Congressional Record, Senate, March 18, 2020 — Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated March 18, 2020, at page S1790, during debate on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. It prints the text of Mr. Paul's amendment, which requires a social security number for the child tax credit, lets the President transfer funds, and ends United States military operations in Afghanistan. Mr. Paul argues the emergency bill should be paid for by taking money from other areas of waste, and the amendment is rejected on a roll call of 3 yeas and 95 nays. Mr. McConnell, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Thune and Mr. Cornyn also appear, and a closing passage says many with the virus have little to no symptoms.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Congressional Record, Senate, March 18, 2020 — Families First Coronavirus Response Act.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-03-18-crec-2020-03-18-pt1-pgs1790-2-e6bbca1fa5/
, SHA-256 363ffe2b9282217a0a1d43e7a62019bdee07201895ff48b38c28c02529a40965.Full text
S1790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 18, 2020
differed between the swine flu and the the waste, and then we have an emer- (Purpose: To amend the Internal Revenue
coronavirus. gency, and they say: Let’s just borrow Code of 1986 to require a social security
At one time, we were completely more money. Instead, what we should number for purposes of the child tax credit,
helpless before the ravages of natural to provide the President the authority to
do is we should actually take money
transfer funds as necessary, and to termi-
disasters, such as infectious diseases, that is unwisely spent and move it over nate United States military operations and
but our history is one of great innova- to account for this emergency. reconstruction activities in Afghanistan)
tion and perseverance. We will survive What I am offering is a very reason-
At the appropriate place, insert the fol-
this pandemic. What government does able proposal. We simply pay for this lowing:
to mitigate the calamity should be emergency bill by taking money from
short-lived, temporary, and cause as SEC. lll. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIRE-
other areas of waste in the budget. MENT FOR CHILD TAX CREDIT.
little distortion to the free market I yield the floor.
economy as possible. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section
The history of pandemics indicates a 24(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
jority leader. amended to read as follows:
strong likelihood that the peak of in- ‘‘(1) SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIRED.—
f
fections and mortality could pass in a No credit shall be allowed under this section
few weeks to a few months. Congress ORDER OF PROCEDURE to a taxpayer with respect to any qualifying
should remain calm and try not to ex- child unless the taxpayer includes the social
plode the debt in our response. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I security number of such child on the return
The public should know that Con- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- of tax for the taxable year. For purposes of
gress has already enacted reforms that ate proceed to the immediate consider- the preceding sentence, the term ‘social se-
will free up millions of industrial ation of H.R. 6201; further, that the curity number’ means a social security num-
only amendments in order be amend- ber issued to an individual by the Social Se-
masks to be used by our doctors and
ments to be offered by Senators PAUL, curity Administration, but only if the social
nurses. Thoughtful sequestration and security number is issued—
quarantining is in place and helping. In JOHNSON, and MURRAY or their des-
‘‘(A) to a citizen of the United States or
addition, I have introduced legislation ignees, the text of which are at the
pursuant to subclause (I) (or that portion of
to allow our university labs and ad- desk; further, that at 12:10 p.m., the subclause (III) that relates to subclause (I))
vanced private labs to be able to de- Senate vote on the Paul amendment of section 205(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Secu-
velop additional testing for subject to a 60-affirmative vote thresh- rity Act, and
coronavirus and possible cures by re- old for adoption; further, that fol- ‘‘(B) before the due date for such return.’’.
moving redtape at the FDA. lowing the disposition of the Paul (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
I do worry, though, that as we go fur- amendment, the time until 2 p.m. be (1) Subsection (h) of section 24 of such Code
ther into debt, we may reach a point equally divided between the two lead- is amended—
ers or their designees and that at 2 (A) by striking ‘‘paragraph (7)’’ in para-
where our debt is so large that we are graph (4)(C) and inserting ‘‘subsection
unable to manage the next pandemic. p.m., the Senate vote on the Murray
(e)(1)’’,
We should never forget fiscal responsi- and Johnson amendments, in the order (B) by striking paragraph (7), and
bility, even in a crisis. We should pay listed, with a 60-affirmative-vote (C) by striking ‘‘(2) through (7)’’ in para-
for any new Federal funding by taking threshold for adoption of each; further, graph (1) and inserting ‘‘(2) through (6)’’.
that money from areas of the budget that upon disposition of these amend- (2) Section 6213(g)(2)(I) of such Code is
where it is not being wisely used. My ments, the bill as amended, if amended, amended by striking ‘‘TIN’’ and inserting
amendment does just that. be read a third time and the Senate ‘‘social security number’’.
My amendment says that if you want vote on passage of the bill with a 60-af- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments
to apply for money from the govern- firmative-vote threshold for passage; made by this section shall apply to taxable
finally, that if passed, the motion to years beginning after the date of the enact-
ment through the child tax credit pro- ment of this Act.
gram—this is money the government reconsider be considered made and laid
upon the table and that all votes be 30 SEC. lll. TRANSFER AUTHORITY.
gives to people—then you have to be a
legitimate person and you have to have minutes in length. (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any
a Social Security number. We have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there other provision of law, the President may
been talking about this reform for a objection? transfer, as necessary and without limita-
Without objection, it is so ordered. tion, amounts from any account in the
decade now, and we never seem to be Treasury to any other account in the Treas-
able to get it passed. It has nothing to f ury being used for the purpose of combating,
do with not liking immigrants; it has addressing, or ameliorating the coronavirus
to do with saying taxpayer money LEGISLATIVE SESSION pandemic.
shouldn’t go to nonpeople. You should (b) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION.—The
have to be a person to get taxpayer President shall submit to Congress, on each
money. It just says you have to have a FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS of the following dates, a notification detail-
Social Security number. People esti- RESPONSE ACT ing each transfer made under subsection (a)
mate this will save $26 billion. That during the time period preceding the notifi-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cation:
goes a long way toward paying for this clerk will report the bill by title. (1) July 1, 2020.
bill. The senior assistant legislative clerk (2) October 1, 2020.
I think we should also end the war in read as follows: (3) January 1, 2021.
