Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, March 31, 2020, Page E337, Middle Class Health Benefits
Summary
Extensions of Remarks in the Congressional Record for March 31, 2020, page E337, headed Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019: the speech of Hon. Jody B. Hice of Georgia in the House of Representatives, dated Friday, March 27, 2020. Mr. HICE of Georgia states that the CARES Act will provide an unprecedented amount of immediate relief, expresses deep concerns about the legislation, and states an intention to vote in opposition. The stated concerns include that there has been no discussion on how to pay for the trillions of dollars of new federal spending, and that the bill carries funding for agencies and causes unrelated to the coronavirus outbreak, such as $1 billion for Amtrak.
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“Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, March 31, 2020, Page E337, Middle Class Health Benefits.”
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March 31, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E337
EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS vertently incentivizing unemployment. We ease Control and $1 billion to state and local
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 must strike a balance between smart health response efforts. It also jump-started public
policy and smart economic policy, and that and private efforts toward developing a vac-
SPEECH OF means Americans should be allowed to go cine (which is already being tested).
HON. JODY B. HICE back to work as soon as it’s safe to do so. Un- On March 18, the Families First Coronavirus
OF GEORGIA fortunately, the language in the bill creates a Response Act was signed into law. The bill’s
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
disincentive for many to return to the work- $2.5 billion ensured that the government
force over the next four months. would cover the cost of testing. Anyone be-
Friday, March 27, 2020 Third, it is unacceptable that Democrats coming sick themselves, or needing to care for
Mr. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the Fed- have stuffed this bill with funding for agencies an infected loved one, would be entitled to
eral Government has the responsibility to help and causes completely unrelated to the paid leave. Food assistance was expanded for
individuals and businesses through this crisis coronavirus outbreak. Just to name a few, the the needy. Some federal Unemployment Insur-
because it is the government that shut down bill contains within it $1 billion for Amtrak, $37 ance requirements were also relaxed, making
the economy—not American workers. Ameri- million to the Forest Service, $25 million for it easier to apply and quicker to receive bene-
cans and their employers are not responsible the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, $75 fits.
for the economic damage being wrought by million to the National Foundation on the Arts On March 27, the Coronavirus Aid and Re-
coronavirus, and I am pleased that the and Humanities and a combined $10.8 billion lief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will
CARES Act will provide an unprecedented for several international development organi- be signed into law. This bill directed cash as-
amount of immediate relief. However, I have zations. Many of these are fine institutions that sistance to most Americans. In my district,
deep concerns about this legislation, and I will do good work for our Nation, but they have no two-thirds of my constituents are eligible for
be voting in opposition. place in an emergency package aimed at res- the full amount and 97 percent of all house-
First, there has been absolutely no discus- cuing American families and stimulating our holds in my district should be eligible for some
sion on how we will ultimately pay for the tril- economy during a time of crisis. amount. For those who may not need this
lions of dollars of new federal spending in this President Donald Trump has done an in- cash assistance for themselves, the bill also
bill. As we incur this massive debt, we should credible job leading America through this cri- authorized a $300 charitable tax deduction
be at least considering how we will one day sis. We are blessed to have his leadership, whether a taxpayer itemizes or not.
pay it. The House has failed in its duty to take and while I am unable to support this par- To help ensure workers have jobs to return
up consideration of this legislation by regular ticular legislation, I look forward to continuing to, the CARES Act provided $500 billion to the
order. There has been no due diligence to re- to support him and working with his Adminis- Treasury Stabilization Fund to make loans,
view the language in detail within our commit- tration in combatting the coronavirus. loan guarantees and other investments. To
tees, no opportunity to hear from expert wit- May God pour out his mercy and grace on benefit, borrowers must maintain employment
nesses regarding its effectiveness, and no op- our Nation during this time and heal our Land. levels as March 24, 2020 and retain 90 per-
tion for our Members to address concerns or God bless the great State of Georgia, and cent of employees. The bill also directed $349
provide thoughtful solutions through the God bless America. billion to the Small Business Administration’s
amendment process. Moreover, language f 7(a) Loan Program. These loans will be ad-
within the bill willfully shirks our oversight au- ministered through local financial institutions
thority and responsibility by waiving the open MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS and are available to eligible to small busi-
meetings requirement. TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 nesses, independent contractors, self em-
Furthermore, I fear this legislation is still just ployed individuals, nonprofits and veteran or-
SPEECH OF
the tip of the iceberg. In a short period of time, ganizations.
