Congressional Record — Senate, March 21, 2020
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated March 21, 2020, at page S1882, resuming consideration of the motion to proceed to H.R. 748, headed Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019. A Senator describes inadequate testing, saying test kits have not arrived and some cannot be used because a reagent comes from a foreign source. The Senator relays that hospitals have seen a significant reduction in revenue as outpatient clinic work falls and elective surgeries are put off, and that restaurant workers are affected.
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“Congressional Record — Senate, March 21, 2020.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-03-21-crec-2020-03-21-pt1-pgs1882-fe7668679c/
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S1882 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2020
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS not having adequate testing. We just closed restaurants, and we can imagine
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019—Motion don’t know the extent of the infection. all the workers not reporting to work
to Proceed—Resumed I mentioned the numbers that were re- and trying to make things work for
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ported yesterday, but that is based on their families under the circumstances,
the previous order, the Senate will re- the very small sample of tests that are but we don’t appreciate the fact that
sume consideration of the motion to being taken. We still have not received because of this COVID–19, many of our
proceed to H.R. 748, which the clerk the test kits, and those that we have, hospitals have seen a significant reduc-
will report. some of them cannot be used because tion in their revenue streams.
The senior assistant legislative clerk they don’t have the necessary reagent One of the hospital administrators
read as follows: or chemical that is part of the collec- said: Our outpatient clinic work is
A bill (H.R. 748) to amend the Internal Rev- tion process. It turns out we are de- down to a minimum, and elective sur-
enue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on pendent on a foreign source for that geries are being put off for obvious rea-
high cost employer-sponsored health cov- chemical. In ordinary times, it was sons. That is 50 percent of our revenue
erage. never a problem, but in extraordinary at the hospital, and so we have revenue
Mr. MCCONNELL. I suggest the ab- times, it is. issues going into this.
sence of a quorum. I joined with Senator ALEXANDER, They urged me to, through Medicare
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator BLUNT, and Senator MURRAY and Medicaid, increase reimburse-
clerk will call the roll. asking the National Academy of ments, and based on preliminary bipar-
The senior assistant legislative clerk Sciences, in the midst of this crisis, to tisan discussions yesterday, I believe
proceeded to call the roll. step back, get to altitude, and look that is being considered. Both Medicaid
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask down on the dependence of the United and Medicare would increase the DRGs,
unanimous consent that the order for States on foreign-made medicines, for example, which is the reimburse-
the quorum call be rescinded. medical equipment, and medical de- ment mechanism for those treating
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- vices, and determine whether we need COVID–19 patients.
NEY). Without objection, it is so or- to reassess that dependence. They are concerned—and they told
dered. In the ordinary course of business, me this over and over again—that at a
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, each of there is no problem with things trav- moment when we need our hospitals
us receives a report almost on an hour- eling back and forth between the more than ever, many of the hospitals
ly basis from our home States. At the United States and foreign countries, are facing closure because they just
end of the day, my State of Illinois but in this situation, where there is a don’t have the funds necessary to keep
sends a report on the latest situation public health crisis that has inter- the doors open. The ordinary sources of
involving this COVID–19 virus. There rupted ordinary trade patterns, or in revenue and profit have been pushed
were 163 new infections announced yes- the future, if we anticipate a similar back and reduced. There are a variety
terday—that is the biggest 1-day jump challenge because of terrorism, we of proposals that came to us in terms
we have had—and 1 additional death. have to think ahead. of making these Federal funds avail-
Governor Pritzker has issued a stay- I hope the National Academy of able, but they urged me over and over
at-home order for the State of Illinois Sciences will give us their analysis of again to do this as quickly as possible
today beginning Saturday, today, at 5 this situation as it currently exists and and not to establish some long, in-
p.m. until April 7. The city of Chicago some guidance on how to look to these volved bureaucratic process for apply-
is closing its parks and libraries, as issues in the future. It is critical that ing for these funds.
well, starting today. we do. We also talked about the money flow-
The Veterans’ Administration has re- We also know that we have problems ing directly to the hospitals rather
ported one confirmed veteran’s case relating to our hospitals. One of the than through State governments or
with the virus in the Chicago area. things we have urged Senator MCCON- through some Federal agencies. I know
That person is now under home quar- NELL to consider—and Senator SCHU- this is risky business when it comes to
antine. MER used the term ‘‘Marshall Plan’’ for accounting, but at a time of a national
We had an exceptional situation at our hospitals—I think it is absolutely economic and public health crisis, I
Midway Airport where two FAA tower essential. personally agree with them. I think we
employees tested positive for the virus Yesterday, I had a conference call have no choice.
several days ago, and we, of course, with 30 or 40—maybe more—hospital I went through the hospitals, and
have to have an abundance of care and administrators in the State of Illinois. they talked about their liquidity and
caution for the remaining employees I wanted to share some of the thoughts cash problems. They said we need to
there. The FAA, together with the city they gave me yesterday in the course treat this like a FEMA emergency.
of Chicago, has been involved with of that conversation. This is through There are responses that use hospitals
screening the other employees and also the Illinois Hospital Association. They in those emergencies, that cut through
determining whether the workplace said: What we need is a direct and im- the redtape and get the money to the
has been cleaned properly before any- mediate infusion of funds. We need ac- places needed as quickly as possible.
one goes back to work. The net result cess to critical supplies. We need a We have to do exactly the same thing.
of it has been that Southwest Airlines surge capacity. They talked about the number of in-
announced suspending its flights in the There are 300,000 hospital workers in fections growing exponentially, and
Midway Airport because of this tower Illinois. At this point, they need pro- they also talked to me about one rural
situation. When I spoke to the head of tective equipment that is lacking in so hospital that literally said they were
the Federal Aviation Administration, many areas. It turns out that our Fed- within days of closing. I can tell you,
he told me there was a similar chal- eral stockpile—whatever it is worth— in that area of the State—a rural part
lenge at another major airport. was either not large enough or cannot of the State of Illinois—it means pa-
I am afraid we haven’t heard the last be distributed fast enough to meet the tients facing any medical challenges
of it. It is an indication of what hap- needs of these hospitals. will have long distances to travel to
pens when someone tests positive in a One of the hospital administrators—I find a place to be treated. We can’t let
work atmosphere that is a critical part am not going to name the individual that happen if it is at all possible to
of our economy and the safety of our hospital, but one of the hospital admin- save these hospitals.
