Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, March 19, 2020 — Congressional Record, Senate
Summary
Congressional Record — Senate for March 19, 2020, beginning at page S1828. A senator lists, in order, direct financial help for the American people, rapid relief for small businesses and their employees, steps to stabilize the economy and protect jobs, and more support for healthcare professionals and patients fighting the coronavirus. Another senator describes the Telehealth Across State Lines Act, which would lead to uniform national best practices for telemedicine across State lines and set up a grant program to expand existing telehealth programs. The text closes with executive communication EC–4346, from the President of the United States, a report relative to the designation of emergency requirements funding.
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
“Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, March 19, 2020 — Congressional Record, Senate.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-03-19-crec-2020-03-19-pt1-pgs1828-bd940bb82f/
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S1828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 19, 2020
Last year, I introduced the Internet No. 1135 regulations, which would pre- first, direct financial help for the
Exchange Act, which enables these vent patients from taking advantage of American people; second, rapid relief
communities to support the high-speed telehealth services. Aren’t we grateful for small businesses and their employ-
internet connections that the tele- that this has been lifted? I thank Presi- ees; third, significant steps to stabilize
health software requires. Now, we all dent Trump for green-lighting that. It our economy and protect jobs; and
know that you cannot have access to is what you call a win for consumers fourth, more support for the brave
21st century healthcare or emergency who have a difficult time in getting to healthcare professionals and the pa-
response without having access to physicians’ offices. tients who are fighting the coronavirus
high-speed internet. These concepts go It is time for Medicaid and private on the frontlines.
hand in hand. At a time when we are health insurers to get on board and Now, just yesterday, by an over-
facing a global pandemic and the im- cover these telehealth services. For our whelming vote, the Senate passed bi-
pact that this has on our country and private insurers, it will make it easier partisan legislation that originated
our citizens, we know everyone needs for those who are covered under their with the Democratic House of Rep-
that access and should be able to go in insurance plans to get to the care they resentatives. So I hope this bold, new
and access this care. need in a timely manner. For our State proposal will find a similar degree of
Last year, as part of a rural health Medicaid officials, this will involve re- bipartisan respect and mutual urgency
agenda that my team and I developed thinking some of their licensures and on the other side of the aisle and across
in working with our State and local other procedures. For insurance com- the Capitol.
electeds, I introduced the Telehealth panies, it will involve making complex I look forward to working with our
Across State Lines Act so that we but responsible business decisions. Democratic colleagues and the admin-
could bring healthcare to the patient Let’s remember we are all in this istration to complete this important
rather than always taking the patient fight together against the coronavirus. work and to deliver for our country.
to the healthcare. I am so appreciative We are in this fight together. It is up Here are the next steps. A group of
that Administrator Verma, of CMS, is to us to find solutions as to how Amer- my Republican colleagues is standing
paying close attention to this and is icans are going to be able to access the by to explain this legislation and talk
working carefully to relax some of the care they need when they need it. We with the group’s counterparts: Chair-
rules. need to address these things imme- man CRAPO and Senator TOOMEY from
Telehealth Across State Lines would diately because this is no longer our the Committee on Banking, Housing,
lead to the creation of uniform na- just talking about convenience or our and Urban Affairs; Chairman ALEX-
tional best practices for the provision being able to call in to a meeting. The ANDER from the Committee on Health,
of telemedicine across State lines. Sec- coronavirus has evolved into a global Education, Labor, and Pensions; Chair-
ond, it would set up a grant program to threat. Technology that can spare peo- man GRASSLEY and Senator PORTMAN
expand existing telehealth programs ple from the risk of exposure should from the Committee on Finance; Chair-
and incentivize the adoption of tele- not be seen as a luxury or only avail- man RUBIO from the Committee on
health by Medicare and Medicaid—two able to a few. We have the tools we Small Business and Entrepreneurship,
things that are needed. need to suppress the transmission of as well as Senator COLLINS; Chairman
We have seen these gaps in access to COVID–19 in the United States, and we WICKER from the Committee on Com-
care. This is one way we can make cer- have a plan to secure our pharma- merce, Science, and Transportation;
tain that everyone, during these times ceutical and our healthcare supply and our majority whip, Senator THUNE.
of a pandemic, has access to care. Any- chains. These will be our point people.
