Congressional Record, House, April 23, 2020 — Senate Amendment to H.R. 266
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated April 23, 2020, at page H1920. Mr. McGovern and Mr. Cole close debate on the rule providing for adoption of the resolution to establish a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, with Mr. Cole questioning the need for an additional committee and Mr. McGovern thanking the Speaker and Capitol staff. The House orders the previous question, and the vote on the rule ended yeas 212, nays 182, not voting 35. The page also prints the text of the Senate amendment to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, with its table of contents, small business program changes and funding for testing.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
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“Congressional Record, House, April 23, 2020 — Senate Amendment to H.R. 266.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-04-23-crec-2020-04-23-pt1-pgh1920-3-0a75441fd9/
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H1920 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
Quite the opposite. Everybody gave up Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- The yeas and nays were ordered.
some things that they wanted. But at ance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
the end of the day, we did come to- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro-
gether. yield myself the balance of my time. ceedings on this question will be post-
Now, personally, I wish we would Madam Speaker, I want to thank my poned.
have put money earlier in the Pay- friend, Mr. COLE—and he is my friend.
check Protection Program, but I cer- f
I appreciate all of his counsel and ad-
tainly don’t begrudge the additional vice in the Rules Committee, and I ap- b 1130
money for hospitals and testing. So, preciate his respect for this institu-
hopefully, we can avoid that and keep tion. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
programs that are working going, fine- I want to thank the distinguished PRO TEMPORE
tune them where we must. Speaker of this House for her leader-
There are certainly some changes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
ship. This is a moment in history that ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair
that could be made. But I think, on demands strong leadership, and she has
balance, we ought to look back and will postpone further proceedings
risen to the occasion, and I applaud her today on motions to suspend the rules
say, at a time of great crisis, Congress and I appreciate that.
has continued to function and has on which a recorded vote or the yeas
I also want to thank all of those who
come together in a bipartisan manner and nays are ordered, or votes objected
work on the Hill here: the Capitol Po-
and has done important work on behalf to under clause 6 of rule XX.
lice, the Sergeant at Arms, the attend-
of the American people. The House will resume proceedings
ing physician, the chief administrative
We have a lot more important work on postponed questions at a later time.
officer, and all of the people who main-
to do. There are many, many chal- tain this incredible building. I want to f
lenges that are going to confront us. thank them. They protect us and they
Secretary Mnuchin sometimes calls do an unbelievable job. PERMISSION TO EXTEND DEBATE
the response to coronavirus a baseball Madam Speaker, I want to remind TIME ON H.R. 266
game with nine innings. And I suspect people that more than 855,000 cases of Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I ask
that we are completing the fourth in- coronavirus have been confirmed. unanimous consent that debate under
ning today, Madam Speaker, with the Nearly 48,000 lives have been lost as of clause 1(c) of rule XV on a motion to
ultimate passage of the additional re- today, more than 22 million initial un- suspend the rules relating to the Sen-
sources for the CARES Act. employment claims filed in the past ate amendment to H.R. 266 be extended
Again, while we disagree on this month. Families will be changed for- to 2 hours.
one—I want to talk about that in a sec-
ever. We are in a crisis, and we should The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
ond—we agree on the most important
be proud that we have come together objection to the request of the gen-
act of the day, which is getting relief
repeatedly in a bipartisan way to move tleman from Massachusetts?
out the door to the American people
legislation forward to respond to that There was no objection.
and sustaining our economy under a
crisis.
time of great stress, helping our f
Now, over $2 trillion we have ap-
healthcare workers who are on the
proved to try to help our constituents, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
front line, trying to make sure we have
protect them, and help protect small ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED
the robust testing that is necessary so
businesses, but that is just part of our AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
our Governors can make good decisions
job. Our job is not just to appropriate ACT, 2019
when they grapple with the tough issue
the money and just hope it goes to
of how they are to reopen their respec- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I move
tive States. wherever it is supposed to go. We need
to do the oversight. We need to make to suspend the rules and concur in the
We think, Madam Speaker, the par- Senate amendment to the bill (H.R.
ticular item we are considering this sure that every single penny that we
have appropriated goes to where it 266) making appropriations for the De-
morning is simply unnecessary. We partment of the Interior, environment,
have eight oversight committees, all of needs to go.
I don’t want to be here a year from and related agencies for the fiscal year
which, I remind my friends, they con- ending September 30, 2019, and for
trol. They are the majority in this now looking back and saying: Oh, look
at all of the waste and all of the abuse. other purposes.
body. That is appropriate. They are The Clerk read the title of the bill.
their oversight committees. Look at all of the well-connected peo-
ple who benefited, but look at all the The text of the Senate amendment is
Creating another one we just think
people who needed the funds who as follows:
is, at a minimum, superfluous; and,
didn’t. Senate amendment:
frankly, history has taught us it is
We need to get this right. That is Strike all after the enacting clause
more apt to be a weapon, in our view,
what this select committee is about. and insert the following:
used to attack the President of the
This should not be controversial. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
United States relentlessly during an
Again, I am stunned by the resist- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Paycheck Pro-
election year. I would love to be wrong tection Program and Health Care Enhancement
about that. As my friend Mr. FERGUSON ance to sunshine and transparency.
Act’’.
said he would be the first to apologize, That is what this is about, and I hope
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
I will be happy to apologize, too, if I and pray that everything goes per-
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
am wrong. fectly. But we cannot take that
chance. We have to make sure we live Sec. 1. Short title.
But, even if that were not the case, I Sec. 2. Table of contents.
would question the need for an addi- up to our constitutional responsibility. Sec. 3. References.
tional committee. I simply don’t see So I urge my colleagues to vote for
DIVISION A—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS
any need for that. We have committees this rule so that we can establish this
select committee. Sec. 101. Amendments to the Paycheck Protec-
that do this. We have committees that
tion Program, economic injury
have a lot of experience in doing this. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal-
disaster loans, and emergency
And, frankly, we have committees that ance of my time, and I move the pre- grants.
have done it in a pretty bipartisan way vious question on the resolution. Sec. 102. Emergency designation.
in the past. So I would hope we would The previous question was ordered. DIVISION B—ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY
rely on those committees. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORONAVIRUS
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With that, Madam Speaker, I again question is on the resolution. RESPONSE
thank my friend for the debate and The question was taken; and the SEC. 3. REFERENCES.
thank his side for the spirited partici- Speaker pro tempore announced that Except as expressly provided otherwise, any
pation, but I urge rejection of this par- the ayes appeared to have it. reference to ‘‘this Act’’ contained in any divi-
ticular measure, and I urge my col- Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, on that I sion of this Act shall be treated as referring only
leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule. demand the yeas and nays. to the provisions of that division.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1921
DIVISION A—SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS CREDIT UNIONS.—In making loan guarantees emergency payment: Provided further, That to
SEC. 101. AMENDMENTS TO THE PAYCHECK PRO- under this paragraph after the date of enact- be eligible for a payment under this paragraph
TECTION PROGRAM, ECONOMIC IN- ment of this clause, the Administrator shall in this Act, an eligible health care provider shall
JURY DISASTER LOANS, AND EMER- guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans submit to the Secretary an application that in-
GENCY GRANTS. made by— cludes a statement justifying the need of the
(a) INCREASED AUTHORITY FOR COMMITMENTS ‘‘(I) community financial institutions; provider for the payment and the eligible health
AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR PAYCHECK PROTEC- ‘‘(II) insured depository institutions with con- care provider shall have a valid tax identifica-
TION PROGRAM.—Title I of division A of the solidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and tion number: Provided further, That, not later
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ‘‘(III) credit unions with consolidated assets than 3 years after final payments are made
Act (Public Law 116–136) is amended— of less than $10,000,000,000.’’. under this paragraph in this Act, the Office of
(1) in section 1102(b)(1), by striking SEC. 102. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION. Inspector General of the Department of Health
‘‘$349,000,000,000’’ and inserting (a) IN GENERAL.—The amounts provided and Human Services shall transmit a final re-
‘‘$659,000,000,000’’; and under this division are designated as an emer- port on audit findings with respect to this pro-
(2) in section 1107(a)(1), by striking gram to the Committees on Appropriations of the
gency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of
‘‘$349,000,000,000’’ and inserting House of Representatives and the Senate: Pro-
the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2
‘‘$670,335,000,000’’. vided further, That nothing in this paragraph
(b) INCREASED AUTHORIZATION FOR EMER- U.S.C. 933(g)).