Nation. Our hope is—fingers crossed— istrators of a major hospital in Chicago They understand the overseas sup-
that this tower may resume its activi- said: We are worried about a shortage plies are coming in. Many of them are
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ties the early part of next week, but we of ventilators. I heard that over and desperately needed. They asked if there
want to make sure that when we do, all over again. is any way to expedite that by the use
the employees are going to be safe in They also want to let us know that of cargo air that may not be utilized in
their workplace. these hospitals are taking huge finan- the ordinary course of business. We are
We are also laboring in Illinois, as cial hits today. We know about the res- looking into that because of our eco-
many States are, with the problem of taurant industry because we see the nomic situation.
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March 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1883
I could give more information, but I we can finish this bill in a satisfactory our remarks are accurate. The earlier
won’t. It is pretty obvious. The first way to both Republicans and Demo- press report has been amended by the
line of defense for us in this public crats and report it to the House when newspapers, and I wanted to make my
health crisis will be our hospitals. We they return next week, they will be statement on the floor clear.
are hoping that patients, through tele- able to take it up and move on it I yield the floor.
medicine, can be at least counseled and quickly. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
diagnosed and we can avoid people There are so many Americans who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
coming to emergency rooms unless it are desperately waiting for word from clerk will call the roll.
really is necessary. Washington as to what their future The legislative clerk proceeded to
I understand the impulse we all have. will be—first in terms of medical care call the roll.
If someone we love feels sick and ap- but second in terms of keeping their Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I
pears to have the symptoms, we want families together in difficult times. I ask unanimous consent that the order
them tested immediately and treated am not opposed, nor have I heard any- for the quorum call be rescinded.
immediately. We have to take care and one opposed to providing financial as- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
heed the advice even when it is hard. sistance to individuals and families objection, it is so ordered.
Telehealth is a way for us to have a who really need it. We want to do that. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President,
better diagnosis of those in long dis- I know the Presiding Officer has been a thank you for presiding today, and to
tances and perhaps counsel them that leader on this issue as well. But we also all who are here at this moment of ex-
an immediate trip to the emergency were hoping that we can include in this treme challenge for our country and
room is not necessary. I hope we can some guarantee that it won’t be one- for the world, we must rise to the occa-
reach that point. and-done, that it isn’t just a matter of sion and unite to fight a common
We are also concerned about exten- providing this one check, stepping enemy, COVID–19, also known as the
sion of facilities. Currently, the major back, and waiting for the con- coronavirus.
hospitals in my State are looking to sequences. We know many people are What we are witnessing is Americans
the expansion through tents—the kinds facing long-term challenges and need from all backgrounds and all walks of
of emergency shelters that might be an immediate and long-term commit- life doing that around the country—
available so that people can be sepa- ment from us to make sure their fami- coming together and uniting, not phys-
rated from one another. lies can stay together during this dif- ically close, but spiritually close to
Yesterday, I spoke to the Secretary ficult time. I believe we can and one another as we work our way
of the Army, Mr. MCCARTHY, about the should. through this crisis.
availability of Department of Defense Let me close by saying this is an ex- In my State of Maryland, people are
expertise. The Department of Defense ceptional time. We are isolated in one doing exactly that. Our healthcare
can step into a situation and very respect but closer in another. I think workers on the frontlines—whether
quickly convert hotels into hospital- we all have come together in ways un- they be nurses, whether they be people
type arrangements. They can take anticipated. I have been on two— working in clinics, in the hospitals,
closed hospitals and put them up and FaceTime and Zoom—apps this morn- whether they be doctors, they are all
running in very quick order. I think ing with members of my family, and we pulling together to get the job done.
that expertise is desperately needed. are doing this now almost on a daily Elected officials from the Federal,
I encouraged the Secretary of the basis. I feel more connected now in one State, and local governments are work-
Army and Secretary of the Defense to respect than usually is the case. It is ing together, as are nonprofits and
make that expertise available. We are because we all care for one another. It businesses.
connecting them right now, between goes beyond families; I believe that Three nights ago, I held a telephone
our State and the experts at the De- sentiment is shared across America. townhall meeting on COVID–19, and
partment of Defense. These are men We have to keep it alive despite our po- more than 5,000 Marylanders joined
and women who do this. They are pre- litical differences, despite all the that call. They called in to share their
pared to do it at a moment’s notice if things that separate us. There is so hopes, their concerns, and their deter-
our military men and women are in much more that brings us together and mination.
peril. I would say at this point, Amer- so much more that unites this country. Yesterday, in Maryland, we lost the
ica is in danger because of this, and we We have to depend on that strength second life to COVID–19, and our med-
should turn to their responses and help now more than ever. ical services are being stretched thin.
as quickly as possible. This is a challenge the likes of which But people are coming together to get
I want to say one thing about a state- we have never seen in our modern his- the job done, and as we address the
ment made earlier today by both Sen- tory. We can rise to this challenge, as healthcare challenges, we must also
ator SCHUMER and Senator MCCONNELL. we have so often in the past. I know we deal with the financial and economic
We have before us an opportunity—and can do it in a unified way, bringing this pain that is arising from that and
I hope we seize it—to show we can con- Nation together. spreading quickly.
tinue the bipartisanship that leads us I yield the floor. Most of all, Marylanders, like other
to this moment. I suggest the absence of a quorum. Americans, told us they want clear
The first two bills that addressed this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The guidance from public health officials
COVID–19 or coronavirus virus threat clerk will call the roll. and a united and effective response to
to America were handled in an extraor- The senior assistant legislative clerk both the healthcare crisis and the eco-
dinary way—perhaps to the surprise of proceeded to call the roll. nomic fallout.
many Americans. They were done on a Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Since Marylanders are united and
bipartisan basis and on a timely basis. unanimous consent that the order for Americans are united, we, too, in Con-
We have only had the Republican the quorum call be rescinded. gress must unite to do our job. And to
proposal for a little over 24 hours. Yet The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without date—to date—we have risen to meet
I can tell you that as soon as it was re- objection, it is so ordered. the moment. The question is, What
ceived, active negotiations were under- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I want comes next?
taken at all levels. I sat through many to clarify a statement I made earlier. I Over a few weeks ago, we did unite to
of them yesterday. They were done in said that, because of problems at the pass emergency legislation to provide
good faith. There are differences, clear- control tower at Midway, Southwest $8.3 billion to provide funding to our
ly, in policy. We are really writing Airlines had suspended its flights. It public health systems and to direct
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these bills as we travel down this turns out it has substantially curtailed more dollars toward developing a vac-
path—this dangerous path. It is impor- its flights, but it has not suspended all cine and therapeutics.
