Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, E342 (March 31, 2020)
Summary
Page E342 of the Extensions of Remarks section of the Congressional Record for March 31, 2020. The page opens with a list of names of students and teachers, and the speaker says she is honored to recognize them. A second statement calls the bill the third relief measure for the coronavirus outbreak and says they are only first steps, with more assistance already being worked on, and that partisanship days earlier threatened the work. It describes the $2 trillion legislation as the largest aid package in American history, including $100 billion for education, childcare, housing and homelessness.
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“Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, E342 (March 31, 2020).”
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E342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 31, 2020
Harris, Tara Hernandez, Susan Kaufman, This is the third relief bill Congress will pass workers and other first responders. I have
Cathy Kazyaka, Courtney Koder, Amelia related to the coronavirus outbreak, and while worked day and night with my colleagues in
Langi, Stormee Massey, Allen Matthews, Lau- they have each been critical in helping us in Congress and our state and local officials to
rel McClanahan, Karen McCurdy, Joseph this fight, we know they are just first steps. find a way to get people back on their feet.
Mendenhall, Thomas Montelongo, Alyssa Many families, workers, small businesses, first Just days ago partisanship threatened to de-
Nabors, Amanda Stevens, Kent Wooley. responders, and health care professionals will stroy all of that work, abandoning the people
Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize need more assistance, and we are already who need this assistance most. But I am
these outstanding students and teachers and working on additional help to address this un- grateful that Leader MCCONNELL was able to
congratulate them on their admirable achieve- precedented public health threat. get a historic and unanimous vote in support
ments. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to The American people need and deserve a through the Senate, and that Speaker PELOSI
join me in congratulating the recipients of the coordinated, fully-funded, whole-of-government and Senator SCHUMER finally realized they
2020 HEB ISD Awards of Excellence. response to keep them and their loved ones needed to put politics aside and join us in
f safe from the coronavirus epidemic, and to placing our countrymen and women above
protect our economy. I will continue to work petty political fights.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS relentlessly to put families, workers, and small Americans are resilient and, although these
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 businesses first. are difficult times, I have faith we will emerge
f stronger as a nation, a people, and an econ-
SPEECH OF
omy. The CARES Act will help Missourians
HON. DANIEL T. KILDEE MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS get back to work, keep businesses open, and
OF MICHIGAN
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 allow our economy to rebound. This legislation
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEECH OF
gives financial support directly to families and
workers who need it most and provides assist-
Friday, March 27, 2020
HON. MARKWAYNE MULLIN ance to struggling small businesses so they
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is the intent of OF OKLAHOMA can keep their doors open and pay their em-
this chamber that States, Tribal governments, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ployees. If you have lost your job, unemploy-
and local units of governments use the funds ment insurance has been expanded so you
in the Coronavirus Relief Fund to recover any Friday, March 27, 2020
can feed your family and keep a roof over
necessary monies that they would have other- Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in your heads during this uncertain time, and this
wise collected or generated in order to pay support of the CARES Act. We are in the mid- was done in a temporary fashion so we do not
their employees and cover costs but for the dle of an unprecedented public health crisis disincentivize people from working. Our health
COVID–19 pandemic. As the legislation indi- and the American people need help. care workers and first responders who have
cates, these funds are specifically targeted to- Over the past two weeks, I have had count- worked long hours on the front lines of this cri-
wards expenditures incurred between March less calls with constituents, and they have all sis will receive vital personal protective equip-
1, 2020 and December 30, 2020. I agree that said the same thing: they’re hurting. Our small ment and other resources to keep up the fight.
it is important to try to keep American workers businesses, our farmers and ranchers, our This is an extraordinary piece of legislation,
employed and paid during this time. And, I teachers, our Tribal governments, our health but the work doesn’t stop here. Congress will
agree with the assessment that these govern- care workers, and first responders on the front keep working to improve upon this legislation,
ments rely on the collection of taxes and gen- lines—we are all hurting right now. mitigate the effects of this pandemic, and en-
eration of revenues to pay the wages of these While this bill won’t fix all their problems, it sure the safety of the American people.