limits the authority of the Inspector General or
GENCY EIDL GRANTS.—Section 1110(e)(7) of divi-
(b) DESIGNATION IN SENATE.—In the Senate,
the Comptroller General to conduct audits of in-
sion A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- this division is designated as an emergency re-
terim payments at an earlier date: Provided fur-
nomic Security Act (Public Law 116–136) is quirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con.
ther, That not later than 60 days after the date
amended by striking ‘‘$10,000,000,000’’ and in- Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolu-
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
serting ‘‘$20,000,000,000’’. tion on the budget for fiscal year 2018.
provide a report to the Committees on Appro-
(c) ELIGIBILITY OF AGRICULTURAL ENTER- DIVISION B—ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY priations of the House of Representatives and
PRISES FOR ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORONAVIRUS the Senate on obligation of funds, including ob-
AND EMERGENCY GRANTS.—Section 1110(a)(2) of RESPONSE ligations to such eligible health care providers
division A of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and The following sums are hereby appropriated, summarized by State of the payment receipt:
Economic Security Act (Public Law 116–136) is out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise Provided further, That such reports shall be up-
amended— appropriated, for the fiscal year ending Sep- dated and submitted to such Committees every
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘or’’ at tember 30, 2020, and for other purposes, namely: 60 days until funds are expended: Provided fur-
the end; ther, That such amount is designated by the
TITLE I
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period Congress as being for an emergency requirement
at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Bal-
(3) by adding at the end the following: SERVICES anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
‘‘(F) an agricultural enterprise (as defined in OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY Act of 1985.
section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES EMERGENCY For an additional amount for ‘‘Public Health
U.S.C. 647(b)) with not more than 500 employ- FUND and Social Services Emergency Fund’’,
ees.’’. $25,000,000,000, to remain available until ex-
(d) SET ASIDE FOR INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTI- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
TUTIONS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND COMMUNITY FI- For an additional amount for ‘‘Public Health coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for
NANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.—Section 7(a)(36) of the and Social Services Emergency Fund’’, necessary expenses to research, develop, vali-
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)) is $75,000,000,000, to remain available until ex- date, manufacture, purchase, administer, and
amended— pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to expand capacity for COVID–19 tests to effec-
(1) in subparagraph (A)— coronavirus, domestically or internationally, for tively monitor and suppress COVID–19, includ-
(A) in clause (viii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the necessary expenses to reimburse, through grants ing tests for both active infection and prior ex-
end; or other mechanisms, eligible health care pro- posure, including molecular, antigen, and sero-
(B) in clause (ix), by striking the period at the viders for health care related expenses or lost logical tests, the manufacturing, procurement
end and inserting a semicolon; and revenues that are attributable to coronavirus: and distribution of tests, testing equipment and
(C) by adding at the end the following: Provided, That these funds may not be used to testing supplies, including personal protective
‘‘(x) the term ‘community development finan- reimburse expenses or losses that have been re- equipment needed for administering tests, the
cial institution’ has the meaning given the term imbursed from other sources or that other development and validation of rapid, molecular
in section 103 of the Riegle Community Develop- sources are obligated to reimburse: Provided fur- point-of-care tests, and other tests, support for
ment and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ther, That recipients of payments under this workforce, epidemiology, to scale up academic,
(12 U.S.C. 4702)); paragraph in this Act shall submit reports and commercial, public health, and hospital labora-
‘‘(xi) the term ‘community financial institu- maintain documentation as the Secretary of tories, to conduct surveillance and contact trac-
tions’ means— Health and Human Services (referred to in this ing, support development of COVID–19 testing
‘‘(I) a community development financial insti- paragraph as the ‘‘Secretary’’) determines are plans, and other related activities related to
tution; needed to ensure compliance with conditions COVID–19 testing: Provided, That of the
‘‘(II) a minority depository institution, as de-
that are imposed by this paragraph in this Act amount appropriated under this paragraph in
fined in section 308 of the Financial Institutions
for such payments, and such reports and docu- this Act, not less than $11,000,000,000 shall be
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989
mentation shall be in such form, with such con- for States, localities, territories, tribes, tribal or-
(12 U.S.C. 1463 note);
tent, and in such time as the Secretary may pre- ganizations, urban Indian health organizations,
‘‘(III) a development company that is certified
scribe for such purpose: Provided further, That or health service providers to tribes for nec-
under title V of the Small Business Investment
‘‘eligible health care providers’’ means public essary expenses to develop, purchase, admin-
Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.); and
‘‘(IV) an intermediary, as defined in section entities, Medicare or Medicaid enrolled suppliers ister, process, and analyze COVID–19 tests, in-
7(m)(11); and and providers, and such for-profit entities and cluding support for workforce, epidemiology, use
‘‘(xii) the term ‘credit union’ means a State not-for-profit entities not otherwise described in by employers or in other settings, scale up of
credit union or a Federal credit union, as those this proviso as the Secretary may specify, within testing by public health, academic, commercial,
terms are defined, respectively, in section 101 of the United States (including territories), that and hospital laboratories, and community-based
the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 1752).’’; provide diagnoses, testing, or care for individ- testing sites, health care facilities, and other en-
and uals with possible or actual cases of COVID–19: tities engaged in COVID–19 testing, conduct
(2) by adding at the end the following: Provided further, That the Secretary shall, on a surveillance, trace contacts, and other related
‘‘(S) SET-ASIDE FOR INSURED DEPOSITORY IN- rolling basis, review applications and make pay- activities related to COVID–19 testing: Provided
STITUTIONS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND COMMUNITY FI- ments under this paragraph in this Act: Pro- further, That of the amount identified in the
NANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.— vided further, That funds appropriated under preceding proviso, not less than $2,000,000,000
‘‘(i) INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS AND this paragraph in this Act shall be available for shall be allocated to States, localities, and terri-
CREDIT UNIONS.—In making loan guarantees building or construction of temporary struc- tories according to the formula that applied to
under this paragraph after the date of enact- tures, leasing of properties, medical supplies and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness co-
ment of this clause, the Administrator shall equipment including personal protective equip- operative agreement in fiscal year 2019, not less
guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans ment and testing supplies, increased workforce than $4,250,000,000 shall be allocated to States,
made by— and trainings, emergency operation centers, ret- localities, and territories according to a formula
‘‘(I) insured depository institutions with con- rofitting facilities, and surge capacity: Provided methodology that is based on relative number of
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solidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 further, That, in this paragraph, the term ‘‘pay- cases of COVID–19, and not less than
and less than $50,000,000,000; and ment’’ means a pre-payment, prospective pay- $750,000,000 shall be allocated in coordination
‘‘(II) credit unions with consolidated assets of ment, or retrospective payment, as determined with the Director of the Indian Health Service,
not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than appropriate by the Secretary: Provided further, to tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian
$50,000,000,000. That payments under this paragraph in this Act health organizations, or health service providers
‘‘(ii) COMMUNITY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, shall be made in consideration of the most effi- to tribes: Provided further, That the Secretary
SMALL INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS, AND cient payment systems practicable to provide of Health and Human Services (referred to in
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H1922 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
this paragraph as the ‘‘Secretary’’) may satisfy under this paragraph in this Act, $22,000,000, nosed with COVID–19, to the extent such infor-