Afghanistan. We are spending $50 bil- (c) EXPIRATION.—The transfer authority in
A bill (H.R. 6201) making emergency sup-
lion a year on that war. And it is most- subsection (a) shall expire on December 31,
plemental appropriations for the fiscal year
ly not to fight war. It is to build stuff ending September 30, 2020, and for other pur- 2020.
for them. It is to build infrastructure poses. SEC. lll. TERMINATION OF UNITED STATES
for them. We have a lot of problems MILITARY OPERATIONS AND RECON-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
with infrastructure in our own country STRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN AFGHANI-
ator from Kentucky. STAN.
without spending $50 billion a year in
AMENDMENT NO. 1556
Afghanistan. (a) TERMINATION.—Military operations of
If we have a true emergency now, it Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I call up the United States Armed Forces and recon-
is our job to prioritize, to take that my amendment No. 1556 and ask that struction activities of the United States
be it reported by number. Government in Afghanistan are hereby ter-
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
money from where it is not being spent
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The minated.
wisely and spend it on something we
need at the moment. clerk will report the amendment by (b) DEADLINE FOR COMPLETE CESSATION.—
number. Not later than December 31, 2020—
My bill also allows the President to
The legislative clerk read as follows: (1) all United States Armed Forces shall be
look throughout the budget and trans- removed from Afghanistan; and
fer money from any other wasteful The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. PAUL] (2) all reconstruction activities of the
areas. If you look at our budget, it is proposes an amendment numbered 1556. United States Government in Afghanistan
loaded with waste. Nobody ever culls The amendment is as follows: shall be wound up.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18MR6.015 S18MRPT1
March 18, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1791
(c) PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.—Appro- CORONAVIRUS and volunteers are partnering with
priated funds may not be obligated or ex- Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, Granite local schools in New Hampshire to
pended in connection with military oper- Staters are known for our all-hands-on- combat food insecurity in their com-
ations and reconstruction activities de- deck spirit—coming together in dif- munities. One school district held a
scribed in subsection (a) after December 31,
2020.
ficult times to support our friends and food drive over the weekend with a
Mr. PAUL. I ask for the yeas and neighbors. local nonprofit. They were concerned
nays. The COVID–19 pandemic has forced that given the last-minute nature of
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a us all to change our daily routines and the event, there would be low partici-
sufficient second? adjust to new challenges; however, one pation. To their surprise, the school re-
There appears to be a sufficient sec- thing that has not changed throughout ported that the community came out
ond. this public health emergency is the in droves to donate goods.
The yeas and nays were ordered. compassion and empathy we are seeing Stories like this are abundant in
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. from people all across our State. communities across my State, and I
LOEFFLER). The Senator from Ken- Every month, I recognize a person or am immensely proud of how people
tucky is recognized. a group of people in New Hampshire across New Hampshire have come to-
Mr. PAUL. Madam President, I ask who have gone above and beyond to gether to respond to this public health
unanimous consent that the votes help their community. I recognize emergency.
scheduled at 12:10 p.m. be allowed to them as the Granite Stater of the In the coming weeks and months, it
begin now. Month. But this month, I couldn’t will be even more important that Gran-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there choose just one person and, instead, ite Staters and all Americans lean on
objection? wish to recognize all Granite Staters one another for support. I encourage
Without objection, it is so ordered. for coming together to try to slow the everyone to reach out to your neigh-
The question is on agreeing to the spread of this virus and to help those in bors, especially those at higher risk, to
Paul amendment. need. see what you can do to help. If you
The yeas and nays were ordered. All across New Hampshire, people are have an older neighbor, see if they need
The clerk will call the roll. taking commonsense steps, both to help picking up their groceries. If you
The senior assistant legislative clerk keep themselves healthy and to avoid know someone who is a medical profes-
called the roll. unknowingly passing along the virus to sional with young kids at home, ask if
Mr. THUNE. The following Senators others, particularly those who are at you can babysit.
are necessarily absent: the Senator high risk. This includes washing your Right now, it is important for people
from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the hands thoroughly and for at least 20 to remember what we can all do to help
Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT). seconds and wiping down frequently contain the spread of this virus and
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- touched surfaces, like cell phones and that we all have a role to play in doing
NEY). Are there any other Senators in door handles. It also means practicing so. In New Hampshire, we pull to-
the Chamber desiring to vote? social distancing by going out in public gether, and we help one another to get
The result was announced—yeas 3, only when absolutely necessary and through challenging times, and I know
nays 95, as follows: keeping at least 6 feet between you and we can come together to slow the
[Rollcall Vote No. 73 Leg.] another person. spread of this virus.
YEAS—3
We have also seen that events people I yield the floor.
look forward to all year, like the Bos- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Braun Lee Paul
ton Marathon or St. Patrick’s Day fes- ator from Texas.
NAYS—95 tivities, have been canceled or post- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, as
Alexander Gillibrand Portman poned. People are following public healthcare professionals, first respond-
Baldwin Graham Reed health officials’ guidelines by staying ers, and communities across our coun-
Barrasso Grassley Risch
Bennet Harris at home and canceling long-awaited try work around the clock to fight the
Roberts
Blackburn Hassan Romney travel plans. spread of the coronavirus, our tele-
Blumenthal Hawley Rosen Taking these necessary measures is visions and news feeds have been filled
Blunt Heinrich Rounds hard and unpleasant, but it has been with a lot of numbers—the number of
Booker Hirono Rubio
Boozman Hoeven inspiring to see how many people are new cases reported each day, the rising
Sanders
Brown Hyde-Smith Sasse willing to make these sacrifices to pro- number of fatalities, unfortunately,
Burr Inhofe tect the public health. and the volatile ups and downs of the
Schatz
Cantwell Johnson
Capito Jones
Schumer Additionally, many people might stock market. All of this data paints a
Scott (SC) contract only mild symptoms from picture of the widening scope of this
Cardin Kaine
Shaheen
Carper Kennedy
Shelby
COVID–19, especially those who are outbreak on a national scale, but it
Casey King younger and in good health; however, fails to represent the impact it is hav-
Cassidy Klobuchar Sinema
Collins Lankford Smith it is heartening that so many of those ing on individuals and on small busi-
Coons Leahy Stabenow individuals recognize how important it nesses in our communities.