tant that we do it in a timely way but of its flights. Last week we passed a measure to en-
also exercise good judgment. I want to put that on the record be- sure that tests for the coronavirus are
My concern now is that we get this cause, in this moment of great national free. It makes no sense to have any
done and done this weekend because if challenge, we should all take care that American discouraged from getting a
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S1884 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2020
test because they can’t pay for it. That under the Defense Production Act, land along with the FDA. At NIH, I
hurts them; that hurts the entire com- which helps spur domestic production met with scientists who are on the
munity. That was an important provi- of some of these supplies. But even as frontlines of developing the vaccine.
sion, as was the emergency food assist- we gather now, it is not clear whether They are working 24/7.
ance for people in need. that is really up and running as it I think this moment is appropriate to
In States that have closed schools, should be. In fact, it is suggested from salute all the men and women who
we have lots of students who are now reports that we are falling short. work at NIH. I hope I never see another
home. Many of those students get one At the same time, we know others in budget proposal coming down that cuts
of their best meals at school during the world are experiencing these short- the vital medical research that is con-
lunch, so that emergency food assist- ages. They are also being hit hard by ducted there and around the country.
ance has been absolutely vital. In the coronavirus. So here in the United They are working on a vaccine, and
Maryland, we have about 350 schools States, we cannot continue to expect they are working on therapeutics.
that are now being used for families to to get these necessary supplies from They are in the process of conducting
pick up food for their kids and for oth- overseas when they are going to need clinical trials on both. As we have
ers in the community. them and keep them in their own coun- heard reported, they are conducting
We help provide more resources to tries, and that is why it is essential clinical trials on some off-label drugs.
State insurance systems, which are that we ramp up efforts yesterday to These are drugs that have been devel-
being stressed more and more as we make sure that we have these supply oped to try to fight against other dis-
speak, and we need to do a lot more on chains here at home. eases. They may not have worked
that front. Testing of the coronavirus—it is against other diseases. They may work
We passed emergency sick leave clear that the coronavirus got an 8- to as a therapeutic in this case of the
measures because we do not want to 10-week head start in this country, and coronavirus, but as Dr. Fauci has
have anybody feeling that they have to we were woefully unprepared, espe- warned us, nobody will know until we
go to work in order to get the pay- cially with respect to tests to try to do a clinical trial and nobody’s hope
check to pay the bills if they are feel- identify the spread of the virus and should be unrealistically raised until
ing sick. That is bad for them, and ob- where it was and how fast it was mov- the evidence is in.
viously it is bad for their coworkers ing. We were also unprepared on our On the vaccine front, we have been
who would risk getting the virus. So told by the scientists—by Dr. Fauci
testing infrastructure.
we took an important measure there, While we are now ramping up, we are and others in his lab—that it will take
although there, as well, there were big still far behind. There are still far too a minimum of 12 to 18 months to de-
gaps in the paid sick leave provisions, many bottlenecks in the system. At velop a vaccine, and that is much fast-
which we must close as we work on Johns Hopkins University in Balti- er than the usual timetable to develop
a vaccine. People are working overtime
round 3 of this legislation. more, they are doing their own testing,
So that brings me to what we are to get this done. Clinical trials have al-
but their testing has been limited by
going to face now in the coming 12 to ready begun on a vaccine, as well, but
shortages in reagents. That was true a
24 hours, which is coming up with an 12 to 18 months, while fast for devel-
week ago; it continues to be true
economic package—a package that oping a new vaccine, is a long time
today. And the University of Maryland
given the immediate crisis that we face
deals with the economic fallout, and I Medical System, another major re-
now.
want to address what I think should be search hospital system in our State, So what do we do now on the
our priorities there. has not yet begun to do their testing healthcare front? First, no more mixed
But before I do that, I do want to because of continued shortages of re- messages—let’s let the healthcare au-
take a moment to talk about the agents. That is absolutely unaccept- thorities speak and provide the guid-
healthcare situation that we are wit- able. ance that the American people need at
nessing right now because, of course, to We are also hearing of shortages in this time.
the extent that we can stop the spread swabs—simple swabs—simply to take For far too long, the President of the
of the virus, to the extent we stop the the test. We need to ramp up the test- United States downplayed the crisis,
contagion from the virus, that is also ing supply. We also need to knock even calling it a hoax at one point. We
the fastest way to try to get our econ- down the barriers to getting tests. We know it is not a hoax. We know the
omy back on track. What we are seeing need to adopt the South Korean model, death toll and the number of sick con-
is so many businesses going under and and many of us have been calling for tinues to rise, and we must pull to-
being threatened because of pre- this for a long time. We see States and gether in a fact-based way to address
cautions people are taking—under- Governors moving forward with this, it. We have to listen to people like Dr.
standable precautions—to make sure but the Federal Government needs to Fauci and others who have called for
that we don’t spread the virus. take a much more active role in estab- dramatic social distancing measures.
So in that fight on the healthcare lishing that infrastructure. One of those measures we must take
front, I want to salute—I want to sa- Ventilators—we have more and more is teleworking wherever we can do it.
lute—and thank all those healthcare sick patients, and if the trajectories We have seen offices here in the Senate
workers who are on the frontlines: the continue, it is clear we will face a and the House rapidly move toward
nurses, the hospital and clinic staffs, shortage in ventilators. We have to teleworking and make changes in their
the doctors who are doing heroic work ramp this up much faster than we are offices to facilitate teleworking. Just a
and putting their lives and their health doing right now because, otherwise, we few days ago, the President finally said
at risk to help others and save the lives are going to have a lifesaving treat- to the country that employers should
of others. ment intervention that will not be facilitate telework—a little late, but it
We here in this Chamber must do ev- available for those who need it. was the right message. Unfortunately,
erything in our power to support them Mr. President, we are witnessing there has been a lot of foot dragging in
in that important work—to support shortages in hospital beds overall and the executive branch itself when it
them as they support others. That be- shortages of beds in ICUs. We need the comes to teleworking. I and a number
gins with making sure they have all Army Corps of Engineers to be working of our colleagues have asked the Presi-
the equipment they need to protect and building out this necessary emer- dent to issue an Executive order on
themselves, but that is not happening. gency infrastructure. teleworking. The President has not
That is not happening as we gather As we take these emergency meas- done that yet.
here. ures, we also need to continue to do the The head of the Office of Personnel
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There are severe shortages in the urgent work of developing therapeutics Management resigned a few days ago.