the funding thresholds outlined in the first and shall be transferred to the ‘‘Department of mation is available: Provided further, That such
second provisos under this paragraph in this Health and Human Services—Food and Drug report shall include information on the number
Act by making awards through other grant or Administration—Salaries and Expenses’’ to sup- and rates of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths
cooperative agreement mechanisms: Provided port activities associated with diagnostic, sero- as a result of COVID–19: Provided further, That
further, That not later than 30 days after the logical, antigen, and other tests, and related ad- such report shall be submitted to the Committees
date of enactment of this Act, the Governor or ministrative activities: Provided further, That on Appropriations of the House and Senate, and
designee of each State, locality, territory, tribe, the amount appropriated under this paragraph the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
or tribal organization receiving funds pursuant in this Act may be used for grants for the rent, House of Representatives and the Committee on
to this Act shall submit to the Secretary its plan lease, purchase, acquisition, construction, alter- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
for COVID–19 testing, including goals for the re- ation, renovation, or equipping of non-federally Senate, and updated and resubmitted to such
mainder of calendar year 2020, to include: (1) owned facilities to improve preparedness and re- Committees, as necessary, every 30 days until
the number of tests needed, month-by-month, to sponse capability at the State and local level for the end of the COVID–19 public health emer-
include diagnostic, serological, and other tests, diagnostic, serologic, or other COVID–19 tests, gency first declared by the Secretary on Janu-
as appropriate; (2) month-by-month estimates of or related supplies: Provided further, That the ary 31, 2020: Provided further, That not later
laboratory and testing capacity, including re- amount appropriated under this paragraph in than 180 days after the date of enactment of this
lated to workforce, equipment and supplies, and this Act may be used for construction, alter- Act, the Secretary shall issue a report on the
available tests; and (3) a description of how the ation, renovation, or equipping of non-federally number of positive diagnoses, hospitalizations,
State, locality, territory, tribe, or tribal organi- owned facilities for the production of diagnostic, and deaths as a result of COVID–19,
zation will use its resources for testing, includ- serologic, or other COVID–19 tests, or related disaggregated nationally by race, ethnicity, age,
ing as it relates to easing any COVID–19 com- supplies, where the Secretary determines that sex, geographic region, and other relevant fac-
munity mitigation policies: Provided further, such a contract is necessary to secure, or for the tors: Provided further, That such report shall
That the Secretary shall submit such formula production of, sufficient amounts of such tests include epidemiological analysis of such data:
methodology identified in the first proviso under or related supplies: Provided further, That Provided further, That not later than 30 days
this paragraph in this Act to the Committees on funds appropriated under this paragraph in this after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Appropriations of the House of Representatives Act may be used for purchase of medical sup- Secretary, in coordination with other depart-
and the Senate one day prior to awarding such plies and equipment, including personal protec- ments and agencies, as appropriate, shall report
funds: Provided further, That such funds iden- tive equipment and testing supplies to be used to the Committees on Appropriations of the
tified in the first and second provisos under this for administering tests, increased workforce and House and Senate, the Committee on Energy
paragraph in this Act shall be allocated within trainings, emergency operation centers, and and Commerce of the House of Representatives,
30 days of the date of enactment of this Act: surge capacity for diagnostic, serologic, or other and the Committee on Health, Education,
Provided further, That of the amount appro- COVID–19 tests, or related supplies: Provided Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on a COVID–
priated under this paragraph in this Act, not further, That products purchased with funds 19 strategic testing plan: Provided further, That
less than $1,000,000,000 shall be transferred to appropriated under this paragraph in this Act such plan shall assist States, localities, terri-
the ‘‘Centers for Disease Control and Preven- may, at the discretion of the Secretary, be de- tories, tribes, tribal organizations, and urban
tion—CDC-Wide Activities and Program Sup- posited in the Strategic National Stockpile Indian health organizations, in understanding
port’’ for surveillance, epidemiology, laboratory under section 319F–2 of the Public Health Serv- COVID–19 testing for both active infection and
capacity expansion, contact tracing, public ice Act: Provided further, That of the amount prior exposure, including hospital-based testing,
health data surveillance and analytics infra- appropriated under this paragraph in this Act, high-complexity laboratory testing, point-of-
structure modernization, disseminating informa- $600,000,000 shall be transferred to ‘‘Health Re- care testing, mobile-testing units, testing for em-
tion about testing, and workforce support nec- sources and Services Administration—Primary ployers and other settings, and other tests as
essary to expand and improve COVID–19 test- Health Care’’ for grants under the Health Cen- necessary: Provided further, That such plan
ing: Provided further, That of the amount ap- ters program, as defined by section 330 of the shall include estimates of testing production
propriated under this paragraph in this Act, not Public Health Service Act, and for grants to fed-
that account for new and emerging tech-
less than $306,000,000 shall be transferred to the erally qualified health centers, as defined in sec-
nologies, as well as guidelines for testing: Pro-
‘‘National Institutes of Health—National Can- tion 1861(aa)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act:
vided further, That such plan shall address how
cer Institute’’ to develop, validate, improve, and Provided further, That sections 330(e)(6)(A)(iii),
the Secretary will increase domestic testing ca-
implement serological testing and associated 330(e)(6)(B)(iii), and 330(r)(2)(B) of the Public
pacity, including testing supplies; and address
technologies for the purposes specified under Health Service Act shall not apply to funds pro-
disparities in all communities: Provided further,
this paragraph in this Act: Provided further, vided under the previous proviso: Provided fur-
That such plan shall outline Federal resources
That of the amount appropriated under this ther, That of the amount appropriated under
that are available to support the testing plans of
paragraph in this Act, not less than $500,000,000 this paragraph in this Act, $225,000,000 shall be
each State, locality, territory, tribe, tribal orga-
shall be transferred to the ‘‘National Institutes used to provide additional funding for COVID–
of Health—National Institute of Biomedical Im- 19 testing and related expenses, through grants nization, and urban Indian health organiza-
aging and Bioengineering’’ to accelerate re- or other mechanisms, to rural health clinics as tion: Provided further, That such plan shall be
search, development, and implementation of defined in section 1861(aa)(2) of the Social Secu- updated every 90 days until funds are expended:
point of care and other rapid testing related to rity Act, with such funds also available to such Provided further, That such amount is des-
coronavirus: Provided further, That of the entities for building or construction of tem- ignated by the Congress as being for an emer-
amount appropriated under this paragraph in porary structures, leasing of properties, and ret- gency requirement pursuant to section
this Act, not less than $1,000,000,000 shall be rofitting facilities as necessary to support 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
transferred to the ‘‘National Institutes of COVID–19 testing: Provided further, That such Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
Health—Office of the Director’’ to develop, vali- funds shall be distributed using the procedures GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS TITLE
date, improve, and implement testing and asso- developed for the Provider Relief Fund author- (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS)
ciated technologies; to accelerate research, de- ized under the third paragraph under this head- SEC. 101. The requirements, authorities, and
velopment, and implementation of point of care ing in division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, conditions described in sections 18108, 18109, and
and other rapid testing; and for partnerships and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116– 18112 of division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Re-
with governmental and non-governmental enti- 136); may be distributed using contracts or lief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law
ties to research, develop, and implement the ac- agreements established for such program; and 116–136) shall apply to funds appropriated in
tivities outlined in this proviso: Provided fur- shall be subject to the process requirements ap- this Act to the Department of Health and
ther, That funds in the preceding proviso may plicable to such program: Provided further, Human Services.
