CLARKE), the vice chair of Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio. Madam laughing it up on late night television,
the Energy and Commerce Committee. Speaker, I rise in support of the Pay- showing off her stash of high-end ice
Ms. CLARKE of New York. Madam check Protection Program and Health cream, while I and other small business
Speaker, I rise today to stand up for Care Enhancement Act. owners don’t know how we will make
the 15,000-plus New Yorkers and thou- Throughout this crisis, our small the next payroll.
sands of Americans who have lost their businesses have done everything we I tell you what, ladies and gentle-
lives due to the coronavirus and to have asked, and it is past time that we men: Times are tough. Small business
stand up for the tens of thousands of add this necessary funding to help needs everything we can give them in a
healthcare and essential community them maintain payroll and survive this bipartisan way. I strongly urge support
workers whose lives are on the line as crisis. of this bill.
I stand here. But we all know that this cannot be Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
Today, we are voting on a $480 billion the end of our work in response to seconds to the gentleman from Vir-
interim relief package that includes COVID–19. Local leaders across my ginia (Mr. CONNOLLY).
$370 billion for small business loans and northeast Ohio district have made it Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I
grants, $60 billion of which will go to clear that their finances are in dire don’t know what my friend from Indi-
mom-and-pop, underbanked, and cash- shape. This is forcing difficult deci- ana is talking about.
and-carry, $75 billion for hospitals and sions about essential services, includ- I do know this: Thank God the Demo-
healthcare facilities and $25 billion for ing fire departments and police offi- crats insisted that this bill help the
a national testing strategy. cers. small businesses intended to be sup-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield While we should not bail out badly ported. Too many big guys got sup-
1 minute to the gentleman from Ari- run States and cities, it is vital that ported over the little guys, and that is
zona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT), a key member we provide targeted funding to munici- what we are trying to fight for today.
of the Ways and Means Committee. palities like Parma, North Canton, Me- Second point, we have got to help
Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Madam Speaker, dina, Orrville, Rootstown, and Green, State and local governments. They
how many of us have had the phone municipalities that have done things cannot be allowed to go bankrupt. That
calls over the last couple of weeks the right way and need our help. is social Darwinism at its worst.
I look forward to working with all of And, thirdly, we have got to help our
where we are talking to that small bus-
my colleagues on this. postal workers and the Postal Service
inessperson, and you can almost hear
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 who serve all Americans.
the tears on the other side of the call? Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
seconds to the gentleman from Wis-
You can hear the stress, almost panic 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas
consin (Mr. POCAN).
that they are about to hurt the very Mr. POCAN. Madam Speaker, I sup- (Mr. ESTES), a key member of the Ways
people that they work with, because port the bill before us today, but we all and Means Committee.
their business is failing, because they know it is not enough. Much more Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, 2 weeks
are desperate for what we made a must be done. In the next comprehen- ago, my Republican colleagues and I
promise to do, that payroll protection sive aid package, we must put people asked for more funding for the Pay-
money that functionally ran out a cou- first. check Protection Program. More than
ple of weeks ago. We knew the math, But something also must be done 1.6 million small businesses and their
and we engaged in a type of cruelty about the horrific Federal response to employees were helped before the
around here because we sat here and testing. FEMA and the Trump adminis- money ran out, including $4.3 billion in
engaged in partisan—we are better tration have been nonexistent in get- PPP loans for more than 26,000 small
than this. We knew what we had to do. ting States like Wisconsin the test businesses in Kansas.
Let’s never do this again. kits, reagents, and PPE we need to re- Now, hundreds of thousands of appli-
For Arizona, what we are about to open. cations sit, because Congress would not
vote on is 202,000 jobs. And the fact of If the President forces us to open too act in time. As a result, small business
the matter is, they should have had soon, more people will get sick and die, owners are laying off employees, they
those two weeks ago. Let’s make this and the economy will suffer, and that are losing the businesses that they
happen. will be on the President’s hands. worked so hard to build.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 This isn’t a reality show. American This bill will save 201,000 Kansas jobs.
seconds to the gentleman from Texas lives are at stake. Get us our supplies While late, this bill provides more
(Mr. GREEN). now. funding to the program, representing a
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speak- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield small step towards reopening America.
er, with all due respect to the Presi- 1 minute to the gentlewoman from In- This money will save businesses and
dent, if you want to make America diana (Mrs. WALORSKI), a key leader of jobs and allows more hardworking
great again, Mr. President, have the the Ways and Means Committee. Americans to provide for their fami-
Senate pass a bill to protect first re- Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I lies.
sponders by sending money to local want to give a shout-out to the Increased testing is a vital step in
governments. healthcare workers in Indiana’s Second our return to normalcy. This bill pro-
If you want to make America great District while I am standing here sup- vides $75 billion for healthcare pro-
again, put money in the pockets of the porting this legislation. What a phe- viders and another $25 billion for test-
persons who are in food lines miles nomenal job and risk they have taken. ing capacity to combat the virus. Test-
long so that they can feed their fami- I am supporting this legislation ing is critical to reopening Kansas and
lies. today, but this delay was long, too getting America going again.
If you want to make America great long, completely avoidable. Two weeks Today, I am grateful for the Ameri-
again, admit that what you said was a ago, Democrats blocked attempts to re- cans who stepped up to help their
hoax and let the healthcare workers plenish PPP and ensure small busi- neighbors in this unprecedented time,
and advisors give the advice on nesses could continue making payroll and I will continue to show up for Kan-
healthcare. and rent. They said there was no data sas by supporting this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. supporting more funding, even though Mr. NEAL. I yield 30 seconds to the
JACKSON LEE). Members are reminded the program ran out of money only a gentleman from New York (Mr. NAD-
to address their remarks to the Chair. week later. LER), chairman of the Judiciary Com-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, you PPP has helped so many small busi- mittee.
may also remind Members that we are nesses across my district save jobs. But Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, small
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not to engage in personalities on the others have been waiting for loans they businesses in my district are desperate
House floor. urgently needed while Democrats for assistance, but stymied by a lack of
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to played games with workers’ liveli- funding and unfair treatment by the
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. GON- hoods. big banks and the SBA.
ZALEZ), a leader in the Financial Serv- As one frustrated small business I support this legislation, because it
ices Committee. owner wrote to me: I saw the Speaker is absolutely imperative that we get
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H1938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
small businesses a new round of fund- priority should be and should always be I think of a family-owned bowling alley
ing and support. keeping people safe. that has been in my district for almost
I am also pleased this bill provides But the virus has also forced our 30 years, one that I took my kids to
significant funding for hospitals and economy to a grinding halt. Our small when they were growing up. With their
for expanded testing without which we businesses are desperate for a lifeline. PPP loan, they are now able to keep
cannot safely reopen the businesses And for many, that lifeline is the PPP. and pay their 90 employees and stay in
and other establishments we are trying In Illinois, almost 70,000 loans were business, so now my grandchildren can
to save. approved before funding ran out. But go there, too.
I am disappointed that despite the funding should have never been allowed I think of a home healthcare provider
best efforts of my Democratic col- to run out. We should have done our that cares for senior citizens. With
leagues, the bill does not give State job. We should have come back, and their PPP loan, they have kept a dozen
and local governments the funding and politics should not have been played. employees on the payroll and can con-
flexibility they desperately need. The COVID–19 virus is not Repub- tinue to care for our Greatest Genera-
We must provide for these and other lican; it is not Democrat. This hurting tion.
unmet needs in the next bill. But right economy is not Republican; it is not While no government program is per-
now, the funds in this bill are des- Democrat. But yet we held it up, and fect, this one undeniably helps people
perately needed, and we must vote yes. we will never know how many small in difficult times, and for that I sup-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield businesses failed because politics was port it.
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- played rather than getting our job
done. b 1345
ida (Mr. MAST).
Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, we are a Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
body of 435 representatives. That is seconds to the gentleman from Rhode seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
true. There is only one that can de- Island (Mr. CICILLINE), the chairman of fornia (Mr. LEVIN).
mand that that gavel go up and down. the Democratic messaging committee. Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam
And I have a very simple question for Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
rise to support the interim relief pack- yielding.
this body: Can anybody, will anybody,
age. The American people are generous
in this body stand and say that the
Thanks to the strong leadership of and strong, and we will get through
Speaker has demanded that we act here
the Speaker and our outstanding com- this if we stay united.
with the urgency that our people re-
mittee chairs, this bill helps our small- To the mom-and-pop businesses in
quire, with the urgency that this body
est small businesses, our hospitals, and my district that haven’t received a
is capable of?
a national testing strategy, which were dime and the community health cen-
You believe this body has acted with
not included in Senator MCCONNELL’s ters struggling to help their patients,
the urgency we are capable of, that our
original bill. So thanks again for their they are why I got on a flight last
people require?
leadership. night, and they are why we need to
I think it is sad that there are people Madam Speaker, we also have to
that believe that we have acted in ur- pass this bill today.
work hard to flatten this curve, and we
gency. There has been no haste by this In the weeks ahead, it should be ev-
have to do a lot more for America’s
body. eryone’s priority in this government to
working families.
It will be said of this time that those help our heroes on the front lines and
In the next phase of relief, we need to
who could do the most did the least. those most in need, regardless of what
include recurring direct cash payments
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 State or city they are in. We are the
to workers, additional small business
seconds to the gentleman from New United States of America, and we must
relief, aid to States and cities to pay
Jersey (Mr. PAYNE). stay united.
first responders and their healthcare
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
heroes that are on the front lines, and
thank the chairman, I thank the 1 minute to the gentleman from Ne-
even more in unemployment benefits.
Speaker, and I would say to my friend Our response must meet the gravity braska (Mr. FORTENBERRY), a key mem-
on the other side of the aisle, there was of the moment. I hope my colleagues ber of the Appropriations Committee.
no urgency in February when this was on the other side of the aisle will join Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speak-
first brought to the President’s atten- with us to make sure we respond to er, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
tion. this issue in the way that is necessary Steve called me recently. He has one
Madam Speaker, I rise today to sup- and not resist efforts to help hospitals, of the businesses that has been hardest
port the fourth coronavirus stimulus. to help workers, to help expand test- hit by coronavirus. He is down 90 per-
It is good to see both parties can come ing, all of the things we know we need cent. We talked through some issues.
together to aid the country during a to do to defeat this pandemic. Steve decided to fight back. He got in
national crisis. Thank goodness we stood up. Other- line early for the Paycheck Protection
But we must have accountability for wise, we wouldn’t have $75 million for Program and made a decision to bring
the money that we provide, and we healthcare workers, $25 million for his employees back, and then he had a
must get it to the people that need it testing, and all of the other things virtual ribbon cutting where he an-
the most. which are in this bill to help the small- nounced his reopening.
Like many Members, I was not happy est of small businesses. Madam Speaker, our country is in
to hear of small businesses that could Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield dire need of some good news, and this
not get funds. We must do a better job 1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- PPP has been a bright spot in the trau-
in getting the funds to the people that ida (Mr. SPANO). ma that we have all faced here.
need it the most, and that should be Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, as the Where I live, Madam Speaker, the
our commitment. sole Florida Member serving on the banker knows the farmer, the banker
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield house Small Business Committee, I rise knows the barber, the banker knows
1 minute to the gentleman from Illi- today in support of replenishing the the cafe owner. CPAs, financial advis-
nois (Mr. BOST). Paycheck Protection Program. ers, credit unions, we have all pitched
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, the last While the program is far from per- in. This is what I call community soli-
time I stood in this Chamber was the fect, it has been undeniably effective. darity.
first day that my district reported a Before the original funds were ex- It was clear from the beginning that
COVID–19 fatality. At that time, on hausted, 88,000 businesses in my home this program would run out of money,
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March 27, my district had just 27 con- State of Florida received almost $18 and we have reached that point. This
firmed cases. As of today, the 12th Dis- billion in forgivable loans, money that has been a bipartisan airlift, a lifesaver
trict has 50 deaths and 862 confirmed saved jobs and businesses, all in just 13 for so many people who make things
cases. days. with their own two hands and take care
COVID–19 has rattled our commu- Beyond numbers, what is important of others under their employ. I whole-
nities across this country, and our top is the people that this program serves. heartedly support this bill.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1939
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 loved one, but they couldn’t even be You see, every single committee in
seconds to the gentleman from New near them or with them in their time Congress has an oversight. We have a
Jersey (Mr. KIM). of need. I want them to know, from a committee just designed for oversight.
Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I thank Republican and Democrat side, for the But we wanted to make something to
the gentleman for yielding. entire Congress: You are in our pray- make sure it was bipartisan, so we cre-
Madam Speaker, 5,000 of my fellow ers, and you will stay in our prayers. ated three new entities in the CARES
New Jerseyans have died and many I also want to give a sincere thank- Act just for oversight.
more will in the weeks to come, and you to all of the essential workers on The first is called the Pandemic Re-
still we can’t get enough tests for those the front lines of this crisis, not from sponse Accountability Committee. It is
who need it. the Republican leader, but from a very made up of inspectors general, not Re-
We are the richest, most powerful grateful nation. publicans or Democrats. They are inde-
country in the world, and we are now For the medical professionals, the pendent and professional.
tired of excuses. We need a national doctors, the nurses, the receptionists, The second is a Special Inspector
testing program to let us know if our we thank you for going to work. We General for Pandemic Recovery. This
loved ones are healthy or sick so we know the fear that it brings; we know individual is appointed by the Presi-
can reopen our country and help our the fear that it brings when you go dent, confirmed by the Senate, and
small businesses. home to your families; and we are lasts for 5 years. And we gave $25 mil-
That is our challenge. It is what his- grateful. lion to make sure they had the re-
tory will judge us by. Let’s get it done. To the farmers who make sure we sources to make it happen.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield have food grown in America that is But that wasn’t enough. We created a
1 minute to the gentleman from Ari- safe and the truck drivers who drive third one. Now, this one is the Congres-
zona (Mr. BIGGS). through the night to replenish the sional Oversight Commission, with
Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I thank stores that we walk in and keep our commissioners. This body is appointed
the gentleman for yielding. distance to have the food; to the postal by congressional leadership.
The current bill provides $12 billion workers, the warehouse workers, the On our side of the aisle, we appointed
to jurisdictions that specifically au- clerks inside those stores who every FRENCH HILL. Why? First, he is a
thorize and encourage the use of sur- day go to work, you are making a statesman. He worked at the Treasury
veillance and contact tracing. The bill meaningful and measurable difference Department. He knows things back-
does not define these terms. in the lives of our entire Nation. wards and forwards, so they can’t ever
Does it allow big tech companies to We will be forever grateful for those
fool FRENCH HILL.
who kept us safe, kept us healthy, and
surveil and trace American citizens I was very excited when I heard, on
kept us fed. They deserve a government
and then turn that accumulated infor- the other side of the aisle, they ap-
that strives to meet that very same
mation over to the government? pointed DONNA SHALALA, the former
level of dedication.
How will this data be secured, stored, Secretary of HHS.
That is the promise I will make: that
et cetera? we will bring the same dedication that You see, this body won’t be weighted
There are many questions that go un- by one side or the other. All four lead-
you bring to help others that you don’t
answered. Not the least of these, how- even know, and we should rise to that ers, Republican and Democrat, appoint
ever, is the question of how much occasion. This is a commitment we one, so it is equal.
longer the American people acquiesce make to every American. We will fight And then you know what happens for
to unconstitutional and crushing gov- this virus together until we defeat it a chair? MITCH MCCONNELL and Speak-
ernment action. together. er PELOSI decide who to become the
We need to open up America now. I We did not ask for this virus. We did chair. I think the American public says
call on our Governors to free their citi- not invite it. It came from a distant that is right. But they don’t go and
zens immediately. land. But together, we will defeat it, hide inside a corner. They literally re-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 not only for our country, but for the port to Congress every 30 days.
seconds to the gentleman from Florida world. I was proud of that accomplishment.
(Mr. SOTO). To do that, Congress must act, and That is what America expects from us:
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I thank we will continue to act even if some in no politics, but the very best on there,
the gentleman for yielding. this body want to play politics. Even if and report back.
The true question we face in this we get something held up, we will stay But today, when we come back be-
pandemic is not when we will get out of at the table until we bring people to- cause it was delayed, to give small
this crisis, but how we will get out of gether. business the resources it takes to keep
this crisis. And the keys to our eco- We want to put people before politics. people employed, now we added a little
nomic freedom lie in this bill: $25 bil- Our entire effort will be bipartisan. politics to the game. You see, today,
lion for testing and monitoring; $75 bil- After all, public health and a strong we will vote on a new Oversight Com-
lion for treatment, a national testing economy are not a Democrat or Repub- mittee.
strategy; finally, additional business lican issue. Will it be equal? Will it be the same
help for our small businesses, including Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, we number of Republicans and Democrats
$370 billion and $60 billion for our watched the other side within our own like the congressional one? No.
smallest, most vulnerable businesses. Speaker of the House interject politics Will it be the same when it comes to
If we commit to continue to focus on where it did not belong: into an over- the inspectors general, where it won’t
how to survive this pandemic, then, my sight body of our necessary relief care about politics? No, sad to say not.
fellow Americans, we will. funds. You see, this committee will be the
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Now I want everybody to understand only committee weighted politically.
1 minute to the gentleman from Cali- what the CARES Act did, the CARES There will be seven Democrats and five
fornia (Mr. MCCARTHY), the leader of Act that got held up for more than a Republicans. This committee was an-
the Republican Conference. week. Yes, at the end of the day it nounced before they even told the mis-
Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I changed from that one Sunday night. sion of what this committee should do.
thank the gentleman for yielding, and Kennedy Center and others got some They even announced the chair of the
I thank him for his service. more money, but it didn’t change for committee.
Before I begin, I want to thank all of what the work was going to be done, Now, I respect the chair greatly,
us for spending the time to be here for the people who needed it. Madam Speaker. He has one of the best
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today. Yes, some people, unfortunately, got political minds I know. Joe Biden will
Madam Speaker, I want to say to the laid off because it was delayed. It tell you that. You see, our dear friend
families who are battling this virus or wasn’t a bright moment for this body Congressman CLYBURN should be cred-
to the families who have lost a loved that week. But inside that CARES Act, ited with getting Joe Biden the nomi-
one, if we would all pause to think not only did we provide resources, we nation. While he failed in all the other
about that, not only did they lose a provided accountability. States, South Carolina was critical.
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H1940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
He did politics very well in the en- Shame on this body. time for indifference, selfishness, or di-
dorsement. He turned the tide of the I have listened to this debate thor- vision.
Democrat nomination. And they will oughly. I have listened to the other We are going to help America get
have a nominee, and a lot of that will side. through this. We are going to do this
go to JIM CLYBURN, and he deserves the b 1400 together. In the end, we are going to be
credit politically for what he was able stronger, healthier, and more united
to accomplish. When you look at what we accom-
than ever before. Why? Because we are
We do not question his political abili- plished in those 14 days alone, we saved
Americans, and that is who we are.
ties. He is the majority whip. He knows 30 million jobs. We all could have put a
tweet out today not having to be in This body will raise debates. This
how to gather votes. He knows how to body plays politics many times, but
make the political argument. But, here and say we saved 34 million jobs,
but, no, 4 million more lost because now is not the moment for politics.
Madam Speaker, this is the same indi- Now is not the moment to say: Let’s
vidual who said that the pandemic pre- somehow people felt good with politics.
I listened to debate on the other side. hold something up even if somebody is
sented the perfect opportunity to re- going to be punished, because somehow
structure things to fit our own vision. Some actually said they don’t want to
be here today: We shouldn’t have folded I will get a political advantage.
I do not question his appointment. I
and actually came together. We should Finally, when people come together,
wonder why this committee. If that
was his view, why wasn’t he put on the have used leverage even further, used the statement should not be: Let’s hold
congressional oversight that was equal that political leverage to hold people more leverage, because it is okay be-
with the number of Republicans and up. cause, when we come to the floor, we
the number of Democrats? I have even seen some people on the will spin it and say it was not us.
The public does not want to see poli- other side of the aisle say they loved to But when we are long gone, history
tics. Why would we waste our time see it when the price of oil dropped, will write about this day. They will
bringing people back to create a polit- when no one had seen it before, and the write about that day on April 7 when
ical committee? I guess the vote will idea that millions in our energy indus- America witnessed something they
tell us differently. try are going to get laid off, too. have never seen before, when one stood
It is interesting to know why we are It doesn’t matter about politics. before the Chamber in the Senate and
here. At 8:30 today, we actually found There will be Democrats and Repub- requested to add exactly what we are
the reason, 4.4 million more reasons licans both that get laid off. doing today to a program to keep peo-
why we are here. How many of those 4.4 Then I listened as we come back ple hired in all the places we know and
million would not have gotten a pink here, Madam Speaker, and I tried to love in our neighborhood, and one
slip last week had we listened more listen to the other side. I tried to un- party sent two people, in the middle of
than 2 weeks ago, on April 7, when we derstand: Why would you hold it up? COVID, onto the floor to raise a simple
said the program we created that was What is different? hand to say they object. That was the
so successful, that was able to do the I listened to the debates. I listened to only thing holding the money up be-
number of loans in 14 days that it took the leadership talk. It was amazing to tween the American public and those
the SBA to do in 14 years, that there me. In listening to it, the only thing I 4.4 million who unfortunately went to
was such a need out there that maybe could think is what Shakespeare would a different job today: the unemploy-
we would overcome politics for that say: ‘‘The lady doth protest too much, ment line.
one moment. Could it be too much to methinks.’’ I don’t know how anybody could be
read that it was one simple page? If you have to explain as hard as you proud of that, but, Madam Speaker, I
I thought there was a moment in can and spin with as much political am always an optimist. I know what
time it would happen. I thought we might as you can why you laid 4.4 mil- has been before us. I know the chal-
could say yes on a unanimous consent, lion people off because you felt better lenge. Today, we are going to display
this is a program we all had just voted to tell MITCH MCCONNELL that a pro- to the American public that we can
for and surely just 2 weeks before. gram that put out funds and saved 30 work just as those truck drivers, those
Yes, that was tough to get that bill million jobs, that you were going to medical professionals, the checkers at
through. Yes, we had to have it held up hold it up to prove a point, that is not my local Vons, or the paramedic who
on the other side. That was wrong that what I would want to hear in history. comes when the call is requested. They
other millions were laid off. But this Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, it
are essential. I think it is essential to
was the moment to learn from that is our responsibility to act, to put our
this country to show we can do our job
mistake on the other side before. We differences aside and do what is right not in a partisan way.
did not learn. It was played again. for the American public.
Now more than ever, the American So when the moment comes, you will
To those 4.4 million Americans who
people deserve a Congress that acts have two votes. You have already
were laid off this week: Congress owes
you an apology. You did not have to with leadership, dedication, and resil- voted, all of us here in the Chambers,
have that happen. ience. Anything we do in this Chamber to add three more committees that are
To the small business owner: I under- that deals with COVID should be bipar- bipartisan for the accountability of
stand this greatly. At age 20, I created tisan, from legislation to deliberation this money going forward. The country
my first business. I know where you to voting. is asking you to keep that together.
make these decisions. You make these Yes, I stayed up until 2 a.m. to see So you will have a choice. Now you
decisions on the kitchen table. what the majority wanted to put for- can cast a new vote to put in some-
If you ever had a small business, you ward. We all work hard to get here. We thing partisan that we have never seen
realize you are the first to work, you all almost have about the same size before with an individual who is one of
are the last to leave, and you are the districts, because every 10 years we the best political minds around, who
last to be paid. You know those who take a Census to figure that out. believes that this virus is more about
work with you are not just employees, Our constituents make a decision restructuring government in their view
they are your family. You know their every 2 years to lend their voice to the than solving a problem. Then you are
children’s names. You are there at person they want to represent them. going to have another vote, a vote to
their weddings; you are there when They did not lend their voice to give continue the funding that we already
they graduated; and you are proud of that proxy to somebody else they can- asked for more than 2 weeks ago.
them. You never want to have to say not hold accountable. They did not This time, after twice holding up
you are going to lay them off. lend that voice to wait until 2 a.m. to money from the American public, I just
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They put everything into their busi- change more than 200 years of history ask all in this Chamber to learn from
ness to succeed, and government told because somebody wanted to have more this. Let’s not hold up again our abil-
them they had to shut down for the power than the job of the majority ity to help and work in a bipartisan
health of the Nation. They made a sac- themselves. manner to not only open this Chamber,
rifice. But they got sacrificed for poli- We are living in one of the greatest but to work for the American public
tics last week. turning points in history. This is not a and solve this problem once and for all.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1941
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, a re- communities and first responders as Americans have always been allowed to
minder that our job here is never to ac- calls and pressure to reopen mount. do, which is go to work. Now is the
quiesce to the other Chamber. By any Without data, it is shortsighted. It also time. There is one person who can do
objective measurement, this is a much- offers no assistance to our postal serv- that, and that is the Speaker of the
improved piece of legislation. ice, whose jobs hang in the balance. House. I urge her to get us back to
Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to Madam Speaker, Congress must move work.
the gentlewoman from Washington America forward a step at a time. We are getting paid; many Americans
(Ms. JAYAPAL), whose heartfelt expres- Lives are at stake. I urge my col- are not.
sions on behalf of her constituents this leagues to vote for this important bill. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
week were well noted. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield minute to the gentleman from Mary-
Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, in 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio land (Mr. HOYER), the distinguished
days, we will lose more American lives (Mr. DAVIDSON). majority leader.
than we lost during the Vietnam war, Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Madam Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I
26 million Americans unemployed from Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman thank the gentleman for yielding.