supply of masks, shortages in supplies and a vaccine. This is the person who is in charge of
of simple but essential items, like I visited the National Institutes of all the Federal Government personnel
gloves and gowns. Health about 3 or 4 weeks ago. It is a from an operational standpoint and
It took far too long, but the Presi- national treasure. We are proud to who resigned in the middle of this cri-
dent finally invoked his authority have it located in the State of Mary- sis. We don’t know why. Finally, OMB,
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March 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1885
or the Office of Management and Budg- you are not able to pick up folks at the I have a wonderful local example. Her
et, issued a directive to agencies saying airport anymore because people aren’t name is Julie Verratti. She is the co-
to maximize telework. But I represent coming to the airport, and you are not owner of the brewery and restaurant in
a lot of Federal employees, and I am covered by other unemployment sys- Maryland called Denizens. It is a fam-
hearing from lots of them that their tems. ily business. She wrote to me a number
agencies apparently haven’t gotten the So if it is Uber or others, we need to of days ago, because she is undergoing
message. The President needs to issue address those workers and make sure exactly these kinds of stresses and
that Executive order, and he needs to they have wage replacement during pressures. She writes:
do it today. Too many Federal employ- this terrible shutdown of parts of the Small businesses need a bailout right now
ees are being put at risk because agen- economy. We need to focus on that. without delay. The number one thing we
cies have not taken the time to expand Senator WYDEN has introduced a bill— need is cash retention and cash infusion.
I am proud to cosponsor it with him— Here are specific actions that will help
telework opportunities. We need to
that addresses many of these issues, make that happen:
lead by example, not from behind. 1. [An] immediate moratorium on all com-
Many Governors are leading by ex- but we need to tackle it as part of the mercial debt payments (loans and credit
ample and States are doing that, as are bill that we are dealing with right now, cards) mortgages, and rents. If you have to
local officials. They are directing the because these people are losing their choose, focus on SBA loans because small
necessary social distancing measures. jobs right now. businesses are the only ones that go the SBA
In my State of Maryland, Governor Second is no foreclosures or evictions backed route.
Hogan has closed schools to prevent during this period of time. You lose She also says:
the spread of the virus. Restaurants your job. You got no money. We are Immediate moratorium on all evictions
are closed, bars are closed, gyms are working on wage replacement, but we and foreclosures.
closed, and many other gathering haven’t done this yet. In the mean- We have to work on that front. I
places are closed. There are all of those time, bills are coming due. Someone is talked about that. But we also have to
social distancing steps being taken— demanding a mortgage payment. attack this from all angles. That is
whether by government directive or Someone is demanding a rent payment. why this small business relief is so es-
voluntarily, by our constituents heed- We need to freeze collections of these sential, and it must take the form of
ing the calls to take these pre- payments and defer payments until grants, so long as the businesses use
cautionary measures. All of those nec- after the emergency. that money for prescribed purposes:
This is easier said than done, because
essary steps have resulted in a huge maintaining payroll—whatever payroll
when we say to a landlord that they
and escalating economic fallout. may be left—and paying their ongoing
Thousands of workers have already can’t collect the rent, we also need to
debts and obligations. Loans, as Julie
been furloughed or laid off around the say to the bank who loaned money to
says, will not fix this for small busi-
the owner of the building that they
country. Small businesses are being nesses. It must be in the form of
have to exercise forbearance on that
crushed. No customers in the door, no grants—again, so long as the recipient
loan.
sales, and no income mean you can’t That is why a group of us and I orga- complies with the terms of that grant.
pay your employees. It means you nized a letter recently that went to the Small businesses like mom-and-pop
can’t pay your bills. Whether they are heads of the financial regulatory agen- organizations that already had to lay
mortgages on your restaurant or mort- cies—the Fed, the OCC, the FDIC—ask- off employees should not be penalized.
gages on your home, those bills are ing them to use the full extent of their They should be eligible for the grants
still due and coming. powers to address this issue in a way to pay their mortgages to keep them-
So what do we do? What do we do as selves afloat.
that deals with the entire economic
we approach round 3 here in the U.S. Many midsized businesses are in this
food chain, from the lenders at the top
Senate and House, having successfully position as well. We need to address
of the chain to the borrowers at the
worked on a bipartisan basis to address bottom of the chain, because they are that because they are in many cases
rounds 1 and 2? First of all, as for un- the ones in a position to do it. laying off employees in large numbers.
employment insurance, because of rap- I just got a letter back last night Just for a local example, people who
idly escalating layoffs around the from the FDIC. I hope to hear from the live in this area may be familiar with
country, claims are rising, and we need others quickly, but we don’t have time Silver Diner. Unlike Dunkin’ Donuts,
to rise to the occasion. We need a far to wait. We should address that issue which works on a franchise model, the
more robust system, and, certainly, to the maximum extent in our powers Silver Diner owns its different Silver
during this emergency period, we in round 3, which we are working on Diners throughout the region. They
should provide 100 percent wage re- right now. have 1,800 employees. Their employees,
placement to workers who have lost Third, small businesses and medium- in most cases, have had to be fur-
their jobs through no fault of their own sized businesses are crushed—no cus- loughed or laid off because of no money
as a result of this crisis. tomers in the door, no revenue, bills in the door. But the Silver Diner is too
We also need to address the totally mounting, trying to make payroll. Of big an operation to meet the strict re-
antiquated aspects of our unemploy- course, many of them have already had quirements of the Small Business Ad-
ment insurance system. Some of that to lay off some of their employees be- ministration. So, in this emergency
will have to wait until after the crisis, cause their bills are coming due, and situation, we need to provide flexi-
but on an emergency basis, we need to they have to try to figure out how to bility that allows us to help some of
address the needs of people who are simply stay afloat. these middle-sized businesses that are
working as self-employed individual A lot of people have said: Well, let’s undergoing incredible stress because
contractors. give these small businesses emergency we want to make sure we help their
Let’s say you are an event planner, loans. Well, if you think about it, if workers and help them retain as many
and all of your events got canceled. you are a small mom-and-pop oper- workers as they can, but also to make
You are not currently in the unemploy- ation, another loan at this point, when sure they can pay their bills when no
ment system in most States, probably, there are no customers coming in the customers are coming in the door.
but you are no longer getting any in- door, is simply going to saddle you They need to pay the bills so that,
come. We need to make sure the unem- with more and more debt at the end of when this is over, they can open up op-
ployment system in this emergency ad- this emergency. So extending a loan is, erations and rehire those employees.