be transferred to the accounts of the Institutes That the Secretary may specify a minimum SEC. 102. Funds appropriated by this Act
and Centers of the National Institutes of Health amount for each eligible entity accepting assist- under the heading ‘‘Department of Health and
(referred to in this paragraph as the ‘‘NIH’’) for ance under the two previous provisos: Provided Human Services’’, except for the amounts speci-
the purposes specified in the preceding proviso: further, That up to $1,000,000,000 of funds pro- fied in the first paragraph and the first and sec-
Provided further, That the transfer authority vided under this paragraph in this Act may be ond provisos in the second paragraph under the
provided in the preceding proviso is in addition used to cover the cost of testing for the unin- heading ‘‘Public Health and Social Services
to all other transfer authority available to the sured, using the definitions applicable to funds Emergency Fund’’, may be transferred to, and
NIH: Provided further, That of the amount ap- provided under this heading in Public Law 116– merged with, other appropriation accounts
propriated under this paragraph in this Act, not 127: Provided further, That not later than 21 under the headings ‘‘Centers for Disease Control
less than $1,000,000,000 shall be available to the days after the date of enactment of this Act, the and Prevention’’, ‘‘Public Health and Social
Biomedical Advanced Research and Develop- Secretary, in coordination with other appro- Services Emergency Fund’’, ‘‘Food and Drug
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
ment Authority for necessary expenses of ad- priate departments and agencies, shall issue a Administration’’, and ‘‘National Institutes of
vanced research, development, manufacturing, report on COVID–19 testing: Provided further, Health’’ to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
production, and purchase of diagnostic, sero- That such report shall include data on demo- coronavirus following consultation with the Of-
logic, or other COVID–19 tests or related sup- graphic characteristics, including, in a de-iden- fice of Management and Budget: Provided, That
plies, and other activities related to COVID–19 tified and disaggregated manner, race, eth- the Committees on Appropriations of the House
testing at the discretion of the Secretary: Pro- nicity, age, sex, geographic region and other rel- of Representatives and the Senate shall be noti-
vided further, That of the amount appropriated evant factors of individuals tested for or diag- fied 10 days in advance of any such transfer:
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1923
Provided further, That, upon a determination in this Act, may only be used to prevent, pre- combat this virus. This means more
that all or part of the funds transferred from an pare for, and respond to coronavirus. funding for hospitals and healthcare
appropriation by this Act are not necessary, SEC. 305. In this Act, the term ‘‘coronavirus’’ workers. It also means resources des-
such amounts may be transferred back to that means SARS–CoV–2 or another coronavirus with
pandemic potential.
ignated for testing.
appropriation: Provided further, That none of
the funds made available by this Act may be SEC. 306. Each amount designated in this Act I am encouraged that the administra-
transferred pursuant to the authority in section by the Congress as being for an emergency re- tion has committed to a national test-
205 of division A of Public Law 116–94 or section quirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of ing strategy which will be necessary to
241(a) of the Public Health Service Act. the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit reopen our economy. We are all pain-
SEC. 103. Of the funds appropriated by this Control Act of 1985 shall be available (or re- fully aware that the American people
Act under the heading ‘‘Public Health and So- scinded or transferred, if applicable) only if the are worried about their health, their
cial Services Emergency Fund’’, up to $6,000,000 President subsequently so designates all such jobs, the economy, and what life will
shall be transferred to, and merged with, funds amounts and transmits such designations to the
look like after the emergency subsides.
made available under the heading ‘‘Office of the Congress.
Secretary, Office of Inspector General’’, and SEC. 307. Any amount appropriated by this It is our responsibility to give our com-
shall remain available until expended, for over- Act, designated by the Congress as an emer- munities the confidence that we will
sight of activities supported with funds appro- gency requirement pursuant to section get through this crisis, and that, even-
priated to the Department of Health and Human 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and tually, we will return to normal lives.
Services to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and sub- To do this, we must protect our small
coronavirus, domestically or internationally: sequently so designated by the President, and businesses on Main Street, and that is
Provided, That the Inspector General of the De- transferred pursuant to transfer authorities pro- why we fought to increase funding for
partment of Health and Human Services shall vided by this Act shall retain such designation.
the Paycheck Protection Program and
consult with the Committees on Appropriations BUDGETARY EFFECTS
of the House of Representatives and the Senate
target the funds to community-based
SEC. 308. (a) STATUTORY PAYGO SCORE- lenders, small banks, and credit
prior to obligating such funds: Provided further,
CARDS.—The budgetary effects of this division unions. The legislation before us today
That the transfer authority provided by this sec-
shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard
tion is in addition to any other transfer author- is a marked improvement from where
maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Stat-
ity provided by law.
utory Pay As-You-Go Act of 2010. the Senate majority started, but I
TITLE II (b) SENATE PAYGO SCORECARDS.—The budg- want to be clear: This does not come
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES etary effects of this division shall not be entered close to addressing the staggering
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for pur- needs of the American family. That is
SALARIES AND EXPENSES poses of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th why my fellow chairs and I have al-
Congress). ready begun working on COVID four.
For an additional amount for ‘‘Salaries and (c) CLASSIFICATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.—
Expenses’’, $2,100,000,000, to remain available Our next legislative package must be
Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budget
until September 30, 2021, to prevent, prepare for, grounded in the understanding that re-
Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint
and respond to coronavirus, domestically or explanatory statement of the committee of con-
starting our economy can only happen
internationally: Provided, That such amount is ference accompanying Conference Report 105– when Americans are healthy and have
designated by the Congress as being for an 217 and section 250(c)(7) and (c)(8) of the Bal- the confidence to return to work. For
emergency requirement pursuant to section anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control our part, the Committee on Ways and
251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of this division Means will prioritize funding for hos-
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. shall be estimated for purposes of section 251 of pitals and assistance for those on the
DISASTER LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT such Act. front lines—and I know Mr. BRADY
For an additional amount for ‘‘Disaster Loans This division may be cited as the ‘‘Additional
agrees with us on that—as we proceed.
Program Account’’ for the cost of direct loans Emergency Appropriations for Coronavirus Re-
authorized by section 7(b) of the Small Business sponse’’.
In addition, our State and local gov-
Act, $50,000,000,000, to remain available until ex- ernments are feeling the pain of
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- slashed revenue from this pandemic.
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to
ant to the order of the House of today, Without our support, essential workers
coronavirus, domestically or internationally:
Provided, That such amount is designated by the gentleman from Massachusetts who have been risking their lives are at
the Congress as being for an emergency require- (Mr. NEAL) and the gentleman from risk of losing their jobs.
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Texas (Mr. BRADY) each will control 60 Finally, we must look at what the
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Con- minutes. most vulnerable in our country are fac-
trol Act of 1985. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ing by putting money into their pock-
EMERGENCY EIDL GRANTS from Massachusetts. ets with another round of stimulus
For an additional amount for ‘‘Emergency GENERAL LEAVE payments so they can pay for essen-
EIDL Grants’’ for the cost of emergency EIDL Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I ask tials. Similarly, we need to extend Fed-
grants authorized by section 1110 of division A unanimous consent that all Members
of the CARES Act (Public Law 116–136), eral unemployment compensation into
$10,000,000,000, to remain available until ex-
have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- the fall and help take the pressure off
pended, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to tend their remarks and include extra- of overwhelmed State governments at
coronavirus, domestically or internationally: neous material on the bill under con- the moment.
Provided, That such amount is designated by sideration. Since this crisis began, Members and
the Congress as being for an emergency require- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there staff have made Herculean efforts to
ment pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the objection to the request of the gen- address the challenges we are now fac-
Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Con- tleman from Massachusetts? ing. We still have much work to do to
trol Act of 1985. There was no objection. ensure that we put the needs of our
TITLE III Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield neighbors first, and we need to ac-
GENERAL PROVISIONS—THIS ACT myself such time as I may consume. knowledge—and I know Mr. BRADY
SEC. 301. Each amount appropriated or made Madam Speaker, we are here today in feels as I do—the work of the Com-
available by this Act is in addition to amounts these very trying and unprecedented mittee on Ways and Means’ staffers in
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year in- times to act on an emergency interim
volved.
bringing us to this moment. Together,
SEC. 302. No part of any appropriation con-
funding package that I am pleased has we will rise to this challenge.
tained in this Act shall remain available for ob- strong bipartisan support. But we did Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
ligation beyond the current fiscal year unless not arrive here without significant ef- leagues to support this legislation, and
expressly so provided herein. forts by our Democratic colleagues. I reserve the balance of my time.