COVID, body bags piling up, and insuf- for yielding. I have heard a number of people, in-
ficient testing and PPE. This bill is a Band-Aid, and it doesn’t cluding my friend, the minority leader,
Democrats took a bad Republican even cover the wound. It is better than stand up and say we need to act in a bi-
proposal and we made it better, but no bandage, but it won’t stop the bleed- partisan fashion, and the next state-
this is far from enough. CARES four ing in our economy, and it won’t stop ment is a partisan attack on one of our
has to meet the scale of this crisis with this virus. Members. It is either schizophrenia or
a bold paycheck guarantee that stops In light of COVID–19 and the reaction a lack of understanding of what this
mass unemployment, an essential to it, Congress urgently needs to lead Congress has been doing over the last
workers package, and State and local by example and get into full session few weeks.
government funding. safely, but fully functional, laser fo- I don’t know about you, Madam
Every minute, Madam Speaker, is a cused, 24/7, in full compliance with the Speaker, but I have been working 6
death, a family devastated, a business House rules for debate, amendment, hours, 7 hours on the phone and an-
shuttered. We must think and deliver and voting. other 3 or 4 hours reviewing the mate-
better. Every one of us has a duty to balance rials that have gotten us here today.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield and consider public health and our Why did it take so long? Because it
1 minute to the gentleman from Penn- economy, but every single one of us took 2 weeks for my Republican col-
sylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK). swore an oath to support and defend leagues—and this is a partisan state-
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, our Constitution, to defend freedom ment, I understand that, but I think we
we are here today to replenish the Pay- and represent our constituents. ought to all be realistic.
check Protection Program, and that is It is time to support and defend it. It We are all trying to get to a place
a good thing. is time for us to occupy this House and where America and Americans are safe
We should have been here last week man our duty station and win. and where our economy is working, be-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 cause the statistics we see are statis-
when the program ran out of money,
seconds to the gentleman from South tics of pain and of fear and of anxiety
and we will be back in the same posi-
Carolina (Mr. CUNNINGHAM). about tomorrow.
tion next week if we don’t fix the PPP. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker,
There are over 700,000 applications
today I will vote to extend a lifeline to b 1415
currently in the queue, and if the So what have we been doing? We have
small businesses, shore up our hos-
Treasury Department does not estab- been on the phone with one another. I
pitals, and expand testing so we can re-
lish guardrails to differentiate between have talked to the minority leader nu-
open our economy, but it is unaccept-
well-capitalized brokerage firms and merous times over the last 2 weeks, not
able that it has taken this long.
undercapitalized mom-and-pop shops, Supporting hospitals and small busi- only on this particular piece of legisla-
we will not be helping the people who nesses is not partisan, but, again, poli- tion, but on the process going forward.
need us the most right now. tics is obstructing policy. So if anybody on that side is saying
We need to get these small businesses This bill fails to ensure relief goes that Congress is not working, they
and nonprofits every single penny they only to small businesses that need it must be speaking for themselves, be-
need to survive, and we must hold most instead of large corporations, nor cause every one of these colleagues on
China accountable for every single does it help States respond to this un- my side of the aisle—and I believe on
penny. precedented crisis. their side of the aisle—has been work-
Madam Speaker, this is not the time We cannot wait until the next dis- ing very hard: in touch with their local
to be attacking each other. We must aster forces both sides to the table. Our government, in touch with their Gov-
get through this crisis together. We constituents deserve more from their ernor, in touch with their healthcare
must have each other’s back. Let’s Representatives. Let’s come together delivery people, anybody who works in
have each other’s back. Let’s think and get our country back to work. a hospital or a healthcare center or a
with our hearts and our heads, and let’s The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. CAS- federally qualified health center. They
march through this together. TOR of Florida). Without objection, the are working hard.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 gentleman from Ohio (Mr. DAVIDSON) Let us not denigrate ourselves or this
seconds to the gentlewoman from Ohio controls the time of the gentleman institution or our commitment to the
(Ms. KAPTUR). from Texas. American people because that is bla-
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I There was no objection. tant partisanship.
thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Madam We waited 2 weeks, Madam Speaker,
Madam Speaker, this economic boost Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- that is correct. What for? So that the
is desperately needed as our Nation sits tleman from South Carolina (Mr. NOR- proposal that we made 2 weeks ago—or
on such a dangerous precipice. MAN). 3 weeks ago—which has now effectively
The bill offers hope to millions and Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise been accepted by the Republicans
millions of Americans, our small busi- today to support a lifeline for our would be accepted. That is what we
nesses, hospitals, and those on the small businesses, for our first respond- waited for.
front lines, yet I am troubled by the ers, for our hospitals, but I also rise And what did we get? $120 billion ad-
limited insight into how the last $2 today to say now is the time to stop ditional money for small business. And
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trillion was spent and why so much has writing checks on money we don’t have be assured, we are talking about for
yet to be disbursed. It seems little that is mortgaging the future of this the small business. What this bill does
went to those who need it most, while great country. I was not sent here to is puts $120 billion, in addition, $370 bil-
those with access had their takings. bankrupt this country. lion, for small business.
Unfortunately, today’s bill dras- Secondly, we need to get our busi- Now, we are talking about biparti-
tically shortchanges America’s local nesses to open the doors and do what sanship. The first bill we did dealing
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H1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
with coronavirus on this floor passed nority communities that were left out those of us who want our constituents
415–2. It doesn’t sound like partisanship of the initial program. to visit Washington to see their gov-
to me. It sounds like we came together I bet if you ask your small businesses ernment.
and agreed on how we could help. And or rural people, your hospitals or those We also must include more help for
it wasn’t enough. State officials who are saying testing State and local governments. They
And then on phase two, which we is essential, I bet they would say: I am have been on the front lines of fighting
passed on March 14, 10 days later, is glad you waited because you got us re- this scourge and, as a result, have
Congress not working? Ten days later, sources that we needed. spent a lot of resources they budgeted
we passed 363–40. It doesn’t sound like That wasn’t in the initial proposal, of for other issues, including employees,
partisanship to me. course, that came from the administra- including police and fire and health
And then phase three we passed on tion, and it was objected to, and the workers. We need to do that. We want-
March 27, 13 days later, on a voice vote, leader in the Senate would not provide ed to do it in this bill. But those of you
with only one Member in the Senate or for such sums. who argue for delay, I will bet that you
the House demurring. More help is still needed, of course, are going to vote in the next tranche
It doesn’t sound like partisanship to for nonprofits as well as small and mi- for additional State and local help—
me, Madam Speaker, and I don’t think nority-owned businesses, those in maybe not all of you. Why you are de-
today’s vote will be a partisan vote. I underbanked communities and the self- laying that help is beyond me.
certainly hope it will not be. employed. Those must be, Madam This, by the way, is not an abstract
Why? Because for the last 2 weeks, Speaker, priorities in the next bill accounting problem. We are talking
we have been working with one another that, clearly, is going to be necessary. about States and counties across the
to try to get to a place where we think In addition to the increased funding country being able to keep teachers,
we are giving the needed resources, be- for the Paycheck Protection Program, first responders as tax revenues col-
cause we think the initial request was Democrats insisted on recapitalizing lapse due to the necessary social
shortchanging hospitals, shortchanging economic injury disaster loans as well, distancing.
testing. It still shortchanges our providing an additional $60 billion for This pandemic, Madam Speaker, has
States and local government, and so we this program, which can be leveraged shown a spotlight on the stark dispari-
will need another bill to try to get to $300 billion. ties in health status and treatment of
there. Yes, we asked for, we worked for, we African Americans in particular and
Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, the negotiated to get small businesses, mi- minority communities in general. That
Senate came together to pass this leg- nority businesses, businesses that reality is an indefensible and unaccept-
islation in a bipartisan way. Now, un- couldn’t get into the system that the able one.
like the House, no Senators came to other bigger businesses got in—some so While we do include new ways of
the floor except three or four. They did big that they were ashamed and gave tracking certain data relating to racial
disparities in this pandemic, there is
it by unanimous consent. We are not the money back.
We are also providing an additional more we must do, not simply for those
able to do that—although I think this
$75 billion for hospitals and, crucially, who are at greater risk, but for all of
bill will pass overwhelmingly—because
$25 billion for testing. us who wear a mask; not because we
some of our Republican friends wanted
I guarantee you, not one of your hos- don’t want to be with one another, but
to vote.
pitals is going to call you up and say: because this pandemic has made us a
Fine. We are here. We are wearing
You should have acted sooner and not risk to others, to our neighbors, our
masks. I am not wearing a mask while
friends, our family.
I am speaking, but as soon as I stop had the hospitals in there—not one of
Furthermore, we need to do more to
speaking, I am going to put my mask them. And no Governor or county exec-
protect our elections. My Governor has
back on as I turn around to go among utive or mayor or county commis- ordered that an election that is coming
us. Congress is doing its job. sioner or county council person is up next Tuesday be all by mail. Now, in
And I want to tell the American peo- going to say: Gee whiz, we didn’t want Wisconsin, the Governor tried to do
ple one more time: Members are work- that money for testing. that and Republicans fought us. The
ing daily to respond to the coronavirus We will not be able to return our Republican speaker of the Wisconsin
that is putting our people and our economy to normal operations, Madam House was covered from head to toe in
country and our economy at risk. Speaker, without a robust testing sys- a gown, super mask, and gloves.
Last month, we enacted emergency tem in place to know we can safely go Do we want to ask all of our citizens
legislation that included more than $2 to work without putting workers at to be so at risk because they are exer-
trillion in assistance for workers, vet- risk and to identify those who have cising their franchise to vote in Amer-
erans, small businesses, healthcare sys- coronavirus so we can take necessary ica? I surely think that is not the case.
tems, and communities dealing with steps to isolate them and trace those And so we need some additional
the spread of coronavirus. One of the with whom they came in contact, be- money to facilitate, because they
programs we created together was the cause that is how we win this battle. didn’t plan on it, because they didn’t
Paycheck Protection Program to try This bill is an interim step, the plan on this pandemic, to allow our
to keep people on a payroll, even if fourth interim step as we continue to citizens to vote, to encourage them to
they could not go to work because work on the next major piece of legis- vote, to facilitate their vote, to wel-
health professionals say don’t con- lation. I hope we can include, by the come their vote, and to provide for a
gregate. way, Madam Speaker, in the next bill, way that they can do it safely without
The Paycheck Protection Program provisions that, unfortunately, we were endangering themselves or others.
provides loans to small businesses that unable to secure in this bill. Furthermore, we need to do more to
will be forgiven—that will be for- First of all, we shortchanged—we are protect our elections in this adminis-
given—if they keep their workers on all in the Nation’s Capital. Millions of tration. I am glad that the House is
the payroll. The need was so great that Americans come here, and we gave Wy- moving forward today with the cre-
the initial $350 billion, as has been oming and Vermont—small States, less ation of a select committee to oversee
pointed out, in funding, Madam Speak- population than the District of Colum- the coronavirus response.
er, was exhausted in a matter of days. bia, the Nation’s Capital, to which mil- Now, my friends on the other side of
So, today, we are providing another lions of your constituents will come. the aisle had eight different partisan
$310 billion for that program, and an We shortchanged them by giving them commissions overseeing what happened
additional $60 billion for the most at- 40 percent of what we gave the smallest in Benghazi where four American lives
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risk small businesses. States, smaller than the District of Co- were tragically lost. 44,575 Americans
Critically, $60 billion of that, as I lumbia. have lost their lives. Is it too much to
just said, will be set aside for smaller We wanted to add that $700 million in ask that we would have a special com-
banks where they focus on community this bill. Unfortunately, we couldn’t mittee to make sure that the money
development financial institutions get agreement on that. I think that that we are appropriating in historic
that service businesses in rural and mi- was penny-wise and pound-foolish for amounts is spent correctly?
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1943
Congress has a responsibility to en- and I only know about the Democrats— for State and local schools and col-
sure that the extraordinary sums we 225 of our 234 have been on the phone leges; $25 billion for State and local
have authorized and appropriated are 21⁄2 hours a day talking back and forth mass transit; and more Medicaid
disbursed efficiently and consistent between one another to see what poli- money for our State and local govern-
with our intent. Such great sums can cies we need. They have been a credit ments. That claim is simply absurd.
not only be a source of economic recov- to their districts, to the institutions of Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
ery, but, surely, everyone on this floor the House and this Nation, spending the gentleman from Idaho (Mr.
knows that that sum of money on the hours on the phone, through video- FULCHER).
table can also be a magnet for waste, conference, making sure that Congress Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, a
fraud, abuse, and, yes, criminality. We is doing its job, and talking to State month ago we stood on the floor and
owe the American people, as we appro- and local leaders and healthcare pro- we authorized a $2.2 trillion stimulus
priate unbelievable sums, to make sure viders. package. Today, we will authorize an-
that the American people are the ones Let me thank the Members and staff other $480 billion to keep it going. By
advantaged. who volunteered to be here on the law, the U.S. economy is mostly shut
Any time Congress spends taxpayer floor. We will go off the floor and we down. As long as that is the case, we
money, particularly in such large won’t be as exposed as they are. They have an obligation to facilitate relief.
amounts, we owe it to the American are all wearing masks. They are wear- So with anxiety, I will support an ex-
people to know where that money is ing masks because they know there is tension of the Paycheck Protection
going and to ensure that it is being a risk. Perhaps not as great a risk as Program.
spent as directed. those courageous individuals who work Madam Speaker, most of the Mem-
Now, I know the President of the in our hospitals and our healthcare bers have not been here the last month.
United States said he is going to do the providers in many different modes, but We have been working, but we have
oversight. I don’t think that is what courageous and patriotic, nonetheless. been working from home due to health
the Framers had in mind in terms of Thank you, staff. concerns. And by most of Congress not
checks and balances. I thank those who are working in our being here, that means only a few ne-
And in the most efficient and ethical grocery stores, our police, our fire, our gotiate the deals, and these are very
ways possible, we must know which truck drivers, who are getting food and big deals.
programs are working best, which products from here to there; EMS per- Madam Speaker, our job is here. No
aren’t, and that way we can modify sonnel who respond to emergencies; de- more bypassing of regular order. This
what we do in the future. livery workers. And every time I go to virus may threaten our health, but
Madam Speaker, I want to thank the grocery store—and I hope all of you when all of us aren’t involved in the
Speaker PELOSI. I want to thank the do it—I thank those people who are work of Congress, our Republic is
chair of the Small Business Com- stocking the shelves. I thank those threatened.
mittee, and I want to thank the chair people who are checking us out. I Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, the gen-
of the Financial Services Committee. I thank those people who are putting the tleman has already said that he in-
want to thank the chair of the Edu- carts where they need to be. They are tends to visit the issue immediately of
cation and Labor Committee. the best of America, and we owe it to more aid for State and local govern-
I want to thank Mr. NEAL, who is on them to do all we can to bring this pan- ments, and be assured, based upon the
the floor, and many other chairs, Mr. demic to an end as quickly and safely negotiations and discussions we have
PETERSON, who is very nervous about as possible. We all want to go back to had in our caucus, that opportunity
not having a nutrition program in this work in the regular fashion. The Demo- will present itself in the near future.
bill, which we wanted. That would have cratic-led House will continue to do ev- Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to
delayed it further because, of course, erything possible, working with our the gentlewoman from Massachusetts
we didn’t get support on the other side Republican friends, who we believe (Ms. PRESSLEY).
of the aisle for that. But people are in want the same objective, a safe Amer- Ms. PRESSLEY. Madam Speaker,
incredibly long food lines because their ica, a working America. families are in crisis, food pantry lines
nutritional health, as well as their psy- We want to help small businesses, around the block, rent is due again in
chological health, is at risk because workers, and their families get through 8 days. The community health centers
they can’t get food. this crisis, and to ensure that our cou- and hospital workers in my district are
rageous healthcare workers who are on desperate. This is a crisis within a cri-
b 1430 sis, exacerbating every inequity that
the front lines have all the support
I thank Speaker PELOSI for having necessary to win this fight against already existed. This Chamber will de-
the courage and the wisdom to stand COVID–19. termine how many more lives we are
up and say, ‘‘We need these items.’’ Madam Speaker, I hope, and I pray robbed of. Now is not the time for a
And we have gotten a lot of them. We that every Member of Congress will back-pass.
asked for $500 billion total. This is $484 vote for America and Americans, and Our Nation is crying out. The people
billion total. vote for this bill. We may need more, are crying out, and we must answer
My, my, my, you held out for 2 weeks but we certainly need to do this this their cries in the CARES package with
for a $16 billion savings. day and get more assistance to the a bill that puts the people first. Now is
I also thank our Members who have American people. not the time to rest. We took an oath.
been working—let me repeat this once The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without People are counting on us. They de-
again, Madam Speaker. These Mem- objection, the gentleman from Texas serve healthcare and economic housing
bers, those Members, have been work- (Mr. BRADY) controls the time. justice. We cannot continue to leave
ing round-the-clock to make sure their There was no objection. out our immigrant neighbors and mi-
communities are safe, to make sure Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield nority-owned small businesses.
their hospitals are getting what they myself 30 seconds. Let me fact-check Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
need, to make sure that their teachers the absurd claim that Congress has left 1 minute to the gentleman from Geor-
are teaching kids at home. Everybody State and local governments behind. gia (Mr. CARTER).
has been working hard. You may not We fund one-third of State budgets Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam
see us, but millions and millions and year-to-year. We have already given Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
millions of Americans are working at $150 billion direct aid to State and yielding.
home. They are teleworking. That is local governments. Some Democrat Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup-
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essentially what we have been doing— governors haven’t even sent it down to port of this legislation. This very im-
teleworking. And don’t tell them they their local communities. portant legislation, the Paycheck Pro-
are not working, because they know $260 billion in State unemployment; tection Program, has proven to be a
they are working. They have been a $100 billion for State and local hos- great program that has saved many
credit to their districts. Every Mem- pitals in healthcare; $45 billion for small businesses in the First Congres-
ber—Republican, Democrat—I presume, State and local disaster aid; $30 billion sional District of Georgia, and there
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H1944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
are many small businesses that still Madam Speaker, it would be a trag- American, I am glad that we are com-
need this program. Therefore, the extra edy if we lost these mom-and-pop busi- ing together to help those whose lives
funding that we are sending here today nesses. I have a business in my district. are falling apart. We must do more, but
is going to be utilized and utilized in a It is Faklis’ Department Store and let’s come back together again and re-
great way by these small businesses. Shoe Repair. They have been around solve to do this in a bipartisan fashion
Also, there are $75 billion in there for since 1912, Madam Speaker. I don’t once again.
hospitals, and hospitals—particularly want to see them go. The store was es- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
rural hospitals—are extremely impor- tablished by Greek immigrants and tinue to reserve the balance of my
tant in this scenario as well. We need passed on from generation to genera- time.
to make sure that money gets to them. tion. It would be a great tragedy if we Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
Oh, by the way, speaking of hos- lost them. They survived World War II, seconds to the gentlewoman from Flor-
pitals, Madam Speaker, heroes come of course, World War I, and the Great ida (Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL).
and go but legends last forever. We Depression. Let’s save our small busi- Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam
have heard that before. Today, our he- nesses. They are the backbone of Amer- Speaker, South Florida is hurting. My
roes are wearing white lab coats. They ica. community is calling me in tears be-
are our doctors, our pharmacists, our Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 cause they don’t know how they are
healthcare workers, our nurses, who seconds to the gentlewoman from Illi- going to make payments or keep their
are providing healthcare services, risk- nois (Ms. UNDERWOOD). businesses afloat, and hospital workers
ing their own health in order to pro- Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I are afraid of losing their jobs. And to
vide these healthcare services to our rise today in support of the Paycheck make matters worse, Floridians—over
citizens. I thank them for that. Our Protection Program and Health Care 1 million Floridians—still cannot ac-
country thanks them for that. Their Enhancement Act. This urgently need- cess unemployment benefits.
service will be legendary. ed legislation will help provide almost Although I am happy to support this
And finally, Madam Speaker, for all $700 billion in additional grants and legislation to support our small busi-
of those in the First Congressional Dis- loans to small businesses and farmers nesses, we need to make sure that it is
trict and throughout our country who reeling from the coronavirus crisis. It those small mom-and-pop businesses,
have lost loved ones, our thoughts and invests $75 billion in providers, $25 bil- minority-owned businesses, women-
prayers are with you. lion in testing, and requires the admin- owned businesses, veteran-owned busi-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 istration to develop a national plan for nesses, that receive that funding. We
seconds to the gentlewoman from New testing, so once our businesses reopen, have not done enough for America. We
York (Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ). they can stay open. need to continue to work.
Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Madam Congress has more to do. Frontline Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
Speaker, on behalf of my constituents workers need PPE. Families and com- tinue to reserve the balance of my
in the Bronx and Queens, New York’s munities need relief. But this bill is a time.
14th Congressional District, the most necessary interim fix to keep needed- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
impacted district in America, calling funds flowing to small businesses and seconds to the gentleman from New
people losing their families every day, our health system. York (Mr. ROSE).
it is a joke when Republicans say that Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
they have urgency around this bill. leagues to support it. b 1445
The only folks that they have ur- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I re-
gency around are folks like Ruth’s serve the balance of my time. Mr. ROSE of New York. Madam
Chris Steak House and Shake Shack. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Speaker, I rise today because I agree
Those are the people getting assistance seconds to the gentleman from Penn- with my colleagues across the aisle. We
in this bill. You are not trying to fix sylvania (Mr. LAMB). should have been here weeks ago:
this bill for moms and pops. And we Mr. LAMB. Madam Speaker, a Sen- weeks ago to get more money for our
have to fight to fund hospitals, fight to ator said yesterday he would let local hospitals, weeks ago to protect testing,
fund testing. That is what we are fight- governments go bankrupt. And while weeks ago to improve this program for
ing for in this bill. It is unconscion- he said that, our local county execu- small businesses.
able. If you had urgency, you would tive was busy loading food into people’s But, alas, only in Washington, D.C.,
legislate like rent was due on May 1st cars. Cars that had toolboxes and work would we wait weeks when we all
and make sure that you include rent boots in them, and people who were agree. But let’s move forward because
and mortgage relief for our constitu- nonetheless hungry. our frontline workers right now cannot
ents. If the Senator has his way, it is these afford for us to stand by for politics.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- people whose towns will go bankrupt. Leader MCCONNELL said to our cities
bers are reminded to address their re- He talks about the economy. And I and States, to our cops and firemen
marks to the Chair. asked, ‘‘What happens to an economy and teachers, he told them to drop
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield where entire towns of firefighters and dead. Well, why don’t we put politics
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- teachers and others lose their pay- aside, rise up, and tell him that we put
ida (Mr. BILIRAKIS). check or their pension?’’ the country first.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I We are moving the ball today, but no Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
appreciate the ranking member yield- one should mistake this for a touch- tinue to reserve the balance of my
ing me the time. down. The Senator would send our best time.
Madam Speaker, since the establish- players off the field. The American Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
ment of the PPP, I have heard from people will never accept that, and nei- seconds to the gentlewoman from New
countless local, small businesses that ther should we. Jersey (Ms. SHERRILL).
the application process was difficult to Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I
navigate. In response to these revela- tinue to reserve the balance of my am going to vote for this bill because it
tions, I submitted to leadership a letter time. provides desperately needed money for
asking that any future funding for PPP Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 small businesses and hospitals. But we
loans contain a set-aside for the truly seconds to the gentleman from Illinois have got to do better by our State and
small businesses, like the mom and (Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI). local governments. We must support
pops. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam the work of our cops, firefighters,
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I was pleased to see this take its Speaker, I rise in support of this legis- EMTs, and teachers.
form in today’s funding package that lation. As a small business person, I am New Jersey is critical in the fight
sets aside funds for small community glad that it helps small businesses. As against this virus. We have more sci-
banks and credit unions, which have a the husband of a physician who is entists and engineers per square mile
good track record working with our treating COVID patients today, I am than anywhere in the world and the
small businesses. glad that it helps hospitals. But as an best education system in the country,
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1945
so supporting our State and local gov- the coming days, and we need to tease Now, I am pleased this bill has
ernments in New Jersey is key to beat- out more bipartisanship to get that money for testing and to develop new
ing this virus and taking care of Amer- done quickly. tests. The next bill needs $5 billion to
icans. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- research therapeutics.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- tinue to reserve the balance of my Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
tinue to reserve the balance of my time. tinue to reserve the balance of my
time. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 time.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
seconds to the gentlewoman from fornia (Mr. ROUDA). seconds to the gentlewoman from Cali-
Michigan (Ms. SLOTKIN). Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise fornia (Mrs. TORRES).
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I today in support of this legislation. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
support this legislation as a critical But let’s be clear: 50,000 of our fellow Speaker, I rise in support of this bill
lifeline to small businesses coping with Americans have already died. We have and to highlight the need for reliable
the crisis and the hospitals on the 26 million Americans out of work. We testing.
front lines of this war. have tens of thousands of small busi- Last week, Pastor Joseph Owes suc-
SBA loan programs are vital to Main nesses that will not be able to partici- cumbed to COVID–19. He was a pillar in
Street businesses across my district, pate in this legislation because we our community, hosted food banks,
and I am proud to support them. But haven’t funded it enough, and we have health fairs, job and financial literacy
this must-pass bill should also include cities clearly looking at the prospect of workshops to help his community.
support for America’s smallest and me- bankruptcy. He tried repeatedly to get tested but
dium-sized communities who face the So we do have a lot more work to do, was denied time and time again be-
very real possibility of eliminating and I hope we can continue to work in cause testing hasn’t been available in
basic services without our support. a bipartisan fashion, stop the partisan my community. If he had been tested
The same police and fire, health de- sniping, and do what we were meant to and treated earlier, he would still be
partment and sanitation workers who do here to protect our country. here with us today.
are risking their lives every day now Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- Without tests, we don’t know who
have their jobs at risk. They deserve tinue to reserve the balance of my has COVID and we can’t open up our
better. We should give them better. time. economy.
Let’s do it. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- seconds to the gentlewoman from Flor- tinue to reserve the balance of my
tinue to reserve the balance of my ida (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). time.
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
time.
Madam Speaker, healthcare workers seconds to the gentlewoman from Min-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
and small businesses are struggling to nesota (Ms. OMAR).
seconds to the gentlewoman from
stay alive. That is why Democrats Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, people
Pennsylvania (Ms. DEAN).
fought to ensure hospitals and Main in my State of Minnesota are hurting,
Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, shame
Street get this jolt of relief. and I am sure everyone represents a
on those who would not tell the truth
We walled off billions in new Pay- State that is hurting.
during a pandemic. Though more help It is indefensible for us not to sup-
check Protection Program funds for
is needed, I rise in support of this in- port to replenish the PPP, but it is also
smaller community banks and credit
terim funding bill. indefensible for us not to focus on re-
These dollars must actually make it unions so Wall Street doesn’t vacuum
it all up. plenishing the coffers of Americans and
to those who need it: small family busi- focus on making sure they are able to
Let’s face it: If healthcare workers
nesses, minority- and women-owned support paying their rent, making sure
cannot safely protect us, America’s
businesses, so many I have talked to that our cities and States are not going
economy stops. So Democrats secured
over these last few weeks. Their future bankrupt, and making sure American
$75 billion for healthcare providers and
and our economy depends upon it. families are not dying of hunger.
$25 billion more for testing. Without
For healthcare workers saving lives, Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
mass testing, we can not fully reopen,
we have the responsibility to do all we tinue to reserve the balance of my
and we end up voting for endless relief
can to help protect those who are sav- time.
packages.
ing our families’ lives. Without Democrats’ push for truly Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
To reopen our country, we need test- seconds to the gentlewoman from New
small businesses, big business would
ing, testing, testing. I look forward to Mexico (Ms. TORRES SMALL).
have continued to cut the line.
the next more robust and even more We will rescue schools and local gov- Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico.
equitable bill of relief for the people. ernments in CARES Act 2. Right now, Madam Speaker, I rise to get Ameri-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- this is the adrenaline shot that the cans the support to keep them safe and
tinue to reserve the balance of my healthcare system needs. make sure New Mexicans and rural
time. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- communities get their fair share. By
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 tinue to reserve the balance of my refilling small business forgivable
seconds to the gentleman from Con- time. loans and dedicating money to small
necticut (Mr. HIMES). Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 lenders, this package will help New
Mr. HIMES. Madam Speaker, I rise seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mexicans who were crowded out of the
today in strong support of the aid that fornia (Mr. SHERMAN). first wave of funding.
we will deliver today. Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, we I am also voting to save rural hos-
My small State of Connecticut will need to shift from the economic to the pitals and to get testing and masks and
soon pass 2,000 fatalities. These are our biological focus on defeating this dis- gloves and gowns, all the things we
neighbors. These are people we know ease. need to keep us safe and to rebuild our
and love. Everyone should wear a mask, in- economy.
Madam Speaker, I celebrate the bi- cluding you, Mr. President, whenever There is still so much work to be
partisanship that will be demonstrated you might be within 6 feet. done, and let’s do that next step to-
today. It will save lives. And we need to provide free masks to gether.
