Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, E345 (March 31, 2020)
Summary
Page E345 of the Extensions of Remarks section of the Congressional Record for March 31, 2020. Under the heading Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019, speeches of March 27, 2020 include Tom Cole of Oklahoma on the tribal government stabilization fund, which provides $8,000,000,000 in relief to tribal governments, and Debbie Lesko of Arizona in support of the CARES Act. Other remarks cite $30.75 billion for an Education Stabilization Fund and say House Democrats proposed raising the minimum SNAP benefit from $18 to $30. Thompson of Mississippi honors the life of civil rights activist Joseph Lowery.
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“Congressional Record — Extensions of Remarks, E345 (March 31, 2020).”
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March 31, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E345
Resources and Services Administration in the commercial market. I am calling for a We need a system that always puts workers
(HRSA) grant programs; reauthorizes HRSA national moratorium on mortgage payments, and families first—not just during a national
grants to strengthen rural community health; rental payments, eviction filings, and fore- emergency and not just when it’s politically
expands telehealth capabilities; grants liability closures. We can and must do more to help convenient.
protections to doctors who provide volunteer Americans stay housed. I’ll always be ready to roll up my sleeves for
medical services; and establishes a Ready The House proposal was far superior in pro- that fight.
Reserve Corps to ensure there are enough viding relief to the millions of students and stu- f
trained doctors and nurses to respond to dent loan borrowers who are being profoundly
COVID–19 throughout our country. hurt by the crisis. Democrats proposed paying MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS
To protect our students and schools, this $10,000 of every student loan borrower’s cur- TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
package provides $30.75 billion for an Edu- rent balance and would have directed the SPEECH OF
cation Stabilization Fund for states, school dis- Treasury to cover monthly payments for pri-
tricts, and institutions of higher education vate borrowers for the span of the crisis. We HON. TOM COLE
(IHEs) for COVID–19 costs. $13.5 billion will can and must do more to help student loan OF OKLAHOMA
ultimately be distributed to local education borrowers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
agencies to use for coronavirus response ac- As public health experts recommend drastic Friday, March 27, 2020
tivities. $14.25 billion will be used for higher social distancing measures, House Democrats
Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, a key part of the
education emergency relief to help defray took steps to protect the integrity of our elec-
relief package was the tribal government sta-
costs, such as lost revenue, to support social tions and the health of the people by fighting
bilization fund. This fund would be used by
distancing and distance education, and to for a national, no-excuse, prepaid, vote-by-
tribal governments to offset the dramatic
issue emergency grants to impacted students mail guarantee. This provision was not in-
losses they are facing at this time. This fund-
for food, housing, course materials, tech, and cluded in the Senate package. We can and
ing would be used to help them continue to do
healthcare and childcare. must do more to protect the integrity of our
the right thing and keep their employees on
The package also bolsters programs that 2020 elections.
the job—paid, and supported—as our nation
America’s families depend on by: providing bil- To help Americans keep food on the table,
responds to, and recovers from the pandemic.