SEC. 303. Unless otherwise provided for by this When we began negotiations with the Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
Act, the additional amounts appropriated by Senate, we were presented with an in- myself such time as I may consume.
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
this Act to appropriations accounts shall be sufficient proposal that did not address Madam Speaker, the coronavirus
available under the authorities and conditions
the public health crisis that has now launched an unprecedented attack on
applicable to such appropriations accounts for
fiscal year 2020. claimed the lives of nearly 48,000 Amer- Americans’ health in the best economy
SEC. 304. Notwithstanding any other provision icans. The measures that we fought for our Nation has experienced in decades.
of law, funds made available in this Act, or will now bring real relief to the Amer- America responded with an unprece-
transferred pursuant to authorization granted ican people and prioritizes resources to dented effort to contain the virus, led
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H1924 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
by President Trump and the healthcare lights on. And once we get to the other still do not have the personal protec-
community. Congress responded by end of this, we will return to a safe, tive equipment that they need.
working with the President to deliver healthy America for our seniors, our And just this morning, we learned
not one, not two, but three bipartisan children, and our grandchildren. that more than 4 million workers filed
measures to combat the health and I will conclude with this: The Presi- for unemployment last week, with
economic damage of COVID–19. dent is right. We can continue to apply more than 26 million having lost their
The battle continues amidst signs maximum pressure on the coronavirus jobs during this pandemic so far.
that in some regions we are flattening while reopening our economy safely So, as we work to protect the Amer-
the curve and beginning to reopen the and responsibly. Not only can we, we ican people, we have to make decisions.
economy safely as health conditions on must, if we hope to prevent hurting We recognize that the key to opening
the ground permit. This fourth bill re- working families and the jobless with up our economy, the key to opening
plenishes the crucial help for Main an unnecessarily extended economic that door, the threshold we must cross,
Street businesses and local healthcare recession marked by shortages of need- is a scientific one: testing, testing,
providers, while devoting more re- ed day-to-day supplies and serious testing, testing; contact tracing; isola-
sources to producing more tests and healthcare problems created by long- tion; of course, treatment; and, best of
distributing them more quickly. term unemployment. all, prevention. But the key is sci-
It adds $320 billion in crucial funding This isn’t a choice between lives and entific, and we must make our decision
to the Paycheck Protection Program livelihoods. We must do both. With the in that way.
to help keep our local businesses President, State and local leaders, So here we are, and I say this in
afloat. It boosts funding for local healthcare providers, and local busi- terms of the overarching. The Amer-
healthcare providers by another $75 bil- nesses all working together, I am con- ican people have told us, when we did
lion. It expands our States’ testing ca- vinced we can. our earlier bill, they do not want any
pacities and ensures more resources for How? The way we tackle every adver- taxpayer dollars going to enriching
our Nation-wide effort to continue sity our Nation has faced: with Amer- shareholders, dividends, bonuses, CEO
locking down this virus. It is targeted. ican ingenuity, know-how, and com- pay, all of that. They want their tax-
It will have an immediate impact, and mon sense. payer dollars to keep people in their
it deserves strong bipartisan support. Today, we help our small businesses jobs.
Once President Trump signed the and healthcare heroes. Tomorrow, Con- The oversight of that is exactly what
CARES Act into law merely 4 weeks gress and President Trump will con- we passed, we will pass—we passed by
ago, then moved with historic speed to tinue to work together to identify voice vote earlier, we will vote on
provide forgivable loans to small busi- practical ways to help businesses cre- later. That is very important. It is very
nesses, it soon became clear more dol- ate safe, healthy workplaces, jump- important to the American people to
lars are needed to keep workers on start this economic rebound, and accel- have confidence, as they make their
local payrolls. erate a return to work for those who sacrifices, that their taxpayer dollars
So far, the Paycheck Protection Pro- are jobless or furloughed. I urge all my that they pay are not being squan-
gram is helping nearly 1.6 million local colleagues to support it. dered.
businesses, impacting and helping save Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Our colleagues have said: Why do we
30 million jobs for local construction, ance of my time. need oversight? We have all these com-
retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hos- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 mittees that do oversight—and I hope
pitality, and service businesses. De- minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- they will—but they have other work to
spite media portrayals, the average fornia (Ms. PELOSI), whose career has do as well.
loan is around $200,000—that is Main been marked by a steadfast determina- And as the Republicans have put
Street—and more often than not, it is tion to expand healthcare coverage for forth select committees themselves—
provided by a community bank. These all members of the American family Benghazi; trying to destroy Planned
dollars are reaching small businesses. and continues to be a champion for the Parenthood, which did not have any ur-
And when funding ran out, Republicans least, the last, and the lost, who are gency for the American people—this
and President Trump urged Congress to feeling part of the grip of this pan- has an urgency to the American people.
quickly replenish them. demic. We need a select committee whose
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I focus, whose purpose is to address the
b 1145 thank the gentleman for yielding, and challenge that the coronavirus places
It is unfortunate that Speaker I thank him for managing this impor- on us. That is one.
PELOSI decided to hold up this bill tant legislation on the floor of the Two, the American people want their
nearly 16 days while small businesses House. I also commend him for the checks. They want their checks, and
and their workers desperately fought work that he did in the previous legis- that is what we are doing with the PPP
to hold on, especially minority-owned lation that we have had. and the direct payments and other ini-
businesses in underserved commu- As has been acknowledged, this is the tiatives that are there, and we need to
nities. They suffered, and during this fourth bipartisan bill that we have do more.
unnecessary delay, America’s jobless brought to the floor to address the And third, and we haven’t done
numbers climbed to 26 million. coronavirus pandemic, and this is a enough in this regard, they want our
How many jobs could we have saved very important piece of legislation. heroes, our healthcare providers, our
if partisan politics had not reared its So we come to the floor with such police and fire, our first responders,
ugly head? heartache, with such sorrow for those our emergency services folks, our tran-
This emergency funding is just that; who have lost their lives and for their sit people, everyone, our food service
it is funding. It doesn’t adjust the de- loved ones, for those who are suffering folks, they want everyone to have the
sign of the Paycheck Protection Pro- from the virus assault now, and for equipment that they need to do their
gram nor does it address the flawed un- those who are in doubt about their eco- jobs.
employment design that pays some nomic situation. It is about the lives Our healthcare workers are on the
Americans more than they make at and the livelihood of the American peo- front line, as are the others. Emer-
work. It takes what is working for ple; that is what this is about. gency services, police, and fire, some of
businesses and healthcare providers Nearly 900,000 Americans have been them are the first people to respond to
and replenishes it, which is why it has diagnosed and are sick. Nearly 50,000 a 911 call. They are in the line of de-
earned the support of a number of orga- have tragically died. Oh, my goodness. fense, and they do not have the PPE,
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
nizations like the American Hospital We have to be prayerful, prayerful the personal protective equipment,
Association and the National Federa- about this assault again on the lives that they need, and we owe them.
tion of Independent Business. and livelihoods of the American people. We are not worthy of thanking them,
Today’s bill makes it possible for Countless hospitals and healthcare thanking them, praising them, unless
families to stay connected to their systems remain swamped with cases, we support them, and that is not being
work. Local businesses can keep their and far too many frontline workers done sufficiently. That is what we have
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1925
to do in the next bill—I call it the He- The Senate Republicans went to the health needs of the American people. I
roes Act—when we will come together floor the next day, on April 9, which want more, of course. I want more than
to support our heroes. was the 24 hours from the request of that.