one who has ever videoconferenced into It is time to get it done. We are the I invite all of their Democratic coun-
a meeting—and I will tell you that my United States of America. We can come terparts to join us at the table tomor-
staff has been doing that with employ- together and respond to this attack by row. These are urgent discussions.
ers and with organizations and with this virus. We can defeat it, and we can They need to happen at a Member
citizens around our State—knows this make certain there is a way to provide level, and they need to happen starting
is a game-changer during a time when access to healthcare for all Americans right now.
people are not able to go in for meet- regardless of the ZIP Codes in which I might add that all Republican Sen-
ings. they live. ators, whether they are part of this
My support for telemedicine has been I yield the floor. group that I just mentioned or not,
grounded in more than just conven- I suggest the absence of a quorum. have been asked to stay in town. We
ience. The forethought behind this The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. are here. We are ready to act as soon as
push for telemedicine was to ask: How BRAUN). The clerk will call the roll. an agreement with our colleagues
do we make it more accessible? How do The senior assistant legislative clerk across the aisle can be reached. The ad-
we make certain the care you are able proceeded to call the roll. ministration has agreed to send the
to receive does not depend on the ZIP Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Secretary of the Treasury, the Director
Code in which you live? Right now, as ask unanimous consent that the order of the National Economic Council, and
we are talking about testing and com- for the quorum call be rescinded. the White House Director of Legisla-
municating with doctors and being cu- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tive Affairs, and they will participate
rious as to if we have symptoms and CRAMER). Without objection, it is so or- in these discussions, again, beginning
how to treat symptoms, accessibility is dered. tomorrow.
so important. f These bipartisan discussions must
What we have learned from the dan- begin immediately and continue with
gers posed by fears of the Wuhan, PROVIDING EMERGENCY ASSIST- urgency at the Member level until we
China, coronavirus and the spreading ANCE AND HEALTH CARE RE- have results. We know this legislation
of this virus is that it has made us re- SPONSE FOR INDIVIDUALS, FAM- will not be the last word. Bipartisan,
alize that, actually, telemedicine and ILIES, AND BUSINESSES AF- bicameral talks are already underway
access to telemedicine makes accessing FECTED BY THE 2020 to act on the administration’s request,
healthcare safer in so many instances— CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC in addition to this, for a supplemental
for the elderly, for those who are home- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, as appropriation, but we need to take bold
bound, for those with complex medical our Nation confronts this health crisis and swift action as soon as possible.
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situations. and the economic crisis it is spawning, We need to take further steps to con-
My colleagues will recall, during the Senate Republicans have prepared a tinue addressing our Nation’s
first meeting that our conference had bold legislative proposal. I am offi- healthcare needs, and we need to help
with the administration regarding the cially introducing the Coronavirus Aid, protect American workers, families,
coronavirus response, I specifically Relief, and Economic Security Act. and small businesses from this unique
asked officials with the Centers for This legislation takes bold action on economic crisis that threatens to wors-
Medicare and Medicaid Services to four major priorities that are ex- en with every single day. We need to
push for the temporary relief of section tremely urgent and very necessary: have the American people’s backs. This
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March 19, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1829
legislation is a significant next step, add to the strain that everybody has ployed because of government’s deci-
and the Senate is not going anywhere out there. We do this by issuing recov- sions—not the employer’s decision, not
until we take action. Our Republican ery assistance to American families in the employee’s lack of hard work, but
colleagues are here. They are in town. the form of checks that can go out the because Federal, State, and local gov-
They are ready to act. We look forward door in short order. These direct pay- ernments have stopped interaction
to meeting with our Democratic coun- ments could be as much as $1,200 for in- among people so that we don’t spread
terparts tomorrow. dividuals, $2,400 for couples, with addi- this virus, and it is because of what the
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tional assistance to families. Obvi- World Health Organization has labeled
ator from Iowa. ously, the purpose of this is to provide a world health pandemic.