Our small businesses are critical to the homeless and others. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
our economy and to opportunity, but We need more money for better paid tinue to reserve the balance of my
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so are our hospitals and the heroes who sick leave so all those with symptoms time.
work in those hospitals. So are our can stay home. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, might I
EMTs and our paramedics and our po- And so far, only one-tenth of 1 per- inquire as to how much time is remain-
lice officers and our firefighters. I say cent of the coronavirus money has ing on both sides.
that not to make a political point, but gone for medical research to prevent The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
to say that they will need our help in and treat the virus. tleman from Massachusetts has 121⁄2
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H1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
minutes remaining. The gentleman Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chair-
from Texas has 4 minutes remaining. the gentlewoman from Michigan an ad- man NEAL for his leadership and close
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 ditional 1 minute. working relationship on these key
seconds to the gentleman from New Ms. TLAIB. I urge my colleagues to issues.
York (Mr. ESPAILLAT). please do more to save lives. It is im- Look, this bill is 16 days too late, de-
Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, in moral for us to walk away and take a spite all of the denials you heard. We
the Northwest Bronx, in Washington month off when people, our neighbors, could have agreed on this bill in 16
Heights, Inwood, in Harlem and East are dying and losing loved ones. minutes, Republicans and Democrats,
Harlem, this pandemic is still ravaging So, in memory of Skylar, in honor of but it got held up for all sorts of extra-
Black and Brown lives. The economic her, please let’s expand public health curricular stuff. We should have come
plight this virus will leave will be un- funding and testing for everyone. together. It was delayed. Real people
precedented. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- lost their jobs as a result.
I am glad we are providing $60 billion tinue to reserve the balance of my Secondly, I want to thank President
for small businesses and fought for time. Trump, Vice President PENCE, the en-
funding for hospitals and testing, but Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 tire Cabinet, and everyone in the gov-
we must come back. seconds to the gentleman from Cali- ernment who has done a remarkable
MITCH MCCONNELL’s words are equiv- fornia (Mr. COX). job standing up the small business pro-
alent to Gerald Ford’s words: Drop Mr. COX of California. Madam gram in 7 days, in sending out indi-
dead, New York. Speaker, I hear my colleagues on the vidual rebate checks in 18 days rather
But we will come back. other side today, one after another, than 70 months that it took the last
We must support State and local gov- time there were rebate checks. I want
crying about the replenishment of the
ernments. We must support our com- to thank that leadership in this
PPP. They wanted to keep it as origi-
munities. Our people are dying. coronavirus crisis, both on the
nally designed, where 4 percent of the
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
borrowers got 45 percent of the money. healthcare side and with the economic
tinue to reserve the balance of my
I think the farms and dairies and small challenges we face.
time. I want to thank Minority Leader
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 mom-and-pop shops in my district and
across the country should get loans be- KEVIN MCCARTHY, who has done a re-
seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
fore big steakhouses. markable job leading the Republicans
fornia (Mr. CARBAJAL).
Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I I am proud of the work my Caucus in the House through each of these key
rise in support of this bipartisan relief has done to make the PPP a more equi- emergency aid bills. I want to thank
package. The funds we are adding to table program, plus getting sorely the leadership that supports him, rank-
the PPP and EIDL programs will go a needed funds for hospitals and testing, ing members who work with our Demo-
long way in providing necessary sup- which we all know is what is required cratic colleagues to put together a bill
port to small businesses. I am glad that to reopen our economy. we think is critical and urgent.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- There is a guiding quote that I have
small farms and ranches will now be el-
tinue to reserve the balance of my kept as my computer screen saver for
igible for the EIDL program and that
time. many years here in my office. It reads:
we have secured additional resources
‘‘I cannot give you the formula for suc-
for hospitals, workers, and testing. b 1500
While this is another great bipartisan cess, but I can give you the formula for
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield failure, which is: Try to please every-
step forward, more must be done, espe- myself such time as I may consume as body.’’
cially for our States, cities, and local I prepare to close. This bill doesn’t try to please every-
governments. People are hurting. Time Madam Speaker, I want to thank body or do everything. It focuses on re-
is of the essence. We must act now. many Members and staff who made
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- plenishing small business loan pro-
sure this final product conveyed the grams that local businesses and their
tinue to reserve the balance of my
values of the Democratic Caucus and workers desperately need. It provides
time.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 will bring real life and relief to the more funding for our hospitals and
seconds to the gentlewoman from American people. healthcare workers who man the front
Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). First, I want to thank the Speaker, lines of this pandemic. It commits
Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, this bill who has provided tremendous leader- more of your tax dollars producing and
is only necessary because, in the last ship to get this deal over the line. distributing tests to communities that
bill, Republicans prioritized a half-tril- Next, our deepest gratitude to fellow need them. These are immediate, ur-
lion-dollar gift to corporations that committee chairs and their contribu- gent priorities right now, and we need
turned around and laid off workers who tions and shrewd negotiation of this to act right now.
bailed them out. package. I would point out, also, Mr. Speaker,
Our people need us to prioritize pub- Small Business Committee Chair- that those who say we are not com-
lic health and testing, and they need woman VELÁZQUEZ and Financial Serv- mitted to State and local communities,
recurring monthly relief payments ices Committee Chairwoman WATERS this Congress, Republicans joined
now. deserve our thanks for securing fund- Democrats, sending $150 billion down
This is Skylar Herbert. You need to ing for small businesses that will need to our State and local communities.
see her face because there needs to be it the most. Unlike some Democratic Governors
a human face to this pandemic. She is Thanks to FRANK PALLONE from the who are holding their dollars at the
5 years old, died from coronavirus. Energy and Commerce Committee for State capitol and refuse to share it
Skylar loved dressing up and per- fighting for national testing as a strat- with local communities, our Governor
forming, and she loved and adored egy and securing funding to combat in Texas announced more than a week
being in kindergarten. Her death this public health crisis. ago he was developing an approach to
should be a wake-up call that we must Each coronavirus relief package has make sure all of our communities on
act in urgency. been a herculean effort, and this one is the front line are getting help. Gov-
Her father, a firefighter, her mother no different. ernors who are withholding that aid to
a police officer, first responders, and With that, I want to close and wish small communities ought to be
the amount of guilt that they feel be- good health to our colleagues and our ashamed of themselves.
cause maybe they didn’t have access to fellow Americans, and I urge my col- Finally, let’s continue, after this
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testing, that is exactly why they are leagues to support this legislation. work is done today, to work together
out there telling her story every single Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of with President Trump to apply max-
day. my time. imum pressure to the coronavirus, help
Please, let’s act now in urgency. Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- businesses create safe, healthy work-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The self as much time as I may consume. I places. Let’s jump-start the economic
time of the gentlewoman has expired. am prepared to close. rebound and accelerate a return to
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1947
work for those who are jobless or fur- rected promptly. That is not what Con- transparency, and that we must pro-
loughed. gress intended, and the American peo- vide the data that we need in order to
I urge strong and bipartisan support ple expect better. assess if this program is working as it
for this bill. By the way, today, this morning, as was intended.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the chair of the House Small Business As chair of the Small Business Com-
of my time. Committee, I held a hearing entitled, mittee, I will fight tooth and nail for
Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Member Day Hearing on COVID–19 Re- small businesses that have not yet re-
self such time as I may consume. sponse and Recovery. Fifty-six Mem- ceived any assistance.
Mr. Speaker, we need to establish bers of this Chamber, Republicans and Mr. Speaker, let me remind the Sen-
clarity in the RECORD. Democrats, all of them, came before ate majority leader that there are two
This legislation is much improved the committee today, and every one, Chambers. You can be sure that in this
over what came over to us from the Republican and Democrat, expressed Chamber, I will be fighting nonstop for
Senate. This includes an additional $75 the fact that we needed more trans- hard-hit States like New York.
billion for our hospitals, $60 billion parency, that we needed data, and that Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back
that is directed at people at the bottom we needed to fight to make sure that the balance of my time.
end of the small business community. this program serves every small busi- Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today,
In addition, we all agree in this I will be supporting this bipartisan relief bill.
ness in every part of the country.
Chamber that the following has to It will give small businesses access to addi-
That is why my colleagues and I
occur: testing, testing, testing. That tional funds that will help them keep their
fought in this package to secure $60 bil-
was not in the legislation until we de- doors open.
lion in PPP funds set aside specifically And, it will also assist hospitals over-
cided on this side to establish that as a for mission-based, community-oriented whelmed by this virus, get health care workers
marker. This legislation, on every lenders. With this set-aside, more un- the protective gear they need, and help ex-
basis, has been improved. derserved small businesses will get pand rapid testing nationwide.
And let me just say this: President loans. While this bill will do a lot of good, it still
Trump has said more money for State In addition, this bill provides $60 bil- does not go far enough for my state of Texas
and local governments, Republican lion for the Economic Injury Disaster and people across America.
Governors across the country and Loan program, the EIDL program. Texas is 49th out of 50 states for testing per
Democratic Governors, including the Again, when they sent the bill from the capita, and in large cities like Houston nearly
Republican Governor of Massachusetts Senate to the House, it didn’t have any 60 percent of COVID–19 related deaths were
who has spoken to me personally on money for the EIDL program, for the of African Americans and nearly 20 percent
this issue, as we go forward. disaster loan program. Latino.
This is about the police, the fire, the Everyone who testified today before We need to do more to help community
EMTs. This is about the school- my committee was asking how we are health clinics helping poor people, expand mo-
teachers. This is about those individ- going to make sure that their busi- bile testing sites in hard hit communities, and
uals who make a difference in our lives, nesses, their constituents, will get dis- deploy rapid testing nationwide now.
the postal workers every day, and not aster loans. Well, we have good news And we also need to ensure that we are
to forget those individuals whom we for them. The Democrats fought and getting more direct aid into the hands of folks
depend on and we have come to see just secured not only $50 billion, but $10 bil- across America.
how important they are to all of us in lion in grants. This is critical as we work to responsibly
the last few weeks. That is what the And I heard complaints about the open our country.
additional phase four will look like. fact that the grants program ran out of We must put working families first and I
And with that, Mr. Speaker, with money and that people really like that urge my colleagues on the other side of the
gratitude, I want to recognize the gen- program, the grants program. Well, I aisle to join us in getting this done in the next
tlewoman from New York. I must tell wanted $100 billion; we secured $10 bil- package.
you that not only did she do a great job lion. Again, we are putting in $10 bil- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
with authoring this legislation, but her lion in this bill that was not part of support of H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection
patience in answering questions from what Senator MITCH MCCONNELL sent Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
colleagues during the course of the last to us. This interim legislation is critical to support our
2 weeks has been remarkable. I thank Speaker PELOSI, Minority small businesses and healthcare systems, but
Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of Leader SCHUMER, and Chairwoman we must do much more to support families,
my time to the gentlewoman from New WATERS for their efforts to include all communities, and our economy.
York (Ms. VELÁZQUEZ). these provisions, particularly the $60 In the wake of the unprecedented COVID–
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, by billion carved out for minority busi- 19 pandemic, Congress acted swiftly to pro-
providing $310 billion for PPP, this bill nesses, for women-owned businesses, vide funding for hospitals and healthcare facili-
will allow the program to reopen and for veterans’ businesses, for farmers to ties, schools, states and localities, and small
more small businesses to secure capital have a chance to secure a loan. businesses. Unfortunately, the funding was not
and keep employees on payroll—$310 While this legislation is a building sufficient to meet the need and too many
billion. block, more must be done. In future small businesses are left wondering if they
When the Senate passed their bill, legislation, we must help businesses can survive. I have heard from small business
they passed $250 billion for small busi- shuttered for longer than 8 weeks. owners from across Northwest Oregon who
nesses. So it is not enough to pour This bill also does not address prob- were unable to access the Paycheck Protec-
funding into a program if loans are not lems that let big companies snatch up tion Program and Economic Injury Disaster
reaching the intended businesses. All of loans meant for small businesses. To Loan and Grant funding. They described their
us have been concerned by reports of those large publicly traded companies frustration as the money was quickly ex-
big banks prioritizing large firms for who have already benefitted, I would hausted; a significant amount going to large
this assistance. suggest now would be a time to exhibit restaurant chains while small mom and pop
Over 80 publicly traded companies some good corporate citizenship by re- businesses were left out. The pandemic con-
have received loans through the PPP. turning those funds. tinues to ravage communities and our econ-
Examples like this come to mind: To the small businesses out there omy remains largely shut down through no
Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant who have not yet received help, whom fault of the small business owners and work-
got two loans for $20 million. And we my office hears from daily, I say this: ers who need our help in this unprecedented
have all this, 80 publicly traded compa- We are not finished. time. The bill before us today will provide the
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nies. This underscores the need for Getting these programs restarted and assistance those businesses need. The bill in-
oversight. loans out the door is critical. Because cludes $310 billion in additional funding for the
If the administration’s implementa- of the improvements that we made to Paycheck Protection Program, with $60 billion
tion means giant companies secure this bill, I will say that help is on the of that funding dedicated for lending by com-
loans while small businesses are left way and that we will hold the agencies munity-based and small- and mid-sized lend-
waiting, that problem must be cor- accountable, that we must adhere to ers, including credit unions, community banks,
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H1948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
and other institutions that are prepared to lend local, and tribal governments that are leading safest and securest possible environment we
to that small businesses that have traditionally this response. can ensure. That requires funding. Funding to
been overlooked, such as minority-owned This legislation will temporarily refill the Pay- support a full panoply of voting options includ-
businesses, businesses owned by women and check Protection Program but if the experi- ing absentee ballots and extended early voting
veterans, and small businesses in our rural ence of the first week of this program is any periods. We also need funding to ensure local-
communities. We must make sure this money indication, demand will again quickly over- ities have an adequate number of polling
gets to mom and pop businesses. whelm this program and the program’s funds places and funds to ensure that all votes cast
The bill also bolsters the Economic Injury will be quickly depleted. And while I support are counted accurately and fairly. And that’s
Disaster Loan and Grant programs by pro- the changes to direct funds into the hands of just to list a few of the reasons why funding
viding $60 billion in funding, and expanding some of the most vulnerable small busi- to protect our election security is so fun-
the program so farmers and many agricultural nesses, that addresses just one of the numer- damentally needed. In the recent Wisconsin
enterprises are eligible. The programs provide ous concerns about this program that my of- election, nearly 80% of the ballots cast were
funding for small businesses to cover oper- fice has heard. And I know other Members absentee. But even there you had issues as
ating expenses, but were similarly under- have heard as well. More changes are needed you had people request a ballot who did not
funded for the demand. not only to increase transparency and protect get one or had one sent after the elections,
H.R. 266 also provides $75 billion in much- the taxpayer, but also to help this program there were also issues with stacks of undeliv-
needed funding for our hospitals and work better for more vulnerable small busi- ered absentee ballots, and ballots returned be-
healthcare facilities. We know that these facili- nesses, not just larger corporations or friends cause they did not have a postmark. The
ties are operating without the resources they of the Trump Administration. longer we delay providing these funds, the
need, and are unable to cover expenses be- I am also pleased that the bill includes addi- less likely we will get, despite the best efforts
cause they can’t perform elective procedures tional funding to support our hospitals and by hardworking state and local officials, a fair
during stay home orders. The bill also includes other health providers that daily work to test, election.
$25 billion to expand testing, including funding diagnose, treat those affected with this illness. I yield back the balance of my time.
for states and localities, the Centers for Dis- They have saved countless lives. However, so Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
ease Control, the National Institutes of Health, far, the Administration has only released $30 support of the interim emergency corona virus
the Biomedical Advanced Research and De- billion of the first $100 billion provided by Con- package being considered today.
velopment Authority, and the Food and Drug gress a few weeks ago, with little if any of that The last two months have been some of the
Administration. We need to vastly expand test- money shipped out so far going to children’s hardest in our nation’s history. The toll that
ing capabilities if we are going to be able to hospitals, community health centers or Med- this virus has taken on our economy and,
get a handle on this pandemic, so I am thank- icaid providers, among others who are strug- more importantly, on American lives, has been
ful that this funding was included. gling. staggering. Over the last few weeks, my office
The funding included in this bill is critical to The Administration needs to be more trans- has received thousands of calls and emails
help our country, but we must do so much parent about how it will distribute the remain- from constituents who need help obtaining the
more to support workers, small businesses, ing funds from the first round and the addi- important economic relief provisions secured
and communities. Our work is far from done. tional funding in this bill and how it will deter- by Congress.
I am continuing to fight for robust child care mine key terms, such as hot spots that it re- While some small businesses and nonprofits
support, increased funding and capabilities for portedly wants to target. And it needs to get in my district were able to access programs
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance these dollars out soon. Weeks more of delay like the Paycheck Protection Program, many
Program, funding for workers and our work- is not acceptable. more were shut out from these critical funds.
force system through the Workforce Innovation Additional funding provided for our public Let’s be clear—large companies and cor-
and Opportunity Act, and expanded access to health efforts through CDC, HRSA, and NIH is porations never should have been allowed to
capital through our credit unions to make it appreciated. But since this is a public health receive funds meant for small businesses.
easier for them to lend to small businesses. I emergency, much more funding is needed es- Now, it’s up to us to begin to make this right
am also fighting to make sure that our state pecially as state and local governments are and ensure that those small businesses most
and local governments receive more funding, challenged by an economic slowdown that has in need get access to replenished relief funds.
students and teachers have the resources imperiled their revenues. Countless American jobs—and lives—are on
they need, that people receive additional eco- There is more to be done and that must be the line.
nomic impact payments, and that our immi- done soon. We need another strong com- The legislation before us today would pro-
grant community is included in future relief ef- prehensive bill in line with the CARES act that vide an additional $310 billion in funding for
forts. I’m also advocating for workplace protec- responds to emerging needs. Access to Per- the Paycheck Protection Program, including
tion standards and essential pay for frontline sonal Protective Equipment remains a struggle billions intended for businesses in under-
workers during this pandemic. I am extremely and testing remains a challenge even while served rural, urban and tribal communities. It
disappointed that this bill doesn’t recognize the Administration pats itself on the back on also provides $50 billion for additional emer-
the increased number of people who are now both fronts. gency disaster lending, translating into more
food insecure and lack additional SNAP bene- Additionally, we need to ensure that critical than $350 billion in loans, and another $10 bil-
fits that individuals and families desperately programs that serve populations that will be hit lion in emergency disaster grants.
need. As we move forward, I will continue to the hardest by any economic downturn, like In addition, this package continues our ef-
fight for robust legislation to help individuals, TANF and SNAP, are granted funding and forts to provide health care workers with the
families, and our communities and small busi- flexibility to help people through these trying life-saving protective equipment they need to
nesses around the country. times. Having tried to take care of everybody do their jobs safely and effectively by directing
Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I support this im- else, our next package needs to look out for $75 billion toward hospitals and other health
perfect interim agreement. But I want to be the least, the last, and the lost. care providers.
clear, while it funds some key priorities, it Lastly, one of the truly missed opportunities Also of great importance to me is the $25
leaves behind additional key assistance that is funding to support safe and secure elections billion this package secures for testing, which
we can provide to households, individuals, and in this environment. Unfortunately, my state of is key to quickly and safely reopening the
state and local governments that are the tip of Wisconsin has become an unwelcomed exam- country. These funds will be critical in facili-
the spear in the fight against COVID–19. As ple of what happens when partisanship, rather tating the large-scale production and rapid de-
we take up this bill, I recognize that it is a than people’s well-being, guides decisions ployment of precise coronavirus testing—
much better bill than the one Senate Majority about holding elections in this environment. In which public health experts agree is necessary
Leader MITCH MCCONNELL tried to ram the city of Milwaukee, the largest city in the to determine when people can get out of their
through the Senate last week. Thanks to those State, there were only 5 polling stations avail- homes and back into schools, the workforce
who worked so hard to help accomplish that. able. You can guess the result . . . long lines and society.
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That being said, it is clear that this Con- that both discouraged voting and raised a po- Despite these important provisions, this
gress has much more work to do to support tential health threat to both voters and poll package falls short in a number of areas.
the American people, our heroic public health workers. For one, it is unacceptable that Republicans
and health professionals on the front line of We know more elections will be held soon blocked more funding for state and local gov-
this pandemic while fighting to get basic pro- and regardless of decisions about reopening ernments on the frontlines of this crisis. Right
tective equipment, and to help support state, states and cities, they must take place in the now, every American is benefiting from the
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1949
tireless work our local officials are doing to proximately one percent of Americans have and economic security to the nation. With this
keep us safe. been tested. This legislation calls for a na- in mind, I oppose passage of a resolution to
However, without additional support from tional strategic testing policy focused on in- establish a select subcommittee that is dupli-
the federal government, the costs of the creasing domestic testing capacity, including cative, unnecessary, and most likely a politi-
coronavirus response—on top of the reduced testing supplies. cally motivated tool to attack the President
tax revenues caused by the economic fallout This interim funding package will assist during an election year. Continuing to work
of the pandemic—threaten to bankrupt our workers, families, small businesses, hospitals, across the aisle to provide our country the re-
communities and undermine public health ef- and all our health care workers. The American sources it needs is the only way forward.
forts. people have tremendous needs and I’m proud I remain grateful to the incredible health
The fact that some in Congress and the Ad- to support this legislation to help meet them. care professionals, first responders, and es-
ministration would rather bail out big corpora- There’s so much more to do and I stand ready sential service employees who are working
tions than support the local governments to work to meet our historic challenges. I sup- tirelessly to keep our nation healthy. I also sa-
working day and night to keep us safe is un- port this legislation and will continue to sup- lute Americans who are following guidelines
acceptable. We will not stop fighting until our port swift action by a Congress that aids a sci- and doing their part to flatten the curve for not
communities get the support they need. entific public health response to the pandemic only their own health but for their neighbors.
We also must continue fighting for the most and a worker-first response to the economic The past few weeks have seen our nation
vulnerable among us. Our immigrant commu- crisis. unite to fight the Coronavirus. While these
nities, incarcerated individuals, undocumented Finally, I’d like to take a moment to ac- times have been challenging for all, I know
people, poor families and many others are still knowledge the sorrow being felt across the that we will get through this.
being left out of important relief provisions. country as families mourn the loss of their Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I support the
If there’s one thing we’ve learned through- loved ones to this terrible disease. In tribute to bipartisan agreement reached on the Senate
out this pandemic, it’s that we’re all in this to- them, we do our work today. Amendment to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Pro-
gether. We have to look out for each other, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I tection Program and Health Care Enhance-
and we have to do our part to take care of rise today in support of the Paycheck Protec- ment Act.
one another. tion Program and Health Care Enhancement Many California small businesses were un-
While I urge my colleagues to come to- Act. able to access the first round of loans made
gether to pass today’s package to bring addi- Our nation’s health and economic recovery through the Paycheck Protection Program
tional relief to our small businesses and health are inextricably linked during this pandemic. (PPP) established under the CARES Act (H.R.
care providers, we must continue working to Today’s vote is another win in the fight against 748) because the initial round of funds was in-
ensure all those suffering from this pandemic the coronavirus. This legislation strengthens sufficient to meet the dire needs of our com-
can be made whole. the Paycheck Protection Program by allocating munity during this time. Even more con-
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support an additional $310 billion in funding, with cerning, the Administration’s bungled rollout of
of the Paycheck Protection and Health Care money reserved for community-based lenders, PPP has sown frustration and confusion at
Enhancement Act. This emergency funding is small and medium-sized banks, and credit every point of the application process, denying
the fourth bipartisan aid package to address unions to reach more small businesses. It also many Santa Clara County small businesses a
the tremendous needs of the American people includes vital funding for our hospitals and lifeline. I outlined my concerns regarding these
as we fight COVID–19 on both the public health care workers and money for much flaws in my testimony to the House Small
health front and the economic front. needed testing. Business Committee on Thursday, April 23,
The Democratic House has led the way to While today’s additional funding is a win, 2020.
respond to this emergency. On March 4th, much more needs to be done. Without addi- This bill will provide $310 billion in additional
when the Administration refused to acknowl- tional measures for testing, tracking, treat- funding for PPP. More importantly, it will re-
edge the magnitude of this crisis, the House ment, and ultimately a vaccine, we won’t over- serve $60 billion for small- and medium-sized
passed bipartisan emergency legislation pro- come this crisis. We must also do more to banks, credit unions, and community-based
viding four times the amount of funding for help individuals suffering from the impact on lenders to ensure our relief efforts are reach-
public health purposes than the Trump Admin- the economy, as well as non-profits not cov- ing all communities. It also adds $10 billion to
istration originally requested. A week later, the ered under the CARES Act, and state and Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Grants
House passed the bipartisan Families First local governments who have been devastated and $50 billion to the Disaster Loans Program
Act, which recognized the importance of free by lost revenues and protect essential work- for our small businesses.
coronavirus testing and the need for paid sick ers. Our hospitals, health centers, and county
leave and nutrition aid for working families. On Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, more health officials need the additional $75 billion
March 27th the House passed the bipartisan than two weeks ago, I called for more funding in assistance to maintain necessary resources
CARES Act putting families and workers first, for the Paycheck Protection Program, which and procure more protective personal equip-
instead of a corporate, trickle-down approach has provided more than 1.6 million loans to ment for our healthcare workers who continue
offered by the Senate. small businesses across the country. I strongly to give and risk so much.
Today, the bipartisan Paycheck Protection support rapid passage of the Paycheck Pro- Additionally, the nation needs the $25 billion
and Health Care Enhancement Act continues tection Program and Health Care Enhance- for testing to guarantee a science-based tran-
the House’s work to respond to the pandemic. ment Act to support small businesses and our sition for when communities are ready to re-
It flips an insufficient Republican proposal that nation’s health care professionals. open. A nationwide strategy with a focus on
left hospitals, Community Health Centers, and With this fourth Coronavirus response pack- increasing domestic testing capacity will be
health care workers behind by nearly doubling age, we have secured an additional $310 bil- critical for reopening the economy and for pre-
the resources to provide badly needed assist- lion for the Paycheck Protection Program, and venting a second outbreak.
ance to them. $60 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Four bills and $2 trillion in emergency relief
The legislation contains the following: to help more small businesses survive and later, more is still needed. Specifically, we
Small businesses: Adds $310 billion to re- continue to pay their employees. must provide additional direct funding for state
plenish the Paycheck Protection Programs, re- In order to reopen our country, more testing and local governments and perform robust
serving $60 billion of that funding for commu- must be made available so Americans can oversight on the allocation of funds for pan-
nity-based lenders, credit unions and small to safely return to their normal lives and jobs. demic relief to prevent fraud and abuse. State
midsized community banks that work with the There is a dedicated $25 billion in this legisla- and local governments need and deserve fed-
smallest of businesses. The bill also adds an tion to prepare and ramp up necessary testing eral assistance. In CARES 2, we must make
additional $50 billion in disaster loans at the to equip state and local decision makers with whole the state and local governments on the
SBA and $10 billion in grants to small busi- critical information to reopen our communities frontlines of this crisis and ensure our state,
nesses and nonprofits. and reignite our economy. Finally, the $75 bil- county, and city officials are equipped to pre-
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$75 billion for hospitals, health systems, lion in additional funds will help hospitals and serve the health and safety of our community.
Community Health Centers, and other health health care workers on the front lines continue I will continue to work with my colleagues in
care providers, including funds for Personal to take care of those that are battling this ill- the House and Senate to address specific
Protective Equipment for frontline workers. ness. community needs in any future legislation.