dresses those workers and we need to in some ways, for these small busi- That is why Senators MURPHY,
work on a long-term fix. There is the nesses throwing them an anchor, be- MERKLEY, and I introduced a proposal
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE
gig economy. We all know the gig econ- cause they are never going to be able yesterday to address these stresses on
omy is a larger and larger share of our to recover. They are only going to have small and medium-sized businesses, not
economy. A lot of those workers are more and more debts to pay off at the with emergency loans that they are
not covered. If you are a worker who is end of the day when they are trying to not going to be able to afford to repay
in the taxi business or working for one restart their businesses and get people later, but with emergency grants so
of the other transportation agencies, back in the door. long as those grants are used for the
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S1886 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2020
purposes indicated. That would put don’t know when that would be because There is a long list of those, but one of
these small and midsized businesses in the emergency is now, and the need is them is pretty simple. Senator ANGUS
a position to rehire their employees now. KING and I have sent a letter to the
once this economic storm passes Finally, this healthcare crisis has ex- folks who are finalizing and putting
through. posed some huge fissures in our society this bill together to require that the
There are, of course, other major in- in the kind of safety net that we pro- office at the White House that had pre-
dustries that have been hard hit, and vide. I am not going to go into the en- viously existed under the Obama ad-
we should consider what kind of relief tire list because it is too exhaustive to ministration—the office that was set
is appropriate for them, like the air- go through, but I want to highlight a up specifically to be an early warning
lines. We have to be very careful that couple of things. system for a pandemic response like
we don’t repeat some of the things that We had, in the first instance, the the one we are witnessing—that that be
went wrong in the past when it came to question of whether people are going to a permanent office within the White
helping big businesses. Yes, we would have to pay for the coronavirus tests. House and that no future President
like to help their workers through this We all recognize that it is a public would be able to dismantle that office.
storm, but we need to make sure that health imperative. It would be a mis- We are learning now, the hard way,
any funds that go to the airlines, for take to have people have to pay for what happens when you don’t have that
example, are not used for more stock tests because, if you can’t afford it and early warning system and strategic re-
buybacks that simply help their stock- therefore don’t get it, then it not only sponse at the highest levels of the U.S.
holders and executives and CEOs. hurts you, but it hurts other people. Government.
The airlines have engaged in a huge There has been a lot of discussion So those are some of the things we
amount of stock buybacks in the last about the vaccine. When we develop a should be doing. As we gather here,
year, including after the $2 trillion tax vaccine—and we hope we will—that America’s best minds—our top sci-
cut that was provided. Instead of using also needs to be available to all Ameri- entists around the world—are looking
a lot of that revenue to invest in their cans without cost. That is something to answer questions about the virus
workers and plant equipment, a lot of we need to address. and help develop a vaccine. Brave
it went out the door in the form of Senator SCOTT from Florida and I healthcare workers are treating the
stock buybacks, and it would be unac- have pointed out that a lot of the drugs sick and preparing for many more pa-
ceptable for any relief monies to go for that are developed by pharmaceutical tients. The people who produce and de-
that kind of purpose or to go for any companies are drugs that benefited liver our food and other essentials, who
kind of bonuses. from the research at the National In- keep our water, power, and internet on
In fact, if the taxpayers are going to stitutes of Health. And who pays for are all at work, whether in their work
be making some investments to keep the research at the National Institutes spaces or teleworking. First responders
some of these big industries afloat, we of Health—at NIH? Well, the taxpayer, are on duty, and our military con-
should look at what we did in some of to the tune of about $40 billion a year. tinues to defend the Nation.
the earlier cases later in the game with So it makes no sense at all for the Marylanders and Americans are
respect to preferred stock so that tax- taxpayers, who made this big invest- doing their part—staying at home, so-
payers get fully repaid and we also ment in research and development of a cial distancing, finding ways to be to-
have a stake in the future success of drug, to then be price-gouged by the gether while apart, and, perhaps most
that investment. pharmaceutical companies that take challenging for kids, staying busy and
One other big area that has not got- the benefits of that good work and then not going completely stir-crazy. Teach-
ten much attention in discussions here add a big, big pricetag. Our proposal ers and students are embracing dis-
on Capitol Hill until the last few days would make sure that where you have tance learning. Families are marking
has been the huge needs being faced by that kind of public investment in re- birthdays and other special occasions
State and local governments—States search and development, you essen- with e-cards and video chats. Those at
like my State of Maryland, cities like tially have a process to make sure that the lowest risk are doing what they
Baltimore City, and other cities and there is a reasonable price. Ultimately, can to protect the most vulnerable
towns in Maryland. They are on the when it comes to a public health vac- among us.
frontlines in many respects, and they cine, as is being developed now, we The fundamental decency of all these
are facing huge pressures, which is why need to make sure that it is available Americans is shining through. I draw
we received a letter, an emergency plea to everybody and that nobody cannot strength and faith from their actions,
from the National Governors Associa- afford that. and I know that, together—if not phys-
tion, just the other day. Second, as our schools have been ically together—working together, we
This is a bipartisan point from Gov- shut in many States, we are seeing the will succeed. We will succeed if we
ernors Larry Hogan and Andrew results of the digital divide—just one come together here in the House and
Cuomo, and they point out, No. 1, that piece of that—because there are a lot of the Senate like Americans are working
Medicaid is a major source of Federal students who don’t have access to the together around the country. If we can
help that they use to provide for the internet, and, therefore, they are not do that at this moment, as we ap-
medical needs of people in their States, going to be able to engage in distance proach round 3 of our actions, then I
and they are asking for an increase in learning if this crisis continues and am absolutely confident that the coun-
FMAP. We provided some increase in schools decide to try to expand dis- try will have the resources and direc-
FMAP in one of the earlier bills we tance learning. Why? Because they are tion it needs. Let us be as united and
passed, but they desperately need more not connected to the internet or they determined as the American people.
as the health impact of the virus con- don’t have a computer at home, so I suggest the absence of a quorum.
tinues to spread. many of us have introduced proposals The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
As you can imagine, transit systems, on this. I have introduced a bill to clerk will call the roll.
whether paid for by States or local ju- close the digital homework gap. We are The legislative clerk proceeded to
risdictions, are essentially seeing all asking the FCC to use emergency au- call the roll.
their revenues dry up as people under- thorities to direct funds to buy de- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask
standably don’t get on those crowded vices—simple devices—that a student unanimous consent that the order for
systems. So no revenue means that who is not connected to the internet the quorum call be rescinded.
they are in a world of hurt. We need to could use to get some reception to be The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. KEN-
provide emergency help. able to do their homework. We should NEDY). Without objection, it is so or-
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE
The National League of Cities has do that right now, but then, of course, dered.
also sent us a letter talking about we have the longer term challenge of Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, we are
similar kinds of needs, and we need to building out that broadband infrastruc- here on a Saturday, which is not typ-
address those needs in this bill, round ture to deal with the digital divide. ical for the U.S. Senate, but these are
3, and not, as some are suggesting, Then there are things we should do not typical times. More than a month
postpone that to some future date. We to make sure we are better prepared. before cases popped up in every State
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March 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1887
across the country, some of the first shortly after 9/11. We know what that marily on the healthcare aspects. The
coronavirus patients who were evacu- was like. It was about a trillion-dollar second bill that was passed, signed by
ated from China arrived in San Anto- hit to our economy. Obviously, it was a the President just a few days ago—I
nio, TX. They were quarantined at national security incident. Three thou- think it was on Thursday—focused
Lackland Air Force Base and treated sand Americans were killed here in the more on the small businesses and indi-
by the dedicated health professionals United States, and that started the war vidual workers who have been im-
there. on terror, which we have been fighting pacted.