lions for childcare programs such as Head House Democrats proposed raising the min- Title VI, Sec. 601(c)(7) provides
Start and the Child Care Development Block imum SNAP benefit from $18 to $30 and $8,000,000,000 in relief to tribal governments
Grant, strengthening the Supplemental Nutri- blocked the Trump administration from imple- for losses of revenues and increased expendi-
tion Assistance Program through billions in ad- menting harmful guidelines that could kick 3 tures associated with COVID–19. The bill pro-
ditional funding, providing millions for utility as- million people off of SNAP—even while our vides:
sistance through the Low-Income Home En- nation reels from the economic fallout of the
ergy Assistance Program, and extending the COVID–19 outbreak. SNAP works—we al- [T]he amount paid under this section for
fiscal year 2020 to a Tribal government shall
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ready know every $1 spent generates $1.70 in
be the amount the Secretary shall deter-
(TANF) program. economic activity. Sadly, these provisions mine, in consultation with the Secretary of
In a bid to keep Americans housed during were not included in the CARES Act. We can the Interior and Indian Tribes, that is based
this crisis, the CARES Act institutes a morato- and must do more to keep Americans fed. on increased expenditures of each such Trib-
rium on evictions and foreclosures for renters While I also applaud the extension of nu- al government (or a tribally-owned entity of
and homeowners in federally subsidized hous- merous crucial healthcare programs in this bill, such Tribal government) relative to aggre-
ing. The bill also provides $4 billion in Emer- which were set to expire on May 22, we can’t gate expenditures in fiscal year 2019 by the
gency Solution Grants and $3 billion in rental forget that these extensions will delay needed Tribal government (or tribally-owned entity)
assistance to help those most at-risk of home- debate and reforms on enormously important and determined in such manner as the Sec-
retary determines appropriate to ensure that
lessness or who have already become home- issues like prescription drug costs and sur- all amounts available under subsection
less. It also provides $5 billion for the Commu- prise billing. These issues long plagued our (a)(2)(B) for fiscal year 2020 are distributed to
nity Development Block Grant to enable nearly broken healthcare system before COVID–19, Tribal governments.
1,240 states, counties, and cities to rapidly re- and they will continue to do so once we beat Tribal governments or tribally-owned entities
spond to COVID–19 and the economic and this virus. I look forward to finally addressing can demonstrate ‘‘increased expenditures’’ rel-
housing impacts caused by it. these long-overdue issues once this crisis is ative to 2019 by listing expenditures associ-
The investments this bill makes are critical, over. ated with the closure or diminished operation
they are bipartisan, and they are desperately But such is the nature of compromise. In di- of business and government facilities, includ-
needed. vided government, you don’t always get what ing payments made to employees or other en-
However, there are areas where the legisla- you fight for. But that does not mean you stop tities while businesses or government oper-
tion falls short. fighting.
The bill fails to help the U.S. Postal Service ations are closed or operating in a limited ca-
This CARES Act, with all its flaws, is triage: pacity, as well as the difference in revenues
and its millions of employees—employees who keep workers on the job and avoid economic
are ensuring medicine and supplies are deliv- transferred to tribal government accounts in
collapse. 2020 versus the same period in 2019.
ered for those staying at home. In protecting Beyond addressing some of these short-
our public Postal Service, the bill fails utterly— comings I’ve mentioned, our next step is re- f
providing a $10 billion line of credit with oner- covery and rehabilitation—a true stimulus that MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS
ous terms and conditions of accessing said creates jobs and rebuilds our decaying infra- TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
credit set by the Treasury Secretary. There structure. In the coming days and weeks, I will
are reports noting the Postal Service may double down on an infrastructure package that SPEECH OF
cease operations by June because of lack of repairs the breach left by years of neglect— HON. JOHN RATCLIFFE
funds. The House bill included $20 billion for that rebuilds failing bridges, restores crumbling OF TEXAS
the Postal Service in lost revenues due to highways, and puts people to work on projects IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
COVID–19 impacts, forgave their current debt with jobs that cannot be exported.
to the Treasury, and opened up a $15 billion But let me be absolutely clear—we have a Friday, March 27, 2020
line of credit should they need to access it. I long way to go to address what truly ails the Mr. RATCLIFFE. Mr. Speaker, as the Amer-
will work with my colleagues to make sure the United States economy: corporate greed. ican people do their part to stop the spread of
needs of the Postal Service are addressed in COVID–19 is the virus we are battling right coronavirus, they’ve made enormous personal
future COVID–19 response packages. We all now, but our economy has been sick for a sacrifices on behalf of the entire country’s
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
depend on it now more than ever. We can and very long time. health and safety. Over the past few weeks,
must do more to help our Postal Service. Corporate greed, Wall Street demands that this deadly pandemic has taken over 1,000
Issuing a moratorium on evictions and fore- consistently puts profits over people, nearly 2 lives in the United States and infected tens of
closures in federally assisted housing was a trillion dollars in Trump tax cuts that went thousands more, with a negative ripple effect
great first step, but more must be done to en- straight to the top—all of that is symptomatic plaguing nearly every family and individual to
sure that Americans are able to keep their of a system that for far too long has kept some degree.