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, all immediate relief to folks who are fac- We don’t see it as bad now as we do
100 Senators are hearing from our con- ing cash flow problems in their fami- in Italy and other countries in Europe.
stituents about the urgency of our act- lies as they stay home to stop the We hope we don’t see it as bad as they
ing. If we aren’t hearing about the ur- spread of this virus. have, but we just don’t know, and be-
gency of our acting, we are hearing To avoid in-person meetings with tax cause we don’t know, people have this
about the questions they have about preparers in the midst of the pandemic, anxiety. They don’t know about the fu-
the future economy, as they read about we are extending the tax filing dead- ture, and we ought to give some help to
businesses being in trouble, res- line from April 15 to July 15, and of the future.
taurants shutting down, and schools course we all know that the adminis- I described to you some of the things
closing. All of these decisions that tration has already deferred collection the Finance Committee is working on.
have brought doubt to the minds of our of taxes until July or later. So this will I have also joined Senator ALEX-
constituents have been caused by gov- help families defer filing costs and ANDER and others to assist healthcare
ernmental action as a result of the avoid meetings that could put folks at workers and patients. This portion of
virus pandemic, the world health pan- risk at this time of—who knows how the package includes several Finance
demic, that has been expressed. far the effect of this virus is going to Committee provisions to help everyone
We have to respond to that, and I be. The deadline for quarterly esti- fight the pandemic. For example, we
think the leader has said how urgently mated tax payments will also be post- are adding additional flexibility to the
he takes the response that our con- poned for 180 days. health savings accounts, bolstering
stituents expect from us and that we We encourage those able to lend a fi- telehealth services, and boosting Medi-
have a responsibility for taking action. nancial hand by providing additional care payments to healthcare providers.
This is an urgent time for us. deductions for charitable giving. This We can contain this deadly virus
As Americans continue to do their includes suspending the deduction lim- without destroying livelihoods or the
part to curb the spread of coronavirus itation for cash donations by individ- Nation’s economy, but right now, our
and the pandemic that it has been constituents have doubt about that,
uals and easing the limitation on dona-
called, we are doing our part here in and this proposal the leader has put
tions of cash and food inventories by
the Senate to support Americans, and forth is to try to quiet some of that
businesses. Additionally, for those who
that includes their families and their anxiety.
do not itemize, a new deduction will be These recommendations take bold
jobs. available for everyone who gives, re-
Congress passed two bills quickly to steps to curb the economic fallout as
gardless of how you file your taxes. we work as a country to contain this
step up the government’s ability to American businesses, as we know, are
pandemic. These proposals won’t be the
combat the virus and to provide great- the engine of our economy, and we
end of the congressional response to
er security for families whose incomes stand ready to help them as well. the coronavirus. I think we made clear
have been disrupted by containment ef- American business men and women are that this is the third effort—two al-
forts. Those two bills—one signed just our job providers, and we need to make ready signed by the President of the
last night by the President—were very sure that they can keep their doors United States—and there will probably
bipartisan in these efforts. We need to open—or if those doors are closed be more. When people want more than
continue that bipartisanship. today, to reopen them—and that the what is maybe here, there are going to
We are now working, as the leader payrolls they have going out to those be plenty of opportunities for more.
just introduced, on a bold and com- individual workers and families across I wish I could say we know by a cer-
prehensive effort to provide additional the Nation can be maintained. tain date that this anxiety is going to
relief to Americans and our economy in Our proposal includes items to im- go away and we know this pandemic
this challenging time, to respond to prove cash flow and liquidity for busi- has slowed down enough that we can go
the anxiety that the American people nesses of all sizes. Businesses, includ- back to work and start interacting
have that I previously said was caused ing the self-employed, will be able to with our friends and family to the
by government—and not just the Fed- defer their quarterly tax estimates 180 same extent we always have and open
eral Government but State govern- days and their employer Social Secu- up the restaurants.
ments maybe in 50 different ways be- rity tax payments through 2020. I stand ready to continue identifying
cause of 50 different States and by We are going to increase the limit on targeted relief as necessary to help
many local governments in different interest deductibility. We will speed up bridge the gap beyond this bill, but we
ways, as they felt they needed to take the recovery of the alternative min- need to take this next step and do it
action. I have already referred to shut- imum tax credits. We will relax limita- quickly.
ting down restaurants, schools closing, tions on how companies use losses from I want to thank Leader MCCONNELL
et cetera. That speaks to how it affects previous years to reduce their tax bur- for convening our task forces to quick-
the individuals we are trying to help. dens. ly provide meaningful relief to fami-
I am chairman of the Finance Com- These are just some of the many pro- lies, individuals, and all sectors of the
mittee, as my colleagues know. I have visions in our proposal to unburden economy.
been working with my colleagues businesses, particularly those that The people I have been working with
around the clock to find opportunities have liquidity problems, so that they that I thank are Senators JOHN THUNE,
in the Tax Code to reduce stress on can keep employing those who are ROB PORTMAN, PAT TOOMEY, TIM SCOTT,
American taxpayers and the businesses home with their families and helping TOM COTTON, and MITT ROMNEY for
that create the jobs and the businesses to prevent the spread of the virus. working with me on this package.