Sullivan
Cornyn Loeffler
Tester
is to protect others who might be at I think of people like Joe Kenney,
Cortez Masto Manchin
Cotton Markey Thune higher risk, like those over 60 or people who opened Cobbleheads Bar & Grill in
Cramer McConnell Tillis living with chronic health conditions. Brownsville, TX, nearly 25 years ago.
Crapo McSally Toomey As many Americans know, it is also Like other restaurant owners around
Cruz Menendez Udall
Van Hollen
crucial that we don’t overwhelm our the country, he is trying to adapt so he
Daines Merkley
Duckworth Moran Warner healthcare system and prevent an in- can keep his doors open while he fol-
Durbin Murkowski Warren flux of patients from crowding hos- lows guidelines from the Centers for
Enzi Murphy Whitehouse pitals, which could lead to a shortage Disease Control and Prevention. He
Ernst Murray Wicker
Wyden
of critical medical equipment and per- canceled the restaurant’s popular St.
Feinstein Perdue
Fischer Peters Young sonal protective gear. Collective ac- Patrick’s Day celebration and, instead,
tions, like staying home and mini- offered corned beef and cabbage as a
NOT VOTING—2
mizing interactions with others, will be takeout option, but he is nervous about
Gardner Scott (FL)
crucial in combating this public health just how long he can hold on and how
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under emergency. he will be able to stay afloat.
the previous order requiring 60 votes As people’s lives continue to experi- Joe said: ‘‘Shutting down two, three,
for the adoption of this amendment, ence disruption, I have been inspired to four weeks, you can leave 25 years on
the amendment was rejected. see such a tremendous outpouring of the table with what we put into this
The amendment (No. 1556) was re- support from people all across New place.’’
jected. Hampshire in an effort to help one an- Joe, to his credit, is especially, wor-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- other during this very difficult time. ried about his more than 30 employees
ator from New Hampshire. For instance, nonprofits, food pantries, and what will happen to them.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR6.001 S18MRPT1
S1792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 18, 2020
This is a familiar story for countless first step toward bolstering our re- gently to develop a vaccine; to the first
small businesses and their employees— sponse in the early phases of commu- responders who are continuing to ex-
small businesses that are losing cus- nity spread, and now we are working to pose their own health for our safety; to
tomers through no fault of their own. address the larger impact this virus is the farmers and ranchers and producers
Erin Willis owns RM 12:20 Bistro in having on American workers, families, who are keeping us fed; to the grocery
northeast Dallas. When she heard and our economy. store employees who are restocking
Mayor Johnson’s announcement of lim- Soon, the Senate will take another shelves; and to the countless others
iting restaurants to takeout service, bipartisan step of providing support by who are leaving their homes and their
she said: ‘‘I just hope we can survive passing the Families First Coronavirus families each morning to keep us safe
this.’’ Response Act. This legislation will go a and healthy. We need to say thank you
Like Joe, Erin is mostly concerned long way in providing immediate relief to each of them. As these men and
about the well-being of her staff. Hour- for those who are struggling to make women continue doing everything they
ly workers, particularly those who rely ends meet during this challenging can to respond to the spread of the
on tips, are seeing fewer and fewer op- time. coronavirus, the Senate will do the
portunities to collect paychecks. Erin It creates a new Federal emergency same.
is rotating employees so that everyone paid sick leave program for those who I yield the floor.
can have some work, but the fears are impacted by the coronavirus. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
about how long this could last are real- Whether workers are diagnosed with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
ly settling in. the virus or are caring for dependents clerk will call the roll.
She said: who are affected, they will be able to The legislative clerk proceeded to
The service industry is their livelihood. If take up to 10 days of paid sick leave, call the roll.
we all close, they literally have nothing. and many Texas workers will have ac- Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I
As more and more Americans are cess to 12 weeks of paid leave in order ask unanimous consent that the order
staying home, small businesses and to care for dependents because of for the quorum call be rescinded.
their employees are the hardest hit, coronavirus-related school closures. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs.
but the impact does not end with them. This legislation makes important LOEFFLER). Without objection, it is so
The hard stop on large gatherings changes to unemployment insurance to ordered.
doesn’t just mean businesses, schools, ensure that Texans can take advantage AMENDMENT NO. 1559
and workplaces are shutting down; it of these benefits during this time of Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I
means vital community events, includ- uncertainty. call up amendment No. 1559, as pro-
ing things like blood drives, are being It also provides food security for vided for under the previous order.
canceled. Americans of all ages, from school- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
Officials from the South Texas Blood children who rely on free lunches at clerk will report.
& Tissue Center said this has put their school to seniors who are unable to The legislative clerk read as follows:
community blood supply at risk of col- leave their homes, for every American The Senator from Washington [Mrs. MUR-
lapse, and while this isn’t related to deserves access to basic nutrition. RAY] proposes an amendment numbered 1559.
treating those who have been diag- This bill also makes coronavirus Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I
nosed with the coronavirus, it is vital testing free of charge for all Ameri- ask unanimous consent that the read-
to the ongoing, everyday work of our cans, and it includes a range of meas- ing be dispensed with.
healthcare system. Blood donations ures to support the healthcare profes- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
help people who lose blood during sionals who are literally on the objection, it is so ordered.
major surgeries or after having suf- frontlines of this fight. (The amendment is printed in today’s
fered traumatic injuries. They also I proudly support the bill, and I am RECORD under ‘‘Text of Amendments.’’)