At that point, things looked a lot dif- ever since. Of course, as we all know, we are now
ferent. Outside of those evacuees, no In 2008, we had the great economic working on the third installment. We
Texans were known to have acquired meltdown on Wall Street because of all don’t know how many installments
the coronavirus, and, for the most part, of these exotic mortgage products that will be required, how many chapters
the virus didn’t impact people’s daily the banking and the mortgage industry are in this book that we are in the
lives. They would see updates on the had created. We remember what hap- process of writing, but we know that
news about the growing number of pened there. Unfortunately, it became this is important, and it is important
cases in China, read about the people necessary for us to take extraordinary that we act with effectiveness but
being evacuated from cruise ships and measures to help the very same indus- speed at the same time.
other countries, but there was no evi- try that caused the problem back in This is the largest of the bills so far.
dence the disease was spreading 2008. As distasteful as that was, I be- We are talking about amounts of
through our communities. Schools lieve it was in the best interest of the money that stagger my imagination,
were filled with children, restaurants country and our ability to recover from but I believe this emergency requires
with customers, and arenas with sports that disaster. bold action to address this pandemic
fans. This is different. Nobody in this from every angle possible. As I said,
But, as we know now, it didn’t take country caused this problem. We are once this passes, we need to learn the
long before the situation took a quick all equal victims of this virus. So I lessons that this virus is trying to
turn. Once new cases began popping up, think, as we look at how we should re- teach us to make sure we never find
it was clear that our communities were spond to this epidemic—or pandemic, ourselves in this sort of vulnerable po-
exposed. Over the last few weeks, the as now it has been called because it is sition again. But, in the meantime, we
virus has spread across the country, global in nature—we need to look at have other work to do.
and our health officials and community how we can target the help to the peo- As the leader has previously out-
leaders have taken every precaution to ple who need it the most in order to lined, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
keep their people safe. They have can- bridge this gap between the lack of a Economic Security Act—the acronym
celed in-person classes, emptied office paycheck and unavailability of unem- is CARES Act—will take action on four
buildings, called off large events, and ployment insurance, and how do busi- major priorities:
encouraged folks to stay home and nesses, small and large, burn through We will see, for people who, through
avoid close contact with others. their cash or reserves but still stay no fault of their own, don’t have any
On Thursday, in Texas, Governor Ab- money coming in, direct financial aid—
alive so that they can rehire the same
bott issued an executive order adopting something many of us never would
people they have laid off once this cri-
the standards set out by the President have contemplated under non-
sis passes.
and the Centers for Disease Control to What I am hoping happens is that, emergency circumstances. We will see,
further slow the spread across the en- after this crisis passes, we learn some of course, relief for the small busi-
tire State. Among other measures, this important lessons, things about the nesses I mentioned, people like the res-
executive order closed schools and re- supply chain for our medication, sup- taurants, hotels, and others. They have
quired all restaurants, bars, and food ply chain for medical equipment and no customers because their business is
courts to put a stop to dine-in options.
the like, and what we need to do to shut—again, not through any fault of
They have to move to drive-through,
protect ourselves and the rest of the their own but because, by order of their
carry-out, or delivery service only.
Now, I believe these precautions are globe against pandemics like this, be- Governor or local government official,
in the best interest of the public cause there has been, in my lifetime, for public health purposes they are
health. Certainly, we hope they don’t nothing quite like this in terms of the shut down. So we need to find some
have to last long, but they are nec- fear it has engendered and the reaction way to throw a lifeline to those small
essary now, and I want to thank the of both the markets and the economy— businesses.
as well as the public health concerns. Then, I believe, for those large em-
Governor for taking these steps in the
So we need to learn important les- ployers that hire tens or maybe hun-
interest of public safety.
As cities across the State and across sons from that. In the interim, we need dreds of thousands and probably mil-
the country have taken similar pre- to do everything we can to lend a help- lions of Americans, we need to find a
cautions, we have seen the economic ing hand to those who need our help. way to help them obtain loans that
consequences that these difficult deci- The Senate has already passed two they will pay back, with interest, but
sions have brought about. Our local bills as part of what we all know will that will bridge this period of time
restaurants, hardware stores, and gyms be a long recovery process. The first fo- while they are burning cash and won-
don’t have the money to keep paying cused primarily on our public health dering: Will I still be around? Will I
their employees’ wages and expenses system by sending vital funding to still be viable as a business once this
without anything coming in the front healthcare providers, investing in the crisis passes?
door. development of vaccines, possible What we need to have happen is, once
Through no fault of their own, many treatments, and more diagnostic tests. we defeat this virus, we need to make
of these businesses suddenly find them- Something I hear from my Governor sure that America goes back to work
selves without customers to serve, but and our local officials, something they and our economy, which was incredibly
the bills are still coming in. Expenses need the most and ask me about the strong until this virus hit, is restored.