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that are probably closed now and their I hope nobody tries to tell me or the Some of those Members are hard-work-
workers laid off. rest of us that we are bailing out busi- ing Members of the Finance Com-
Our small group of colleagues is ness. We are in the job of preserving mittee, and some aren’t on the com-
working to help the American tax- jobs. If those jobs have been lost in the mittee because we wanted as broad an
payers and the businesses so that jobs last 10 days because of this slowdown of opinion as we could get. I know our
continue. We first adopted a do-no- the economy—almost a shutdown of staffs work literally around the clock,
harm approach. We want to ensure that the economy—then we want those jobs so I want to recognize their efforts as
routine government processes don’t to be brought back. Workers are unem- well.
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S1830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 19, 2020
So many Americans are working day So our plan has five basic pillars. Pil- are not covered and too many people
and night to provide essential services lar 1 is to bolster the healthcare sys- are not covered in a strong, longer
and efforts to combat this outbreak. tem dramatically. If we don’t beat the term way. Senators MURRAY and GILLI-
We in Congress must be prepared to do fight against this virus, if we don’t do BRAND, working with the House, have
the same, and that is why you heard it as quickly as possible, the economy put together a very strong package. We
the leader a little while ago saying will get worse and worse, no matter must have it in this proposal.
that we are going to stay in until we what we do. So we must work ex- Fourth, I believe—no one has seen
get this job done. We ought to applaud tremely quickly and massively to bol- the proposal. I haven’t seen it, and I
that type of leadership. ster our healthcare system. We need a don’t think anyone has seen the pro-
It is a commitment to keep the Sen- Marshall Plan for our healthcare sys- posal that the leader put on. It had vir-
ate open until we have done our part, tem, and that is what we propose. tually no input from Democrats, but
and I look forward to working with We need direct aid to hospitals. The we will look at it and read it tonight.
Democrats and the administration to larger hospitals in many cities already From what I am told, it provides a
get this job done without delay. So have patients—many patients—in their bailout for a number of industries.
maybe, if we work hard Friday, Satur- beds. The smaller and rural hospitals Again, we have to put the workers
day, and Sunday, we can get a bill to could well be in danger of closing be- first. We don’t want these industries to
the President next week. Nobody cause of this crisis. We must bolster go under, but we certainly don’t want
should be going home until we have de- the hospitals. They need equipment. the dollars that are put there to go to
livered this needed relief. They need ventilators. They need more corporate executives or shareholders.
We often spoke in World War II about ICU beds. They need masks. A simple Again, they must go to the workers
the United States being the arsenal of thing like a nose swab—a hospital told first. If they are getting a bailout, they
democracy. I still remember—I was me that they can’t do testing because should not cut the numbers of workers,
only 9 years old—December 7, 1941. And they don’t have the nasal swabs. And the salaries of workers, the benefits of
then I remember studying history and we need the President to marshal the workers, or the pensions of workers.
how we ramped up production for the Defense Production Act to get all of None of this money should be used
war effort. Can we ramp up production these materials produced on a wartime for corporate buybacks. I am outraged
of the respirators, protective gear, and footing—quickly, dramatically, and in that the airline industry in the last 5
testing kits we need? Can we do it on large numbers. years spent about $40 billion on
the same scale we did in World War II— The first plank of our plan dramati- buybacks. They are now saying they
a scale that can help us overcome this cally bolsters our healthcare system, don’t have enough money. Had they
crisis? which is being overwhelmed through no not sent the money to the shareholders
I suppose you all remember the cry of fault of the hard-working people there and had it there or used it to bolster
‘‘Remember Pearl Harbor’’ to help us in this crisis, and it entails so much. their workforces, that might not have
pull the country together to win that happened. Nor should the money go to
Healthcare workers have to be able to
war. Can we think of ‘‘Remember corporate salaries or corporate gain.