help those who have chronic conditions eager to get it to the President for his Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I
and require occasional blood trans- signature. We shouldn’t delay in send- have been in the Senate during 9/11, for
fusions. ing it to his desk. We have been able to Hurricane Katrina, for the 2008 finan-
Hospitals and donation centers are come together and move two bills cial crisis, and I still have never expe-
taking every precaution to protect do- through Congress that support rienced anything like what we are see-
nors while they are fulfilling the need healthcare workers, neighbors, and ing today. These are truly extraor-
of blood donations, and I encourage all communities that are being impacted dinary circumstances, and the stories I
Texans who are healthy and at low risk by the coronavirus. I hope this trend of am hearing from my constituents and
of contracting the coronavirus to con- bipartisanship will continue in the from people across the country are
sider donating blood. During times like coming weeks and months as we work crushing. Some of the most heart-
these, when it is, perhaps, easy to feel to build on the actions we have already breaking stories are the ones about
that circumstances are beyond your taken. people who want to do the right thing
control, this is one small step each of I echo the comment made by the ma- in this moment but are having to
us can take to support our commu- jority leader that this is only the be- choose between staying home, as public
nities. ginning of our efforts to support our health experts say we must, and paying
I know this is a time of serious un- country. We will keep working this the rent or putting food on the table.
certainty for both the physical and fi- week and next and for however long it I am hearing from workers like
nancial health of our families and our takes in order to assist American Cristal Westwood from Auburn, WA.
country, but I want to assure my con- workers and families, to support our She and her husband just welcomed
stituents—the 29 million people I am local businesses, and to secure both the their first child on February 7 of this
privileged to represent in the State of immediate and long-term viability of year. They both have autoimmune dis-
Texas—that the Senate is working to our economy. Via three task forces, the eases, but her husband’s job is not al-
provide them with the relief that we Senate has already begun the work of lowing him to work from home. And
can. putting together the next economic re- she says:
Less than 2 weeks ago, the President covery legislation, and we will not This is an extremely stressful situation for
signed a bill we passed that provided leave until we get that bill passed, too. our family. We have the option for my hus-
$8.3 billion in emergency funding to While most Americans’ daily lives band to take leave without pay for the next
month or so, but that would mean we
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
combat the virus, which has sent vital have been upended by the spread of the wouldn’t have any income coming in to sup-
funding toward treating and preventing coronavirus, there are countless men port our family. He could use up all of his
the spread of the virus, including to- and women who continue to go to work sick and vacation time, but that would mean
ward the purchase of masks and per- and fill critical needs in our society. he doesn’t have any left for the rest of the
sonal protective equipment, as well as We owe a debt of gratitude to the dedi- year in case something happens. Both of
in supporting the development of a vac- cated healthcare professionals who are those options don’t seem right.
cine, possible treatments, and more on the frontlines of this pandemic; to I agree. That is not right. A pastor in
diagnostics. This was an important the scientists who are working dili- Tukwila, WA, shared similar concerns
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18MR6.019 S18MRPT1
March 18, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1793
from a parent in their congregation ployers can be quickly and fully reim- leave. It strengthens their financial
with school-aged children who worries: bursed by the Treasury Department for footing. It gives certainty and con-
What if they call off school? I don’t have providing that leave. fidence to businesses. Congress has a
anyone to care for the kids. Then, without a For those who may not be ready just responsibility to pass this legislation.
paycheck, we will get evicted. As it is, we al- yet to agree we need paid sick days and It is not only a health imperative but
ready run close to eviction every month. paid leave going forward permanently, a financial one too.
Since that time, all of our schools in the amended version of this bill that Unfortunately, our colleague, Sen-
Washington State are closed. we are introducing today and asking ator JOHNSON—his amendment is cyn-
And then there is Chris, who lives in for a vote on shortly would only pro- ical and counterproductive. This
Seattle, works in a grocery store, and vide this support through December amendment would eliminate paid sick
is at high risk for coronavirus. She 2021. and family leave provisions in favor of
writes: My No. 1 priority right now is getting providing coronavirus-infected people
It’s an awful decision: Go to work and put people the support they need right now with unemployment compensation. So
your life at risk, or lose your job, lose your for this emergency that is at hand, and what he is saying is you have to actu-
income, and lose your insurance. I haven’t this is a commonsense step. It is good ally lose your job if you need to stay
committed either way at this point. I’m try- for workers who need to stay home if home to care for a loved one or because
ing to find a way to stay home. they are sick or to take care of their you are sick yourself, and that is just
I am not just hearing from workers family without losing a job or their wrongheaded because, the truth is, we
but from small business owners, as paycheck, and it is good for small busi- want people to keep their jobs. We
well, across our State, people who own nesses that want to keep their workers want people to have their jobs be there
restaurants and shops. Everyone from and communities safe and that are when they get better or when their
farmers to fishers who are used to the struggling to stay afloat during this family member gets better. We want
spring being a time when the phones crisis. them to have their jobs after they re-
are ringing off the hook. Now no one is It is the right thing to do for our cover themselves. This is why paid
coming in the door. No one is calling. economy, for our public health, and we leave and sick leave is such a better so-
They want to do the right thing for should get it done as soon as possible. lution than just straight-up unemploy-
their workers, but they don’t have the If we don’t do this, if we let this oppor- ment insurance.
cashflow to keep them on. tunity slip by, we are sending a mes- Workers deserve protections so they
People are scared. They feel they sage to scared people across the coun- don’t lose their job just because their
have gotten the rug pulled out from try that we are still not willing to ac- kids’ school closed, and they need to be
under them, and they need our help. knowledge the scope of the tragedy we home to look after them. Wouldn’t any
Unfortunately, here is what the Sen- are seeing unfold and not listening to employee in America today prefer to
ator from Wisconsin wants to do. After the stories like the ones I just shared, keep their job and have paid sick leave
the House overwhelmingly passed a bi- rather than having to quit and take un-
stories that I know my colleagues have
partisan agreement that includes an employment insurance? Wouldn’t every
heard as well.
important step forward to provide We must not and we cannot send that Member of this body and President
workers the paid sick leave they need message. People need help; they need Trump himself want to keep unemploy-
in this crisis, his amendment would ment numbers from exploding any fur-
hope; and they need to see that we are
undo that bipartisan work by stripping ther than they are already?