employees, and those costs were an antici- brings them some much-needed relief and I am disappointed that Democrats insisted
pated expenditure to be allowable under the confidence that the federal government is tak- on adding many extraneous provisions that
Coronavirus Relief Fund. ing action to combat this crisis. are not relevant to the crisis at hand. Millions
f In Oklahoma, we call it the Oklahoma of dollars for forest research and other items
Standard. Neighbors helping neighbors do not belong in urgent coronavirus relief leg-
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS through hard times. Together, as a country, islation. I am also extremely concerned they
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 we will help our neighbors and get through insisted on including over $1 billion for Amtrak
this together. and $10 billion for the Postal Service. We can
SPEECH OF
I support this bill and look forward to con- have a reasoned debate on these items, but
HON. ALAN S. LOWENTHAL tinuing to work with the Administration. in another forum. The issue at hand is reliev-
OF CALIFORNIA f ing our distressed families and small busi-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS nesses, not trying to tack on political pet
Friday, March 27, 2020 TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 projects when so many people across America
need our help. We are in a National Emer-
Mr. LOWENTHAL. Mr. Speaker, the House gency and it is shameful Democrats tried to
SPEECH OF
considered the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and force through partisan issues, including ag-
Economic Security (CARES) Act. I would vote HON. ANN WAGNER gressive union mandates and taxpayer funded
YEA on this important measure. OF MISSOURI abortion. I fought these provisions and am
As the coronavirus spreads throughout our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grateful they were ultimately left out of the
country, the devastating impact of this pan- final bill.
demic becomes clearer each day. The bipar- Friday, March 27, 2020
tisan CARES Act makes an important down Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I care deeply f
payment on needed economic relief for Ameri- about the health of our citizens and our econ-
cans and their families, especially in Cali- omy. We are in the midst of a National Emer- MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS
fornia. It provides critical cash assistance to gency that has taken lives, disrupted the econ- TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2D19
people who need it. It grants crucial resources omy, and threatened the health and economic
SPEECH OF
to small businesses, helps prevent layoffs, and security of our nation. Americans have called
delivers urgently needed funds to hospitals, on Congress to pass legislation that provides HON. DOUG COLLINS
schools, and local governments. relief, and we cannot let another day go by OF GEORGIA
This bill is huge, by any measure. It will pro- without answering that call. While this bill is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
vide critical assistance. I am proud of the tire- not perfect, and I disagree with a number of
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
less efforts by House Democrats to secure the specific provisions within, unprecedented cri- Friday, March 27, 2020
best possible deal for working families, and ses demand unprecedented solutions, and I Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in
proud that we can reach a bipartisan agree- am confident the CARES Act as a whole will recent weeks, this crisis has devastated our
ment. assist Missourians and Americans around the families, our communities, and our entire way
We simply cannot afford to declare victory, country in our time of need. of life. Americans are suffering, our health
though. More will be needed. We’re just begin- COVID–19 has prevented too many Ameri- care workers are exhausted, and businesses
ning to understand the full scope of the im- cans from working to support their families, are struggling. Americans need relief, and they
pacts. and could overwhelm our heroic health care need it now.
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March 31, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E343
We are battling an unprecedented global cri- help meet the great challenges we face during as grants for states to prepare for the upcom-
sis, and it calls for an unprecedented re- this crisis. ing election in November.
sponse. While no legislation is perfect, I’m As Americans stay home to slow the spread Taken together, this legislation will go a long
glad Congress could come together to send of the deadly coronavirus, the economy has way to help workers, families, small busi-
this package to the President’s desk to quickly ground to a halt. Nearly 3.3 million Americans nesses, state and local governments, hos-
deliver the relief our country desperately filed unemployment claims last week, an all- pitals, and health care workers, and California
needs. time record. Our frontline health care workers will receive approximately $15 billion from the
The CARES Act will provide families with are working around the clock to care for the legislation.
immediate support by putting cash in their tens of thousands of Americans who have Congress’s work to respond to the pan-
pockets. It will protect Americans’ livelihoods contracted the virus, requiring a surge of hos- demic is not complete, and the House is al-
by keeping workers employed and helping pital beds, masks, personal protective equip- ready working on a fourth package to help our
businesses stay afloat to ensure American ment, and ventilators to safely care for the nation during these critical times.
workers have jobs to come back to. This pack- sick. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for
age stands up for our heroes fighting on the The Democratic House has led the way to this legislation to come to the aid of the Amer-
frontlines by ensuring our nurses, doctors, and respond to this emergency. At the beginning ican people during this time of crisis. They de-
countless health care professionals have the of March, we passed a bipartisan $8.3 billion serve swift action by a united Congress.
resources they need to continue saving lives. funding package to strengthen our nation’s f
When faced with a challenge, America al- public health response to the coronavirus. A
ways rises to the occasion. I’m proud of the week later, we passed another bipartisan bill, MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS
way our country has rallied together to support the Families First Act to provide paid sick TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
one another in the face of this crisis, and I’m leave and nutrition assistance to working fami-
SPEECH OF
proud we can finally deliver the quick relief lies, as well as free coronavirus testing to any-
Americans have been asking for. We will beat one who needs it. HON. CHARLIE CRIST
this virus, and our nation will emerge stronger Today’s legislation continues Congress’s OF FLORIDA
than ever before. fast-moving bipartisan emergency response to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
f the pandemic. Democrats fought successfully
Friday, March 27, 2020
to flip the original Senate bill from a trickle-
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS down, corporation-first approach to a families Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I add my voice in
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 and workers-first approach. support of the CARES Act.