get to the hospitals, to the nursing
coronavirus’’ as an effort to pull this Part four of our plan says no bailout
homes, to the other areas. In many
country together? Because in those that goes to the people at the top. The
places, they can’t if there isn’t the
times, I remember we all pulled to- money should go to the workers. After
kind of public transit available or it is
gether to—let’s say, just one example— all, that is who we want to protect.
not working.
we all prided ourselves in planning Every one of us knows the workers in
The second part of our plan deals di-
what we called victory gardens. We did these industries. They are hard-work-
rectly with those who have lost income
it in unison, as we sought to defeat the ing, decent, honorable people.
through no fault of their own. It is a Fifth is help for small business.
Axis powers. Can we pull together in
dramatic bolstering of unemployment Small business has suffered—the little
the same way to slow the spread of
insurance. We call it ‘‘unemployment restaurant, maybe it is the small man-
COVID–19 until our healthcare system
insurance on steroids,’’ or you might ufacturing business, or maybe it is a
catches up with something we never
even call it ‘‘employment insurance.’’ little service business. They need help.
anticipated, never could plan for? If a worker loses his or her job
I think this is a test of America’s Their employees, should they have to
through no fault of their own right furlough them, will be taken care of by
character, just like it was a test of our
now, unemployment insurance doesn’t our employment insurance, but they
character in World War II to pull to-
gether. cover a whole lot of people. When it still have other costs. We have called
I yield the floor. does, it doesn’t pay them much in for forbearance in mortgages. That is a
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The terms of salary, in terms of the per- big cost that they will continue to
Democratic leader. centage of income, and it is often hard maintain if they rent space. But they
Mr. SCHUMER. Thank you, Mr. to get and takes a long time. Our ‘‘un- will need help with other costs, and we
President. I am glad now that the Re- employment on steroids’’—our employ- provide them money for those costs,
publican leader and his caucus now ment insurance—provides a full with the view that the money—those
have a plan, and we look forward to amount of the wages that workers are loans—could be forgiven if they rehire
working with them to come up with a not being paid, not 20 percent or 50 per- all of their workers once they are back
bipartisan product as soon as we can, cent. People desperately need it. They on their feet.
as this crisis grows worse every day. desperately need it. So there are five points, and I know
We believe we need a bold plan, a It is quick and easy to apply for, that the Speaker of the House agrees
strong plan. Our plan must put work- without all of these hurdles that are with these points, the House Demo-
ers—the millions of workers who are now put in the way, and it applies to crats agree with these points, and, un-
adversely affected by this crisis—first. many more workers than in the past. fortunately, the leader didn’t want
It includes service and industry work- We have talked to business owners— them included in negotiations, which
ers, gig workers, freelancers, bar- large, medium, and small. For many of could only prolong the length of time
tenders, retail workers, airline attend- them this is the No. 1 thing they need. before we act. But so be it.
ants, and so many others. While they can’t keep their workers on No. 1, a Marshall Plan for our
Our plan is entitled ‘‘Workers the payroll because no money is com- healthcare system and our hospitals.
First’’—first and foremost. We owe so ing in, these workers will still be there. No. 2, employment insurance—you lose
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much gratitude to the hard-working They will be furloughed. They will be your job, you get your pay. No. 3, paid
people of America, and many of them getting a full salary, and when the leave—paid family leave, paid sick
are in trouble now through no fault of businesses come back, they will be leave. No. 4, any bailouts must be
their own. This virus has affected some back. workers first. And, No. 5, help for small
of them, has required others to be The third part of our plan is for paid businesses.
quarantined, and has caused businesses leave. We must have paid family leave. We need to act quickly. We need to
to lay off millions. We must protect We must have paid sick leave. COVID 2 act in a bipartisan way. I hope the dis-
them, first and foremost. did some of that, but too many people cussions between the various members
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March 19, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1831
of the committees will proceed quickly We hope the virus will end soon, but ots, as Americans, and take on the
and in a spirit of compromise, and I we need a rescue package. I am happy task that is before us. I look forward to
hope we can come to quick agreement to join the distinguished Democratic a hard weekend of work and a product
with the House, whose majority’s views leader in calling it a Marshall Plan, he that all Americans can be proud of.