willing to do the right thing and pass
While the unemployment system will
any paid sick leave progress out of the big solutions. So I hope all of our col- continue to play a very important role
bill we are voting on today. leagues join us in supporting our for those who have lost their jobs, it
Instead of helping people keep their amendment. I want to see this passed cannot be the only answer. I thank
jobs and their paychecks by providing and sent to the President’s desk as part Senator MURRAY for her leadership and
sick leave, Senator JOHNSON’s amend- of this response, and by the way, I am her steadfast advocacy for family and
ment would force workers to seek com- not going to stop fighting until that medical leave and paid sick days. This
pensation through their State unem- happens. amendment is crafted to provide ex-
ployment system, meaning they would I yield the floor. traordinary economic stimulus and
be on their own until they were com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- support to our businesses when they
pensated by the State, and the unem- ator from New York is recognized. need it absolutely the most, and most
ployment system in each State would Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Presi-
of all, it is giving certainty because
be drastically overburdened at a time dent, across New York State and
people are afraid. They don’t want to
when workers are going to need it in around the country, schools are closing have to spread coronavirus to every
the event they are laid off. and businesses are shutting their doors person they work with. They don’t
Democrats are pushing for solutions as we face this unprecedented crisis. want to have to leave their children
through the unemployment insurance This public health emergency has ex- unattended at home. They would love
to support families and workers in the posed the weakness in our economy to stay at work, but under the cir-
months ahead, but simply using this and in our system. We are not doing cumstances, they cannot.
program now as a replacement for paid nearly enough for workers, for their Allow them to keep their jobs. Allow
sick leave workers is unacceptable, and families, and those who need to deal them to draw down on paid leave while
it is shameful. We have to do better with medical and financial emergencies their child is at home for a week, a
than that. that this virus has caused. month, or 3 months. If they themselves
At a time when families are facing Congress has a duty to look out for are sick, God forbid, make sure they
impossible decisions, my fellow Sen- families who are staring down uncer- are not in the community spreading
ators face a glaringly simple one. We tainty, fear, and financial ruin. Our top this virus, make sure they can be home
need to be doing as much as we can as priority must be strengthening our getting better and reemerging to do
fast as we can, and his amendment public health system and ensuring that their work when they are well.
would set us backward at the worst hard-working Americans, who are fac- Democrats stand ready to work with
possible time. ing this crisis due to no fault of their Senate Republicans to pass this impor-
That is why I am here on the floor to own, can keep their jobs while taking tant bill. We need to meet the needs of
offer our amendment, based on legisla- care of themselves and their loved the American people today. This is our
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
tion I have worked on with Senator ones. duty in this grave time of need.
GILLIBRAND and Representative We must also ensure that businesses, I yield the floor.
DELAURO, introduced yesterday. Our many of which have been forced to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
legislation would simply provide work- close their doors in the name of the ator from Wisconsin is recognized.
ers with 7 days of accrued paid sick public good, do not have to cover these AMENDMENT NO. 1558
leave, 2 weeks of paid emergency days, unexpected costs alone. The PAID Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I
and 12 weeks of paid emergency leave, Leave Act ensures that every worker in call up my amendment No. 1558 and ask
and it would make sure that their em- America has full paid sick and family it be reported by number.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18MR6.022 S18MRPT1
S1794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 18, 2020
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (ii) $1,000. and American businesses are suffering,
objection, the clerk will report the (B) DETERMINATIONS.—The amount of an through no fault of their own, and they
amendment by number. individual’s average weekly earnings shall be need help. We all want to provide that
The bill clerk read as follows: determined by the State.
(d) RETROACTIVE APPLICATION.—States
help. Hopefully, we want to provide
The Senator from Wisconsin [Mr. JOHNSON] shall make temporary emergency Federal that effectively and efficiently with as
proposes an amendment numbered 1558. coronavirus unemployment insurance bene- few negative, unintended consequences
The amendment is as follows: fits under this section retroactively avail- as possible.
(Purpose: To strike Federally mandated sick able to March 1, 2020. What I would suggest is, this is really
pay and paid family leave and replace it (e) WORK REQUIREMENTS.—Individuals re-
ceiving temporary emergency Federal
no time, though, to follow Rahm
with financial support provided through
State administered unemployment insur- coronavirus unemployment insurance bene- Emanuel’s famous dictate that you
ance systems and funds) fits under this section shall not be required should never let a crisis go to waste.
Strike divisions C, E, and G. to search for work. From my viewpoint, I think one of the
At the end of division D, add the following: (f) FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENTS.—The Fed- reasons we have had a more successful
SEC. ll. SENSE OF CONGRESS. eral government shall— economy—certainly far more success-
It is the sense of Congress that— (1) reimburse States for the full cost of ful than the economy, the slow recov-
complying with the requirements under this
(1) it is the intention of Congress and the ery we had out of the 2009 recession—is
administration to provide immediate finan- section that are above and beyond the bene-
fits currently provided under each State’s that this administration has focused on
cial support to workers who will be idled and reducing the regulatory burden. First
lose pay and benefits because of COVID-19; current unemployment insurance law for
benefits paid under this program; and we stopped adding to it, and then we
(2) Federally mandated sick pay and paid
family leave will prompt some employers (2) reimburse any employer who employs actually reduced it. That brought a fair
who cannot afford this mandate to preemp- fewer than 500 employees and who volun- amount of optimism and animate spir-
tively terminate the employment of workers tarily provides paid leave to an employee for its to our economy because
they no longer have work for due to cir- the reasons described in subsection (a) an businesspeople could actually con-
amount equal to two-thirds of the actual
cumstances surrounding COVID-19; centrate on their products and their
(3) even without that negative incentive, payment made up to $1,000 per week and not
to exceed $10,000 per employee. services rather than looking over their
the COVID-19 will cause many Americans to shoulders to find out what new govern-
lose their jobs, and not be eligible for Feder- (g) NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.—For
purposes of calculating the National unem- ment regulation was going to cause
ally mandated sick pay or family and med-
ical leave, so the only income support will be ployment rate, the Bureau of Labor Statis- them to hire a new compliance officer,
unemployment insurance; and tics of the Department of Labor shall not in- increase their cost, and possibly put
(4) it would be more efficient to administer clude workers obtaining temporary emer- them out of business.
this Federal financial support for workers gency Federal coronavirus unemployment
insurance benefits. What I am suggesting is, when we
using only one, rather than two or more pro- provide that help—and we need to pro-
(h) REGULATORY AUTHORITIES.—
grams.