homes while our current crisis rages on. We working people down even as the stock mar- During this time, I’ve heard from business
must provide relief to renters and homeowners ket soared. owners in Northeast Texas who are worried
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E346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 31, 2020
about how they’ll pay their employees and the equipment. Our hospitals and providers, who tended Knoxville College, Alabama A&M Col-
possibility of being forced to close up shop for stand on the frontlines of this pandemic, will lege, and concluded at Paine College. He also
good. I’ve heard from mothers and fathers receive $100 billion in funding to reimburse for attended ministerial training at Payne Theo-
who are unable to bring paychecks home to COVID–19 related costs. This was a top pri- logical Seminary and completed a Doctor of
feed their children. I’ve heard from health care ority for our state’s delegation, which stood Divinity degree at the Chicago Ecumenical In-
providers who are struggling to gain access to united demanding this relief. But I know it is stitute.
the medical equipment they need to treat the not enough. I will keep fighting for more aid for From 1952 to 1961, Lowery pastored Mo-
patients exposed to this highly infectious dis- our first responders, for our hurting small busi- bile’s Warren Street Methodist Church. His
ease. They asked for their elected representa- ness owners, and for the millions of Ameri- Civil Rights career started in the early 1950’s.
tive to step up to the plate and help. cans being pummeled by this terrible time. He helped lead the Montgomery bus boycott—
It’s no secret that I don’t ordinarily support Like millions of Americans across the coun- headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association.
sweeping legislative packages that cost tril- try, I am practicing safe social distancing He founded the Southern Christian Leadership
lions of dollars. But this pandemic presents us measures by working from home. I am con- Conference along with Martin Luther King, Jr.,
with dire and sweeping circumstances on a necting everyday with my constituents and Fred Shuttlesworth, and a few others—leading
level I hope we’ll never have to face again in local, state, and federal officials making sure the organization as President from 1977 to
our lifetime. Due to the gravity of situation that New Jersey’s voice is being represented and 1997. Also, he was co-founder and President
the coronavirus pandemic has placed us in, I our needs are being met. I support this relief of the Black Leadership Forum. He served as
support the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Eco- legislation for our nation. Talk has already the pastor of Cascade United Methodist
nomic Security Act. While this bill is certainly Church in Atlanta from 1986 through 1992.
begun about what to do next, and I am fully
In 1950, Lowery married Evelyn Gibson.
far from perfect, it contains critical relief for the focused on making sure New Jersey gets its They had three daughters together: Yvonne
people I represent in Northeast Texas and due. Kennedy, Karen Lowery, and Cheryl Lowery-
throughout the country, which will help ensure f Osborne. He also had two sons from an ear-
we successfully defeat this invisible enemy in lier marriage with Agnes Moore: Joseph Jr.
the days, weeks and months ahead. PERSONAL EXPLANATION
and LeRoy III.
I’m grateful this critical legislation will finally In 1965, Lowery participated in the Selma-
head to President Trump’s desk. Let’s get the HON. ALMA S. ADAMS to-Montgomery march. Atlanta’s city govern-
American people the relief they need, as we OF NORTH CAROLINA ment renamed Ashby Street to Joseph E.
continue fighting this battle together. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lowery Boulevard which travels past Atlanta’s
f prestigious Historically Black Colleges and
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Universities: Clark Atlanta University, Spelman
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I was absent College, Morehouse College, and Morris
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 on March 3, 2020 due to my primary election. Brown College.