are much closer to ours than this docu- would like to. With that, I yield the floor.
ment, which I haven’t read, but I have The American people bear no respon- I suggest the absence of a quorum.
heard things about. I haven’t seen it. sibility for this act of nature—this act The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
This is a crisis like none we have of God—that has overtaken much of clerk will call the roll.
seen. We don’t know how long it will the globe. The legislative clerk proceeded to
last. We don’t know how many people So I have come here today just to say call the roll.
will be affected. We do know it is get- that I have been honored to participate Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I ask
ting worse every day, and we know also in the drafting of what Senator MCCON- unanimous consent that the order for
that, while Americans usually come to- NELL, the distinguished majority lead-
the quorum call be rescinded.
gether after a crisis—we all certainly The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
er, has rolled out today—the
do, as we did after 9/11—we now must objection, it is so ordered.
Coronavirus Economic Stabilization Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, we, in this
be isolated. But we will prevail. We Act. profession, have a tendency to hyper-
will prevail. We will work together. I was part of a task force that the
bole, meaning a tendency to stand
Hopefully, each side will give. We will distinguished majority leader asked us
sometimes and talk about how dra-
come up with a good plan. We will send to work on. That task force dealt with matic a decision we are about to make
it to the President, and we will help to the airline industry. It consisted of is or how important something is to
begin the long path to eradicate this Chairman SHELBY and Majority Whip the country because that is what we
awful virus that has so afflicted so THUNE. We were happy to develop a do, and it is sort of one of the tools of
many millions of Americans, one way plan that involves $208 billion, giving this trade.
or another. the Secretary of the Treasury the abil- I think this is not a time in which it
I yield the floor. ity to provide loans and loan guaran-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- is possible to exaggerate the impact of
tees to eligible businesses that are en- what we are confronting. I start by
ator from Mississippi. during financial hardship, including
Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I agree saying I think it is a moment that
the domestic airlines, including the do- should instill in all of us extraordinary
with so much of what the distinguished mestic cargo carriers, if they can make
Democratic leader has just said. I was humility and a reminder that we are
the case that there is a hardship there. still mortal beings who cannot and do
coming from one building to the other During this time of unprecedented
when the distinguished Senator from not control all that happens in our
economic uncertainty, it is critical lives or in the world.
Iowa was speaking, but I know he was that the airlines and other impacted
making the point that I would make at We are facing a threat that emerges
industries have the resources they need not from a human decision or behavior
this time, too. to continue operations vital to the
If the distinguished Democratic lead- but a threat that emerges from the sci-
transportation of passengers and sup- entific world, the biological world, and
er wants to call this a Marshall Plan
plies, including food and medical equip- one that I think we are blessed to live
for the coronavirus crisis, I will sub-
ment. The plan that I participated in in a modern time, in which technology
scribe to it. I think it is that serious.
I agree with what the Democratic drafting, which the distinguished ma- allows us to solve problems faster, but
leader said about this economic crisis. jority leader put forward today, would oftentimes our advances cannot pre-
It is something like we have never seen prohibit the Federal funds from being vent these things.
before, and it calls for dramatic action. used to increase compensation or pro- I think of the time when there will be
I think that is what the majority lead- vide golden parachutes or that sort of plenty to look back at—the decisions
er, Senator MCCONNELL, has proposed. thing for the leaders of these distressed that were made by governments, by
I agree with this from my friend from companies. foreign governments, and by officials.
New York—that when we try to rescue So, again, I subscribe to what Sen- Like all things, there will come a mo-
the large corporations, we need to put ator SCHUMER said: Protect the work- ment of accounting when we can decide
workers first and not be concerned ers. This is no bailout. These are loans what was done wrong and what was
about the CEOs and the executives. We that we expect to be paid back when done right so we can learn from what
need to take care of small business. times are flush again. was done wrong and replicate what was
So let’s do a Marshall Plan, and let’s This legislation would take an impor- done right. We can learn from the past,
do it on a bipartisan basis, as Ameri- tant step in putting our economy back but we cannot change it.