(1) LABOR.—The Secretary of Labor (or the vide that help to both hard-working
SEC. ll. TEMPORARY EMERGENCY FEDERAL Secretary’s delegate) shall prescribe such
CORONAVIRUS UNEMPLOYMENT IN-
American workers as well as American
regulations or other guidance as may be nec- businesses—that we do it in the most
SURANCE BENEFIT PROGRAM.
essary to carry out the purposes of this sec- efficient and effective manner, and we
(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to receive the
tion.
credit against the Federal Unemployment
(2) TREASURY.—The Secretary of Treasury
do more good than harm. Now, I would
Tax Act (26 U.S.C. 23), States shall provide (or the Secretary’s delegate) shall prescribe argue that a new mandate on business
temporary emergency Federal coronavirus such regulations or other guidance as may be is going to do a great deal of economic
unemployment insurance benefits to any in- necessary to carry out the purpose of this harm. It may sound good, but it is not
dividual who has worked for pay at any time section. the right way to go.
in the last 30 days and who for any calendar (i) SUNSET.—The temporary emergency
day is not able to engage in employment due Federal coronavirus unemployment insur-
We will eventually come out of this.
to any of the following reasons: ance benefit program under this section shall We will be recovering from economic
(1) The individual is subject to a Federal, expire on the earlier of the date of the termi- woes. We need to learn the lesson from
State, or local quarantine or isolation order nation of the national emergency declared 2009, where overregulation hampered
related to COVID-19. by the President under the National Emer- our recovery. So let’s not add a new
(2) The individual has been advised by a gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with re-
health care provider to self-quarantine due
mandate. I know the House bill is only
spect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 temporary, but temporary becomes
to concerns related to COVID-19. (COVID-19) or December 31, 2020.
(3) The individual is experiencing symp- permanent around this place pretty
ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS good. As Ronald Reagan once said, the
toms of COVID-19 and seeking medical diag-
nosis; Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I closest thing to eternal life in our life-
(4) The individual is caring for an indi- ask unanimous consent that Senator time is a government program.
vidual who is subject to an order as described BLACKBURN, Senator COTTON, Senator
in paragraph (1) or has been advised as de- I will also say that my office has
CRUZ, Senator LOEFFLER, and Senator
scribed in paragraph (2); been flooded with businesses calling in
PERDUE be added as cosponsors to my
(5) The individual is caring for a son or also not believing this is only going to
amendment No. 1558 to H.R. 6201.
daughter under the age of 18 years of such in- be temporary and not really having
dividual if the school or place of care of the
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
confidence in the Rube Goldberg fi-
son or daughter has been closed, or the child objection, it is so ordered.
Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, I nancing mechanism for this, again,
care provider of such son of daughter is un- temporary mandate for paid sick and
available, due to COVID-19 precautions. ask unanimous consent that I be al-
(6) The individual is subject to a temporary lowed and the Senator from Pennsyl- family leave.
lay-off under section 604.5(a)(3) of title 20, vania be allowed to finish our com- The good news is, there is a better
Code of Federal Regulations, due to COVID- ments before we start the vote. way, and that is what my amendment
19. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there does. It creates a temporary emergency
(b) WAITING PERIOD.—States shall not re- Federal unemployment insurance pro-
quire any waiting period in order to receive
objection?
benefits for those individuals described in Without objection, it is so ordered. gram sitting on top of what already ex-
subsection (a). Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, we ists. Rather than having two or three
(c) BENEFITS.— are facing, with the coronavirus, an un- or more programs trying to provide
(1) IN GENERAL.—States shall pay benefits precedented situation, certainly in my that funding to workers for whom we
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
to those individuals described in subsection lifetime. These are extraordinary times all want to provide that support, we
(a) on a weekly basis for each calendar day we are living in and trying to live would have basically a single program,
an individual is not able to engage in em- through, and there is no doubt that ex- a single method for doing that using
ployment for up to 14 weeks.
traordinary times require extraor- State unemployment offices. They are
(2) CALCULATION.—
(A) AMOUNT.—The weekly benefit shall be dinary measures. already set up to do this. With some
the lesser of— The good news is that there is a lot of slight modifications, they would be
(i) two-thirds of the individual’s average agreement in terms of what we need to able to handle this, and here would be
weekly earnings; or do. We all recognize that Americans the slight modifications.
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18MR6.023 S18MRPT1
March 18, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1795
First of all, our bill waives any wait- that they are having to make for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there
ing periods, but then, we also reim- first time ever in completely unchart- any other Senators in the Chamber de-
burse the States for paying unemploy- ered waters. siring to vote?
ment during that waiting period. We Then this legislation comes along The result was announced—yeas 47,
have the exact same eligibility as the and says: Now, by the way, you are nays 51, as follows:
House bill. It is focused on those indi- going to have to figure out and navi- [Rollcall Vote No. 74 Leg.]