Had I been present, I would have voted: Roll As a member of the esteemed brotherhood
SPEECH OF
Call No. 81 YEA, and Roll Call No. 82 YEA. of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated,
HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR. f Lowery received the NAACP Lifetime Achieve-
OF NEW JERSEY ment Award in 1997, the inaugural Walter P.
MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS Reuther Humanitarian Award from Wayne
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019 State University in 2003, the Martin Luther
Friday, March 27, 2020
SPEECH OF
King, Jr. Center Peace Award, and the Na-
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, as of the time tional Urban League’s Whitney M. Young, Jr.
of this debate, there are 6,876 positive HON. DEBBIE LESKO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Ebony
COVID–19 cases in New Jersey. And trag- OF ARIZONA named him one of the 15 greatest black
ically 81 individuals in our state have lost their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES preachers. He received several honorary doc-
lives. These are friends, family and loved torates from colleges and universities, includ-
ones. This virus has touched each and every Friday, March 27, 2020 ing Dillard University, Morehouse College, Ala-
one of us. I grieve for all the lives lost and for Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bama State University, University of Alabama
those who are fighting tooth and nail to beat support the CARES Act, and I look forward to in Huntsville, and Emory University. Lowery
this nasty virus. Our front lines are staffed with Arizonans and Americans across our nation was honored at the International Civil Rights
brave first responders and health care workers receiving the benefits of this bill during this dif- Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr.
doing their best to help those impacted. ficult time. I support this relief package to help National Historic Site in Atlanta, Georgia, in
Across my state, we are hard at work making workers, small businesses, hospitals and 2004.
sure those who need a test are getting tested healthcare workers, and to increase produc- On January 20, 2009, Lowery delivered the
and we have expanded bed capacity to care tion of needed medical supplies and treat- benediction at the inauguration of Senator
for those in need. The coming weeks will be ments. America is strong, and we will get Barack Obama as the 44th President of the
hard for all. And I remain ready and willing to through this by working together. United States of America. On July 30, 2009,
do everything I can for our state and country. f he was awarded the Presidential Medal of
I rise today because I support the Freedom by Barack Obama. He was also
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secu- HONORING JOSEPH LOWERY given the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights
rity (CARES) Act because it provides imme- Award by the Birmingham Civil Rights Insti-
diate and needed assistance for workers, fam- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON tute.
ilies, small businesses and hospitals across OF MISSISSIPPI
Joseph Lowery died on March 27, 2020, in
our country weathering the COVID–19 crisis. Atlanta, Georgia, at 98 years old.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Democrats stood strong against the partisan, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join
corporate-focused bail out prioritized by Sen- Tuesday, March 31, 2020 me in recognizing the late Mr. Joseph Echols
ate Republicans. Through tough negotiations, Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Lowery for his passion and dedication to min-
we secured payments of as much as $1,200 Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a re- istry and civil rights.
for individual taxpayers and $500 per child. markable leader and civil rights activist, Mr. f
Democrats also secured expanded unemploy- Joseph Lowery. MIDDLE CLASS HEALTH BENEFITS
ment insurance for any worker affected by Mr. Joseph Echols Lowery was born to TAX REPEAL ACT OF 2019
COVID–19, including an additional $600 a Leroy and Dora Lowery on October 6, 1921,
SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS
week in additional and expanded benefits and in Huntsville, Alabama. At age 11, Lowery was SPEECH OF
protections for self-employed and nonprofits. abused by a white police officer for not step-
And we guaranteed inclusion of $150 billion to ping off the sidewalk as a white man passed
HON. RUBEN GALLEGO
OF ARIZONA
help states and territories respond to this cri- by. From there, his parents sent him to Chi-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
sis. After I led a letter signed by over 100 cago, Illinois, to stay with family and attend
members of Congress, first responders will re- junior high. He later returned to his hometown Friday, March 27, 2020
ceive nearly $1 billion in federal assistance to to complete his secondary education at Wil- Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to dis-
help purchase needed personal protective liam Hooper Council High School. Lowery at- cuss the bill that we are voting on today, the
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