Unfortunately, there was not enough the quarter of a trillion dollars. MITCH So now we go to the next bill. I call
interest in this bill right here on the MCCONNELL went to the floor and said: it the Heroes Act. We fully support
part of others to join us in supporting This is it, 250, not one penny more. that. We helped create that. But that
our heroes, our healthcare workers, our This is what it is. isn’t the end of the day for what else
police and fire, emergency services, in The Senate Democrats objected, of- we needed to do.
the form of supporting State and local fered an amendment that includes And while I understand that they are
government. what we are voting on today. MITCH resistant to helping those at the lower
When you hear State and local, it MCCONNELL said: Absolutely not. That end of the scale, I can’t understand
might sound bureaucratic, but it isn’t. was it. why they resisted $100 billion for the
Those are the people who meet the So for 1 week, he kept saying: I am hospitals and the testing, because that
needs of the American people and are going to bring it up again on Monday. was central
on the front line of fighting this virus. I am going to bring it up on Thursday. b 1200
So, when we finish this—and I am
pleased to hear the distinguished chair- For 1 week there was that delay. Unfortunately, they do not want to
man of the Ways and Means Com- Finally, that was Thursday of last put the heroes into this bill today as
mittee, Mr. NEAL, talk about the fact week, there was interest in negotia- fully as they should by supporting
that we are already preparing for that. tion. And what we have on the floor State and local.
today is the result of not time that we And what does the distinguished
We have been for a while, because we leader on the Senate side, Mr. MCCON-
just didn’t really know that this in- delayed the legislation, but the time
that the Republicans refused to accept NELL, say? I am not doing any more
terim bill would come up. But when it bills. I think the States should go
did, again, we had to meet the needs of the fact that we needed $100 billion for
our hospitals and our testing, that we bankrupt.
the American people. Oh, really? And not pay the
I am so proud that all of the bills we needed more money for those who do
not have sophisticated banking rela- healthcare workers and public hos-
are passing, as has been acknowledged, pitals, the first responders and the
have been done in a bipartisan way, tionships, where we can have commu-
rest? Oh, really? What made you think
and the next bill will be as well. nity development financial institutions
that was a good idea? It is just more
But let me just correct the RECORD, reach into communities where they
notion mongering to get attention, I
because the distinguished gentleman know the businesses, the neighborhood,
guess.
from Texas said we held up this bill, the community, the people, the cus- And so I came to this floor fully
and I want to correct that RECORD be- tomers, the clients. happy in terms of our bipartisanship,
cause nothing could be further from So we should be very, very proud of totally sad about what it is in terms of
the truth, and perhaps he isn’t aware, the work that was done by Chairwoman the lives of America’s families and the
but let me inform. NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ of the Small Busi- uncertainty they face and the illness
Two weeks ago, the distinguished ness Committee and Chairwoman MAX- that some are suffering and the loss of
Secretary of the Treasury called me INE WATERS, chair of the Financial life that many others, tens of thou-
and said: I need a quarter of a trillion Services Committee, banks, small busi- sands, have suffered.
in 48 hours. ness coming with an idea that was re- But to hear them say we held up this
Oh, really? Well, I don’t know about jected out of hand by the leader of the bill, when they are doing today, with
that. Let’s see what we can do. Let’s Senate: Don’t even bring that around. great pride, exactly what the Senate
see. Why do you need that? It is only this; that is it, or else you Democrats asked them to do on April 9.
That was April 7. The next day, on
don’t support small business. So I just wanted to set the record
April 8, Democrats came together, So when I hear, during the previous straight on that.
House and Senate Democrats, and debate on the other bill and then this Again, I want to thank MAXINE
made a proposal that went beyond the WATERS and NYDIA VELÁZQUEZ and I
distinguished ranking member on the
$250 billion for the PPP, a program want to thank FRANK PALLONE for the
Ways and Means Committee, whom I
that we helped shape and that we fully great work that he did and the staff of
respect, and he knows that, say we de-
support, supporting our small busi- all of those committees.
layed this, no, you delayed this be-
nesses, the entrepreneurship of Amer- We are voting on the floor today with
cause—now, this isn’t about assign-
ica, the optimism of America, the cre- a strong agreement that sets a path
ment. This is about taking responsi-
ators of jobs and wealth and commu- that we had in the CARES Act, the
bility.
nity in our country. So we are there issues that were addressed in the
Without the discussion over this past
with that. CARES Act. Of course, we had State
But we saw some evidence that ev- weekend which resulted in the Senate
passing the bill unanimously, MITCH and local in the CARES Act; they
erything wasn’t being done as we had wouldn’t go there here.
hoped, and so we proposed, 1 day later, MCCONNELL, who wasn’t going to do
So what we are doing is we are help-
that we would have additional funding one more penny, unanimously passing
ing small businesses. We are strength-
for small businesses, a $60 billion set- the bill, and then saying it has all this
ening the Paycheck Protection Pro-
aside for the smallest of small busi- additional help that we initiated, that gram. It is $310 billion, including that
nesses: women, minority-owned busi- he initiated. He resisted it, but he ini- critical $60 billion reserved for under-
nesses, rural America, veterans, Native tiated it. served rural, urban, and Tribal commu-
American communities, and the rest, So I think it is really important for
nities.
who were not, shall we say, as bank- people to understand what this fight is By supporting small businesses that
able as some others, the underbanked, about. It is not about trickle-down. We cannot access the PPP, we secured $50
$60 billion. were successful in turning the CARES billion for emergency assistance lend-
Another $60 billion, we said, for all of Act from a corporate-oriented, trickle- ing. That will be leveraged into over
our small businesses: $50 billion of it down bill to a workers-first, bubble-up $300 billion in disaster assistance loans
for the EIDL, the disaster assistance bill, and we were proud of that and that and $10 billion more for grants to small
loans, put $50 billion there. That $50 it passed and was signed by the Presi- businesses.
billion is leveraged to over $300 billion dent. For hospitals, providers, and health
in lending, easier lending for some than Once again, they just had the 250. We workers: We secured $75 billion for
PPP because it is just a loan; it is not fully support that. We helped create health providers, which are losing rev-
about the bank deciding. And then the that. But that isn’t the end of the day enue every day, and for physicians and
other $10 billion—we wanted 15, we got for what else we needed to do. health workers who are risking their
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
10 for the grants. And while I understand that they are lives because they don’t have PPE.
So there we got 60 and 60, 120, and resistant to helping those at the lower In one of the New York hospitals, I
then another $100 billion for the hos- end of the scale, I can’t understand heard a nurse say on TV that when she
pitals. That was on April 8, $100 billion why they resisted $100 billion for the went to meet the needs of the patients,
for the hospitals, divided: hospitals, 75; hospitals and the testing, because that she was given not the regular gown and
testing, $25 billion. was central to meeting the needs, the mask and gloves and the rest. She was
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H1926 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
given a New York Yankees rain pon- that God would enlighten those who CARES Act, has already helped small
cho. Others were wearing garbage bags. have responsibility to take responsi- businesses save millions of jobs and
Some of them said they were wearing bility for those in their care. cover essential expenses.
medical waste on their faces because Let us hope that we can all be pray- One company, for example, New York
they could not change the mask, and erful, take responsibility, do the job for Bagel, survived the Great Depression
they would go to maybe four patients the American people. We have an ex- and World War II during its 99 years of
instead of the one and discard. traordinary opportunity to do that. operation. This Ferndale, Michigan,
So again, we thank them, we honor But we must do so in a way that business was forced to close due to the
them, we revere them. But we have no keeps them safe, as we want to open coronavirus. But thanks to the Pay-
right to do that unless we support our economy and do so—again, science, check Protection Program, their em-
them with what they need. They are science, science, and science. Let us ployees are still getting paid.