viduals affected by the coronavirus, the gate your way through a whole new YEAS—47
exact same definition. The benefits are system you have never heard of before, Baldwin Hassan Rosen
identical as well. We would provide and you are going to have to go Bennet Heinrich Sanders
support. We would plus-up the State through all the books and the rules and Blumenthal Hirono Schatz
unemployment benefits up to two- regulations and consult your lawyer Booker Jones Schumer
Brown Kaine Shaheen
thirds of employee’s wages, not to ex- and figure out exactly how you comply Cantwell King Sinema
ceed $1,000 a week. with this complex, new mechanism so Cardin Klobuchar Smith
We also recognize those companies that you comply with the law and get Carper Leahy Stabenow
that are willing to voluntarily offer the reimbursement that is intended. Casey Manchin
Tester
Coons Markey
sick pay and paid family leave by reim- That is a huge problem for these folks Cortez Masto Menendez
Udall
bursing them up to that same level— who are struggling to stay alive. Duckworth Van Hollen
Merkley
Durbin Murphy Warner
two-thirds of actual wages, up to $1,000 So what Senator JOHNSON’s amend- Warren
Feinstein Murray
per week, no more than $10,000 per em- ment does is this: It just shifts the sub- Gillibrand Peters Whitehouse
ployee. They are the exact same bene- stantial administrative costs and bur- Harris Reed Wyden
fits as the House bill. And, of course, dens off the back of the business owner
NAYS—51
we actually make ours temporary. and operator and allows it to be man-
Alexander Ernst Paul
There will be a great deal of pressure aged by the State unemployment sys- Barrasso Fischer Perdue
on the part of State unemployment tems that are in the business of pro- Blackburn Graham Portman
programs to get out of this as soon as viding compensation. We plus it up, Blunt Grassley Risch
they possibly can. But they can accept and we waive the waiting periods so Boozman Hawley Roberts
Braun Hoeven Romney
it, accept that Federal help, while they that the individual workers who are Burr Hyde-Smith Rounds
need it. adversely affected by this COVID–19 Capito Inhofe Rubio
So our bill sunsets; the earliest pandemic will still get the benefits Cassidy Johnson Sasse
would be either at the expiration of the Collins Kennedy Scott (SC)
that we all want them to get. It is just Cornyn Lankford Shelby
national declared emergency or on De- a better way to deliver this. Cotton Lee Sullivan
cember 31, 2020. So I hope my colleagues will vote in Cramer Loeffler Thune
This is a commonsense piece of legis- favor of it. Crapo McConnell Tillis
Cruz McSally Toomey
lation. It does not saddle small busi- I yield the floor. Daines Moran Wicker
nesses, American businesses, with a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Enzi Murkowski Young
new mandate that they don’t have a ator from New York.
NOT VOTING—2
great deal of confidence in. It would ac- Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I
strongly disagree with both of my col- Gardner Scott (FL)
tually be funded 100 percent by the
Federal Government. By the way, the leagues’ statements because, in fact, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT-
House bill does not fund this 100 per- there is no administrative burden given TON). Under the previous order requir-
cent. It leaves gaps. And it would defi- to the small businesses. ing 60 votes for the adoption of this
nitely be temporary in utilizing the ex- In fact, our bill is doing exactly what amendment, the amendment was re-
isting programs in the States that are the small businesses want, which is to jected.
sitting on top of it, providing Federal provide direct payments to the busi- The amendment (No. 1559) was re-
support for the workers who are going nesses—not a tax credit that they get jected.
to actually need it as we go through many months in the future but direct VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 1558
this unprecedented event in our Na- payments to them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
tion’s history. I don’t think unemployment insur- question occurs on agreeing to amend-
With that, I yield the floor to the ance given to the States is going to re- ment No. 1558.
Senator from Pennsylvania. sult in immediate relief for the em- Ms. DUCKWORTH. I ask for the yeas
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ployees who need it. Again, you are and nays.
PERDUE). The Senator from Pennsyl- creating a false structure. Requiring
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a
vania. people to quit their jobs so they can
sufficient second?
Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I thank care for a child who has been sent from
There appears to be a sufficient sec-
the Senator from Wisconsin for leading school is absurd. It is far better to have
ond.
on this effort. a national paid leave program in this
The clerk will call the roll.
I rise in strong support of this country. And unlike what my colleague
amendment. The two of us—and I sus- The senior assistant legislative clerk
said, it is not permanent; it is tem-
pect almost everybody in this Cham- called the roll.
porary, and there is no administrative
ber—fully support the idea, the goal, Mr. THUNE. The following Senators
burden.
and the need to provide relief to work- are necessarily absent: the Senator
I yield the floor.
ers who have been affected by this pan- from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the
VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 1559
demic. That is not what is in dispute Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT).
The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.
here. There is a legitimate and serious has expired.
concern about the mechanism by which BOOZMAN). Are there any other Sen-
The question is on agreeing to the ators in the Chamber desiring to vote?
that is provided. Murray amendment.
The House bill imposes a very signifi- The result was announced—yeas 50,
Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and
cant administrative burden on the very nays 48, as follows:
nays.
small businesses struggling to survive. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a [Rollcall Vote No. 75 Leg.]
We are all taking these phone calls sufficient second? YEAS—50
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
from all across our States—men and There appears to be a sufficient sec- Alexander Cotton Hawley
women who are operating a business. ond. Barrasso Cramer Hoeven
Blackburn Crapo Hyde-Smith
They are on the edge, and they are try- The clerk will call the roll. Blunt Cruz Inhofe
ing to figure out: How do we stay alive? The bill clerk called the roll. Boozman Daines Johnson
How do we keep this business alive Mr. THUNE. The following Senators Braun Enzi Kennedy
until we can come out on the other are necessarily absent: the Senator Burr Ernst Lankford
Capito Fischer Lee
side? They are struggling with all from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the Cassidy Graham Loeffler
kinds of very, very tough decisions Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT). Cornyn Grassley Manchin
VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G18MR6.024 S18MRPT1
S1796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 18, 2020
McConnell Roberts Sullivan Tester Udall Whitehouse It is a cold; it is a mild flu to them.
McSally Rounds Thune Thune Van Hollen Wicker
Moran Rubio Tillis Tillis Warner Wyden
But for our vulnerable populations—
Paul Sasse Toomey Toomey Warren Young our elderly populations, those with
Perdue Scott (SC) Wicker
NAYS—8
heart issues, those with lung issues,
Portman Shelby Young smokers, diabetics—this can be a very,
Risch Sinema Blackburn Lankford Sasse
Inhofe Lee Scott (SC)
very serious thing.