For all Americans: $25 billion for testing, the It is critical that Congress continue working Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support
key to reopening the economy. Today, ap- in a bipartisan manner to provide aid, relief, of this economic boost desperately needed by
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H1950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
our communities. Our nation is on a dan- That being said, it is absolutely necessary nomic Injury Disaster Loan program will re-
gerous precipice, an experiment with thou- that we pass this bill today and provide the ceive the money needed to continue aiding
sands of lives in the balance. This bill offers SBA additional resources to support small our nation’s small businesses. Of the $349 bil-
hope for thousands more small businesses, businesses and ensure they make it through lion appropriated by Congress in the CARES
hospitals, and perhaps most importantly those this pandemic. Of course there is more we Act for small business relief programs, my
on the frontline, with an infusion of $25 billion need to do. Transit systems need billions in home state of Ohio received over $14 billion.
to ramp up desperately needed means to ad- resources to stay afloat. Cultural nonprofits These dollars are going to real businesses
vance widespread testing. Testing is the key need funding and flexibility to re-open their and helping communities, both large and
that offers containment of this virus. doors when this pandemic passes. Renters small, across my district. I hope even more
I am troubled. Troubled by the little insight desperately need emergency assistance to dollars make their way to Ohio as we get set
we have into how the last two trillion dollars stay in their homes even with the eviction mor- to pass this relief bill before us.
approved by these hallowed chambers was atorium. The U.S. Postal Service is on the This week, Congress will pass the fourth aid
spent by the Trump Administration. We must brink of collapse. Families need food assist- bill to help Americans. And much like the pre-
ask why so much has yet to be disbursed. We ance to keep their kids healthy. Hospitals and vious bill, the CARES Act, the bill before us in-
must question why little help was provided to providers desperately need PPE. Our work is creases funding levels for the Paycheck Pro-
those who need it most, while those with ac- not done, and we cannot stop here. But today, tection Program and the Economic Injury Dis-
cess had their takings. we must pass this bill and get this small busi- aster Loan program, while also ensuring our
I am proud of the work of my colleagues, ness funding flowing again. health care system receives the support it
particularly Small Business Chairwoman NYDIA I appreciate the efforts to get this interim bill needs.
VELÁZQUEZ, Financial Services Chairwoman done as quickly as possible, and I look for- In addition to providing $370 billion of relief
MAXINE WATERS, and our dedicated Speaker, ward to continuing our efforts to stop this pan- to small businesses, the bill includes $75 bil-
who fought for $60 billion in community lend- demic, keep our country safe, and, when pub- lion more for hospitals; the first tranche of this
ing and a $310 billion infusion into the Pay- lic health experts agree, thoughtfully and care- money from the CARES Act’s fund has al-
check Protection Program. This bill provides a fully re-open our economy. ready gone out. Hospitals in my district have
great step forward and a vital lifeline to small Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today let me know how critical it was to receive this
businesses across Northern Ohio. in support of our nation’s small businesses. As support. They have also let me know that
Unfortunately, this bill drastically short- many of my colleagues are aware, our coun- more is direly needed. This is why we are
changes the localities now forced with over- try’s economy is built upon and benefits from here today; to respond to those calls for more
whelming burdens, huge losses of revenue, the millions of entrepreneurs and innovators help. The PPP and Health Care Enhancement
huge cuts to budgets, forced decisions of lay- who go to work every single day for a small Act also includes $25 billion for testing. I know
ing off first-responders or cut back on other business. Without these small businesses and from Ohio’s governor that this is a key piece
life-sustaining services. It also offers no assist- their employees, the United States would not of the puzzle in safely reopening economic ac-
ance to our postal service workers whose jobs be the economic hub it is today. tivity.
hang in the balance. However, Mr. Speaker, these small busi- Congress must not hesitate in its efforts to
Calls to reopen without science and data nesses, along with our entire nation, have combat the novel coronavirus. Congress must
are short sighted. Shame on Republican elect- been presented with an unprecedented not hesitate in its appropriation of additional
ed leaders who lead their constituents into the enemy. The 2019 novel coronavirus has funds to support America’s small businesses.
fire. What our constituents need is real leader- wreaked havoc on our health, our economy, It is imperative we use our time here as Rep-
ship to keep them safe and supported until a and our day-to-day lives. Everyday activities resentatives of our communities and the full
bridge to the future for America can safely like visiting our loved ones, dining at our favor- capabilities of the federal government to pro-
lead to reopening. Lives are at stake. ite restaurants, or cheering on our favorite tect Americans—both in terms of health and
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, in the last few teams have been placed on hold as we com- economic security. We will defeat this virus
weeks, my office has been flooded with calls bat this virus. I believe the steps taken by this and we will emerge from this unprecedented
from small business owners desperate for as- Administration and governors around the time a stronger, more resilient nation. I urge
sistance but stymied by the slow response, country, including Governor DeWine in my my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill
unfair treatment, and limited funds of the small home state, to minimize the destructiveness of and stand with small businesses and those on
business programs set up by the CARES Act. the coronavirus should be noted and ap- the front lines—without which, our nation
I support this legislation because it is abso- plauded. would most certainly not be the global beacon
lutely imperative that we recapitalize and im- In Congress, we have worked to provide the of opportunity and freedom it is.
prove PPP and EIDL to get small businesses necessary aid and relief sought by so many. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this emergency
the resources and support they need as fairly We have extended health benefits—placing legislation makes key investments in programs
and efficiently as possible. I am also pleased public health at the forefront of our battle. We that are critical to helping our hospitals and
this bill provides significant funding for hos- have ramped up our equipment production to health providers continue to respond to
pitals and expanded testing, without which we levels unseen for nearly 80 years, when we COVID–19.
cannot safely re-open the small businesses were fighting the Second World War. And per- It also improves our testing capacity, which
and other establishments we are trying to haps most importantly, we have funded aid will be critical to combating the pandemic and
save. I am, however, all too aware that this in- programs within the Small Business Adminis- reopening out economy.
fusion of money simply will not be enough to tration to lift up America’s small businesses. This is not a perfect package, but no bipar-
meet demand, and many of the problems my The bill before us, the Paycheck Protection tisan agreement ever is.
constituents have raised with PPP and EIDL Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, It does not include clearer metrics for the
are not addressed by this legislation. will continue to support these critical efforts hospital funding that l think is necessary to en-
I am disappointed that, despite the best ef- through much-needed supplemental funding. suring that funding is distributed in a way that
forts of my Democratic colleagues, this bill Earlier this week, I introduced my own resolu- is fair and equitable, transparent, and respon-
does not give state and local governments the tion to recognize the enormous strain being sive to the areas that are treating the highest
funding and flexibility they desperately need to placed upon our economy’s engine, the small number of COVID–19 patients.
support their fights against COVID–19 and fill businesses that are the foundation of all our I also do not believe that the COVID–19
the massive revenue gaps they are facing. communities. To say that this Congress has testing strategy is as strong as I would have
New York State faces a $10 billion loss of tax come to the aid of small businesses would be liked. Right now, the Trump Administration has
revenue. While we are the epicenter of the fair; but, to say that our job here is done no clear plan, no clear benchmarks, and no
pandemic, we’re not alone in our budget short- would be far from true. In fact, it is important clear timelines for setting up a national pro-
falls. Oklahoma faces a $415 million gap, Ari- now more than ever to double down on our gram that will reopen our economy. We must
zona is looking at a $1.1 billion deficit, and support and ensure unwavering commitment hold this Administration accountable for its
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Maryland could face a $2.2 billion shortfall. My to Main Street. abysmal response to testing, and I hope that
Republican colleagues must come to the table Mr. Speaker, my resolution specifically re- we will be able to do more in the next pack-
and support additional resources for states quests Congress to increase its support for age.
and cities and give states additional flexibility America’s small businesses. I am extremely Having said that, l want to acknowledge the
in how they use the funds, including replacing pleased to see that programs such as the good in this bill, because l do believe it will
lost revenue. Paycheck Protection Program and the Eco- provide some additional relief and guidance
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1951
that our states and local governments, terri- Finally, the package also includes up to $1 munities are faced with this public health
tories, tribes, hospitals, and providers des- billion to cover the costs of testing for the un- emergency, our healthcare system can pro-
perately need. We simply could not afford to insured. vide the urgent medical attention they need.
wait, and thanks to our efforts we are pro- And there are some other key Democratic Included in this bill is $75 billion in funding to
viding some critical relief. priorities that were included in the package— the Public Health and Social Services Emer-
First, we include another $75 billion for the reporting on demographic information related gency Fund to provide resources to the med-
CARES Provider Relief Fund, or the hospital to testing, diagnoses and hospitalizations, and ical frontlines, including for personal protective
fund. This is $75 billion in addition to the $100 the requirement of a testing plan. equipment and health provider reimburse-
billion funding provided in CARES. While the Republicans would not support ments. It also designates $25 billion in funding
These funds can be used to reimburse hos- real-time reporting of demographic data, we for COVID–19 testing expenses and mandates
pitals or providers for expenses or lost reve- were able to include regular demographic data the development of a national strategic testing
nues as a result of COVID–19. reporting—that is to be de-identified and policy, focused on increasing domestic testing
The language remains the same as the disaggregated. This includes data on race, capacity, including capacity for testing sup-
CARES Act, so it will be critical that we con- ethnicity, age, sex, geographic region, and plies.
tinue to fight for clearer metrics for how future other factors for COVID–19 cases, hospitaliza- I am fighting for the city of Dallas, and all of
funding allocations will be distributed so that tions, and deaths, and epidemiological anal- the incorporated municipalities in my district,
health care entities receive the funding they ysis of such data. that are getting hammered by the necessary
need to continue to treat patients and keep We also were successful in adding a re- stay at home orders, to make sure that we re-
their doors open. We will also fight for trans- quirement for the Administration to submit a ceive funding to provide for essential services
parency so that we have more real-time ac- COVID–19 strategic testing plan that will detail like fire and police.
counting of who is receiving these dollars and how the Administration will increase domestic As I mentioned before, this bill is far from
how much funding they are receiving. testing capacity and testing supplies, address perfect. Two priorities that must be addressed
We also address the critical issue of testing disparities, and provide assistance and re- in upcoming packages are the need for in-
by making an additional investment of $25 bil- sources to states, localities, territories, and creased funding to SNAP, due to the expo-
lion. As the Speaker has been saying, testing tribes. The plan is also required to include es- nential need for food assistance in our com-
is a essential component to how we respond, timates of testing production and guidelines for munities, and expanded federal assistance to
treat, and stop the transmission of this virus. testing, as well as an outline of Federal re- smaller municipalities like the cities of Cedar
Valid, widespread testing is going to be nec- sources that will be able to support the testing Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster, in
essary if we are to reduce social distancing ef- plans of States, localities, territories, tribes, my district. Now, more than ever, we must en-
forts and reopen parts of our economy. and tribal organizations. sure that the most vulnerable among us are
The $25 billion investment in testing will be This is an important provision—the Adminis- protected and that our local governments have
used for expenses related to all different areas tration has been running away from trying to the resources to support them.
of testing, including: research, development, come to develop a federal testing plan. This At the same time, I am inspired to see orga-
nizations step up to the plate and help people
validation, manufacturing, purchasing, admin- requires them to do so.
While I would have required a more detailed in this time of need. Just last week, the North
istering, and expanding capacity for COVID–
report, with clearer benchmarks for the activi- Texas Food Bank, along with the Texas Na-
19 tests. This includes rapid point-of-care tests
ties I just mentioned, including specific plans tional Guard, Fair Park First, Spectra, and In
and serological tests.
the City for Good distributed 6,500 boxes of
Of that $25 billion, $11 billion will go to for adequate testing in underserved areas and
food to over 2,200 households across the re-
states, localities, territories, and tribes to de- populations, and expanding surveillance and
gion. Looking at images of cars lined up for
velop, purchase, administer, process, and contact tracing, this is a good first step.
We will all have to work together to hold this miles waiting to receive food should serve as
analyze COVID–19 tests. It will also fund scal-
a reminder of how much more we must do to
ing-up laboratory capacity, contact tracing, Administration accountable to produce a clear
ensure our constituents are successfully able
monitoring and surveillance, and supporting strategy for testing that will help us to reduce
to navigate through this crisis.
the workforce. the spread of this virus, clearly identify cases Mr. Speaker, now is the time to provide crit-
$2 billion of this $11 billion will go to the and individuals with immunity, and expand ca- ical funds and support for our neighborhood
States consistent with the Public Health Emer- pacity so that testing can help inform what businesses; owners and employees. Now is
gency Preparedness grant formula, ensuring communities may be able to reopen safely the time for us to provide critical funds and
every state receives funding, and $4.25 billion and without a surge in new cases. support to the hospitals who will be fighting to
will be allocated based on a state’s relative These will be a priority as well as we draft keep our friends, family, and neighbors alive
number of COVID–19 cases. Tribes, tribal or- the next package. through this pandemic. It is my sincere hope
ganizations, and urban Indian health organiza- Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise that the next COVID–19 bill will better serve
tions will receive $750 million for testing activi- today in support of H.R. 266, the Paycheck all of our constituents. I urge my colleagues to
ties. Protection Program and Health Care Enhance- support this bill.
This $25 billion also includes key invest- ment Act. Though this bill is far from perfect, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, as we
ments in our federal public health agencies— it provides much needed temporary assistance continue the fight to help our constituents and
$1 billion is provided to CDC for surveil- to small business owners and hospitals im- all Americans as they face the devastating
lance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity ex- pacted as a result of the COVID–19 pan- coronavirus crisis, I am voting today in strong
pansion, contact tracing, public health data demic. support of H.R. 266, The Paycheck Protection
surveillance and workforce to support the ex- This bill includes additional funding for the Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act, to
pansion and improvement of COVID–19 test- Paycheck Protection Program and makes sev- help protect American families, workers, and
ing; eral vital corrections to loopholes in the pro- small businesses.
$1.8 billion is provided to NIH to develop, gram from the CARES Act. A lack of proper Democrats successfully fought to improve
validate and improve testing, including further oversight in the previous package gave lend- today’s interim emergency relief package by
development of rapid point-of-care and sero- ers the ability to pick and choose their ensuring greater access for small businesses
logical testing; loanees, therefore leaving smaller businesses in underserved areas, and by successfully
$1 billion is provided to BARDA for ad- like hair salons, independent restaurants, and adding billions more in funding for testing,
vanced research, development, manufacturing, dry cleaners, who may not have an estab- hospitals, and the PPE for health care workers
production, and purchase of diagnostic, sero- lished banking relationship, left without suffi- who are caring for those infected by the
logic, or other COVID–19 tests or related sup- cient financial assistance. I am proud that coronavirus.
plies. House Democrats fought to include $60 billion For small businesses, this final agreement
$22 million for the Food and Drug Adminis- in funding designated specifically for small and strengthens the Paycheck Protection Program
tration to support activities associated with di- medium-sized lenders, which will go a long with $310 billion in additional funding, more
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
agnostic, serological, antigen, and other tests; way in supporting small businesses bearing than the $250 billion initially requested. Demo-
and the brunt of this crisis. crats were able to set aside $60 billion to help
$600 million to support testing activities at Additionally, this bill provides critically need- unbanked and underserved businesses get
Community Health Centers, and $225 million ed funding and resources to support our hos- access to PPP funding, including minority-
to support testing activities at rural health clin- pitals, medical clinics, and local testing capa- owned businesses, urban and rural busi-
ics. bilities. We must ensure that when our com- nesses, small ‘‘mom-and-pop’’ businesses,
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H1952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
and smaller nonprofits. This $60 billion in- and mid-sized banks, credit unions, and com- Congress must also address the critical situ-
cludes $30 billion for community-based lend- munity-based lending institutions to help en- ation the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is in.
ers and small banks and credit unions, and sure that unbanked and underserved busi- Despite bipartisan support for stronger relief,
another $30 billion for medium-sized banks nesses can access the PPP. This includes mi- the administration forced weak and restrictive
and credit unions. The agreement also ex- nority-owned businesses, rural businesses, aid for USPS into the CARES Act. Without
pands small business support beyond PPP by small ‘mom and pop’ businesses, and smaller significant steps, the Postal Service could
securing $50 billion for Small Business Admin- nonprofits that too often have been pushed to cease operations by June. For the millions of
istration disaster lending, which translates into the back of the line for this program, while bil- people who count on the USPS every day—
more than $350 billion in loans, and $10 billion lion-dollar chains have accessed funding. including seniors and veterans—this is not an
in SBA disaster grants. I am also pleased that this legislation in- option.
For hospitals and health care workers, cludes $60 billion for SBA’s Economic Injury We can and must also give additional, direct
Democrats secured $75 billion to help pay for Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Emergency Eco- support to the American people. This includes
Personal Protective Equipment and other re- nomic Injury Disaster Grant program. I have additional economic impact payments, more
sources. The Trump Administration has also heard from dozens of businesses who applied comprehensive relief for homeowners and
agreed to key improvements to be made in for EIDL relief only to never hear back from an renters, stronger steps for the millions of stu-
CARES 2, including significantly lowering the overwhelmed and underfunded SBA. This dent loan borrowers, and more.
interest rate on advance payments, length- funding will allow these emergency programs Congress should also finally take up legisla-
ening the repayment schedule, and distributing to provide flexible assistance to small busi- tion to reform enormously important issues like
payments from general revenues instead of nesses and nonprofits. prescription drug costs and surprise billing.
the Hospital Insurance Fund. Again, thanks to congressional Democrats, These issues have long plagued our broken
For all Americans, we added $25 billion for this legislation also includes an additional $75 healthcare system, and they will continue to
testing, which is pivotal to reopening the econ- billion in relief to hospitals and health care do so once we beat this virus.
omy and resuming our lives. The Trump Ad- providers for expenses or lost revenue attrib- Lastly, we must begin moving to the next
ministration has agreed to a national strategic utable to COVID–19. While I believe we need phase of this crisis: economic recovery. Con-
testing policy focused on increasing domestic much more than $75 billion, these additional gress must pass legislation that creates jobs
testing capacity, including testing supplies. funds will be crucial for helping providers who and rebuilds our decaying infrastructure. As
I am also voting today to establish a bipar- are bearing the brunt of this crisis, including Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastruc-
tisan House Select Committee on the Community Health Centers and rural providers ture Committee, I will continue to push for an
Coronavirus Crisis, which will help ensure we who are facing layoffs and massive revenue infrastructure package that repairs the breach
fight this pandemic with an efficient, effective, shortfalls due to cancellation of ‘elective’ pro- left by years of neglect—that rebuilds failing
and science-based federal response which cedures. bridges, restores crumbling highways, and
saves lives and spends taxpayer dollars wise- Congressional Democrats also fought for
puts people to work on projects with jobs that
ly. and secured $25 billion to expand our nation’s
cannot be exported.
The legislation we pass today will protect COVID–19 testing capacity, $11 billion of
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
countless American lives and livelihoods. which will go directly to states, localities, terri-
ESPAILLAT). The question is on the mo-
However, we have much more to do. Next, tories, and tribes to help them bolster testing
tion offered by the gentleman from
we must pass a CARES 2 Act that builds on shortfalls in their communities. Widespread
Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL) that the
the bipartisan CARES Act we passed last testing is the key to fighting this virus, reopen-
House suspend the rules and concur in
month, so we can keep helping our families, ing the economy, and protecting the health
the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R.
workers, and small businesses to stay safe, and wellbeing of Americans so that we can
266.
stay healthy, and make ends meet. safely begin to resume our normal lives. We
And because the Trump Administration also successfully inserted provisions to require The question was taken.
made the unconscionable decision to reject the Trump administration to finally create a na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the
more funding for state, local, and tribal gov- tional strategic testing plan that details how opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being
ernments so they can pay their essential work- our country will increase domestic testing ca- in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
ers, we must redouble our commitment to in- pacity, address disparities, and provide assist- Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, on that I
clude that funding in CARES 2. If govern- ance and resources to states, localities, terri- demand the yeas and nays.
ments cannot pay first responders, transpor- tories, and tribes. The yeas and nays were ordered.
tation personnel, and other crucial workers, we This legislation is not without glaring omis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
are all put at grave risk. sions, though. Unfortunately, despite bipar- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro-
In these troubling times, the American peo- tisan support for additional funding, the Trump ceedings on this motion will be post-
ple are looking to Congress for support, guid- administration and congressional Republicans poned.
ance, and leadership in the fight against the refused to add any additional funding for state,
insidious COVID–19 virus. Today, tomorrow, local, and tribal governments. These entities— f
and every day, I will continue to do all I can who are on the front lines of this crisis—are in
to keep my constituents and my country safe, a dire financial position. I will continue to push PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
and to provide the resources needed for the for this desperately-needed investment and to H.RES. 935, ESTABLISHING A SE-
development of a vaccine that will defeat this ensure that funding flows directly to smaller lo- LECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE
virus for good. calities. CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, today, I will vote Future legislation must also ensure strong
in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. support for families with an increase to SNAP The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
266—the Paycheck Protection Program and benefits to help put food on the table. Repub- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
Health Care Enhancement Act. licans stonewalled all efforts to include this in- ished business is the vote on adoption
This legislation builds upon and makes a crease in this legislation. of the resolution (H. Res. 938) providing
number of important improvements to the For our front-line workers, we are simply not for adoption of the resolution (H. Res.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secu- doing enough to support them. We need to 935) establishing a Select Sub-
rity (CARES) Act, which Congress passed less ensure that any additional legislation man- committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as
than a month ago to help our country continue dates that the Occupational Safety and Health a select investigative subcommittee of
the fight against COVID–19. Administration (OSHA) implements a robust the Committee on Oversight and Re-
Specifically, this legislation adds more than emergency temporary standard to strengthen form, on which the yeas and nays were
$300 billion to the Small Business Administra- protective measures for our health care work- ordered.
tion’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program ers, first responders, postal carriers, retail em- The Clerk read the title of the resolu-
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(PPP), which has provided a critical lifeline to ployees, grocery workers, transportation work- tion.
small businesses around the country as we ers, and more. We should also be supporting The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
continue to deal with the economic fall-out these individuals with hazard pay as they con- question is on the resolution.
from this global pandemic. I am proud that tinue to report to work and risk exposure to The vote was taken by electronic de-
Democrats stood our ground and were able to COVID–19 in order to perform their essential vice, and there were—yeas 212, nays
carve out $60 billion from this fund for small duties for the betterment of our communities. 182, not voting 35, as follows:
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1953
[Roll No. 103] Graves (GA) Loudermilk Scott, Austin H. RES. 935
Graves (LA) Lucas Simpson
YEAS—212 Resolved, That there is hereby established a
Graves (MO) Luetkemeyer Smith (MO)
Green (TN) Massie
select investigative subcommittee of the
Adams Garcı́a (IL) Pappas Smith (NE)
Griffith Mast Smith (NJ)
Committee on Oversight and Reform called
Aguilar Garcia (TX) Pascrell
Allred Golden Grothman McCarthy Smucker the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus
Payne
Axne Gomez Pelosi Guest McCaul Spano Crisis (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘select
Bass Gonzalez (TX) Perlmutter
Guthrie McClintock Stauber subcommittee’’).
Beatty Gottheimer Peters
Hagedorn McKinley Stefanik SEC. 2. (a) The select subcommittee shall
Bera Green, Al (TX) Harris Meuser Steil be composed of not more than 12 Members,
Peterson
Beyer Haaland Hartzler Miller Steube Delegates, or the Resident Commissioner ap-
Phillips
Bishop (GA) Harder (CA) Hern, Kevin Mitchell Stewart
Pingree pointed by the Speaker, of whom not more
Blumenauer Hayes Herrera Beutler Moolenaar Stivers
Pocan Hice (GA) Mooney (WV) than 5 shall be appointed on the rec-
Blunt Rochester Heck Porter Taylor
Higgins (LA) Mullin ommendation of the minority leader. The
Bonamici Higgins (NY) Pressley Thompson (PA)
Boyle, Brendan Himes Hill (AR) Murphy (NC) Speaker shall designate one member of the
Price (NC) Thornberry
F. Horn, Kendra S. Holding Newhouse
Timmons
select subcommittee as its chair. Any va-
Quigley Hollingsworth Norman cancy in the select subcommittee shall be
Brindisi Horsford Tipton
Raskin Hudson Nunes
Brown (MD) Houlahan Turner filled in the same manner as the original ap-
Rice (NY) Huizenga Olson
Brownley (CA) Hoyer
Richmond Upton pointment.
Bustos Huffman Hurd (TX) Palazzo (b) Each member appointed to the select
Rose (NY) Johnson (LA) Palmer Van Drew
Butterfield Jackson Lee Wagner subcommittee shall be treated as though a
Carbajal Jayapal Rouda Johnson (OH) Pence
Roybal-Allard Johnson (SD) Perry Walberg member of the Committee on Oversight and
Carson (IN) Jeffries Walden
Cartwright Johnson (GA) Ruiz Jordan Posey Reform for purposes of the select sub-
Ruppersberger Joyce (OH) Ratcliffe Walker committee.