continue to pile up—things like rent, most, is testing, so that, for people who I am hopeful that some of the projec-
utilities, and other things you can’t develop symptoms, they can figure out tions that we have seen by people like
avoid, even if you are not paying pay- whether this is the seasonal flu, aller- JPMorgan and others, which, unfortu-
roll. gies, something else, or is this the nately, show a dramatically negative
Then, there are the employees won- COVID–19 virus, because, if it is the impact of the virus during the first and
dering how long they are going to have COVID–19 virus, they need to be iso- second quarter, the second quarter
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to be off the job and how long it will be lated, either at home under the watch- probably being the worst—we need to
before they are able to apply for unem- ful eye of their healthcare professional make sure that this is a V-shaped re-
ployment compensation or otherwise or, in some cases, if they become seri- covery. In other words, when we hit
pay for their expenses. ously ill, if their breathing becomes bottom, we need to make sure our
This is different from any crisis since compromised, they need to go to the economy bounces back, and that means
I have been in the Senate. I got here hospital. So the first bill focused pri- these businesses need to remain intact,
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S1888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 21, 2020
and they need to be prepared to rehire bilization—for some of the largest em- coronavirus, you may experience some
their employees if they had laid them ployers in the country, including our minor symptoms. One of the biggest
off. And we need to make sure that our airlines, that our economy depends concerns is people who got the virus
economy is restored by a rapid recov- upon. Now, I said ‘‘loans’’ because this and are asymptomatic or presymp-
ery. money will be repaid. As to those peo- tomatic and whether they are infecting
That is why I think this bill is so im- ple who claim that somehow we are other people. But for most of us, you
portant. bailing out large American corpora- will be fine after you recover, but you
Of course, the fourth is more support tions, that is not what we are pro- need to be isolated so you don’t infect
for our healthcare professionals. On the posing here. We are not giving compa- others. And some people—particularly
first point, direct aid, we know many nies a free pass for their own bad deci- the elderly and people with
workers have lost their jobs or had sions. comorbidities, underlying illnesses, or
their hours seriously cut down. As we Again, nobody here in America con- medical conditions, who are the most
all know, that is especially true for the tributed to this condition in which we vulnerable—will have to be hospital-
service and hospitality industries, find ourselves. That was the virus that ized, to be sure.
which have been the hardest hit. emanated in Wuhan Province in China. This is one of those all-hands-on-deck
Think about your local waiter, some- But if we are going to have any chance moments unlike I have ever experi-
body working for tips, somebody work- of rebounding in the long term, we enced before in my service in the Sen-
ing for an hourly wage—bartenders, have to ensure that these businesses ate. I appreciate the response from the
hairdressers, housekeepers—the ones can survive. No American business, administration and the President on
who, only a few weeks ago, had jobs from your local sandwich shop to a down. I appreciate the cooperation
and steady paychecks and are now major airline, asked for or expected among our colleagues who have worked
without any income with which to sus- this turmoil, and they need our support to prepare not only the initial proposal
tain themselves or their families. They now. but who are working now on a bipar-
are wondering how they are going to The final pillar of this bill will hit at tisan basis to come up with a package
pay the rent before the first of the the cause of this crisis: the virus itself. we can vote on quickly. I hope negotia-
month, cover their electric bill, buy Supporting our healthcare profes- tions with our Democratic colleagues
groceries to feed their family, and sionals and first responders and ensur- will move smoothly and meet the ma-
keeps things afloat until life returns to ing that they have the resources and jority leader’s target of having a pack-
normal. equipment they need is priority No. 1. age we can vote on on Monday.
We are working to get that money We also need to continue investing in Will this be the last bill we pass rel-
into the hands of Texans and Ameri- the development of a vaccine—al- ative to this crisis? I doubt it, but we
cans who need help now, as fast and as though we know that will take don’t know for sure because that, I
efficiently and as effectively as pos- months—in the interim, and possible think, is what is driving so much of the
sible—no paperwork to fill out, just di- treatments, including some of the volatility in the markets and the un-
rect aid from Washington to middle- drugs that are already on the market certainty and fear that some people
class Americans. Again, it is something that are now being tested by the Food feel—it is the unknown. As we work
I never would have contemplated in a and Drug Administration to see wheth- our way through this, we will be able
nonemergency situation, but I think, er this new application for combating to adapt additional legislation, if re-
under this situation, we need to act the COVID–19 virus is effective and safe quired, to meet with the needs at that
quickly and we need to act effectively for people to take, and, of course, more time. As I said, this has been a moving
to get money into the hands of those testing and diagnostics. That is one of target.
who, through no fault of their own, the things that distinguish America I appreciate the cooperation we have
don’t have any money coming in. from the rest of the world on not only seen so far. I think, as we all realize,
This can help cover expenses while how resilient we are but how quickly there are some things that transcend
their income is short, perhaps provide we innovate our way out of problems. politics. Every time we have had a na-
a little extra stability, and inject a lit- As the Presiding Officer knows, we tional crisis—this one included—I
tle extra money into our economy were just at a meeting where Senator think it has always called the better
when it is desperately needed. ALEXANDER, the chairman of the angels of our nature and resulted in
On small businesses other than the Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- our ability to work together to produce
ones I have mentioned, I have heard sions Committee, said that soon he an- our best efforts to help address the cri-
from a number of them who are wor- ticipated a new, FDA-approved testing sis, to solve the problem, and to help
ried they will not be able to weather kit for the coronavirus that will be the American people.
the storm without significant and im- widely available. People who now can’t Each day we waste debating this bill
mediate financial assistance in some get access to a test will be able to use further by talking about other ideolog-
form. Well, this legislation would pro- the test based on advice from their ical goals that people want to accom-
vide new small business interruption medical provider and gain the con- plish and take advantage of this emer-
loans through their local financial in- fidence of knowing ‘‘Hey, I am nega- gency to try to pass things that are un-
stitutions—the banks, their credit tive. I don’t have anything to worry related to dealing with the virus—
unions. These businesses can turn to about personally, and what I need to do every day we waste with those sorts of
those banks and credit unions and who- is to continue to do what the Centers things is a day that healthcare pro-
ever their preferred lender might be for for Disease Control told us all we need viders, small businesses, and constitu-
a federally backed, Small Business Ad- to do, which is to maintain good per- ents are spending without the help
ministration loan. Qualifying busi- sonal hygiene and social distancing’’— they need and deserve.
nesses can use this money to cover a new phrase that we have all become The time to act is now. There is no
their rent, core expenses, and payroll. acquainted with. As long as you are question that this pandemic will have a
In fact, that is what we want them to negative and you do those things, then lasting impact on our country. I be-
do. We want them to continue to keep you are likely going to be healthy and lieve one of the things we need to do is
their employees on the payroll if they not be affected directly by this virus. figure out how we can prevent this sort
can so that, as soon as people start That is one of the things that are of thing from happening ever again.
showing up again to patronize their happening in real time now—develop- But I believe a major investment by
business, we can see the economy take ment of the new tests. The prolifera- our government will now allow us to
off as these people are restored to their tion of this inexpensive and quick test- weather the storm together and to
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE
former jobs. We are hoping to minimize ing will allow for people who are posi- come out with the best possible result
the disruption that this virus will have tive to be identified so they can be on the other side.
for our Main Street businesses and do treated either at home or in a I yield the floor.
as much as possible to avoid layoffs. healthcare facility. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
But we also need financial assist- The truth is, most of us—if you are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
ance—I would call it economic sta- otherwise healthy, if you get the clerk will call the roll.