cans, because this economic crisis on track for the American people. A The one thing we can influence is the
knows no party. great deal of work has gone into the future. You can’t entirely control it,
You know, in some instances, when draft, and much work is going to be re- but we can influence it. We can influ-
there is a crisis we are told to carry on, quired in the future—tonight, tomor- ence what we do from this moment for-
and, in this case, that really isn’t what row, tomorrow night, Saturday, and ward. And when it comes to this pan-
the healthcare professionals have told Sunday. We are in the midst of severe demic, we can influence not that it is
Americans to do. Americans have been economic crisis, and I am determined here but how long it lasts and how
told and people around the world have to work, on a bipartisan basis, with impactful it will be.
been told: Stay at home; don’t con- people like my friend who just spoke, One of the real-world impacts of the
gregate. and with Senator CANTWELL of Wash- crisis that now confronts us is the im-
That is the way our economy oper- ington, my distinguished ranking pact it is having on jobs. We use that
ates. member. We have penciled in 10 a.m. term loosely in politics all the time:
So Americans are doing what they tomorrow morning. I have already been ‘‘Jobs.’’ We want to create jobs. We
have been asked to do. We are not fly- on the phone with her, and we are value jobs. It is about having more
ing. We are not staying in hotels. Occu- going to be dealing with the legislation jobs. I think sometimes we overlook
pancy is down to single digits. Res- under the jurisdiction of our com- the strong, emotional, and psycho-
taurants are closed. Stores are closed. mittee, the Commerce Committee, and logical impact of jobs, of the fact that
Americans are keeping their children I think we are going to be able to work someone wakes up in the morning and
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
home from school. Schools are not as we have on so many other issues—as has somewhere to go, where they are
opening in most areas. Again, the Americans, not as Republicans and productive, and they are rewarded fair-
American people are acting respon- Democrats—as teammates rising to the ly for their productivity. It gives pur-
sibly, according to what they have occasion and answering this crisis as pose to your days. It gives meaning. It
been told to do by health professionals. Americans have done so many times in gives value. It is why the absence of
The public is taking guidance, and this the past. jobs is so toxic and damaging not just
is having an enormous toll on our econ- So I simply rise today to say: This is to the spirit but ultimately to the com-
omy. a time for us to come together as patri- munity and then to the country. It is a
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S1832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 19, 2020
situation we have learned in ordinary able to go to a bank in their commu- life like in America a week ago today?
times, and these are not ordinary nity. Ideally, in a perfect world, it What does it look like now? If this pace
times. would be the bank they normally use, continues, what will it look like 5 days
We are watching a pace of job loss at the bank they bank with. Then they from now or 10 days from now? We
this very moment that is unprece- will very quickly—and I am not talk- don’t know, but it will be traumatic
dented, even in some of the deepest ing about in a matter of weeks; I am and potentially catastrophic, so we
economic downturns that modern man talking about in a matter of hours and must act. We will have plenty of other
has ever confronted. There is not a sin- days—receive an infusion of cash, issues and plenty of days and weeks
gle person who serves in the Senate, equivalent to about roughly four times and months ahead to bicker about the
works in this building, or, I would their monthly expenses on payroll and political issue of the day and to take
argue, in our entire society who does on rent and things of that nature. And shots at our opponents.
not know someone who in the last 4 or then a year from now, those businesses, Now is no time for games. We are fac-
5 days has been told that they no if they can show that they used that ing the abyss. We are facing cir-
longer have a job. Think about that for money to keep everyone on staff and cumstances for which there is no play-
a moment. People who 10 days ago had hired that was working for them before book, for which there is no precedent,
a job in an economy that by all tradi- this all started and paid them what and for which there is no way to pre-
tional standards was doing very well they were paying them, that money dict what happens to a society when
and now have been told that they do will be forgiven. It will not be a loan. you tell millions of people they can’t
not have a job. The people they used to The important point to make about work, they cannot leave their homes,
work for may no longer exist, and this is—I am not talking about an SBA and we cannot tell you how you will
there is no certainty about outcomes loan. I am not talking about going to a make a living now or for the imme-
even when this ends. It is impossible to government building somewhere or a diate future.
exaggerate that. tent in a disaster zone and filling out a This is no time for games. This is a
What we are learning through this bunch of paperwork. I am talking
time for those of us who are here to be
crisis is what we all have said we know about going to a financial institution,
here and to work through this as
but are now realizing how much it is preferably the one that you normally
quickly as possible, or we will all pay
true, and that is, how many of the jobs use, filling out a few quick documents
the price, and we will all face those
in this country are the result of a to prove that you are a business, and
consequences. They are so grave, so un-
small business and not of the compa- receiving a cash infusion directly into
speakable, and so unimaginable that I
nies whose stories are featured in a your account that you can use to meet
cannot believe that we will not be able
magazine or a newspaper article. It is payroll for the next 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks,
to do so and act quickly, swiftly, and
the ones we drive by every single day— and we have a plan that does it.