Case Kaptur
Rush Joyce (PA) Reed Walorski SEC. 3. (a) The select subcommittee is au-
Casten (IL) Keating
Ryan Katko Reschenthaler Waltz thorized and directed to conduct a full and
Castor (FL) Kelly (IL)
Sánchez Keller Rice (SC) Watkins
Castro (TX) Kennedy complete investigation and study and issue a
Sarbanes Kelly (MS) Riggleman Weber (TX)
Chu, Judy Khanna
Wenstrup
final report to the House of its findings (and
Cicilline Kildee Scanlon King (IA) Roby
Westerman such interim reports as it may deem nec-
Cisneros Kilmer Schakowsky King (NY) Rodgers (WA)
Kinzinger Roe, David P. Williams essary) regarding—
Clark (MA) Kim Schiff
Schneider Kustoff (TN) Rogers (AL) Wilson (SC) (1) the efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and
Clarke (NY) Kind
Clay Kirkpatrick Schrader LaHood Rose, John W. Wittman transparency of the use of taxpayer funds
Cleaver Krishnamoorthi Schrier LaMalfa Rouzer Womack and relief programs to address the
Clyburn Kuster (NH) Scott (VA) Lamborn Roy Woodall coronavirus crisis, including through Federal
Cohen Lamb Scott, David Latta Rutherford Yoho agencies, State and local government enti-
Connolly Langevin Sewell (AL) Lesko Scalise Young
ties, financial institutions and other private
Cooper Larsen (WA) Shalala Long Schweikert Zeldin
businesses, contracts, grants, loans, loan
Correa Larson (CT) Sherman NOT VOTING—35 guarantees, investments, cooperative agree-
Costa Lawrence Sherrill
Courtney Lee (CA) Babin Kelly (PA) Napolitano ments, or any other means;
Sires
Cox (CA) Lee (NV) Slotkin Baird Lawson (FL) Rogers (KY) (2) reports of waste, fraud, abuse, price
Craig Levin (CA) Smith (WA) Barragán Lewis Rooney (FL) gouging, profiteering, or other abusive prac-
Crist Levin (MI) Soto Brooks (IN) Lieu, Ted Sensenbrenner tices related to the coronavirus crisis;
Crow Loebsack Spanberger Cárdenas Lipinski Serrano (3) the implementation or effectiveness of
Cuellar Luján Carter (TX) Lofgren Shimkus
Speier any Federal law applied, enacted, or under
Cunningham Luria Cook Lowenthal Veasey
Stanton consideration to address the coronavirus cri-
Davids (KS) Lynch DeSaulnier Lowey Visclosky
Stevens sis and prepare for future pandemics;
Davis (CA) Malinowski Doggett Marchant
Suozzi Webster (FL)
Davis, Danny K. Maloney, Grijalva Marshall (4) preparedness for and response to the
Swalwell (CA) Wilson (FL)
Dean Carolyn B. Hastings McHenry coronavirus crisis, including the planning for
Takano Johnson (TX) Wright
DeFazio Maloney, Sean Moore and implementation of testing, containment,
Thompson (CA)
DeGette Matsui mitigation, and surveillance activities; the
Thompson (MS)
DeLauro McAdams
Titus
b 1639 acquisition, distribution, or stockpiling of
DelBene McBath
Tlaib Ms. GRANGER, Messrs. JOYCE of protective equipment and medical supplies;
Delgado McCollum
Demings McEachin Tonko Ohio, STIVERS, and DAVIDSON of and the development of vaccines and treat-
Deutch McGovern Torres (CA) ments;
Torres Small Ohio changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to
Dingell McNerney (5) the economic impact of the coronavirus
Doyle, Michael Meeks (NM) ‘‘nay.’’ crisis on individuals, communities, small
F. Meng Trahan Mr. LYNCH changed his vote from businesses, health care providers, States, and
Trone
Engel Morelle ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ local government entities;
Escobar Moulton Underwood
Vargas So the resolution was agreed to. (6) any disparate impacts of the
Eshoo Mucarsel-Powell
Espaillat Murphy (FL) Vela The result of the vote was announced coronavirus crisis on different communities
Evans Nadler Velázquez as above recorded. and populations, including with respect to
Finkenauer Neal Wasserman
A motion to reconsider was laid on race, ethnicity, age, sex, gender identity,
Fletcher Neguse Schultz sexual orientation, disability, and geo-
Foster Norcross Waters the table.
graphic region, and any measures taken to
Frankel O’Halleran Watson Coleman Stated for: address such disparate impacts;
Fudge Ocasio-Cortez Welch Ms. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I was
Wexton
(7) executive branch policies, deliberations,
Gabbard Omar absent during roll call vote No. 103. Had I
Gallego Pallone Wild decisions, activities, and internal and exter-
Garamendi Panetta Yarmuth been present, I would have voted ‘‘YEA’’ on nal communications related to the
agreeing to H. Res. 938,—Providing for the coronavirus crisis;
NAYS—182 adoption of H. Res. 935, Establishing a Select (8) the protection of whistleblowers who
Abraham Bucshon Diaz-Balart Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. provide information about waste, fraud,
Aderholt Budd Duncan abuse, or other improper activities related to
Allen Burchett Dunn f the coronavirus crisis;
Amash Burgess Emmer (9) cooperation by the executive branch
Amodei Byrne Estes ESTABLISHING A SELECT SUB- and others with Congress, the Inspectors
Armstrong Calvert Ferguson COMMITTEE ON THE General, the Government Accountability Of-
Arrington Carter (GA) Fitzpatrick
Bacon Chabot Fleischmann CORONAVIRUS CRISIS fice, and others in connection with oversight
Balderson Cheney Flores of the preparedness for and response to the
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. CAS- coronavirus crisis; and
Banks Cline Fortenberry
Barr Cloud Foxx (NC) TOR of Florida). Pursuant to House (10) any other issues related to the
Bergman Cole Fulcher Resolution 938, the resolution (H. Res. coronavirus crisis.
Biggs Collins (GA) Gaetz 935) establishing a Select Sub- (b) The select subcommittee may report to
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Bilirakis Comer Gallagher the House or any committee of the House
Bishop (NC) Conaway Gianforte
committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as
a select investigative subcommittee of from time to time the results of its inves-
Bishop (UT) Crawford Gibbs
tigations and studies, together with such de-
Bost Crenshaw Gohmert the Committee on Oversight and Re-
Brady Curtis Gonzalez (OH) tailed findings and legislative recommenda-
form, is considered as adopted. tions as it may deem advisable.
Brooks (AL) Davidson (OH) Gooden
Buchanan Davis, Rodney Gosar The text of the resolution is as fol- (c) The select subcommittee may not hold
Buck DesJarlais Granger lows: a markup of legislation.
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H1954 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
SEC. 4. (a) Rule XI and the rules of the REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Cooper Huffman Payne
Committee on Oversight and Reform shall Correa Huizenga Pelosi
AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6494 Costa Hurd (TX) Pence
apply to the select subcommittee in the
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Courtney Jackson Lee Perlmutter
same manner as a subcommittee except as Cox (CA) Jayapal Perry
follows: Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Craig Jeffries Peters
(1) The chair of the select subcommittee my name be removed as a cosponsor of Crawford Johnson (GA) Peterson
may authorize and issue subpoenas pursuant H.R. 6494. Crenshaw Johnson (LA) Phillips
to clause 2(m) of rule XI and rule 12(g) of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Crist Johnson (OH) Pingree
rules of the Committee on Oversight and Re- Crow Johnson (SD) Pocan
objection to the request of the gen- Cuellar Jordan Porter
form in the investigation and study con- tleman from Connecticut? Cunningham Joyce (OH) Posey
ducted pursuant to section 3, including for
There was no objection. Curtis Joyce (PA) Pressley
the purpose of taking depositions. Davids (KS) Kaptur Price (NC)
(2) The chair of the select subcommittee is f Davidson (OH) Katko Quigley
authorized to compel by subpoena the fur- Davis (CA) Keating Raskin
nishing of information by interrogatory. RECESS Davis, Danny K. Keller Ratcliffe
(3) Subpoenas so authorized may be signed Davis, Rodney Kelly (IL) Reed
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Dean Kelly (MS) Reschenthaler
by the chair of the select subcommittee or a
designee.
ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair DeFazio Kennedy Rice (NY)
declares the House in recess for a pe- DeGette Khanna Rice (SC)
(4) The chair of the select subcommittee DeLauro Kildee Richmond
may order the taking of depositions, under riod of less than 15 minutes. DelBene Kilmer Riggleman
oath and pursuant to notice or subpoena, by Accordingly (at 4 o’clock and 41 min- Delgado Kim Roby
a member of the select subcommittee or a utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Demings Kind Rodgers (WA)
counsel of the select subcommittee. Such DesJarlais King (IA) Roe, David P.
depositions shall be governed by rule 15 of f Deutch King (NY) Rogers (AL)
the rules of the Committee on Oversight and Diaz-Balart Kinzinger Rose (NY)
b 1650 Dingell Kirkpatrick Rose, John W.
Reform. For purposes of such rule, references
Doyle, Michael Krishnamoorthi Rouda
to ‘‘the Committee’’ shall be construed as AFTER RECESS F. Kuster (NH) Rouzer
references to the select subcommittee. Duncan Kustoff (TN) Roy
(5) The chair of the select subcommittee The recess having expired, the House Dunn LaHood Roybal-Allard
may, after consultation with the ranking mi- was called to order by the Speaker pro Emmer LaMalfa Ruiz
nority member, recognize— tempore (Ms. CASTOR of Florida) at 4 Engel Lamb Ruppersberger
(A) members of the select subcommittee to Escobar Lamborn Rush
o’clock and 50 minutes p.m. Eshoo
question a witness for periods longer than Langevin Rutherford
five minutes as though pursuant to clause f Espaillat Larsen (WA) Ryan
Estes Larson (CT) Sánchez
2(j)(2)(B) of such rule XI; and Evans Latta Sarbanes
(B) staff of the select subcommittee to DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Ferguson Lawrence Scalise
question a witness as though pursuant to ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED Finkenauer Lee (CA) Scanlon
clause 2(j)(2)(C) of such rule XI. AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Fitzpatrick Lee (NV) Schakowsky
(6) Agenda and reports required by rule 2(f) ACT, 2019 Fleischmann Lesko Schiff
and rule 4(c) of the rules of the Committee Fletcher Levin (CA) Schneider
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Flores Levin (MI) Schrader
on Oversight and Reform shall be required on
the third calendar day before a meeting, ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Fortenberry Loebsack Schrier
ished business is the vote on the mo- Foster Long Schweikert
hearing, or consideration of a report, as ap- Foxx (NC) Loudermilk Scott (VA)
plicable. tion to suspend the rules and concur in Frankel Lucas Scott, Austin
(b) The provisions of this resolution shall the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. Fudge Luetkemeyer Scott, David
govern the proceedings of the select sub- 266) making appropriations for the De- Fulcher Luján Sewell (AL)
partment of the Interior, Environment, Gabbard Luria Shalala
committee in the event of any conflict with Gaetz Lynch Sherman
the rules of the House or of the Committee and related agencies for the fiscal year Gallagher Malinowski Sherrill
on Oversight and Reform. ending September 30, 2019, and for Gallego Maloney, Simpson
other purposes, on which the yeas and Garamendi Carolyn B. Sires
SEC. 5. Any committee of the House having Garcı́a (IL) Maloney, Sean Slotkin
custody of records in any form relating to nays were ordered. Garcia (TX) Mast Smith (MO)
the matters described in section 3 shall The Clerk read the title of the bill. Gianforte Matsui Smith (NE)
transfer copies of such records to the select The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Gibbs McAdams Smith (NJ)
subcommittee within 7 days of the adoption question is on the motion offered by Gohmert McBath Smith (WA)
Golden McCarthy Smucker
of this resolution or receipt of such records. the gentleman from Massachusetts Gomez McCaul Soto
Such records shall become the records of the (Mr. NEAL) that the House suspend the Gonzalez (OH) McClintock Spanberger
select subcommittee. rules and concur in the Senate amend- Gonzalez (TX) McCollum Spano
Gooden McEachin Speier
SEC. 6. Service on the select subcommittee ment. Gosar McGovern Stanton
shall not count against the limitations in The vote was taken by electronic de- Gottheimer McKinley Stauber
clause 5(b)(2)(A) of rule X. vice, and there were—yeas 388, nays 5, Granger McNerney Stefanik
answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 35, as Graves (GA) Meeks Steil
SEC. 7. The Committee on Oversight and Graves (LA) Meng Steube
Reform is the ‘‘successor in interest’’ to the follows: Graves (MO) Meuser Stevens
select subcommittee for purposes of clause [Roll No. 104] Green (TN) Miller Stewart
8(c) of rule II. Green, Al (TX) Mitchell Stivers
YEAS—388 Griffith Moolenaar Suozzi
SEC. 8. The select subcommittee shall Abraham Blumenauer Cartwright Grothman Mooney (WV) Swalwell (CA)
cease to exist 30 days after filing the final re- Adams Blunt Rochester Case Guest Morelle Takano
port required under section 3. Aderholt Bonamici Casten (IL) Guthrie Moulton Taylor
Aguilar Bost Castor (FL) Haaland Mucarsel-Powell Thompson (CA)
SEC. 9. (a) For further expenses of the Com- Allen Boyle, Brendan Castro (TX) Hagedorn Mullin Thompson (MS)
mittee on Oversight and Reform for the One Allred F. Chabot Harder (CA) Murphy (FL) Thompson (PA)
Hundred Sixteenth Congress, there shall be Amodei Brady Cheney Harris Murphy (NC) Thornberry
paid out of the applicable accounts of the Armstrong Brindisi Chu, Judy Hartzler Nadler Timmons
House of Representatives an additional Arrington Brooks (AL) Cicilline Hayes Neal Tipton
amount of $2,000,000. Axne Brown (MD) Cisneros Heck Neguse Titus
Bacon Brownley (CA) Clark (MA) Hern, Kevin Newhouse Tlaib
(b) Payments under this resolution shall be Balderson Buchanan Clarke (NY) Herrera Beutler Norcross Tonko
made on vouchers authorized by the Com- Banks Bucshon Clay Higgins (LA) Norman Torres (CA)
mittee on Oversight and Reform, signed by Barr Budd Cleaver Higgins (NY) Nunes Torres Small
Bass Burchett Cline Hill (AR) O’Halleran (NM)
the chair of that committee, and approved in
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Beatty Burgess Cloud Himes Olson Trahan
the manner directed by the Committee on Bera Bustos Clyburn Holding Omar Trone
House Administration. Bergman Butterfield Cohen Hollingsworth Palazzo Turner
Beyer Byrne Cole Horn, Kendra S. Pallone Underwood
SEC. 10. Amounts made available under
Bilirakis Calvert Collins (GA) Horsford Palmer Upton
this resolution shall be expended in accord- Bishop (GA) Carbajal Comer Houlahan Panetta Van Drew
ance with regulations prescribed by the Com- Bishop (NC) Carson (IN) Conaway Hoyer Pappas Vargas
mittee on House Administration. Bishop (UT) Carter (GA) Connolly Hudson Pascrell Vela
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1955
Velázquez Waters Williams The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there priations for fiscal years 2020 through 2024,
Wagner Watkins Wilson (SC) and for other purposes.
Walberg Watson Coleman Wittman
objection to the request of the gen-
Walden Weber (TX) Womack tleman from Florida?
Walker Welch Woodall There was no objection. f
Walorski Wenstrup Yarmuth
f
Waltz Westerman Yoho SENATE BILLS AND JOINT RESO-
Wasserman Wexton Young REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER LUTIONS APPROVED BY THE
Schultz Wild Zeldin
AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6494 PRESIDENT
NAYS—5
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam The President notified the Clerk of
Biggs Hice (GA) Ocasio-Cortez
Buck Massie
Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to the House that on the following dates
have my name removed from H.R. 6494. he had approved and signed bills and
ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there joint resolutions of the Senate of the
Amash objection to the request of the gen- following titles:
NOT VOTING—35 tleman from Alabama? January 27, 2020:
Babin Kelly (PA) Napolitano
There was no objection. S. 457. An Act to require that $1 coins
Baird Lawson (FL) Rogers (KY) f issued during 2019 honor President George
Barragán Lewis Rooney (FL) H.W. Bush and to direct the Secretary of the
Brooks (IN) Lieu, Ted Sensenbrenner HOUSE BILLS AND JOINT RESOLU-
Treasury to issue bullion coins during 2019 in
Cárdenas Lipinski Serrano TION APPROVED BY THE PRESI- honor of Barbara Bush.
Carter (TX) Lofgren Shimkus DENT
Cook Lowenthal February 6, 2020:
Veasey
DeSaulnier Lowey The President notified the Clerk of S. 3201. An Act to extend the temporary
Visclosky
Doggett Marchant
Webster (FL) the House that on the following dates scheduling order for fentanyl-related sub-
Grijalva Marshall stances, and for other purposes.
Hastings McHenry
Wilson (FL) he had approved and signed bills and a
Wright February 11, 2020:
Johnson (TX) Moore joint resolution of the following titles:
S. 153. An Act to promote veteran involve-
b 1810 January 24, 2020: ment in STEM education, computer science,
H.R. 583. An Act to amend the Communica- scientific research, and for other purposes.
Messrs. WENSTRUP, FLORES, and tions Act of 1934 to provide for enhanced pen- March 2, 2020:
STEWART changed their vote from alties for pirate radio, and for other pur- S. 375. An Act to improve efforts to iden-
‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ poses. tify and reduce Government-wide improper
So (two-thirds being in the affirma- January 27, 2020: payments, and for other purposes.
tive) the rules were suspended and the H.R. 263. An Act to rename the Oyster Bay
S.J. Res. 65. A joint resolution providing
National Wildlife Refuge as the Congressman
Senate amendment was concurred in. for the reappointment of John Fahey as a
Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife
The result of the vote was announced citizen regent of the Board of Regents of the
Refuge.
as above recorded. Smithsonian Institution.
H.R. 434. An Act to amend the National
A motion to reconsider was laid on S.J. Res. 67. A joint resolution providing
Trails System Act to provide for the study of
the table. for the reappointment of Risa Lavizzo-
the Emancipation National Historic Trail,
Stated for: Mourey as a citizen regent of the Board of
and for other purposes.
Ms. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I was Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
January 29, 2020:
absent during roll call vote No. 104. Had I H.R. 5430. An Act to implement the Agree- March 3, 2020:
ment between the United States of America, S. 394. An Act to amend the Presidential
been present, I would have voted ‘‘YEA’’ on
the United Mexican States, and Canada at- Transition Act of 1963 to improve the orderly
concurring in the Senate Amendment to H.R. transfer of the executive power during Presi-
266—Paycheck Protection Program and tached as an Annex to the Protocol Replac-
ing the North American Free Trade Agree- dential transitions.
Health Care Enhancement Act. S. 2107. An Act to increase the number of
ment.
Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, due to CBP Agriculture Specialists and support
March 3, 2020:
COVID–19 concerns, I was not able to be H.J. Res. 80. A joint resolution approving staff in the Office of Field Operations of U.S.
present on the House Floor to vote on Senate the request of the Secretary of Veterans Af- Customs and Border Protection, and for
Amendment to H.R. 266—the Paycheck Pro- fairs for a waiver under section 1703E(f) of other purposes.
tection Program and Health Care Enhance- title 38, United States Code. March 21, 2020:
ment Act. If I had been present, I would have H.R. 504. An Act to amend the Homeland S. 3503. An Act to authorize the Secretary
voted in favor of this legislation. Security Act of 2002 to require the Depart- of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs
ment of Homeland Security to develop an en- of education converted to distance learning
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
gagement strategy with fusion centers, and by reason of emergencies and health-related
Ms. BARRAGÁN. Madam Speaker, I regret for other purposes. situations in the same manner as programs
that I missed the votes today because of an March 6, 2020: of education pursued at educational institu-
illness. The House doctor recommended that I H.R. 6074. An Act making emergency sup- tions, and for other purposes.
not fly. Had I been present, I would have plemental appropriations for the fiscal year March 23, 2020:
voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 103 and ‘‘yea’’ on ending September 30, 2020, and for other pur- S. 893. An Act to require the President to
rollcall No. 104. poses. develop a strategy to ensure the security of
PERSONAL EXPLANATION March 12, 2020: next generation mobile telecommunications
H.R. 4998. An Act to prohibit certain Fed- systems and infrastructure in the United
Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, today, eral subsidies from being used to purchase States and to assist allies and strategic part-
April 23, 2020, I missed roll call votes 103 and communications equipment or services pos- ners in maximizing the security of next gen-
104. ing national security risks, to provide for eration mobile telecommunications systems,
Had I been present for roll call 103, on the establishment of a reimbursement pro- infrastructure, and software, and for other
Agreeing to H. Res. 938, Providing for the gram for the replacement of communications purposes.
adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 935) estab- equipment or services posing such risks, and S. 1822. An Act to require the Federal Com-
lishing a Select Subcommittee on the for other purposes. munications Commission to issue rules re-
Coronavirus Crisis as a select investigative March 13, 2020: lating to the collection of data with respect
H.R. 5671. An Act to award a Congressional to the availability of broadband services, and
subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight Gold Medal, collectively, to the United for other purposes.
and Reform, I would have voted ‘‘Yes.’’ States Merchant Mariners of World War II,
Had I been present for roll call 104, on in recognition of their dedicated and vital f
Agreeing to the Senate Amendment to H.R. service during World War II.
266, the Paycheck Protection Program and March 18, 2020: ADJOURNMENT
Health Care Enhancement Act, I would have H.R. 5214. An Act to amend title 5, United
voted ‘‘Yes.’’ States Code, to prevent fraud by representa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
f
tive payees. ant to section 7(b) of House Resolution
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
H.R. 6201. An Act making emergency sup- 891, the House stands adjourned until
REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER plemental appropriations for the fiscal year 10:30 a.m. tomorrow.
AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 6494 ending September 30, 2020, and for other pur-
poses.
Thereupon (at 6 o’clock and 13 min-
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I ask March 25, 2020: utes p.m.), under its previous order, the
unanimous consent that I be removed H.R. 4334. An Act to amend the Older House adjourned until Friday, April 24,
as a cosponsor from H.R. 6494. Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appro- 2020, at 10:30 a.m.
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H1956 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, and Technology, for a period to be subse- California, Mr. CISNEROS, Mr. DEFA-
ETC. quently determined by the Speaker, in each ZIO, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. GABBARD,
case for consideration of such provisions as Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr.
Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive fall within the jurisdiction of the committee HUFFMAN, Mr. KILMER, Mr. LOEBSACK,
communications were taken from the concerned. Mr. MALINOWSKI, Mr. SEAN PATRICK
Speaker’s table and referred as follows: By Mr. BEYER: MALONEY of New York, Ms. MENG,
4256. A letter from the Secretary, Securi- H.R. 6600. A bill to authorize the Director Mr. NADLER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms.
ties and Exchange Commission, transmitting of the National Institutes of Health to estab- NORTON, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. PHILLIPS,
the Commission’s temporary final rule — Re- lish prize competitions to incentivize re- Miss RICE of New York, Mr. RUPPERS-
lief for Form ID Filers and Regulation search by institutions of higher education on BERGER, Mr. RUSH, Mr. SCHNEIDER,
Crowdfunding and Regulation A Issuers Re- point-of-care testing for the detection of cur- Ms. SEWELL of Alabama, Mr. SIRES,
lated to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) rent or past infection with COVID-19, and for Ms. SPANBERGER, Mr. SUOZZI, and Mr.
[Release Nos.: 33-10768; 34-88492; 39-2531; IC- other purposes; to the Committee on Energy VELA):
33832] received April 21, 2020, pursuant to 5 and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- H.R. 6609. A bill to provide for the imme-
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. mittee on Science, Space, and Technology, diate procurement of COVID-19 medical test-
251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Fi- for a period to be subsequently determined ing components, materials, and supplies
nancial Services. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- under the Defense Production Act of 1950; to
4257. A letter from the Secretary, Securi- ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- the Committee on Financial Services.
ties and Exchange Commission, transmitting risdiction of the committee concerned. By Mr. ROSE of New York (for himself,
the Commission’s final rule — Amendments By Mr. BIGGS: Ms. SCANLON, Ms. NORTON, and Ms.
to the Accelerated Filer and Large Acceler- H.R. 6601. A bill to require a particular JACKSON LEE):
jury instruction in Federal civil actions that H.R. 6610. A bill to establish the Cabinet-
ated Filer Definitions [Release No.: 34-88365;
include a claim for damages based on neg- level position of Director of Pandemic and
File No.: S7-06-19] (RIN: 3235-AM41) received
ligence arising from the transmission of Biodefense Preparedness and Response in the
April 21, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
COVID-19; to the Committee on the Judici- Executive Branch with the responsibility of
801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110
ary. developing a National Pandemic and Bio-
Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial
By Mr. BLUMENAUER (for himself, defense Preparedness and Response Strategy,
Services.
Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. CROW, Ms. LEE to prepare for and coordinate the response to
4258. A letter from the Secretary, Securi-
of California, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. SCHA- future pandemics, biological attacks, and
ties and Exchange Commission, transmitting
KOWSKY, Ms. TLAIB, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. other major health crises, including coordi-
the Commission’s final rule — Updated Dis-
NORTON, Mr. NEGUSE, Ms. HAALAND, nating the work of multiple government
closure Requirements and Summary Pro- agencies, and for other purposes; to the Com-
spectus for Variable Annuity and Variable Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms.
DELBENE, Ms. PORTER, Ms. JAYAPAL, mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad-
Life Insurance Contracts [Release Nos.: 33- dition to the Committees on Transportation
10765; 34-88358; IC-33814; File No.: S7-23-18] and Ms. GABBARD):
H.R. 6602. A bill to provide assistance and Infrastructure, Armed Services, Foreign
(RIN: 3235-AK60) received April 21, 2020, pur- Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent Select),
under programs relating to COVID-19 of the
suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- for a period to be subsequently determined
Small Business Administration to cannabis
121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
businesses and their service providers, and
on Financial Services. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju-
for other purposes; to the Committee on
f Small Business. risdiction of the committee concerned.
By Mr. CASE (for himself and Ms. By Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia (for
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON
GABBARD): himself, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. BAIRD, Mr.
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 6603. A bill to authorize the Secretary BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. CRAWFORD,
Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of of the Interior to conduct a study to assess Mr. HAGEDORN, Mr. KELLY of Mis-
committees were delivered to the Clerk the suitability and feasibility of designating sissippi, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. MAR-
certain land as the Kaena Point National SHALL, Mr. ROUZER, Mr. THOMPSON of
for printing and reference to the proper
Heritage Area, and for other purposes; to the Pennsylvania, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr.
calendar, as follows:
Committee on Natural Resources. JOHNSON of South Dakota, Mr. COL-
Mr. MCGOVERN: Committee on Rules. By Mr. GRIFFITH: LINS of Georgia, Mr. CUELLAR, Mrs.
House Resolution 938. Resolution providing H.R. 6604. A bill to amend the National AXNE, Mr. BOST, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr.
for the adoption of the resolution (H. Res. Telecommunications and Information Ad- CARTER of Georgia, Mr. DAVID SCOTT
935) establishing a Select Subcommittee on ministration Organization Act to establish a of Georgia, Mr. SCHRADER, Mr. RICE
the Coronavirus Crisis as a select investiga- Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory of South Carolina, Mr. BACON, Mr.
tive subcommittee of the Committee on Committee; to the Committee on Energy and WOODALL, Mr. YOHO, Ms.
Oversight and Reform (Rept. 116–419). Re- Commerce. SPANBERGER, Mr. WILSON of South
ferred to the House Calendar. By Mrs. HAYES: Carolina, Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. ROD-
f H.R. 6605. A bill to provide additional NEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. SOTO, Mr.
amounts to the Public Health and Social DUNN, and Ms. SCHRIER):
PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Services Emergency Fund, and for other pur- H.R. 6611. A bill making supplemental ap-
Under clause 2 of rule XII, public poses; to the Committee on Appropriations. propriations for fiscal year 2020 for the De-
bills and resolutions of the following By Mr. LEVIN of California: partment of Agriculture to respond to the
H.R. 6606. A bill to require the Adminis- COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes;
titles were introduced and severally re-
trator of the Environmental Protection to the Committee on Appropriations, and in
ferred, as follows: Agency to promulgate regulations estab- addition to the Committee on the Budget,
By Mr. GREEN of Tennessee: lishing emission standards for emissions of for a period to be subsequently determined
H.R. 6598. A bill to preserve national secu- greenhouse gases from aircraft, and for other by the Speaker, in each case for consider-
rity by providing guarantees to investors for purposes; to the Committee on Energy and ation of such provisions as fall within the ju-
investments in businesses at risk of preda- Commerce. risdiction of the committee concerned.
tory economic tactics by the Communist By Mr. LYNCH (for himself and Mr. By Mr. TAKANO (for himself and Mr.
Party of the People’s Republic of China, and SOTO): DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee):
for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- H.R. 6607. A bill to direct the Secretary of H.R. 6612. A bill to direct the Secretary of
nancial Services, and in addition to the Com- Health and Human Services to establish, in Veterans Affairs to prescribe the technical
mittee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be coordination with the Director of the stra- qualifications for licensed hearing aid spe-
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in tegic national stockpile, the National Emer- cialists of the Department of Veterans Af-
each case for consideration of such provi- gency Biodefense Network, and for other fairs, and for other purposes; to the Com-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the purposes; to the Committee on Energy and mittee on Veterans’ Affairs.
committee concerned. Commerce. By Mr. THORNBERRY:
By Mr. LUCAS (for himself, Mr. WEBER By Ms. MENG (for herself and Mrs. H.R. 6613. A bill to direct the Secretary of
of Texas, Mr. BABIN, Mr. MARSHALL, BEATTY): Defense to strengthen the United States
Mr. POSEY, Mr. OLSON, Mr. GONZALEZ H.R. 6608. A bill to provide for the avail- commitment to the security of the Indo-Pa-
of Ohio, Mr. ROONEY of Florida, and ability of menstrual hygiene products for cific region and to increase military readi-
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina): homeless individuals under the Federal ness to defend the homeland and underwrite
H.R. 6599. A bill to provide for coordination Emergency Management Agency emergency United States national interests, and for
of research and development for pandemic food and shelter grant program, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Armed
disease prediction, forecasting and com- other purposes; to the Committee on Finan- Services, and in addition to the Committees
puting and for other purposes; to the Com- cial Services. on Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Perma-
mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- By Mr. PANETTA (for himself, Mr. nent Select), for a period to be subsequently
dition to the Committee on Science, Space, BROWN of Maryland, Ms. JUDY CHU of determined by the Speaker, in each case for
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1957
consideration of such provisions as fall with- By Mr. BLUMENAUER: H.R. 1923: Mr. CALVERT.
in the jurisdiction of the committee con- H.R. 6602. H.R. 2150: Mr. PETERSON.
cerned. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2236: Miss RICE of New York.