risking their lives to save other lives, show the same courage and strength After losing 70 percent of their busi-
and now they may lose their jobs un- and move with great urgency to pro- ness, Woodyard Bar-B-Que in Kansas
less we do our Heroes Act, which I look vide the support that they need, that City was only a week or two away from
forward to doing. they provide to others. laying off workers or even closing per-
For testing: We secured $25 billion for And, again, we have our differences, manently. Their paycheck protection
testing, which is key, central, to re- there is no question. I heard the gen- loan will allow them to stay in busi-
opening our economy and resuming our tleman speak out against the $600 for ness.
lives. people who are unemployed. I think These examples are only a fraction of
The administration has also agreed— that we have to do whatever we can to those who have been helped. Under-
and this is very positive—to a national recognize that public policy has a role standably, this program has been very
testing strategy that will increase do- here, that governance carries with it popular. In fact, demand was so high
mestic testing capacity and address responsibility and opportunity and re- that funding was exhausted within 2
disparities, including across race, eth- sults and progress for the American weeks of the program being started up.
nicity, and geographic regions. people and that science and governance Over a million-and-a-half loans have
Unfortunately, as I mentioned, the are the answers to meeting the been processed, with nearly 60,000 in
administration was not ready to in- healthcare needs and meeting the my home State of Ohio alone.
clude funding for our heroes, our needs of our economy as we go forward. Madam Speaker, small businesses are
healthcare, fire, EMS, and other essen- So I thank our colleagues for their resilient. Start-ups are pioneering new
tial workers, for the postal system, leadership, MAXINE WATERS, NYDIA techniques for sanitizing masks and
which is essential to us now in getting VELÁZQUEZ, FRANK PALLONE, our dis- surfaces. Neighborhood grocers are
information and materials where they tinguished chair of the Ways and bravely staying open to provide nec-
need to be. And that is why CARES 2 Means Committee, for his work, and so essary supplies, yes, including toilet
must be about our Heroes Act, focusing many people. paper, for their communities.
on support for healthcare and essential Again, right now, as we speak, the
Small manufacturers are retooling to
workers. And I can’t say it enough. Agriculture Committee is meeting.
make personal protective equipment
And then with that overarching con- And as some of our colleagues have
for frontline workers. These small busi-
cern for them, OSHA, so they have said, we can’t do SNAP? They turned
nesses and entrepreneurs make the
safety in the workplace, family and down SNAP, food stamps, at a time
America we all know and love.
medical leave, so that they can meet when America is hungry?
We have our differences, but we are Congress should have passed this leg-
the needs of their families, COBRA for
coming together on this particular bill, islation last week, but to those small
those who have lost their jobs. And we
and I am proud of that. It is bipartisan, businesses who already applied and are
need full funding for COBRA, and I
it is urgent, and let us get on with it so waiting to hear, or those who are yet
hope the administration will be recep-
that we can get on to supporting our to apply for this relief, finally, help is
tive to that. Pension, additional UI,
heroes in a way that is worthy of their on the way.
and more indirect payments and more.
So let us be clear, the health and sacrifice. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
safety of our country will be endan- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield minute to the gentlewoman from Ala-
gered if we cannot pay the heroes who myself 30 seconds. bama (Ms. SEWELL), a member of the
sacrifice to keep us safe. They are I respectfully remember a different Ways and Means Committee.
being fired as we speak. Mr. SCHUMER history where only one fund was out of Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Madam
was referencing hospitals in his State money, those for our small businesses. Speaker, today I rise in support of this
where people were let go from public The President asked for us to move bill to provide additional resources for
hospitals. But that is not unusual. Our quickly, and it was blocked in the Sen- small, local, and minority-owned busi-
teachers, the custodians of our chil- ate by those who said there is no proof nesses and nonprofits under the Pay-
dren, are being let go. We have to face small businesses need this money. And check Protection Program, as well as
that, and we have to do it very soon I remember the Speaker herself saying to provide resources for our hospitals
and next. there is no data that shows small busi- and for testing.
And it is unacceptable that Leader nesses need money. Those critical Madam Speaker, the Paycheck Pro-
MCCONNELL thinks that no further leg- funds were blocked and held up for 16 tection Program has not been without
islation is needed. That is what he said: days. This agreement we have today its controversy. I have heard too many
No further legislation is needed. And could have been agreed to in 5 minutes. stories of frustrated business owners
he thinks our heroic workers can wait Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to who have not been able to access the
and our States who hire them should the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT), program due to a lack of existing rela-
go bankrupt. the leading Republican on the Small tionships with a lender or difficulty
As CARES 2 protects the lives and Business Committee. navigating the complex application
livelihoods of the American people, it Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, this process. And these are issues that are
must also protect the life of the Amer- has not been an easy time for Amer- disproportionately harming local,
ican democracy: safeguarding the in- ica’s small businesses. As the ranking rural, and minority-owned businesses
tegrity of our elections and supporting member of the House Small Business that make up the heart of my district.
voting by mail. Committee, I hear daily from owners of Madam Speaker, I am glad that we
So, again, it is the lives of the people, restaurants and hair salons and small are taking steps today to address the
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the livelihood of the people, the life of retailers and manufacturers and gro- inequities and indirectly and directly
our democracy. cers and others, about the gut-wrench- allow funding for lenders that service
Again, our prayers are with those ing choices that they have been forced the truly local barber shops, beauty
who are suffering. His Holiness, Pope to make recently. shops, restaurants on Main Street
Francis—and I quote him all the time— Fortunately, the Paycheck Protec- across this country. These are the busi-
he said weeks ago, his world prayer, tion Program, created under the nesses that are the lifeline of so many
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1927
of our local economies, and it is impor- Now, let’s pass this measure, get it to opening our communities and restart-
tant that we make sure that this lend- the President’s desk, so we can begin ing our economy.
ing gets to these vitally important to safely reopen this country. While it took much too long to get
businesses. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, let me this bill to the floor today, I want to
I hope that this bill will offer some describe hospitals as a priority. thank my colleagues for coming to-
relief to these businesses, and I urge With that, Madam Speaker, I yield 30 gether to deliver results for the Amer-
my colleagues to support this bill. seconds to the gentleman from Rhode ican people whose health and liveli-
I also ask our leaders and the lenders Island (Mr. LANGEVIN). hoods depend on it.
to know that we are watching them. I urge my colleagues to join me in
b 1215 voting on this measure to continue
We want the truly small, local busi-
nesses to get their fair share. Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I supporting our Nation’s small busi-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield thank the gentleman for yielding. nesses, their hardworking employees,
2 minutes to the gentleman from Or- I rise in strong support of the Pay- and our critical healthcare workers.
egon (Mr. WALDEN), the lead Repub- check Protection Program and Health Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
lican on the Energy and Commerce Care Enhancement Act. minute to the gentleman from New
Committee. COVID–19 is a crisis with few par- Mexico (Mr. LUJÁN), the well-regarded
Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I allels in world history. Yet I have been Congressman who also has the title of
want to thank my colleague from amazed by the resilience of my fellow Assistant Speaker.
Texas for his leadership on this issue. Rhode Islanders: the tenacity of our Mr. LUJÁN. Madam Speaker, I thank
I, too, rise in support of the Pay- small businesses and the dedication the gentleman for yielding.
check Protection Program and the and bravery of our frontline healthcare In the face of this crisis, I have seen
Health Care Enhancement Act. This workers. so many New Mexicans step up. They
provides a fourth installment of funds This bill is for them. It refills the have gathered fabric scraps, distributed
to continue to address the impact of coffers of the Paycheck Protection masks, checked in with their neigh-
Program, which is a vital lifeline for so bors, and showed their resilience over
the COVID–19 virus on the American
many small businesses. Thanks to and over. But so many people, small
people.