Now, on this matter, we are blessed effectively. I look forward to making
the laundromat, the dry cleaners, the strong progress.
to have partners in this endeavor like
coin cleaners, the bakeries, the coffee Our people need some hope. Our peo-
Senator CARDIN and others on the
shops, and everything in between—hun- ple need to believe that their institu-
Small Business Committee who are not
dreds of thousands of jobs in every tions in a moment of crisis can still
only some of the hardest working and
community that depend on their very work. We have a chance to do our part
easiest people to work with on these
existence, and they are disappearing to instill at least that little bit of con-
matters, but whom we have been work-
right before our eyes. It is not because fidence at a time of extraordinary un-
ing with on these matters, along with
they did anything wrong but because certainty.
our House counterparts, for a couple of
government has had to tell them, for I yield the floor.
weeks. Except for a couple of weeks
the reasons of public health that I ago, we could never have envisioned The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma-
agree with, not only that we cannot go how widespread and how serious this jority leader.
there but that their workers can’t go dilemma would become. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, be-
there, and in many jurisdictions, they We don’t have an agreement at this fore he leaves the floor, I want to par-
cannot even show up. So the urgency to very moment, but I do believe that on ticularly thank the senior Senator
address this, I believe, needs no con- the general concepts—I speak for no from Florida for the extraordinary con-
vincing. one but myself, but it is my impression tribution he is making as we move to-
We have, as a starting point, devel- that on the general outlines of what we ward completion of this rescue pack-
oped a plan that I think will help, that are trying to achieve, there is substan- age.
will do what we can, and I want to tial agreement. f
briefly describe it. The plan is basi- So we have some work to do. I will be
cally this: We need to get money into in the Senate and here in Washington, MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE
the hands of small business across this DC, around the clock until we get this At 12:02 p.m., a message from the
country as quickly as possible so they done because, as I said at the outset, House of Representatives, delivered by
can keep the workers they have on millions upon millions of families and Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an-
payroll for as long as possible. We aim their immediate and long-term futures nounced that the House has passed the
for at least 4, 5, or 6 weeks. This is im- are being determined by what we do or following bill, without amendment:
portant because if you have already fail to do. Rarely, if ever, do we truly S. 3503. An act to authorize the Secretary
been told you can’t leave your home, confront issues in the Senate of that of Veterans Affairs to treat certain programs
and you have already been told you importance. of education converted to distance learning
can’t go anywhere, and then to also be I will close with this: It is hard to re- by reason of emergencies and health-related
told: And by the way, you have no job, move politics from politics. It is hard situations in the same manner as programs
and there is no guarantee that there is to ask politicians not to be political. It of education pursued at educational institu-
a job for you to go back to when this is tempting to use even situations such tions, and for other purposes.
all ends, the trauma is extraordinary. as these for the snide remark and the f
That is what millions of people are fac- potshot, and I imagine you can never
ing by the second. fully remove it. I would only say this: EXECUTIVE AND OTHER
These are not job losses that are hap- If we don’t address these issues that COMMUNICATIONS
pening by the week or by the month; are before us and do so rapidly, those The following communication was
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE
they are by the second. Right now, potshots will appear trivial in compari- laid before the Senate, together with
somewhere in America, someone is son. If we don’t address the challenges accompanying papers, reports, and doc-
being told: We are closing, and you that are before this country now, no uments, and was referred as indicated:
have no job. And tomorrow will be the one can tell you what the future looks EC–4346. A communication from the Presi-
last time you will get a paycheck for like because no one alive today has dent of the United States transmitting, pur-
the foreseeable future. ever been there, ever. suant to law, a report relative to the des-
So our plan, ideally, would involve Anyone who believes that what I am ignation as emergency requirements all
the following: Small businesses will be saying is an exaggeration, what was funding so designated by the Congress in the
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