By Mr. WALTZ (for himself, Mr. GAL- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2245: Mr. FOSTER.
LAGHER, Ms. CHENEY, Mr. GAETZ, Mr. Article I, Section VIII of the Constitution H.R. 2457: Ms. BARRAGÁN.
WRIGHT, Mr. BANKS, Mr. COMER, Mr. of the United States H.R. 2478: Ms. DELAURO.
ARRINGTON, Mr. POSEY, Mr. RODNEY By Mr. CASE: H.R. 2687: Mr. ENGEL.
DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. H.R. 6603. H.R. 2720: Mr. CLAY, Mr. THOMPSON of Cali-
SPANO, Mr. DUNN, Mr. SMITH of Mis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- fornia, and Mr. ENGEL.
souri, Mr. FERGUSON, Mrs. RODGERS lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2903: Mr. WALTZ.
of Washington, Mr. HIGGINS of Lou- Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. H.R. 2931: Mr. ENGEL.
isiana, Mr. BURCHETT, Mr. GRAVES of By Mr. GRIFFITH: H.R. 2999: Mr. THOMPSON of California and
Louisiana, and Mr. BAIRD): H.R. 6604. Ms. BROWNLEY of California.
H.R. 6614. A bill to amend title 5, United Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3235: Mrs. AXNE.
States Code, to provide that sums in the H.R. 3563: Mr. KHANNA.
lation pursuant to the following:
Thrift Savings Fund may not be invested in H.R. 4189: Mr. ROUDA.
Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu-
H.R. 4222: Mr. KHANNA.
securities that are listed on certain foreign tion. H.R. 4341: Mr. CASE.
exchanges, and for other purposes; to the By Mrs. HAYES: H.R. 4439: Ms. BARRAGÁN and Mr. SOTO.
Committee on Oversight and Reform. H.R. 6605. H.R. 4542: Mr. BILIRAKIS and Ms. SHALALA.
By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4681: Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mrs. NAPOLI-
sylvania: lation pursuant to the following: TANO, Mr. YOHO, and Mrs. MURPHY of Florida.
H. Res. 939. A resolution supporting the Article One, Section Eight H.R. 4867: Mr. MITCHELL, Mr. WENSTRUP,
World Bank Group to lead a worldwide By Mr. LEVIN of California: Mr. CALVERT, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. SMITH of
COVID-19 economic recovery effort; to the H.R. 6606. New Jersey, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. KELLY of
Committee on Financial Services. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Pennsylvania, and Mr. BALDERSON.
By Ms. JOHNSON of Texas (for herself, lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4870: Mr. CARTWRIGHT.
Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. OMAR, Congress under Article I, Section 8, Clause H.R. 4960: Ms. JACKSON LEE.
Ms. TLAIB, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. KILDEE, 3 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 5149: Mr. KENNEDY and Mr. LARSEN of
Mr. RUSH, Ms. NORTON, Mr. HASTINGS, By Mr. LYNCH: Washington.
Mr. GREEN of Texas, Mr. PASCRELL, H.R. 6607. H.R. 5231: Ms. LEE of California.
Ms. WEXTON, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5485: Mr. GRIFFITH.
KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. VEASEY, Ms. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5491: Mrs. HARTZLER.
ESHOO, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. Article 1 section 8 Clause 18 of the United H.R. 5552: Ms. ESHOO.
JAYAPAL, Ms. STEVENS, Mr. MCNER- States Constitution. H.R. 5696: Ms. BARRAGÁN, Mr. BLUMENAUER,
NEY, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. LOFGREN, By Ms. MENG: Mr. SIRES, Ms. MOORE, Mr. WELCH, Mr. NEAL,
and Ms. PORTER): H.R. 6608. Ms. MCCOLLUM, and Mr. HECK.
H. Res. 940. A resolution recognizing the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5797: Mr. LARSEN of Washington.
commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5801: Mr. DOGGETT and Ms.
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, Section 8 of Article 1 of the Constitution WASSERMAN SCHULTZ.
and commending Muslims in the United By Mr. PANETTA: H.R. 5890: Mrs. HARTZLER.
States and throughout the world for their H.R. 6609. H.R. 5919: Mr. BROWN of Maryland.
faith; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5920: Ms. HAALAND, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr.
f lation pursuant to the following: A GUILAR , and Ms. LOFGREN.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 H.R. 5934: Ms. NORTON and Mr. MCGOVERN.
CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY By Mr. ROSE of New York: H.R. 6067: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia and Mr.
STATEMENT H.R. 6610. KELLY of Mississippi.
Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6195: Mr. KHANNA.
the Rules of the House of Representa- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6203: Ms. JAYAPAL.
Article I, Section 8 H.R. 6204: Ms. NORTON and Mr.
tives, the following statements are sub- BUTTERFIELD.
By Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia:
mitted regarding the specific powers H.R. 6611. H.R. 6324: Mrs. DEMINGS.
granted to Congress in the Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6336: Mr. CLINE and Mr. JOHNSON of
tion to enact the accompanying bill or lation pursuant to the following: Louisiana.
joint resolution. Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 6364: Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. SOTO, and
By Mr. GREEN of Tennessee: Constitution. Mr. ROUDA.
H.R. 6598. By Mr. TAKANO: H.R. 6365: Mr. BUDD.
Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6612. H.R. 6393: Mr. WRIGHT and Mr. TIMMONS.
lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6399: Mr. TIMMONS.
Article I, section 8 lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6408: Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. PETERS, and
By Mr. LUCAS: Article I, Section 8. Mr. CÁRDENAS.
H.R. 6599. By Mr. THORNBERRY: H.R. 6414: Mrs. HAYES and Mr. MCGOVERN.
Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6613. H.R. 6425: Mr. PETERS.
lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6427: Mr. KIM.
U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6431: Mr. TIPTON and Mr. YOHO.
Clause 18: Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United H.R. 6433: Mr. BURCHETT and Mr. BACON.
‘‘The Congress shall have Power . . . To H.R. 6437: Mr. MCEACHIN and Mr. THOMPSON
States Constitution, which provides Con-
make all Laws which shall be necessary and of California.
gress with the power to make rules for the
proper for carrying into Execution the fore- H.R. 6440: Mr. MCCAUL and Mr. WRIGHT.
government and regulation of the land and
going Powers, and all other Powers vested by H.R. 6449: Ms. MCCOLLUM.
naval forces.
this Constitution in the Government of the H.R. 6471: Mr. STEUBE and Mr. YOHO.
By Mr. WALTZ:
United States, or in any Department or Offi- H.R. 6484: Ms. NORTON.
H.R. 6614. H.R. 6485: Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr.
cer thereof.’’ Congress has the power to enact this legis-
By Mr. BEYER: TAKANO, Ms. DEAN, Ms. WILSON of Florida,
lation pursuant to the following: Ms. CLARKE of New York, and Ms. ROYBAL-
H.R. 6600. Article I, section 8, clause 3 and 18
Congress has the power to enact this legis- ALLARD.
lation pursuant to the following: f H.R. 6487: Ms. OMAR, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mrs.
The constitutional authority on which this BEATTY, Mr. SOTO, Mr. ALLRED, and Mr.
bill rests is the power of Congress to make ADDITIONAL SPONSORS GARCÍA of Illinois.
rules for the government and regulation of Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 6491: Ms. STEFANIK.
the land and naval forces, as enumerated in H.R. 6495: Ms. DELAURO, Mr. CASE, and Ms.
were added to public bills and resolu- JACKSON LEE.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United
tions, as follows:
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States Constitution H.R. 6509: Mr. KIM and Ms. MENG.
By Mr. BIGGS: H.R. 587: Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. H.R. 6515: Mr. CICILLINE.
H.R. 6601. GARAMENDI, Mr. SERRANO, and Mr. YOHO. H.R. 6531: Mr. ENGEL.
Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 613: Mr. POSEY. H.R. 6560: Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. MCGOVERN,
lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1137: Mr. STANTON. Ms. TITUS, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mrs.
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 1266: Mr. CORREA. FLETCHER, Mr. ROSE of New York, Mr. LEVIN
tion H.R. 1325: Mr. ROSE of New York. of California, and Mr. RASKIN.
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H1958 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
H.R. 6563: Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mrs. HAYES, Ms. H.R. 6592: Ms. HAALAND and Mr. FOSTER. H. Res. 917: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia
TLAIB, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. LUJÁN, Mr. DANNY H.R. 6594: Mr. COSTA. and Mr. WENSTRUP.
K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. SPANBERGER, Ms. H. Con. Res. 52: Mr. DELGADO, Mr. JOHNSON H. Res. 930: Mr. ROUZER, Mr. LATTA, Mr.
VELÁZQUEZ, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. HAS- of Georgia, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, and WRIGHT, and Mr. STIVERS.
TINGS. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina.
H.R. 6565: Mr. SMITH of Washington, Ms. H. Con. Res. 97: Mr. STIVERS, Mr. BUDD, Mr. f
MOORE, and Mr. LOWENTHAL. DUNCAN, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. FLORES, Mr.
H.R. 6569: Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. LUCAS, Mr. LOUDERMILK, Mr. BIGGS, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr.
KING of Iowa, Mr. COMER, Mr. JOHNSON of SCALISE, Mr. FERGUSON, and Mr. FORTEN- DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM
Louisiana, Ms. GABBARD, Mr. DEFAZIO, and BERRY. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Mr. WILLIAMS. H. Res. 285: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors
H.R. 6573: Ms. SPEIER, Mr. CONNOLLY, and H. Res. 574: Mr. LEVIN of Michigan and Ms.
Mr. DEFAZIO. CLARKE of New York.
were deleted from public bills and reso-
H.R. 6580: Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. ROY, Mr. MAR- H. Res. 835: Mr. LOWENTHAL. lutions, as follows:
SHALL, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. ESTES, and Mr. H. Res. 913: Ms. WILSON of Florida, Ms. H.R. 6494: Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr.
COLE. MCCOLLUM, and Mr. LAMB. ROGERS of Alabama, and Mr. SOTO.
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Congressional Record
E PL
UR M
IB NU
U U
S
116 th CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
United States
of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE
Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 No. 77
Senate
The Senate met at 5:30 p.m. and was U.S. SENATE, ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY,
called to order by the Honorable RICK PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, APRIL 27, 2020, AT 8 A.M.
SCOTT, a Senator from the State of Washington, DC, April 23, 2020.
To the Senate: The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem-
Florida.
f Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, pore. Under the previous order, the
of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby Senate stands adjourned until 8 a.m. on
APPOINTMENT OF ACTING appoint the Honorable RICK SCOTT, a Senator
Monday, April 27, 2020.
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE from the State of Florida, to perform the du-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ties of the Chair. Thereupon, the Senate, at 5:30 and 39
CHUCK GRASSLEY, seconds p.m., adjourned until Monday,
clerk will please read a communication President pro tempore.
to the Senate from the President pro April 27, 2020, at 8 a.m.
tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). Mr. SCOTT of Florida thereupon as-
The Parliamentarian read the fol- sumed the Chair as Acting President
lowing letter: pro tempore.
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∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
S2189
.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E383
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
HONORING THE LIFE OF BISHOP Carolina Juvenile Parole Board, Chairman of have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi-
Z.L. GRADY the Charleston Community Race Relations cation and character in all of her future ac-
Committee, Member of the Charleston Hous- complishments.
HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN ing Authority, and a Board Member of C&S f
OF SOUTH CAROLINA National Bank and NationsBank. And he
served as an advisor to elected officials on the SUPPORTING H. RES. 935, CRE-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ATING A SELECT SUB-
municipal, state and federal levels.
Thursday, April 23, 2020 As he rose in church and civic leadership, COMMITTEE ON THE
Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise Bishop Grady’s work took him outside South CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
today to honor and pay tribute to the life and Carolina to share his talents with the world.
legacy of a great leader in the African Meth- He was elected the 111th Bishop of the AME HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON
odist Episcopal (AME) Church, Bishop Zede- Church in 1992, and served in the 16th, 9th OF MISSISSIPPI
kiah LaZett (Z.L.) Grady who transitioned on and 1st Episcopal Districts. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Sunday, April 19th. Bishop Grady was one of One of my most memorable experiences Thursday, April 23, 2020
my spiritual and political mentors and—like was arriving at the AME University in Mon-
many others—I will always cherish his mem- rovia, Liberia with the Speaker of the United Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam
ory. States House of Representatives, NANCY Speaker, I include in the RECORD the following
Z.L. Grady was born the son of Walter and PELOSI, and us being greeted by Bishop letter in support of the creation on the Select
Sylvira Bynum Grady in Loughman, Florida. Grady. He wanted it to be a surprise and it Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis:
Education was extremely important to him, was. COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY,
and he was a life-long learner. He was edu- Bishop Grady retired from his official role at HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Washington, DC, April 13, 2020.
cated in Sanford, Florida public schools and the AME General Conference. His civic mem-
Hon. NANCY PELOSI,
graduated from Crooms Academy. He at- berships included being a life member of the Speaker, House of Representatives,
tended Florida’s Edward Waters College and Beta Mu Sigma Chapter of the Phi Beta Washington, DC.
the B.F. Lee Theological Seminary, where he Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a life member of the Hon. STENY HOYER,
earned A.A. and B.Th. degrees before earning NAACP. Majority Leader, House of Representatives,
a B.A. degree from Allen University, in Colum- Bishop Grady leaves to cherish his memory Washington, DC.
bia, South Carolina, and a M.Div. degree from his wife Carrie Etta Robertson Grady, a native Hon. JAMES E. CLYBURN,
Dickerson Theological Seminary. He continued of Winnsboro, South Carolina, who served ad- Majority Whip, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
his theological studies at the Union Theo- mirably at his side throughout their leadership DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI, LEADER HOYER, AND
logical Seminary in New York and the Urban journey with the AME Church. The two were WHIP CLYBURN: I write today to express my
Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. Bishop parents of four children and five grandchildren, strong support for the creation of the House
Grady was awarded honorary doctorate de- one of whom Carey has followed him into the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis,
grees from Kittrell College, Allen University ministry and was my first Congressional In- and to thank you for your leadership of the
and Edward Waters College. tern. House of Representatives’ ongoing work in
While Bishop Grady was a highly respected Madam Speaker, l ask you and my col- response to the unprecedented public health
AME church leader, his influence spread far leagues to join me in honoring the life of this and economic crises we are facing. I also
thank you for your continued focus on ensur-
beyond the church walls. He was a pastor and religious and community leader and recog- ing effective oversight of the trillions of tax-
an astute administrator who excelled and had nizing the tremendous positive impact Bishop payer dollars that are being directed to sup-
many great successes in both roles. He also Z.L. Grady made in South Carolina and port our nation’s recovery.
wore the mantle of civic organizer, social re- around the world. Although he will be sorely As work continues on the establishment of
former, and teacher. These roles enabled him missed, we are all better for his service the Select Committee, I write to recommend
to make indelible marks on many commu- among us. specific cross-cutting issues regarding imple-
nities. mentation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and
f
I met Bishop Grady when I was a young Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Fami-
MIAKODA SEYBOLT lies First Coronavirus Response Act, and
public-school teacher in Charleston, South
other legislation addressing the coronavirus
Carolina. Although I was born and had grown pandemic that require sustained oversight
up in a Church of God parsonage, and my HON. ED PERLMUTTER from the Select Committee. My comments
wife, Emily, had been born and grew up in a OF COLORADO encompass three broad areas, as described in
United Methodist Church family, we were IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES more detail below. I appreciate your consid-
drawn to and often attended Morris Brown eration of these recommendations and look
AME Church where Z.L. Grady was pastoring Thursday, April 23, 2020 forward to working closely with you and the
at the time. It was under his influence and tu- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise Select Committee to address these urgent
today to recognize and applaud Miakoda issues.
telage that we became AMEs.
He demonstrated to us what the Bible Seybolt for receiving the Adams County May- STRUCTURE, OPERATIONS, AND FIRST
PRIORITIES
means by ‘‘faith without works is dead.’’ Not ors and Commissioners Youth Award.
only did he preach the Word on Sundays, he Miakoda Seybolt is a 10th grader at Bennett To be most effective, the Select Committee
must be capable of producing hard-hitting
often played instrumental roles in civic and Middle School and received this award be-
findings and concrete recommendations in
community activities throughout the week. His cause her determination and hard work have near real-time to help shape the course of
role in the infamous 1969 Charleston Hospital allowed her to overcome adversities. the Federal response. The Select Committee
Workers strike was pivotal. He joined with The dedication demonstrated by Miakoda must be organized quickly, and it must be al-
ministers at Emanuel and Ebenezer AME Seybolt is exemplary of the type of achieve- located the robust budget necessary to en-
churches to build affordable housing on Johns ment that can be attained with hard work and sure it is staffed by experts in such fields as
Island, a sea island near Charleston. He insti- perseverance. It is essential students at all public health, economics, public finance, and
tuted a daycare center and kindergarten at levels strive to make the most of their edu- the operations of Federal programs.
As there may be sustained efforts to im-
Morris Brown and our first-born began her for- cation and develop a work ethic which will
pede oversight of the Federal response to the
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
mal education in that kindergarten. He began guide them for the rest of their lives. pandemic, the Committee must quickly es-
a radio broadcast of the church services. I extend my deepest congratulations to tablish effective working relationships with
During his time in South Carolina, he served Miakoda Seybolt for winning the Adams Coun- the oversight entities created in CARES and
as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the South ty Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I other legislation and with agency Inspectors
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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E384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 23, 2020
General. However, the Committee must also of April 9 were African American, while 33% and other investments made in eligible busi-
be prepared on day one to seek relevant doc- were white. African Americans who died nesses in distressed economic sectors under
uments and information, particularly re- from COVID–19 were also far more likely to CARES and other legislation, including the
garding those programs deemed to be at high have had underlying health conditions such covenants, representations, warranties, and
risk, and it must be agile in responding to as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. These other requirements imposed as conditions of
the information it receives. infection, morbidity, and mortality statis- aid. However, because of the Senate’s unwill-
I strongly agree the Committee must work tics demonstrate the disproportionate effect ingness to impose stricter worker-protection
to eliminate ‘‘waste, fraud, and abuse’’ and of COVID–19 on communities of color. criteria, the CARES Act has only limited
‘‘price gouging and profiteering.’’ The Select Unfortunately, the trends observed in Mis- protections to ensure that businesses receiv-
Committee must also be the central mecha- sissippi appear to be prevalent across the na- ing aid prioritize the retention of workers
nism the House uses to measure Federal ex- tion. For example, according to the New ‘‘to the extent practicable.’’ The Committee
penditures against two critical, over-arching York Times, ‘‘The coronavirus is killing must therefore document the full impact of
benchmarks: their effectiveness in sup- black and Latino people in New York City at Federal aid to industry on job retention,
porting recovery among those most affected twice the rate that it is killing white peo- workers’ wages and benefits, and economic
by COVID–19 and their effectiveness in pre- ple’’ according to preliminary date released recovery among low-income and middle-class
venting and preparing for future waves of in- last week by the City of New York. And an Americans, including assessing the trajec-
fection. In addition to examining specific ex- analysis by the Washington Post found that tory of recovery among different income
penditures, the Committee must also closely ‘‘counties that are majority-black have three brackets and the long-term consequences of
examine the responsibilities, authorities, times the rate of infections and almost six potentially uneven recovery on economic in-
and capacities of both Federal and state times the rate of deaths as counties where equality among Americans.
agencies charged with implementing the white residents are in the majority. Keeping
The Committee must also closely assess
CARES Act and other legislation related to in mind that minority communities may
whether Federal aid is comprehensively ad-
the pandemic, and hold senior agency leader- have more limited access to testing for
dressing what may be the profound cascade
ship accountable for managing programs in COVID–19, it is also possible that rates of in-
of economic harms that the prolonged shut-
ways that will achieve national recovery and fection, morbidity, and even mortality
down of economic activity needed to slow
preparedness objectives while effectively among minorities are being under-reported.
The Select Committee must document the the spread of coronavirus will impose on low-
stewarding taxpayer resources. income and even middle-class families. Ac-
There are two key priorities that require disproportionate impact of COVID–19 on
communities of color. All aspects of the cording to the Federal Reserve, even before
immediate attention. First, the Select Com- the pandemic hit, approximately 40% of
mittee must conduct comprehensive over- Committee’s work must be informed by this
data so that the Committee can maintain a Americans reported that they would have
sight of the supply chains through which ‘‘difficulty’’ covering an extra expense of
laser-focus on detailing how Federal policies
personal protective equipment (PPE) and es- $400, and minorities were more likely than
are responding to this disproportionate im-
sential medical supplies and equipment are other groups to report they would face such
pact by addressing the many factors that
distributed to states. The Committee on difficulty. The harms suffered by those who
leave minority communities so vulnerable to
Homeland Security has written to the De- were already living on the margins as a re-
this disease.
partment of Homeland Security (DHS), the The Select Committee must review public sult of this crisis are likely to be severe and
Department of Health and Human Services health strategies to ensure that they address multi-faceted.
(HHS), and the Federal Emergency Manage- the heightened risks of infection and death The direct payments and expanded unem-
ment Agency (FEMA) seeking basic informa- from COVID–19 in minority communities. ployment benefits provided by CARES and
tion on distributions of PPE and essential The Committee must also rigorously assess other legislation will provide essential sup-
medical supplies and equipment from the the extent to which under CARES and other port in the short-term, but the disruptions
Strategic National Stockpile, as well as the legislation, Federal expenditures in the workers and their families face will likely
subsequent Federal role in acquiring PPE healthcare, education, social welfare, and in- lead to unforeseen conditions that may con-
and medical supplies and equipment, sup- dustry rescue sectors address the pandemic’s tinue to destroy household wealth. Newly
porting private supply chains, and actively disproportionate effects on minority commu- unemployed Americans will also be facing
managing the sale of PPE and essential med- nities, including the extent to which expend- challenges unique to this moment, including
ical supplies and equipment to states and itures narrow or exacerbate the inequality the need to seek new work at a time when
counties. prevalent before the crisis, and whether ex- the national economy will likely be con-
To date, DHS, HHS, and FEMA have failed penditures improve resilience among at-risk tracting. The Select Committee must assess
to provide the documents and information communities. Similarly, as part of its review whether Federal expenditures address in a
sought by the Committee. Ensuring that all of small business lending, the Select Com- comprehensive manner the full spectrum of
health care workers have the PPE and med- mittee must carefully review lending pat- harms families may face.
ical supplies and equipment they need to test terns to disadvantaged business enterprises.
and treat patients with COVID–19 is one of Finally, many of those who have lost their
Finally, it is likely that highly vulnerable
the most urgent issues facing the nation at jobs as a result of the pandemic will also lose
populations—such as children, individuals
this time, and yet Congress has little visi- their employer-sponsored healthcare. While
with special needs, and the elderly—may face
bility into the opaque and evolving roles of newly unemployed individuals and families
unique and especially difficult long-term
DHS, HHS, and FEMA in the acquisition and could seek insurance on the exchanges cre-
consequences as a result of the pandemic and
distribution processes. The Select Com- ated by the Affordable Care Act or may even
the economic displacement it causes. Of par-
mittee must quickly initiate oversight over qualify for Medicaid, as you well know, the
ticular concern is addressing the impact of
this issue. ‘‘Trump administration in recent years has
the crisis on children. Just over 16% of chil-
Similarly, the Select Committee must con- also added more red tape and obstacles for
dren in the U.S. lived in poverty in 2018—and,
duct thorough oversight of testing processes, people looking to sign up for those programs
sadly, that figure is likely to spike as a re-
particularly as the country prepares to begin and hasn’t shown any signs it will waive
sult of the coronavirus pandemic. Science is
relaxing social distancing protocols. The those requirements because of the pandemic.
also clear that adverse childhood events
availability of testing kits and effective con- It is imperative that the Select Committee
(ACES) can ‘‘have lasting, negative effects
tact tracing procedures when new cases of examine how the hurdles intentionally
on health, well-being, and opportunity.’’
COVID–19 are diagnosed will be essential to placed in the way of accessing health care
While poverty is not itself an ACE, the Cen-
enabling the nation to safely resume near- under the Affordable Care Act are affecting
ters for Disease Control and Prevention
normal economic activity, and oversight of those who lose health insurance when they
(CDC) identifies it as an associated condition
these processes must be a key priority for become unemployed as a result of the
and warns that together, ‘‘ACES and associ-
the Select Committee. coronavirus.
ated conditions, such as living in under-
FOCUS ON MINORITY COMMUNITIES resourced or racially segregated neighbor- CONCLUSION
DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED BY COVID–19 hoods’’ and ‘‘experiencing food insecurity’’ I truly appreciate your leadership in these
Although additional data are clearly need- can lead to ‘‘toxic stress,’’ which ‘‘can unprecedented times. A Select Committee is
ed, emerging evidence indicates that commu- change brain development’’ in ways that urgently needed to conduct oversight of the
nities of color are disproportionately af- have life-time consequences. At a time when issues of greatest concern to the American
fected by COVID–19, and that mortality may millions of families are losing employment public during our ongoing effort to combat
be much higher among minorities than and struggling to make ends meet—and chil- COVID–19 and restore our economy, and I
dren may be unable to attend school for as
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
among other groups. For example, in my thank you for the opportunity to share these
state of Mississippi, approximately 38% of long as half a year—the Select Committee observations and recommendations regard-
residents are African Americans. However, must examine the unique needs of children ing that Committee’s work. Please do not
the State Department of Health has reported during this crisis and assess how Federal aid hesitate to contact me whenever I may be of
that, as of April 9, 2020, 54% of those diag- efforts are meeting these needs. any assistance.
nosed with COVID–19 are African American PRIORITIZING THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS Sincerely,
while 35% are white. Further, 67% of those Obviously, the Select Committee must BENNIE G. THOMPSON,
who had died from COVID–19 in the state as carefully review the loans, loan guarantees, Chairman.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E385
BEST WISHES TO MICK MULVANEY Making sure that the United Kingdom con- come one of the premiere retirement commu-
tinues to vigilantly honor the Good Friday nities and tourist destinations in the United
accords is one of Mick Mulvaney’s central
HON. JOE WILSON tasks. Another is to make certain that Ire-
States.