we have moved from a few billion in phase HON. JOHN SHIMKUS Other notable provisions of the CARES Act
one to over a hundred billion in phase two, OF ILLINOIS included $100 billion for unreimbursed
and we now are considering $2.2 trillion in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COVID–19 costs, $1.32 billion for community
phase three. There is already talk of a fourth health centers, $15.5 billion for the Supple-
and fifth package to allow Democrats to ad- Friday, March 27, 2020 mental Nutrition Assistance Program (known
vance many of their liberal partisan policies Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, in my congres- more commonly as food stamps), $25 million
that did not make it into this bill during a time sional career I’ve served during many chal- for long distance learning and telemedicine
when no funding that is not directly related to lenging times. Each one required Members of through USDA Rural Development, and liabil-
crisis assistance should be considered. We Congress to understand the national crisis, ap- ity protection for medical device manufactur-
must also weigh what precedents we are es- preciate the separation of powers, and know ers. The provisions in the CARES Act are
tablishing. The CARES Act brings with it a his or her district. much more extensive than my short summary,
massive expansion of the size and role of the Some events were long and protracted like and I would direct those interested in learning
Federal Government outside the scope of impeachment, but others, like 9/11 for exam- more about the bill to the Ways and Means
what our Founders intended. What we are ple, hit like a lightning strike, unpredictable, Committee website.
doing here today is unsustainable and cannot powerful and life altering. The coronavirus out- It is always fashionable to look for someone
be repeated for subsequent future emer- break is one of these events that struck out of to blame in these situations. Even within our
gencies that will undoubtedly and unfortu- the blue. legislative branch, Members have commu-
nately occur. Maximum freedom exists within Yes, it started in China. Yes, the world was nicated for or against certain aspects of the
a context of limited government, and we have slow to understand its true danger. But even response, whether for sincere policy objec-
seen on countless occasions that once the as the world scurries around in an attempt to tions or in hopes of gaining some local polit-
Federal Government institutes new programs mitigate its damage and slow its spread, the ical benefit. Make no mistake, this always hap-
or spending that it is almost impossible to re- United States is rising to the challenge with pens because it’s part of our human nature.
verse the trajectory of its new footprint on our unheard of speed—amazingly so during this The Framers understood this well, and that’s
lives. time of divided chambers and divided govern- why our bicameral legislative branch creates
Secondly, while I am supportive of providing ment. its own checks on each Chamber. The Senate
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
Americans a bridge of assistance through the On March 4, the Coronavirus Preparedness remains the cooling saucer of debate, just as
coronavirus, I am concerned that this legisla- and Response Supplemental Appropriation Act Washington and Jefferson discussed more
tion will cause some to obtain significantly was signed into law. This quick response pro- than two centuries ago.
more in unemployment benefits than they vided $4 billion to increase the availability of In times like these, I’m thankful we have a
would normally earn through their jobs, inad- tests. $2.2 billion went to the Centers for Dis- constitutional republic under a federal system
∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.
Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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E338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 31, 2020
of governance, with the limited duties and were also given the opportunity to include in vide resources to stem the damage being
powers of the federal government spelled out the RECORD how they would have voted, caused in the present crisis.
clearly in our Constitution. Over the years the should a recorded vote have been ordered. I There is no question that this crisis is a di-
federal government has crept into the respon- would have voted yes. rect result of the Chinese government’s cover
sibilities of the states, but the 10th Amend- f up of the dangers posed by COVID–19. The
ment stipulates that if those duties are not list- Chinese government failed to heed the early
ed they are the responsibility of the states. We MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS warnings of medical professionals, going so
are partners and all have to play our respec- TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 far as to persecute individuals like Dr. Li
tive part. I think the Congress, in passing Wenliang, who was among the first to raise
SPEECH OF concerns, forcing him to sign a confession that
three response bills in twenty-three days, has
done its part. HON. BEN McADAMS his concerns were false. China ordered de-
I am also a capitalist and believe that free OF UTAH
struction of early research samples of the
markets provide the highest quality goods and virus. The Chinese government also denied
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
services at the lowest cost. I also believe in World Health Organization (WHO) investiga-
risk and reward—the power of individuals or Friday, March 27, 2020 tors access inside the country’s borders and
groups raising capital and assuming risk with Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Speaker, as I continue they withheld critical information. The Chinese
the hope of earning a return on that invest- to receive treatment in a Utah hospital for Communist Party falsely denied the evidence
ment. Notice I say ‘‘hope’’ because in a free COVID–19, I am not able to vote on H.R. 748, of human-to-human transmission. Contrary to
market a return is not guaranteed. During the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Se- WHO guidelines, Chinese officials manipulated
financial collapse of 2008 I voted against the curity (CARES) Act. Had I been present and statistics by failing to report infected individ-
Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). I did able to vote, I would have voted ‘aye’. This bill uals who tested positive for the virus if they
so because the market collapse was due to is certainly not perfect and raises significant exhibited mild to no symptoms. China’s au-
bad management and those responsible concerns about fiscal responsibility and appro- thoritarian government also allowed up to
should have borne the cost. I also believed al- priate use of taxpayer dollars. 5,000,000 people, including potentially tens of
lowing this to occur would speed up the recov- Nonetheless, we have a responsibility to thousands of infected individuals, to leave
ery. protect the health and economic well-being of Wuhan and travel across the globe, spreading
This market involvement is fundamentally our state and our country. This bill provides the virus. The reality is that China was more
different. For me and many conservatives this critical support for working families, our front- interested in saving face than stopping the
is a takings debate. The government—whether line health care providers, community workers, problem before it became a global pandemic.