SPEECH OF
The four major pillars of the legislation are: This sweeping, bipartisan legislation is the
A ‘‘Marshall Plan’’ for our Health Care System, work of a Congress that soberly understands
HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON Expanded Unemployment Benefits and Direct the gravity of the emergency facing our nation.
OF COLORADO Cash Assistance for Americans, Assistance for It is only because Congress has set aside par-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Small Businesses, Relief for state, tribal, and tisanship and disagreements that I am able to
Friday, March 27, 2020 local governments. say, help, my friends, is on the way.
A $150 billion ‘‘Marshall Plan’’ for our health For the 3.3 million who filed for unemploy-
Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, through no fault
systems with funding to hospitals and other ment last week and the millions more who
of their own, hospitals, families, and busi-
health providers to buy protective equipment, have not yet been able to navigate states’
nesses are facing a public health crisis caus-
testing supplies, new construction, and to overwhelmed unemployment servers, this new
ing unprecedented hardships for millions of
cover unreimbursed costs or lost revenue. law will provide an additional $600 per week
employees and families. In the 3rd District, I
Funding is also provided to increase the sup- in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
have heard from heartbroken families who I fought for this $15 per hour living wage to
ply of health care equipment in the Strategic
don’t know how to afford next month’s rent, give a hand to the servers, bartenders, and
National Stockpile, implement the Defense
small business owners who don’t know how other tipped employees that are the backbone
Production Act, and boost FEMA’s Disaster
they will pay their loyal employees or if they of Florida’s tourism and services sector.
Relief Fund.
will be able to hold out and reopen their doors The law provides a $1200 check to all
$260 billion for unemployment insurance,
ever again, and healthcare workers desperate Americans, including those on Social Security,
providing an additional $600 weekly for every
for more medical supplies. I applaud President who make less than $75,000.
American receiving unemployment benefits.
Trump and the Senate for focusing on the dire It includes a $100 billion ‘‘Marshall Plan’’ for
Many Americans will also receive a one-time
and urgent needs of hospitals, families, and our hospitals and public health system and
cash payment of up to $1,200, and $500 per
small businesses affected by COVID–19 and $150 billion for states and tribes.
child.
standing firm against loading this bill with rad- It provides over $350 billion for small busi-
A $350 billion small business rescue plan
ical leftist gimmicks that were included in nesses on Main Street in grants, forgivable
that provides loan forgiveness grants to small
Speaker PELOSI’s unserious legislation. I am loans, and tax credits so they can make pay-
businesses to keep their workers on payroll
obviously deeply cautious about the stag- roll and pay monthly bills to keep their busi-
and help to pay rent and utility bills. Coverage
gering cost, but the cost of inaction today nesses afloat.
also goes to independent contractors, gig
means putting a price tag on lives tomorrow. The new law provides 6 months relief for
workers, and nonprofits.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with my federal student loan payments, blocks evic-
A $150 billion relief fund to assist state,
colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the tions for 150 days, blocks foreclosures for 60
local, and tribal governments maintain essen-
President in doing what is necessary to sup- days, and offers mortgage forbearance for up
tial public services for their residents.
port the American people and position our Democrats also successfully prevented se- to 6 months—all penalty-free. No interest,
economy to make a strong recovery once we cret corporate bailouts. Thanks to a strong fees, or negative information on your credit re-
defeat this terrible virus. Democratic effort, corporations that receive aid port.
f must use it to keep workers on their payrolls. This bill is neither perfect nor the last word.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS They’re prohibited from giving bonuses to ex- As this crisis unfolds and America rises to
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 ecutives, exercise buyback of stocks, or give face unthinkable challenges, so too must their
dividends to shareholders. We launched many Representatives in Congress.
SPEECH OF attempts to remove the $500 billion fund under We need more masks, protective equip-
HON. ANNA G. ESHOO the control of the Secretary of the Treasury, ment, and ventilators. And we need testing ev-
but we were unable to do so because of the erywhere.
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
OF CALIFORNIA
support of Senator MITCH MCCONNELL and the We need more help for our cities like St.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
White House. What we were able to secure is Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas
Friday, March 27, 2020 an Inspector General to oversee the funds to Park.
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support ensure transparency and accountability, and a We need to do more for essential employ-
of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Board to do so as well. ees—the grocery store checkers, truck drivers,
Security Act. Finally, the legislation includes $100 billion farmers, sanitation workers, pharmacists,
This $2 trillion legislation—the largest aid in emergency appropriations for education, cooks, home care workers, and delivery work-
package in American history—is shaped to childcare, housing, and homelessness, as well ers that are enabling the rest of us to shelter-
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