OF SOUTH CAROLINA Using the expression ‘‘Proud Past and
land doesn’t get ahead of itself when it
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES comes to talk of a unified island. Sinn Fein, Strong Future,’’ the Hot Springs Village 50th
the dominant Catholic political party in the Anniversary Planning Committee strives to
Thursday, April 23, 2020
North, surprised observers and gathered the make this year-long ‘‘party’’ a celebration of
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam most votes in the last election in the Repub- the Village’s rich history and a platform to dis-
Speaker, the people of South Carolina are so lic. Talk of a new border poll, a vote to see cuss its future successes. While the Village
appreciative of the achievements and success if the majority in the North would want to leadership has already hosted several celebra-
of former Congressman Mick Mulvaney serv- unify with the South, immediately ensued. tion events throughout the early part of this
ing as White House Chief of Staff for Presi- But time is not ripe for those discussions.
Let’s see how things develop in the post-
year, local citizens can expect a schedule of
dent Donald Trump. events to celebrate the founding of this close-
I include in the RECORD a deserved tribute Brexit world first.
Mick Mulvaney, whose grandparents hail knit community until December 2020.
published by John Feerhery with his column I take this time to recognize the work of this
from Country Mayo, knows the players and
entitled ‘‘Mulvaney fit for Northern Ireland knows the issues that separate them. He citizenry’s leadership, their commitment to
Post’’ in The HILL on March 10, 2020. knows that America must play the indispen- community, and their 50 years of success. For
To the untrained eye, Mick Mulvaney’s de- sable role in continuing to broker peace and many in the Fourth District of Arkansas, Hot
parture as White House chief of staff and ap- to make sure that Ireland as an island suc- Springs Village serves as a model reminder of
pointment as the president’s special envoy to ceeds both economically and socially.
Northern Ireland might seem to be a bit cu- Serving as chief of staff to President
the values we all hold dear and the homes we
rious and a big demotion for the former con- Trump undoubtedly had its challenges. This all strive to create.
gressman from South Carolina. new assignment will prove to be challenging f
But those who know Irish politics under- too.
stand that this new assignment is very im- HEALTH CARE HEROES
f
portant to the United States and that
Mulvaney is well suited to take it on.
For his entire time in the White House,
JESLYN TERAN HON. JOE WILSON
Mulvaney has developed deep relationships OF SOUTH CAROLINA
within the Irish government and with key HON. ED PERLMUTTER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
actors in Northern Ireland. These relation- OF COLORADO
Thursday, April 23, 2020
ships became critical as Great Britain nego- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
tiated its departure from the European Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam
Union and created a special status for North- Thursday, April 23, 2020 Speaker, all communities are grateful to all our
ern Ireland and its border with the Republic. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise health care heroes in the State of South Caro-
Most analysts expect that Great Britain lina. Throughout this national emergency, they
today to recognize and applaud Jeslyn Teran
and the United States will start negotiating
a free trade agreement once the dust settles for receiving the Adams County Mayors and have been on the front lines working long
on Brexit. But any FTA must acknowledge Commissioners Youth Award. hours to keep our communities safe. Hospitals
Northern Ireland and the reality of the all- Jeslyn Teran is a 10th grader at Pinnacle and community medical centers are unselfishly
Ireland economy, a reality that some nego- Charter School and received this award be- serving patients with the Wuhan Virus.
tiators might want to ignore. It all gets very cause her determination and hard work have Citizens correctly appreciate Aiken Regional
complicated. allowed her to overcome adversities. Medical Center led by CEO Jim O’Loughlin,
Ireland has done well over the last decade, The dedication demonstrated by Jeslyn Lexington Medical Center under the leadership
bouncing back from the dark days of the 2008
Teran is exemplary of the type of achievement of President and CEO Tod Augsburger,
financial crisis. Unemployment is at historic
lows, property values are at historic highs, that can be attained with hard work and perse- Prisma Health Richland Hospital under guid-
and growth is the strongest of any country verance. It is essential students at all levels ance of President and CEO Mark O’Halla,
in Europe. Multi-national corporations from strive to make the most of their education and Providence Health of Columbia with Terry
around the world, especially the United develop a work ethic which will guide them for Gunn’s leadership as CEO, Regional Medical
States, choose to headquarter in Ireland be- the rest of their lives. Centers Orangeburg Hospital and Bamberg-
cause of its highly trained workforce and its I extend my deepest congratulations to Barnwell Emergency Medical Center, both
very favorable corporate tax rates. Those Jeslyn Teran for winning the Adams County under guidance of CEO Charles Williams, and
corporate tax rates cause heartburn in Brus-
Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I Rural Health Services Inc. led by CEO Caro-
sels, but all political parties in Ireland sup-
port them, even the left-leaning Sinn Fein. have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- lyn Emanuel-McClain.
Northern Ireland has a good story to tell, cation and character in all of her future ac- From performing tests to helping patients re-
as well. They have a highly educated popu- complishments. cover, they have been and remain leaders in
lation, a favorable regulatory regime and in- f our community. I am grateful to have worked
creasingly close economic ties to their island with my colleagues in the 116th Congress to
neighbor. But they also have the lingering CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVER- provide needed funding for vital personal pro-
legacy of the Troubles, pockets of persistent SARY OF HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE tective equipment and ventilators.
economic hardship, border communities that
lack access to any infrastructure and a frag- f
ile political structure that hasn’t been func- HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN
OF ARKANSAS
EVARISTO ‘‘KIDANE’’ ARCE III
tioning for over three years.
And the reality is that Northern Ireland IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
and Ireland are, at the moment, two dif-
Thursday, April 23, 2020
HON. ED PERLMUTTER
ferent countries with two different outlooks, OF COLORADO
two different attitudes towards the future, Mr. WESTERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
two different views of the past. Integrating today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hot
these two different countries economically Springs Village. The largest gated community Thursday, April 23, 2020
while respecting their different political and
cultural traditions is not going to be easy.
in North America with land spreading across Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise
The Good Friday accords, negotiated by 20,000 acres of Garland and Saline Counties, today to recognize and applaud Evaristo
George Mitchell, another special envoy from Hot Springs Village has long been a commu- ‘‘Kidane’’ Arce III for receiving the Adams
the United States, are the basis for the cur- nity vital to the Fourth District of Arkansas. County Mayors and Commissioners Youth
rent power sharing agreement in Northem April 20, 2020 marks 50 years since the com- Award.
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
Ireland. It has been two decades since that munity’s founding by local developer John Evaristo ‘‘Kidane’’ Arce III is a 10th grader
agreement was reached, and for the most Cooper Sr. and his family. at Prairie View High School and received this
part, they have held up pretty well. That the
Boasting an extensive list of recreational ac- award because his determination and hard
United States was central to bringing an end
to the Troubles was no accident. No other tivities, a deep appreciation for local art, cul- work have allowed him to overcome adversi-
country has the ability to serve as an honest ture, and history, beautiful scenery of the ties.
broker to both sides, a role that continues to Ouachita Mountains and nearby Hot Springs The dedication demonstrated by Evaristo
this day. National Park, Hot Springs Village has be- ‘‘Kidane’’ Arce III is exemplary of the type of
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E386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 23, 2020
achievement that can be attained with hard valley grape regions and only return to Han- love their country. They also taught their chil-
work and perseverance. It is essential stu- ford in September for the cotton harvest. dren to seize opportunities. Mac and Lucina’s
dents at all levels strive to make the most of The Jaramillos worked hard for little. Tough proudest achievement was to see all eight of
their education and develop a work ethic times in the 1920s became unimaginably their surviving children graduate from La
which will guide them for the rest of their lives. harsh by the early 1930s as the country sank Habra High School and to watch two of them
I extend my deepest congratulations to into the depths of the Great Depression and graduate from the California State University
Evaristo ‘‘Kidane’’ Arce III for winning the the winters left the children hungry. For the at Fullerton.
Adams County Mayors and Commissioners family, the winter of 1934, when the average Mac Jaramillo left this world as the beloved
Youth Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit temperatures in Hanford hovered in the low patriarch of a large and proud family, he regu-
the same dedication and character in all of his 40s, was the worst of the Depression. It was larly entertained groups of 30 to 40 at Christ-
future accomplishments. that year that the family lost Mac’s youngest mas and other holidays. Indeed, it is a great
f brother who succumbed to a combination of irony that this family man, this veteran of the
cold and influenza. But even in the face of greatest generation, this partner in America’s
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MAC such tragedy, the family carried on. For mea- post-war prosperity, who loved his church, his
JARAMILLO ger wages, they lent their backs to the agricul- family and his community so much more than
tural colossus of the Central Valley that fed he loved himself, was denied a public mass
HON. GILBERT RAY CISNEROS, JR. and clothed so much of the nation in those and a large burial reception. He is survived by
OF CALIFORNIA lean years. It was a system of work that cost his wife Lucina, brother Greg, sisters Lita and
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mac a formal education as he left school in Mary, children Carlos, Dona, Mack, Eileen,
the eighth grade to join his parents and sib- Inez, Joachim, Peter, Lucy, 24 grandchildren,
Thursday, April 23, 2020
lings in the fields. and 23 great-grandchildren, seven of whom
Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I rise It was the body he developed in those fields have followed in the patriarch’s footsteps by
today to celebrate the life of a man from my that gave him the physical strength to carry serving in the Army, Air Force or Marines.
district and to mark, in his passing, both what his two brothers out of their bedroom during a With this, we have tried to ease the hurt of
we have lost and what we must refuse to lose 1941 house fire. The fire had engulfed their this one family by helping to remember Mac
as our country faces a great crisis. This man bedroom and the two brothers were already Jaramillo and the life he led. I feel we all gain
was not lost to the COVID–19 pandemic. But unconscious from smoke inhalation when Mac, from learning about him. He isn’t the kind of
his memory almost was. Mac Jaramillo was a mere boy of 14, saved their lives without man who history will normally take note of. But
born on March 10th, 1927 in Hanford, Cali- even a thought for his own. In the summer of if we can remember him and the millions like
fornia, and died peacefully a few miles from 1945, Mac was inducted into the US Army. He him who built the American and Californian
his La Habra, California home on March 22nd served as an infantryman and a firefighter in dream out of the ruins of the Great Depres-
of this year. Mr. Jaramillo was not a great the Second World War. Though he was garri- sion and the Second World War, if we can re-
statesman, not a wealthy man, at least in ma- soned in Panama and never saw combat, on member their courage as well as their kind-
terial things, nor was he any kind of dignitary at least two occasions he showed his courage ness and humility, then how can we despair
except to his family, his community, and his again fighting fires, first aboard a heavily laden for our future. God bless Mac Jaramillo, his
church. I only learned about Mac from his chil- ammunition ship and later rolling barrels of oil family, Our Lady of Guadalupe where he wor-
dren who reached out to my office asking for down the side of a mountain before they were shipped, his adopted city of La Habra, the
help in remembering him because in the midst engulfed in flames. Heroism and quick action people of my district, and the country we all
of our public health crisis, Mac’s family and in the face of fire seemed to be a theme in love.
friends were denied a funeral mass. They Mac’s life. Even in middle age, when a neigh- f
were nearly barred from his burial altogether. bor’s house was set ablaze by fireworks, he
On April 7th, Mac, a man who was rich in instinctively jumped into action putting out the IN MEMORY OF ROBERT ELFORD
friends and family, was buried by his parish fire and saving the house before the La Habra LIVINGSTON, SR.
priest and nine family members. The many Fire Department arrived.
more people who loved him and wanted to Like most men of his generation, Mac HON. JOE WILSON
render their respects were denied that oppor- Jaramillo came home from the war with wider
OF SOUTH CAROLINA
tunity. That is why I felt the need to speak, so eyes and bigger ambitions. Building on skills
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
that an American who came from the hum- he had acquired in the service, Mac no longer
blest of roots, who carried himself with great worked in the fields but as machinist running Thursday, April 23, 2020
humility and dignity, who sought little for him- cotton gins. In 1955, he joined his brother Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam
self, who served his country in the Second Dave in La Habra, working first in a packing Speaker, during this extraordinary period of
World War, and who not only exemplified the house, then in manufacturing plants in La national emergency with the Wuhan Virus,
American dream but helped build and expand Habra, Brea and Placentia. He purchased a there is time to cherish the service of citizens
it for his children, could be remembered and Texaco gas station and ran it for three years. who have made America great.
honored. This is not then merely a gesture to Until, with his GI Bill benefits, he decided on In South Carolina a true Southern Gentle-
a grieving family; it is a reminder of the great barber college. He worked in a variety of men is Robert Elford Livingston, Sr., who just-
stock of which our country is made and how shops until founding his own barbershop in ly has been recognized by the obituary below:
the example of men like Mac give us strength downtown La Habra. Then in 1969, searching Robert Elford Livingston, 90, of West Co-
when we are called to answer our own chal- for better benefits, and perhaps looking for lumbia passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020.
lenges. something to distract him from the recent loss He was born on September 18, 1929 in Colum-
Mac’s father and mother, Fortino and Sotera of his child Lucy Lita to Leukemia the year be- bia, SC to the late Gerhard Elford Livingston
Jaramillo started their family in the State of fore, Mac started a new chapter. At the age of and Essie Culclasure Livingston.
Guanajuato where, like many other peasant 42, he became a Teamster and drove RC He is a life-long member of Mount Tabor
farmers of the revolutionary era in Mexico, Cola deliveries for 19 years until he finally re- Lutheran Church, founder of Livingston In-
they had trouble feeding themselves between surance Agency, and a founding board mem-
tired to tend a modest garden of roses and
ber of Lexington State Bank. His service to
harvests. Like my ancestors, they sought fruit trees. his state and country includes the South
greater opportunities in an Estados Unidos But Mac Jaramillo’s real ambitions were al- Carolina Army National Guard, where he re-
that was often hostile to them even as it prof- ways to be a faithful servant to his God and tired as a Colonel. He was also a member and
ited from their labor and skill. The City of Han- family. In 1956 he met and married his wife of served in leadership positions on the Lex-
ford became their home, but they really lived 63 years, Lucina Quintero. Together they used ington District 2 School Board, State School
across California’s great Central Valley and his GI Bill benefits to buy a home in La Habra Board, Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
out to its lush Central Coast. The seasonal where they raised eight children. All eight chil- Board, Glen Forest School Board of Direc-
rhythm of migrant farm work brought the fam- dren received their baptism, first communion, tors, Columbia Convention Center Board of
Directors, Independent Insurance Agents of
ily out of Hanford every March and down to and confirmation in La Habra’ s Our Lady of
America, Independent Insurance Agents and
the lettuce and bean fields in coastal Nipomo Guadalupe Church, where Mac and Lucina Brokers of South Carolina, Lexington Coun-
and Santa Maria. Then it was north to San were married and Mac remained a parishioner ty Planning for the Future, Board of Direc-
Jose to pick cherries and pears. By August, until his passing. The couple taught their chil- tors for South Carolina BB&T, Lexington
the family would find work back in the central dren to revere God, protect the family, and County Water and Sewer Commission, River
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E387
Alliance. Board of Directors, Old Charleston nesses from the full economic consequences based lenders that have strong relationships
Insurance Company Board, American Legion of COVID–19. However, state-legal cannabis with local small businesses.
Post 79, and numerous other community or- small businesses were excluded from this eco- While I am proud of this bipartisan agree-
ganizations. Bob is a member of the Sinclair
nomic relief and remain ill-equipped to re- ment, we must re-double our efforts in the
Lodge, Columbia York Rite Bodies, and
Jamil Shriners. spond to the health and economic crisis be- weeks ahead to develop a relief plan that
He was predeceased by his wife of sixty- fore them. paves the way for our economic recovery.
seven years, Raye Hutto Livingston. He is Small businesses across the country are f
survived by his son, Bob Livingston, Jr. being asked to do their part in keeping their
(Barbara), his daughter, Marilyn Gray workers, customers, and families safe. To sup- AMANI ABDALLAH
(Billy); seven grandchildren, Acy Flora port these efforts, on March 27, 2020, the
(Blair), Bob Livingston, III (Katie), Betsy
Sippel (Patrick), Rachel Popkowski (Joe),
President signed into law the CARES Act, HON. ED PERLMUTTER
which contains $376 billion in relief for Amer- OF COLORADO
Anna Bryant (Tom), Rebekah Morris (Alex),
and Roxanne Rich (Auston); thirteen great- ican workers and small businesses. However, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
grandchildren, Jack Sippel, Joe Popkowski, many state-legal cannabis small businesses
are not eligible for this-relief and are being Thursday, April 23, 2020
Jr., Connor Bryant, Margaret Raye Flora,
Emily Sippel, Barbara Popkowski, Georgia asked to protect workers and their families Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise
Popkowski, Ford Livingston, Greyson Bry- without the federal support available to other today to recognize and applaud Amani
ant, Court Morris, Foster Rich, Mary Lane American small businesses. State-legal can- Abdallah for receiving the Adams County May-
Livingston and Baker Morris. nabis entrepreneurs and their workers are no ors and Commissioners Youth Award.
A private graveside service will be held at
different from those of other industries, and Amani Abdallah is a 10th grader at Aurora
9:00 on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at Mount
Tabor Lutheran Church Cemetery. since COVID–19 does not discriminate, the in- West College Prep Academy and received this
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made ability of certain groups to protect themselves award because his determination and hard
to Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, 1000 B Av- could inadvertently jeopardize the health of us work have allowed him to overcome adversi-
enue, West Columbia, SC 29169. all. ties.
f The Emergency Cannabis Small Business The dedication demonstrated by Amani
Health and Safety Act would open access to Abdallah is exemplary of the type of achieve-
ALICIA QUINTANA SBA assistance relating to COVID–19 to state- ment that can be attained with hard work and
legal cannabis businesses and their service perseverance. It is essential students at all
HON. ED PERLMUTTER providers. Specifically, this legislation would levels strive to make the most of their edu-
OF COLORADO allow state-legal cannabis businesses to be el- cation and develop a work ethic which will
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES igible for the Paycheck Protection Program guide them for the rest of their lives.
(PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), I extend my deepest congratulations to
Thursday, April 23, 2020
and Economic Injury Disaster Loans emer- Amani Abdallah for winning the Adams County
Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise gency advances. Among other things, this Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I
today to recognize and applaud Alicia Quin- support is specifically designed to be used to have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedica-
tana for receiving the Adams County Mayors pay workers, group health benefits and paid tion and character in all of his future accom-
and Commissioners Youth Award. sick leave. plishments.
Alicia Quintana is a 10th grader at Adams The health and safety of the American peo- f
City High School and received this award be- ple must be put first during the COVID–19
cause her determination and hard work have pandemic. Without doing so, we risk under- BATTLING THE PANDEMIC—A
allowed her to overcome adversities. mining the efforts of us all. POEM
The dedication demonstrated by Alicia Quin- f
tana is exemplary of the type of achievement
SUPPORTING H.R. 266, THE PAY-
HON. JOE WILSON
that can be attained with hard work and perse- OF SOUTH CAROLINA
verance. It is essential students at all levels CHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM,
AND H. RES. 935, THE HEALTH IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
strive to make the most of their education and
develop a work ethic which will guide them for CARE ENHANCEMENT ACT Thursday, April 23, 2020
the rest of their lives. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam
I extend my deepest congratulations to HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL Speaker, at a time of national emergency, it is
Alicia Quintana for winning the Adams County OF CALIFORNIA inspiring that the positive ‘‘It Can Be Done’’
Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES American Spirit is appreciated.
have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- I include in the RECORD a meaningful con-
cation and character in all of her future ac- Thursday, April 23, 2020
tribution by Joan M. Lacombe, the Poet Lau-
complishments. Mr. LOWENTHAL. Madam Speaker, today reate of Aiken, South Carolina, published in
f the House will consider the Paycheck Protec- the Aiken Standard.
tion Program and Health Care Enhancement BATTLING THE PANDEMIC
INTRODUCTION OF THE EMER- Act, crucial legislation to deliver resources our
GENCY CANNABIS SMALL BUSI- They have closed the building, but not the
small businesses and health care providers church!
NESS HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT need to confront the coronavirus outbreak. I We will continue to reach out to the needy
OF 2020 will not attend House proceedings today but if and distressed,
present would have voted YEA on H.R. 266 Vowing not one soul left to be missed.
HON. EARL BLUMENAUER and YEA on H.Res. 935 to establish a Select For the church is not a building constructed
OF OREGON Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. by man.
This public health crisis has upended busi- It is made of ‘‘we the people,’’ God’s message
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to bring.
nesses in my community and across the coun-
Thursday, April 23, 2020 The church embodies the God-crafted Tem-
try. Additional resources for the Paycheck Pro- ples of the Holy Spirit
Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, the tection Program will ensure these businesses Where we all lovingly dwell within.
COVID–19 pandemic has upended life as we can retain employees and are ready to partici- The cancellation of liturgies, a dramatic
know it and has impacted every aspect of pate in our economic recovery. Further, addi- move,
American society. The abrupt health and eco- tional resources for our healthcare system—in- New rules or worship set in place, health
nomic turmoil caused by COVID–19 has left cluding $825 million for Community Health conditions to protect; we to obey.
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
businesses, workers and families questioning Centers—will make sure these essential orga- Heartbreaking—as it disrupts our Lenten
the security of their futures. Our nation’s small nizations can continue to serve our commu- Journey
To have this taken away when we need it
businesses are among those who have felt nities during this pandemic. most—a bitter irony.
this pandemic most acutely. To prevent work- I am proud of the efforts of House Demo- Together we will get through this—
ers from choosing between their health and a crats to strengthen this legislation, including It is not for us to fall into a faithless abyss.
paycheck we passed sweeping and unprece- securing key resources for testing and allo- For we Christians are persevering
dented legislation to shield American busi- cating small business loans to community- As our Easter goal we are nearing.
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E388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 23, 2020
With 2000 years of History behind us, SAVAUGHN CROOKS Management-Citizens Committee, and working
Our current effort to worship, an added plus. with Promedica Health System. Rabbi
We can recall times and places
Where we have endured persecution and HON. ED PERLMUTTER Sokobin’s greatest gift to the faith community
OF COLORADO was the partnerships he formed with Toledo’s
trouble.
We can still pray, worship, and commune IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES faith leaders in the Catholic, Muslim, and other
with God—all together in the great religious traditions.
Thursday, April 23, 2020 After officially retiring in 1992, Rabbi
outdoors,
While maintaining social distancing and Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise Sokobin decided to go to Law School and
Greeting each other with hands folded in today to recognize and applaud Savaughn graduated in 1996. He was named out-
prayer, fingers pointing to heaven, a Crooks for receiving the Adams County May- standing student of his class by a vote of fac-
simple bow of the head—the Namaste ors and Commissioners Youth Award. ulty members. Rabbi Sokobin remained a con-
greeting—
Savaughn Crooks is a 10th grader at stant figure not only in his congregation, but
Acknowledging, ‘‘I recognize the Spirit of
God within you.’’ Kearney Middle School and received this our community as the years passed into this
Our Faith still alive and flourishing, car- award because her determination and hard decade. His wise counsel was sought and
rying us through difficult times. work have allowed her to overcome adversi- carefully considered regarding issues of the
Our effort shows our resiliency and resource- ties. day. His thoughtful countenance and astute
fulness— The dedication demonstrated by Savaughn observations were treasured. Yet, it was al-
To be together, yet apart, as we cope with Crooks is exemplary of the type of achieve- ways the most charming sight to see Rabbi
our current distress. ment that can be attained with hard work and Sokobin pull a balloon ever present in his
We are up to the challenge—Praising God in perseverance. It is essential students at all pocket and fashion an animal as children—
new and creative ways.
levels strive to make the most of their edu- and adults—watched in wonder.
Our prayers and sympathy for the tragic cation and develop a work ethic which will The young Anne Frank noted ‘‘Our lives are
loss to the Wuhan Virus of Nursing Student guide them for the rest of their lives. fashioned by our choices. First we make our
Joshua Bush of the University of South Caro- I extend my deepest congratulations to choices. Then our choices make us.’’ Rabbi
lina-Aiken. Our community is blessed with the Savaughn Crooks for winning the Adams Alan Mayor Sokobin chose to live his life serv-
determined leadership of University Chancellor County Mayors and Commissioners Youth ing God with his whole heart,’’ a choice that
Sandra Jordan. Award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the made many all the richer. He spent his days
same dedication and character in all of her fu- putting the pieces of the world back together,
f ture accomplishments. he worked to fix the disconnected, to repair
HONORING THE LIFE OF KRISTIN f the world—he truly embodied tikkun olam.
JACOBS Today we mourn at his passing, but we cele-
TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RABBI brate his life and the progress he made to fix
ALAN MAYOR SOKOBIN our broken world. We offer our heartfelt con-
HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ dolences to his family as they mourn this great
OF FLORIDA HON. MARCY KAPTUR man.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF OHIO f
Thursday, April 23, 2020 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Thursday, April 23, 2020
Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I, along Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker. I rise today HON. ED PERLMUTTER
with Representative DEUTCH, rise to honor the to honor the life of Alan Mayor Sokobin, Rabbi OF COLORADO
life of our dear friend, Florida State Represent- Emeritus of The Temple—Congregation
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ative Kristin Jacobs. Shomer Emunim in Sylvania, Ohio. Rabbi
We were heartbroken to learn of her pass- Sokobin suddenly passed from this life on Fri- Thursday, April 23, 2020
ing and join Floridians in mourning this tre- day April 3, 2020. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise
mendous loss to Broward County and the Rabbi Sokobin was a giant in our commu- today to recognize and applaud Enrique Her-
state of Florida. nity. Learned, faith-filled, a family man, loving, nandez for receiving the Adams County May-
Representative Jacobs began her career in a leader, compassionate, a World War II vet- ors and Commissioners Youth Award.
public service on the Broward County Com- eran, funny, high-spirited, reverent, a commu- Enrique Hernandez is a 10th grader at
mission, eventually serving as Mayor in 2012. nity leader and so much more. As we mourn Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts and
She served in the Florida House of Represent- Rabbi Sokobin’s passing, in the midst of Pass- received this award because his determination
atives from 2014 until her passing on April 11, over, as the Jewish people commemorate the and hard work have allowed him to overcome
2020. exodus from Egypt to the promised land, they adversities.
She was a groundbreaking environmental recognize the importance of welcoming the The dedication demonstrated by Enrique
leader and fierce protector of Florida’s lakes, stranger, to opening one’s home and the Hernandez is exemplary of the type of
streams, and oceans. She spearheaded the Passover dinner table to the other. Rabbi achievement that can be attained with hard
development of the Southeast Florida Re- Sokobin spent his life welcoming the stranger work and perseverance. It is essential stu-
gional Climate Compact, created the Broward and his imprint on our community is writ large, dents at all levels strive to make the most of
Water and Climate Academy, and during her his contributions invaluable. their education and develop a work ethic
term as Mayor, was selected to serve on Alan Mayor Sokobin was born on March 8, which will guide them for the rest of their lives.