federal, state or local—is forcing businesses to state and local governments, and Utah small China was more interested in waging an inter-
freeze economic activity. In essence, the gov- businesses and their employees. Coronavirus national public relations campaign than getting
ernment is depriving businesses of income remains a danger to our lives and our liveli- the necessary help from the world community.
they would otherwise be free to earn. What we The United States and countries across the
hoods. I am proud to have championed a key
have done in the third coronavirus bill is at- globe are now dealing with the fallout of Chi-
oversight provision—a Treasury Department
tempt to keep the employee and employer na’s deceit and misdeeds. We are wrestling
Special Inspector General for Pandemic Re-
afloat until economic activity can resume, and with how to address a public health crisis,
covery—to track and account for disbursement
to compensate those who have been ordered contain this deadly virus, and respond to un-
and spending of taxpayer dollars. I will work to
to forgo the fruits of their investment and precedented economic fallout. To address the
ensure we fix problems as they arise and
labor. current situation, Congress must act respon-
As a retiring Member I have the ability to focus on doing what is best for Utahns. sibly and thoughtfully but also with urgency.
I believe we will get through this by giving
step back and observe the big picture while We must work together to support doctors,
still having access to some inner rooms, or in communities, health care providers and local nurses and other health professionals. We
this case some inner (and many) conference governments the tools they need to respond need to also help suffering families, assist
calls. The crying and gnashing of teeth has quickly and efficiently to what’s happening on businesses and non-profits that have been or-
occurred on both sides. Whether it was Re- the ground with maximum flexibility and ac- dered to close, and to set the stage for yet an-
publicans attacking Speaker PELOSI for delay- countability. I believe in Utahns and I believe other American comeback.
ing the process with her attempt to jam in in Americans; everyday heroes will help us Nearly every American has been affected by
Green New Deal inspired provisions, or Demo- overcome and as a Representative, I must do this virus. All levels of government have asked
crats attacking Congressman MASSIE who my part to get urgently needed resources to our citizens to stay home. Government has
thought it was not too much to ask for a re- Utahns. asked businesses to shutter their doors, and
corded vote on an unpaid-for $2 trillion spend- f for America’s health care professionals to cou-
ing bill that would immediately increase the MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS rageously work longer hours, sometimes with-
national debt to $25 trillion. TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 out the necessary supplies to protect them-
Members were thrown into a real quandary selves. Americans are tired, fearful, and
by the looming request for a recorded vote on SPEECH OF distancing themselves from friends and neigh-
this bill. Some were hunkered down in D.C. bors when what they truly desire is commu-
Most, like myself, were hunkered down in our HON. KEN BUCK nity. The American people have been told this
home districts. Many Members would make a OF COLORADO was necessary and that if they made these
long drive to D.C. while others would risk air IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sacrifices we could ‘‘bend the curve’’ and stop
travel. To some it was an impossible commute Friday, March 27, 2020 the spread of the virus.
with the limited time. I have the concern of an While President Trump and Republicans
elderly parent living with me. Emotions were Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, America is facing a have been trying to lead, and the American
running high for everyone. very serious public health crisis that also has people have been doing their part, Democrats
I think that what we observed is Congress the potential to affect the long-term health of have engaged in political games. The House
working at its best. A recorded vote was re- our economy. Democratic Whip told his colleagues that this
quested by Congressman MASSIE, which was The people on the front lines fighting the crisis was a ‘‘tremendous opportunity to re-
his right. Democrat Whip CLYBURN and Re- spread of COVID–19—our doctors, nurses, structure things to fit our vision.’’ In the Sen-
publican Whip SCALISE did their jobs and first responders, and other health profes- ate, all but one Democrat voted to hold up de-
counted to ensure that a quorum of 216 Mem- sionals—need help. Congress should be step- bate on this bill for several days, simply to ex-
bers were present. If my inside information is ping up to ensure America’s health care sys- tract as many political concessions as pos-
correct, 130 Democrats along with 120 Repub- tem has access to needed personal protective sible. In response to the tremendous and pa-
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
licans were present. But while the Rules of the equipment—like masks and face shields—and triotic sacrifices by the American people,
House dictate that any Member may ask for a testing supplies to identify those infected and Democrats have played politics. They saw a
recorded vote, his or her request must be sup- to help stop the spread of the virus. Busi- crisis that they did not want to let go to waste
ported at least one-fifth of a quorum. No one nesses and employees affected by this virus and chose to exploit the American peoples’
joined Congressman MASSIE in support of his also need help. Congress should be providing fear and misery for political gain. That is un-
request. short-term financial assistance such as loans conscionable.
Mr. Speaker, the bill will pass by voice vote and in the form of a tax holiday. I recognize Today, we finally reached the point where
and signed into law that same day. Members these needs and fully support action to pro- we could debate the merits of this bill in the
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