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March 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1889
The senior assistant legislative clerk so that they can keep their employees The CARES Act will help employers
proceeded to call the roll. on the payroll until we get to a point and workers weather the storm that we
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask where they are—from a disease stand- are facing because of coronavirus. Once
unanimous consent that the order for point—able to reopen the businesses. the storm passes, you know, as do I,
the quorum call be rescinded. We want them to be viable when the that the American economy will con-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without day comes that businesses can reopen tinue to recover.
objection, it is so ordered. all across America. The CARES Act is the third
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I The CARES Act is major legislation coronavirus emergency bill considered
come to the floor today to provide an that will stabilize our economy and in the Senate. The first two have al-
update on the bold, bipartisan action protect American jobs. It also includes ready been passed into law, signed by
Congress is taking to respond to the critical new support for our healthcare the President. Earlier this month, Con-
pandemic we have with the workers and for patients. gress passed two major relief packages:
coronavirus. I have introduced bipartisan CARES the first, an $8 billion emergency fund-
First, we are all deeply saddened by Act language, along with Senator MI- ing bill for our healthcare system; the
the loss of life due to the outbreak in CHAEL BENNET of Colorado, with regard second, a $100 billion bill to provide ad-
this country and globally. I know, Mr. to healthcare. The goal is to provide ditional relief to affected families, to
President, it has affected your State in immediate relief for rural hospitals, for small businesses, and to workers.
terms of disease as well as death; in my small community hospitals, and for These three relief measures are only
State, disease, not yet death, and we small physician practices. During this the beginning. More legislation will be
are hoping to prevent that. All of us re- crisis, rural hospitals and small coming to address this unprecedented
main very concerned about the great healthcare providers are on the economic and public healthcare crisis.
loss of life and the suffering that is frontlines, providing urgent care. They Once we defeat the virus, the economy
happening as a result of this. continue to work around-the-clock, will recover; America will be back. The
These are extraordinary times. We keeping communities in Wyoming and American people are strong. We are re-
are fighting a world war to defeat a across the country safe. silient. We are determined to get
virus. We want to do it to save lives These providers are stretched like through this, and we will. We are all
but also to keep people safe. never before. I have talked with several Americans. We are all in it together.
This war has two fronts. Mr. Presi- of them in Wyoming over the past 24 Be assured that Congress will stop at
dent, I know you discussed these on hours. I talked to one this morning nothing to ensure that America and
television the other evening. I listened whose coronavirus test has come back. Americans survive and revive and
carefully about the impact on your It is negative, and he is back in the thrive. This storm will pass. The people
State. As you said, we are fighting on fight today in the hospital. of this great Nation will emerge
the front of public health as well as the Our bill provides rural hospitals with stronger than ever. Americans will de-
health of our economy. aid in the form of Federal grants based feat the coronavirus together.
The coronavirus right now is control- on insurance payments. This will help I yield the floor.
ling our economy. It has taken a domi- make up for lost revenue due to the I suggest the absence of a quorum.
nant role. To stop this disease, the Na- forced cancellation of elective sur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
tion has largely shut down. geries. Of course, these are surgeries clerk will call the roll.
These temporary restrictions on our that have already been scheduled and The senior assistant legislative clerk
daily activities are necessary in an ef- planned for patients needing surgeries. proceeded to call the roll.
fort to limit new cases and the spread Yet, in terms of providing and making Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I
of the disease. Yet the economic fall- sure we have the resources needed at ask unanimous consent that the order
out is devastating millions of hard- those hospitals—the beds available and for the quorum call be rescinded.
working American families. Once we personal protective equipment—elec- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.
defeat the virus, we will rebuild. Our tive surgeries have been canceled. TILLIS). Without objection, it is so or-
economy will bounce back. We are a Small physician practices, hospitals, dered.
strong and resilient Nation, and we al- and rural communities aren’t able to f
ways bounce back, and we will again. tolerate that sort of loss of flow, just EXECUTIVE SESSION
First, we need to make it through as any business is not able to tolerate
this medical crisis. This is going to re- that sort of cashflow loss.
quire big and bold and bipartisan ac- Small physician practices will re- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR
tion. The American people need help. I ceive low-interest loans based on the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I
would reassure the American people payroll of that practice in terms of ask unanimous consent that the Sen-
that Congress is responding. This is a what we are doing with this bill that ate proceed to executive session for the
national rescue operation, as I see it, MICHAEL BENNET and I—in a bipartisan en bloc consideration of Executive Cal-
and help is on the way. way—have introduced. Rural endar Nos. 596 through 599; that the
President Trump and Congress are healthcare workers need immediate, nominations be confirmed en bloc; that
coming together in a bipartisan way to short-term financial relief to help the motions to reconsider be consid-
ease the pain of the American people. them through this crisis time. ered made and laid upon the table with
It is going to take time. It is going to The CARES Act also includes a num- no intervening action or debate; and
happen. We are sending immediate re- ber of important public health provi- that the President be immediately no-
lief, and we have done that. We are sions. Our bill eases the shortage of tified of the Senate’s action, all en
sending financial support—plus med- drugs and critical equipment, including bloc.
ical support—to people all across ventilators and medical masks. It ex- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
America. pands testing and ensures testing is objection, it is so ordered.
The bill being considered on the floor free for patients, and it speeds the de- The nominations considered and con-
right now is called the CARES Act. It velopment of new coronavirus vaccines firmed en bloc are as follows:
stands for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and and treatments since none have existed IN THE COAST GUARD
Economic Security Act. It will bolster before the disease was made known The following named officer for appoint-
our economy, and it will help working worldwide as a new virus, which it is. ment in the United States Coast Guard Re-
families. This bill allows us to deliver The CARES Act that we are at look- serve to the grade indicated under title 10,
direct cash payments to most Ameri- ing today on the floor of the Senate U.S.C., section 12203(a):
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with SENATE
cans to see people through this eco- also protects patients through the ex- To be rear admiral (lower half)
nomic downturn. People who work in panded use of health savings accounts Capt. Miriam L. Lafferty
small businesses and people who own for telehealth. It expands telehealth The following named officer for appoint-
small businesses will receive federally access for Medicare patients. It in- ment in the United States Coast Guard Re-
guaranteed loans to help them stay creases Medicare payments to hospitals serve to the grade indicated under title 10,
viable and keep their businesses viable treating coronavirus patients. U.S.C., section 12203(a):
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