President Obama’s Task Force on Climate 1926 in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Pau- I extend my deepest congratulations to
Preparedness and Resilience. Representative line and Max. At the age of fifteen he slipped Enrique Hernandez for winning the Adams
Jacobs fought her illness just as she fought for away from his family to join the Navy, honor- County Mayors and Commissioners Youth
our community—with determination, resilience, ably serving in Europe and Japan. After the Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the
and grace. She was smart and tough and war he graduated from Syracuse University, same dedication and character in all of his fu-
stood up for her beliefs, always backing them and then pursued rabbinic studies at Hebrew ture accomplishments.
with facts and data. Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He went on f
Even while she underwent chemotherapy to receive his Doctor of Theology degree from
treatment for cancer, she remained an active Burton College. Marrying the love of his life on NEVER FORGET SMOLENSK
member of the Florida State Legislature, serv- May 19, 1957, together he and Mickey raised MASSACRE
ing her constituents from her hospital bed. two children and eventually presided over a
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
Kristin was the most genuine, decent, car- family including five grandchildren. HON. JOE WILSON
ing, and effervescent person. She was a loyal, Rabbi Sokobin came to our community in OF SOUTH CAROLINA
real, and true friend, and we will miss her 1972 to join the congregation as co-rabbi with IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
deeply. Leon Feuer. He soon established himself as
Our hearts are with her three children, three an intellectual and ecumenical community Thursday, April 23, 2020
grandchildren, and all her extended family. leader, pairing with Toledo’s mayor to improve Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam
May her memory be a blessing. Toledo Municipal Court, chairing the Labor- Speaker, this month, the people of Poland
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E389
mark 10 years since the tragic Smolensk TRIBUTE TO JOHN F. (JACK) RECOGNIZING THE SELFLESS
plane crash, which killed 96 people including BARRY AMERICANS WORKING ON THE
President Lech Kaczynski and Polish First FRONTLINES TO BATTLE THE
Lady Maria Kaczynska. On April 10, 2010, a CORONAVIRUS
Polish state delegation was heading to Smo-
HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III
lensk, Russia, to commemorate the murder of OF MASSACHUSETTS
nearly 22,000 innocent Polish citizens by the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HON. BILL POSEY
Soviet secret service NKVD in the spring of OF FLORIDA
Thursday, April 23, 2020
1940 during World War II. The gruesome IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
crash in the thick fog near Smolensk in west- Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I rise
ern Russia was Poland’s worst air disaster today to celebrate the career of one of my Thursday, April 23, 2020
since World War II and completely stunned longtime constituents from Millis, Massachu- Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
the country as scores of military political lead- setts, John F. (Jack) Barry, and to congratu- pay tribute to all the brave men and women of
ers were killed in one fell swoop. late him on his retirement this coming April this country who are risking their own lives
after 40 years of service with the American every day to help our nation get through this
The American people stand with the people Hospital Association.
of Poland in solemn commemoration of this terrible coronavirus pandemic. They are our
horrible national tragedy that still reverberates Jack has held several leadership positions emergency first responders, doctors, nurses,
at the AHA since 1980, including a temporary grocery store employees, members of the
throughout Polish society to this very day. The
assignment from 1993 to 1995 in Washington, postal service and those who work in the ship-
Soviet Union was complicit with Nazi Germany
where he directed the association’s regional ping and delivery industries. Their continued
in the oppression of the courageous people of operations during the Congressional delibera- service throughout this crisis means life or
Poland. Despite the ongoing Wuhan Virus, tions over national health reform legislation. death for some patients fighting off this dis-
senior Polish officials laid wreaths at the Since 1996, Jack has served as the AHA’s re- ease, and it also means that our families can
monument to the victims of the Smolensk air gional executive in New England. He has continue to have the food and products we all
disaster at the Pilsudski Square in Warsaw worked with the region’s six state hospital as- need to survive.
earlier this month. sociations and hundreds of member hospitals
Our local newspaper, Florida Today, re-
Unfortunately, questions relating to the to direct grassroots advocacy on issues of im-
cently highlighted the efforts of fifteen Brevard
cause of this tragedy still linger. Although an portance to hospitals.
County nurses as they rushed to aid Ameri-
official Polish government investigation con- Jack has long had ties to both Massachu- cans suffering from COVID–19 in the town of
cluded that the crash was caused by pilot setts and Washington, D.C. Born in Newton, Taunton, Massachusetts, a hard-hit community
error, suspicions of foul play persist. At the he earned a B.A. in journalism from George just south of Boston. These brave nurses, cur-
memorial earlier this month, Polish President Washington University in 1976 and an M.B.A. rently on staff with Rockledge Regional Med-
Andrzej Duda said, ‘‘After 10 years, it’s difficult with a concentration in health care manage- ical Center, answered the call for help and vol-
to say anything or predict whether the case ment from Boston University in 1991. unteered to go for two weeks to treat seriously
can ever be resolved.’’ This is mainly because Jack looks forward to enjoying his retire- ill COVID–19 patients. Since being there, they
Russia has consistently refused to turn over ment with his best friend and spouse of 38 have vowed to stay as long as they are need-
basic evidence to the Polish state. The Rus- years, Ellen Kelly, a retired nurse; his daugh- ed.
sian government is still in possession of the ter Elizabeth; his son Patrick; and the host of Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize
plane wreckage including the black boxes that friends and colleagues he has amassed over the selfless acts of nurses Jennifer Nelson,
the years. I ask my colleagues to join me in Lorraine Blake, Tandy Beck, Allison Salidino,
could provide more clarity.
congratulating Jack Barry and wishing him and Betty ‘‘Joanne’’ Crespo, Deidra Gansel, Jill
In a press statement from earlier this month, his family much happiness as he begins the Barrett, Amanda Tebault, Lisa Colon, Arlene
Poland’s Foreign Ministry renewed demands next chapter of his life. ‘‘Solly’’ Salzwedel, Kris Smith, Nora George,
that Moscow return the wreckage of the Linda Fleming Dutton, Kara Ehrhardt and
Tupolev aircraft that crashed so that the Polish f Gena Gillespie. These are real life heroes.
people can finally find some closure. Russia’s
MINDY FREEL ‘‘When I first walked into ICU, I thought,
refusal to turn over evidence raises many sus-
‘Oh, my goodness. What is this?’ It looked
picions, despite claims by Russia’s Investiga-
like, to coin a phrase, a war zone,’’ Nurse Ar-
tive Committee that crew errors led to the ac- HON. ED PERLMUTTER lene ‘‘Solly’’ Salzwedel was quoted describing
cident. the situation saying in Taunton. ‘‘The house-
OF COLORADO
The American people support the Polish keepers do not come in to clean the rooms at
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES all. That’s the job of the nursing staff. So not
Foreign Ministry’s calls to return the wreckage
to Poland, as well as the Ministry’s assertion Thursday, April 23, 2020 only are you the patients’ nurse, you’re their
that ‘‘no norm of international law gives cleaner. You’re their spiritual support system,
grounds for Russia to impound Polish prop- Mr. Perlmutter. Madam Speaker, I rise today even though they’re intubated and heavily
erty.’’ We stand with the people of Poland in to recognize and applaud Mindy Freel for re- sedated.’’
ceiving the Adams County Mayors and Com- Andy Romine, President of Rockledge Re-
remembering the victims of this awful tragedy
missioners Youth Award. gional Medical Center, said originally thirty
and supporting efforts for a transparent inves-
tigation into its cause to provide a measure of Mindy Freel is a 10th grader at Northglenn nurses had volunteered to go to Massachu-
justice to the victims and their families. Middle School and received this award be- setts, but our own needs in Brevard County
cause her determination and hard work have required some to stay and care for patients in
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in allowed her to overcome adversities. our own community. ‘‘Our organization is very
Washington is well represented by Ambas- The dedication demonstrated by Mindy proud of them for their willingness to put their
sador Piotr Antoni Wilczek, promoting the Freel is exemplary of the type of achievement safety at risk to care for others—their courage
message to never forget this catastrophe. that can be attained with hard work and perse- and selflessness is a source of pride for us,’’
President Andrzej Duda is appreciated in verance. It is essential students at all levels said Romine. Since then, forty-five other
America. Democratic Post-Communist Poland strive to make the most of their education and nurses have traveled to Boston to treat the
is the only country in Europe to have 25 years develop a work ethic which will guide them for surging cases of COVID–19 putting their lives
of uninterrupted economic growth, which I saw at risk.
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
the rest of their lives.
firsthand in January. I particularly know the I extend my deepest congratulations to I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of
significance of America’s beloved Polish- Mindy Freel for winning the Adams County Representatives to join me in saluting these
American Community of 10.5 million citizens. Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I brave nurses, and all of the selfless Ameri-
My daughter-in-law Jennifer Miskewicz Wilson have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- cans who are risking their lives every day to
is grateful for Krakow heritage and her asso- cation and character in all of her future ac- help the American people overcome this seri-
ciation with Poet Adam Mickiewicz. complishments. ous coronavirus pandemic.
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E390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 23, 2020
PERSONAL EXPLANATION sure that our cooperation with our friends in Representatives in July of last year, also in-
Israel relating to public health is as prioritized cludes language support for setting up a Food
HON. KENNY MARCHANT as our strong defense ties. and Drug Administration (FDA) regional office
OF TEXAS
It’s no surprise that defense has long been in Israel to facilitate joint work on critical
at the forefront of our bilateral cooperation issues relating to health. Last November, I
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
with Israel. But our collaboration with Jeru- was grateful to co-lead a letter with the Chair-
Thursday, April 23, 2020 salem spans all sectors of our society and our man of the Helsinki Commission, ALCEE HAS-
Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, after government-to-government collaboration on TINGS, to HHS Secretary Alex Azar under-
consulting with physicians about traveling dur- public health goes back decades. In 1985 scoring that the establishment of an FDA of-
ing the COVID–19 pandemic, I was not able to when the Department of Health and Human fice in Israel, ‘‘would facilitate collaboration in
make it to Washington for this vote, but I Services signed a Memorandum of Under- life-saving research and is a natural step for
would have voted YES on the Senate Amend- standing with the Israeli Ministry of Health. strengthening the special relationship between
ment to H.R. 266. Our local small businesses The MOU provided for the exchange of infor- our countries.’’
are facing unprecedented circumstances due mation between the two countries, joint train- There has never been a better time to in-
to the COVID–19 crisis, with many struggling ing and education, conferences, and collabo- vest in robust bilateral health cooperation be-
to keep all of their employees on payroll. The rative projects. tween the United States and Israel. Victory
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a But our bilateral work on public health is against the Invisible Enemy will require close
solution passed unanimously by the House certainly not limited to government-to-govern- collaboration with partners across the globe,
just a few weeks ago, providing loans that ment cooperation. The nature of cooperation especially with true friends like Israel. It’s time
keep Americans employed across the country. between the United States and Israel, in every we deepen the ties between Washington and
It was no surprise that demand for these loans field, is based on the deep respect, friendship, Jerusalem for the sake of global public health.
was high, but it was a surprise to see mem- and affection between Americans and Israelis. f
bers of Congress hold up more funding for the Just last month, the Israeli pharmaceutical
PPP over partisan political demands. I am company Teva announced it will donate more SHANE COLLIN BRASHERS
glad to see my colleagues on the other side than six million doses of the anti-malarial drug
of the aisle finally bring up this vital bill for a hydroxychloroquine sulfate to hospitals across HON. ED PERLMUTTER
vote today to provide the relief that so many the United States. More than ever, we can ap- OF COLORADO
businesses and workers need. Estimates al- preciate person-to-person friendships as evi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ready predict that this additional funding will denced by the American Israel Public Affairs
Committee (AIPAC) so ably led by President Thursday, April 23, 2020
keep over 103,000 workers on payroll.
Unfortunately, the Speaker’s push for the Betsy Berns Korn and Chief Executive Officer Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise
creation of a new select committee to conduct Howard Kohr. today to recognize and applaud Shane Collin
oversight of the response to COVID–19 is an- It is no secret that for years Israel has been Brashers for receiving the Adams County
other attempt to use taxpayer dollars to fulfill at the forefront of breakthrough scientific re- Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award.
partisan goals. There are already eight dif- search and technology. Just last week, the Shane Collin Brashers is a 10th grader at
ferent mechanisms in place for the House to Galilee Research Institute in Israel announced Mapleton Early College High School and re-
exercise oversight over the response to this it was on the cusp of developing a vaccine for ceived this award because his determination
virus, making this new one completely redun- the coronavirus, with estimates that it could be and hard work have allowed him to overcome
dant. It is clear that this committee is intended ready within a few weeks and available within adversities.
to score political points against the President 90 days. The Israel-based company Pluristem The dedication demonstrated by Shane
rather than improve our pandemic response. If developed a placenta-based cell therapy treat- Collin Brashers is exemplary of the type of
that is the goal, it should be funded by their ment that has shown a 100 percent survival achievement that can be attained with hard
campaigns, not by American taxpayers. That rate among severely ill COVID–19 patients work and perseverance. It is essential stu-
is why I would have voted NO on the Resolu- and has just begun treating American patients dents at all levels strive to make the most of
tion Establishing a Select Subcommittee on days ago. During this crisis, Israel has also their education and develop a work ethic
the Coronavirus Crisis. developed new, more affordable methods of which will guide them for the rest of their lives.
f producing ventilators and personal protective I extend my deepest congratulations to
equipment that could change the way we re- Shane Collin Brashers for winning the Adams
DOUBLE DOWN ON HEALTH TIES spond to epidemics in the future. As we move County Mayors and Commissioners Youth
WITH ISRAEL forward in the fight against COVID–19, we Award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the
would be wise to double down our health co- same dedication and character in all of his fu-
HON. JOE WILSON operation with Israel. There is no doubt that ture accomplishments.
OF SOUTH CAROLINA our two countries will benefit from information f
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sharing related to the virus’ spread, treatment,
and containment. THANKING THE UNIVERSITY OF
Thursday, April 23, 2020 I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to TOLEDO MEDICAL CENTER MO-
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam support deepening our health ties with the LECULAR SPECIALISTS
Speaker, in the midst of the coronavirus pan- Jewish State. As Ranking Member of the Mid-
demic, we are fortunate our alliance with Israel dle East and North Africa Subcommittee on HON. MARCY KAPTUR
has never been stronger with the leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I work OF OHIO
President Donald Trump and Prime Minister closely with colleagues on both sides of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Benjamin Netanyahu. Amid international aisle to prioritize the U.S.-Israel relationship.
lockdowns and cancellations due to the ongo- I’m grateful to be the lead Republican with Thursday, April 23, 2020
ing coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. and Israel Chairman TED DEUTCH (D–FL) on H.R. 1837, Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today
quietly marked a major milestone in our mili- the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhance- in honor of the tireless efforts our caregivers
taries’ bilateral defense relationship. For the ment and Regional Security Act which among and healthcare professionals are exciting patri-
first time ever, on March 29 U.S. and Israeli other things seeks to deepen our collaboration otically to combat coronavirus. Those on the
F–35s trained together in Israel in a combined with Israel on health issues. frontlines are bravely caring for sick patients.
air-power exercise dubbed ‘‘Enduring Light- The bill calls for close collaboration with Those behind the scenes are working to find
ning.’’ Despite coronavirus-related cancella- Israeli institutions on research and treatment a vaccine or expand testing of the virus.
tions across the globe, this exercise over of post-traumatic stress disorder, with which Today in particular, on a day when Congress
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
Israeli skies illustrated the strength and endur- Israelis have, unfortunately, had a lot of expe- has recommended to pass additional legisla-
ance of the military cooperation between our rience given their current security situation. It tion to heal our nation and unlock the mystery
two nations. Our militaries have worked to- also authorizes and funds a bilateral coopera- of COVID–19, I want to recognize the seven
gether for years to fight the threat of terrorism tive program with Israel for the development of female molecular specialists at the University
and defend our way of life from those that health technologies, including artificial intel- of Toledo Medical Center who have been in-
seek to threaten it. Today, as we all face the ligence, biofeedback, and kidney care. Impor- strumental in bringing in-house testing capa-
universal threat of COVID–19, it’s time we en- tantly, the bill, which passed the House of bilities to our city and Northwest Ohio: Heather
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E391
Byrd, Michelle Lewandowski, Nicole Ortiz, based in Royal Oak, Mich., and the Ohio De- Milliken. Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is
Heather Kvale, Holly Mohon, Shauna Rasor, partment of Health to gather known positive developing the manufacturing process for a
and Ji-Youn Yeo. and negative specimens which were in turn new nanofiber with antiviral properties.
Not many hospitals have a molecular de- used to test accuracy.
Ms. Yeo’s expertise in molecular genetics Scott Gottlieb of the American Enterprise In-
partment, but UTMC does. Thanks to the work then helped the lab modify the test to keep stitute in The Wall Street Journal (April 12)
of these highly trained women specialists, and employees safe during the process, Ms. Kvale has thoughtfully presented a plan to reopen
the UTMC lab capabilities, COVID–19 testing said. But that modification then had to be the economy for jobs with companies diag-
was made available for our entire region and validated, she said. nosing coronavirus cases in the workplace. He
results dropped from an 8 day wait period to ‘‘She’s really brilliant,’’ Ms. O’Connell
understands healthy citizens need a healthy
just 48 hours. And the lab is poised to invent added of Ms. Yeo.
Ms. Yeo declined to be interviewed, but in economy.
even better results with the research funds
Congress has passed. a prepared statement said members of the Ambassador Andre Haspel of the Kingdom
pathology team ‘‘worked fast together,’’ to of the Netherlands has thoughtfully forwarded
These swift test results have had a priceless put all the pieces in place to bring testing to
impact on the lives of people in our commu- encouragement to members of the. Congres-
northwest Ohio. sional Caucus of the Kingdom of the Nether-
nity. Quick test results help us identify sick pa- Dr. James Willey, a UT professor who spe-
tients, get them the care they need, and pre- cializes in pulmonary medicine, said Ms. Yeo
lands. The alliance of the Netherlands and the
vent further spread. Their work brings our trained and performed her thesis in his Na- United States is strong and appreciated to de-
community great pride in their accomplish- tional Institutes of Health-funded lab, where feat the Wuhan Virus.
ments at the precious labs of UTMC. I will she learned lots of unique skill sets. General Milford Beagle, Commander of Fort
‘‘I’m proud of all those guys,’’ he said. Jackson, with Army Chief of Staff Major Gen-
continue to support their efforts at UTMC as
‘‘This is really important.’’
the country works to ratchet up production and Dr. Thomas Blomquist, deputy coroner at
eral James McConville have been pro-active
make widespread testing more available. the Lucas County Coroner’s Office, helped to protect the lives of new recruits and the
In the difficult circumstances Americans find set up the molecular diagnostics lab and dedicated personnel at Fort Jackson. The in-
ourselves in, hope must not be forgotten. The hired Ms. Kvale and Ms. Yeo. He said the two stallation trains nearly 50 percent of all Sol-
rays of hope we see in our researchers and ‘‘deserve a ton of credit,’’ and said he was diers and more than 60 percent of all women
caregivers’ dedication to heal and find solu- proud that the specialists were able to fend entering the Army each year.
tions to this virus serve as a reminder of the off any challenges that stood in the way of
bringing testing to the area.
Cecil Staton, President and CEO of the
resiliency of our community and the strength Asian American Hotel Owners of America,
‘‘Molecular testing is really critical for so-
of America as a whole in an interdependent ciety,’’ he said. ‘‘It allows people to have with Vice President Chirag Shah have worked
world. Today, America thanks you—the To- quick results so they can be quarantined as tirelessly to promote the gruesomely impacted
ledo Rocket women of science—who helped quick as possible to prevent the spread. This hospitality industry. AAHOA is the largest hotel
bring testing to our region. To quote Abraham is going to have a huge impact.’’ owner’s association in the world with 20,000
Lincoln—you are ‘‘the better angels of our na- f members owning half of hotels in America.
ture.’’
HEROES IN THE WUHAN VIRUS Walgreens Drug Stores with the dedicated
[From the Blade, Apr. 1, 2020]
PANDEMIC staff in West Columbia is appreciated for fea-
HOW UTMC SPECIALISTS WORKED SWIFTLY TO
turing ‘‘Thanks to our frontline heroes’’. On
BRING CORONAVIRUS TESTING TO AREA
Saturday, first responders, law enforcement,
(By Brooks Sutherland) HON. JOE WILSON doctors and nurses will receive 30 percent off
Around the same time the United States OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Walgreens brands and 20 percent off other
reported its first case of coronavirus, molec- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ular specialists at the University of Toledo brands. Drug stores, grocery stores, conven-
Medical Center had already begun discus- Thursday, April 23, 2020 ience stores and grocery stores, truckers, and
sions to bring in-house testing capabilities Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam other essential enterprises have been vital
to its pathology lab. Speaker, in the midst of the national emer- services for communities.
It was that foresight that paved the way
gency being successfully faced by President
for coronavirus testing capabilities at f
UTMC, the former Medical College of Ohio Donald Trump and Vice President MIKE
hospital, under a U.S. Food and Drug Admin- PENCE, there have been so many citizens
SAMANTHA LIEGGI
istration Emergency Use Authorization, to stepping forward to help fellow neighbors in
sprout in just weeks. need. I am grateful to recognize heroes who
Testing in Lucas County previously took are making a difference.
up to eight days for results to finalize even
HON. ED PERLMUTTER
Journalist Kara Gormley Meador has initi-
as concerns around the global pandemic con- ated highlighting innovative citizens efforts to OF COLORADO
tinued to heighten and the number of con-
firmed cases skyrocketed nationwide.
address the Wuhan Virus with former S.C. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
But today, the lab at UTMC can test up to Revenue Director Burnie Maybank of the
Nexsen-Pruet Law Firm. There is free stream- Thursday, April 23, 2020
180 samples a day and returns take 48 hours
or less. That quick turnaround is possible ing at www.buzzpodcast.com. The first con- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise
thanks to efforts from molecular specialists versation was with President Lou Kennedy of today to recognize and applaud Samantha
such as Ji-Youn Yeo and Heather Kvale and Nephron Pharmaceutical where she explained Lieggi for receiving the Adams County Mayors
a handful of others at UTMC, according to retooling her operation almost overnight to re-
Cynthia O’Connell, the administrative direc- and Commissioners Youth Award.
spond to the virus. She has been welcomed to
tor of the medical center’s pathology lab. Samantha Lieggi is a 10th grader at
‘‘We have a molecular department, and not the WVOC Radio in the Midlands with Gary
Northglenn Middle School and received this
many hospitals do,’’ she said. ‘‘So we have a David and Christopher Thompson.
award because her determination and hard
lot of specialists and they worked tirelessly Dale Hatchell and Elizabeth Burt of Lex-
work have allowed her to overcome adversi-
to make this happen.’’ ington have organized Support a Nurse to pro-
Understanding its impact during a health ties.
vide ‘‘Light of Love’’ care kits to nurses on the
crisis, Ms. Kvale added: ‘‘We really wanted to front lines. These kits are donations of nutri- The dedication demonstrated by Samantha
bring this in house, so it would reduce the Lieggi is exemplary of the type of achievement
tional and immunity products with a support
turnaround time for our patients.’’ that can be attained with hard work and perse-
‘‘I’m really glad that we’re able to decrease message helping the Dorn Veterans Adminis-
tration Hospital, Lexington and Prisma hos- verance. It is essential students at all levels
that time so that people don’t sit there in
limbo,’’ she said. pitals, and Department of Juvenile Justice. strive to make the most of their education and
But in order to bring testing capability to Talk radio host Kevin Cohen has been re- develop a work ethic which will guide them for
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS
UTMC, the molecular diagnostics specialists lentlessly providing important updates for the the rest of their lives.
had to validate a testing kit to show it was Midlands of South Carolina, fulfilling his goals I extend my deepest congratulations to
accurately providing results. Thankfully, the Samantha Lieggi for winning the Adams Coun-
on The POINT promoting charities and local
lab was already equipped with the correct
machine and the kit before they became in events. ty Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award. I
short supply. Halsey Cook, Chief Executive Officer of have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi-
In order to validate testing, lab workers Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is con- cation and character in all of her future ac-
collaborated with Beaumont Health, which is tinuing the visionary tradition of the late Roger complishments.
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Thursday, April 23, 2020
Daily Digest
Senate
Chamber Action Committee Meetings
The Senate met at 5:30:00 p.m. in pro forma ses- No committee meetings were held.
sion, and adjourned at 5:30:39 p.m. until 8 a.m., on
Monday, April 27, 2020.
h
House of Representatives
Recess: The House recessed at 4:41 p.m. and recon-
Chamber Action vened at 4:51 p.m. Page H1954
Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 17 pub- Suspension: The House agreed to suspend the rules
lic bills, H.R. 6598–6614; and 2 resolutions, H. and pass the following measure:
Res. 939–940 were introduced. Pages H1956–57
Department of the Interior, Environment, and
Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1957–58 Related Agencies Appropriations Act: Concurred in
Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: the Senate amendment to H.R. 266, making appro-
H. Res. 938, providing for the adoption of the priations for the Department of the Interior, environ-
resolution (H. Res. 935) establishing a Select Sub- ment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending
committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as a select in- September 30, 2019, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of
vestigative subcommittee of the Committee on Over- 388 yeas to 5 nays with one answering ‘‘present’’,
sight and Reform (H. Rept. 116–419). Page H1907 Roll No. 104. Pages H1920–52, H1954–55
Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Quorum Calls—Votes: Two yea-and-nay votes de-
appointed Representative Castor (FL) to act as Speak- veloped during the proceedings of today and appear
er pro tempore for today. Page H1907
on pages H1952–53 and H1954–55. There were no
quorum calls.
Providing for the adoption of H. Res. 935: The
House agreed to H. Res. 938, providing for the Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad-
adoption of the resolution (H. Res. 935) establishing journed at 6:13 p.m.
a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis as
a select investigative subcommittee of the Com- Committee Meetings
mittee on Oversight and Reform, by a yea-and-nay
vote of 212 yeas to 182 nays, Roll No. 103, after MEMBER DAY HEARING ON COVID–19
the previous question was ordered without objection. RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: COMMITTEE
Subsequently, H. Res. 935 was adopted. ON SMALL BUSINESS
Pages H1907–20, H1952–54 Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a
Order of Business—Consideration of the Senate hearing entitled ‘‘Member Day Hearing on
amendment to H.R. 266: Agreed by unanimous COVID–19 Response and Recovery: Committee on
consent that debate under clause 1(c) of rule 15 on Small Business’’. Testimony was heard from Chair-
a motion to suspend the rules relating to the Senate man Kilmer, and Representatives Case, Barr,
amendment to H.R. 266 be extended to two hours. Cisneros, Bilirakis, Escobar, Budd, Gomez, Amodei,
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Haaland, Byrne, Horsford, Carter of Georgia, Curtis,
Page H1920
Lee of Nevada, Burgess, Luria, Griffith, Malinowski,
D360
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D361
Johnson of South Dakota, Neguse, Johnson of Lou- COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY,
isiana, Norcross, Fitzpatrick, Phillips, Keller, Rose of APRIL 24, 2020
New York, Pence, Schiff, Rice of South Carolina,
Schrier, Katko, Sherrill, Roy, Slotkin, Smucker, (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated)
Spanberger, Tipton, Stevens, David P. Roe of Ten- Senate
nessee, Thompson of California, Wagner, Womack,
and Thompson of Pennsylvania. No meetings/hearings scheduled.
House
Joint Meetings No hearings are scheduled.
No joint committee meetings were held.
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D362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 23, 2020
Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
8 a.m., Monday, April 27 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 24
Senate Chamber House Chamber
Program for Monday: Senate will meet in a pro forma Program for Friday: House will meet in Pro Forma ses-
session. sion at 10:30 a.m.
Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue
HOUSE Kennedy, Joseph P., III, Mass., E389 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E383
Lowenthal, Alan S., Calif., E387 Wasserman Schultz, Debbie, Fla., E388
Blumenauer, Earl, Ore., E387 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E390 Westerman, Bruce, Ark., E385
Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr., Calif., E386 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E383, E385, E385, E387, E387, Wilson, Joe, S.C., E385, E385, E386, E387, E388, E390,
Clyburn, James E., S.C., E383 E388, E388, E389, E390, E391 E391
Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E388, E390 Posey, Bill, Fla., E389
Congressional Record
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