NAYS—48 Johnson Paul The challenge we face in our
Baldwin Harris Reed healthcare is that every person who
Bennet Hassan Romney NOT VOTING—2
Blumenthal Heinrich Rosen
walks in to get tested is face to face
Gardner Scott (FL)
Booker Hirono Sanders with one of our healthcare workers, es-
Brown Jones Schatz The bill (H.R. 6201) was passed. pecially in rural areas of our State,
Cantwell Kaine Schumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under who may be the only healthcare profes-
Cardin King Shaheen the previous order, the motion to re-
Carper Klobuchar Smith sional for that entire county. If that
Casey Leahy Stabenow consider is considered made and laid person—who has not been vaccinated
Collins Markey Tester upon the table. as well because there is no vaccine
Coons Menendez Udall The majority leader. yet—is not able to serve the rest of the
Cortez Masto Merkley Van Hollen
Duckworth Murkowski Warner
Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, population, that health situation be-
Durbin Murphy Warren we just passed the bill that came over comes even worse because of dimin-
Feinstein Murray Whitehouse from the House, and it is on its way to ishing care.
Gillibrand Peters Wyden the President. It is a very important We, as Americans, have taken this
NOT VOTING—2 first step, which we are calling phase 2. seriously, as we should. We are paying
Gardner Scott (FL) We continue to work on the next bill attention. The younger population is
to respond to the crisis. I want to re- spending time trying to get away from
The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this peat again that the Senate is going to
vote, the yeas are 50, and the nays are other individuals, to self-isolate, to
stay in session until we finish phase 3, self-quarantine—‘‘social distancing’’ is
48. Under the previous order requiring the next bill, and send it over to the
60 votes for adoption of this amend- the new term—to find some way to not
House. be close to someone else so they don’t
ment, the amendment is rejected. Now, Republicans hope, shortly, to
The amendment (No. 1558) was re- accidentally pass the virus on, because
have a consolidated position along with although the virus may be within them
jected. the administration. Then we intend to
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and they are not personally physically
sit down with our Democratic col- affected much, the effect on someone
clerk will read the title of the bill for leagues to see what we can agree to.
the third time. else could be pretty dramatic. So, out
I would recommend that Senators of respect for others, they are trying to
The bill was ordered to a third read- stay around, close. Just how long it
ing and was read the third time. manage that distance and be attentive
will take to get through these steps is to that.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill unclear, but as everyone knows, we are
having been read the third time, the There have been multiple actions
moving rapidly because the situation from the government over the past sev-
question is, Shall the bill pass? demands it.
Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I ask for the eral months. There are the travel bans
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we all know very much about, starting
yeas and nays. ator from Oklahoma.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a with China and now in multiple areas
f of the world, and lots of encourage-
sufficient second?
There appears to be a sufficient sec- MORNING BUSINESS ment to limit gatherings, first to 250
ond. Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I and then to 50 and now to 10. Now it is
The clerk will call the roll. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- a series of just keep social distancing,
The legislative clerk called the roll. ate be in a period of morning business, to make sure you are aware of that.
Mr. THUNE. The following Senators with Senators permitted to speak There have been emergency declara-
are necessarily absent: the Senator therein for up to 10 minutes each. tions.
from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without CMS has changed coverage, as re-
Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT). objection, it is so ordered. cently as yesterday, dealing with
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. issues like telehealth, making sure in-
f
BLACKBURN). Are there any other Sen- dividuals who may have other care
CORONAVIRUS needs don’t have to actually go in to a
ators in the Chamber desiring to vote?
The result was announced—yeas 90, Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, 3 healthcare professional—for their fear
nays 8, as follows: months ago, no one in the country—in of who else is sitting in the waiting
fact, no one in the world—had heard room—but they can get access to tele-
[Rollcall Vote No. 76 Leg.]
the term ‘‘COVID–19.’’ The term health, which is a much needed change.
YEAS—90
‘‘coronavirus’’ was around, but most The FDA has been very aggressive in
Alexander Duckworth McSally giving access to different States to do
Baldwin Durbin Menendez
folks didn’t use that because it was
Barrasso Enzi Merkley connected to SARS or to MERS in the their own testing regimens.
Bennet Ernst Moran past. The CDC has been active in trying to
Blumenthal Feinstein Murkowski In December of 2019, an infection get to a point where they can get a
Blunt Fischer Murphy
Booker Gillibrand Murray started in China, and it spread rapidly testing system that can actually get
Boozman Graham Perdue through the Wuhan region. By Janu- out to the entire country. The chal-
Braun Grassley Peters ary, there were thousands of people af- lenge was, early on, many other coun-
Brown Harris Portman
Burr Hassan Reed
fected before most of the world even tries did tests and developed tests with
Cantwell Hawley Risch knew it existed. Now, almost every a high false-positive rate. The CDC was
Capito Heinrich Roberts country in the world has infections. We very focused on trying to get as accu-
Cardin Hirono Romney have hundreds of thousands of people rate as it possibly could. That meant it
Carper Hoeven Rosen
Casey Hyde-Smith Rounds who have had contact with this virus, took longer, and we don’t have the
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
Cassidy Jones Rubio and unfortunately we have lost thou- tests out. The tests are more accurate,
Collins Kaine Sanders sands of people worldwide. but we don’t have the tests in the num-
Coons Kennedy Schatz
Cornyn King Schumer
In the United States, the numbers bers we need at the moment we needed
Cortez Masto Klobuchar Shaheen continue to increase as we are con- them, which was last week. So now we
Cotton Leahy Shelby tinuing to increase the number of peo- are still struggling to catch up on test-
Cramer Loeffler Sinema ple we can actually test. Fortunately, ing all over the country.
Crapo Manchin Smith
Cruz Markey Stabenow the vast majority of the people who get Multiple other labs and multiple uni-
Daines McConnell Sullivan this virus have little to no symptoms. versities are also coming on board. In
VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:52 Mar 19, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18MR6.007 S18MRPT1
File and source
- File
- CREC_crec-2020-03-18_crec-2020-03-18-pt1-pgs1790-2.pdf
- Size
- 251,517 bytes
- SHA-256
- 363ffe2b9282217a0a1d43e7a62019bdee07201895ff48b38c28c02529a40965
- Original
- www.govinfo.gov