We have heard all the stories about House Democrats’ efforts, it backstops businesses, and communities continue
our hospitals, community health cen- to struggle.
how people have lost their lives, lost
ters, and nursing homes and funds the Today, we approve $360 billion for
their loved ones, lost their business,
nationwide testing strategy. small businesses, $75 billion for our
lost their jobs. This bill will replenish hospitals and frontline workers who
the Paycheck Protection Program for This cannot be the end of the work of
are doing heroic work to save lives, and
small businesses, and it will provide Congress to help Americans weather
$25 billion so that more people can be
additional funding for healthcare pro- the storm, but it is another vital step
tested for this deadly virus.
viders and expanded testing. as we confront this crisis.
But our work is not done. Everyone
And I am glad we are finally here. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
knows this is not enough, and due to
For too long, Democrat leaders in the 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Republican opposition, this package
House and Senate played partisan poli- Texas (Ms. GRANGER), the top Repub-
fails to provide necessary relief to our
tics. They needlessly delayed the ini- lican on the Appropriations Com-
local, State, and Tribal governments.
tial passage of the CARES Act, and mittee.
MITCH MCCONNELL said local govern-
then they prevented a quick replenish- Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I
ments should file for bankruptcy to
ment of the funds for the PPP. That thank the gentleman for yielding.
make themselves whole.
left our small businesses and the people I rise today in support of the Pay- I had the honor this last week to par-
they employ in the lurch. check Protection Program and the ticipate in a townhall with the Navajo
With record unemployment claims, Health Care Enhancement Act, which Nation, and I heard firsthand their
we have seen that every single day, provides nearly $500 billion for eco- struggles. They need resources, water,
every day, counts in this pandemic. nomic recovery and public health ef- and testing. We need to do more for
That is why Republicans and President forts in response to the coronavirus them, and we need to do more for the
Trump were so adamant over the last pandemic. people of New Mexico and everyone liv-
two weeks about the need to not let The cornerstone of this legislation is ing in the United States of America.
these programs run out of money. We the support for small businesses Small businesses must be prioritized
all knew that was going to happen. We through the PPP, the Paycheck Pro- by approving these loans and grants.
could have done this unanimously. tection Program. These PPP loans, The American people are counting on
Painfully, Democrats took an ice- which can be completely forgiven, are us. Let’s act.
cream break while small businesses essential for small businesses to con- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
were left empty-handed, a pointless tinue paying their employees and cover 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from
weeklong shuttering of the Paycheck operating costs. Texas (Mr. MCCAUL), the Republican
Protection Program that hurt Ameri- To illustrate how crucial this loan leader of the Foreign Affairs Com-
cans and undoubtedly cost thousands has been to the 30 million small busi- mittee.
of jobs. nesses in this country, the SBA sup- Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I
As a member of the President’s bipar- ported more loans in the first 14 days thank my good friend from Texas (Mr.
tisan task force on reopening the econ- of the PPP than it did in the last 14 BRADY) for yielding and for his great
omy, I remain committed to ensuring years. In total, more than $340 billion leadership on this bill.
that there are resources and strategies has been provided to more than 1.6 mil- Today, America is in a crisis. Not
in place for widespread testing that our lion American small businesses. since the Spanish flu of 1918 has the
health and economic experts have said An additional $60 billion is provided world faced a global pandemic of such
is needed to reopen the country. in this bill for another key source of epic proportions. This virus, which
And while I support additional fund- assistance for small business: economic came out of Wuhan, China, has created
ing for healthcare-related expenses, it injury disaster loans and grants. Bor- fear and devastation across the globe.
should never have been at the expense rowers can get loans at low interest COVID–19 has infected more than 2.6
of bankrupting more small employers rates and then repay them over a long million people around the world and
and throwing more people into the un- period of time, up to 30 years. killed nearly 200,000. It has paralyzed
employment lines. This legislation also provides $100 bil- our economy, forcing more than 26 mil-
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The American people’s plight should lion for critical healthcare initiatives. lion Americans into unemployment in
not be used as leverage for partisan pri- These funds will support our heroes on just a few short weeks. And that is why
orities, especially in the midst of a cri- the front lines and allow us to deploy we took the risk, Madam Speaker, to
sis. We must move forward in a united more tests so we know where the virus fly back here today so we can do our
way that puts the needs of the Amer- is having the most impact. With this job and vote for this important legisla-
ican people first. information, we can begin safely re- tion.
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H1928 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
This rescue package throws a lifeline April 7, Secretary Mnuchin requests back to work here in the Capitol. We
to small businesses and the American more funding for the program, warning all must resume our full duties and ob-
worker to keep them whole during this that we will run out. ligations to the Constitution and, most
hard time. It provides much-needed April 9, Senate Democrats block re- importantly, to the American people.
funding for testing and for our hos- plenishing this funding, winning praise We took an oath to preserve and pro-
pitals that need it desperately. from fellow Democrats. tect both.
In closing, I want to take this oppor- Members, colleagues, we had ample Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield
tunity to thank the brave American warning of the funding running out on to the distinguished Congresswoman
heroes who are on the front line today: numerous occasions during this month from Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY).
our doctors, nurses, and first respond- of April that we have been away. How Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I
ers who are risking their lives every many small restaurants, hairdressers, thank the gentleman for yielding.
day. We honor their sacrifice to our bookstores, et cetera, in your districts I rise with the good, the bad, and the
Nation. have suffered and closed because the ugly for small businesses.
At the end of the day, as Americans, majority is too busy looking at the The good: Democrats fought hard and
we are all in this together, and to- election in November to see today’s won in providing more than $310 billion
gether we will get through this hard crisis in April? for small businesses.
time and be stronger than ever before. Yet, so after all this time and the The bad: It may not be enough.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 travel it took us all to get here wear- The ugly: Thousands and thousands
minutes to the gentleman from South ing masks, what is the first thing we of small businesses and minority busi-
Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN), the very capa- bring up? A duplicative, partisan select nesses may be left out again.
ble Democratic whip. subcommittee to make a political spec- The past weeks of economic history
Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I tacle of the virus. and trends offer reasonable predictions
thank the gentleman for yielding me I sit as a member on the Transpor- of what we should do in this financial
time. tation Committee. We can oversee the assistance funding bill.
Madam Speaker I rise today in sup- oversight of FEMA just fine. The longstanding economic inequal-
port of this emergency spending pack- Our Commerce Committee can have ities already undermine any ability to
age. I believe this legislation moves us oversight of HHS. We don’t need extra, close the wealth gap, and COVID–19
a step closer to my vision of making duplicative committees. will undeniably exacerbate this para-
America’s greatness accessible and af- We are 22 days behind. We need to get digm.
fordable for all. back to work and put the people back I am asking that we match the lan-
The COVID–19 pandemic has laid bare
to work and get this done. guage that the Democrats fought so
the inequities in our healthcare system Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 hard for. It is not enough just to allo-
that are having dramatic negative im- minute to the gentleman from Nevada cate funding to institutions; we must
pacts on health outcomes in minority (Mr. HORSFORD), a well-regarded Con- hold the Secretary of the Treasury ac-
communities. gressman.
Martin Luther King, Jr., observed countable that minority and small
Mr. HORSFORD. Madam Speaker, I businesses will not be left out.
back in 1966: ‘‘Of all the forms of in-
thank the gentleman for yielding. Just like in the film ‘‘The Good, the
equality, injustice in health is the
I rise today to speak in favor of this Bad and the Ugly,’’ we must be the one
most shocking and the most inhuman
emergency coronavirus supplemental to shoot the COVID–19 noose to save
because it often results in physical
package. small businesses. I know that we will
death.’’ How prescient. I am glad that we are delivering for
To know the full extent of how this do more in the weeks to come because
the people of Nevada, including bring- this a great victory for Democrats, but
virus is ravaging communities of color,
ing home billions of dollars of addi- still not enough.
we must test, test, test. That is why I
tional funding for Nevada’s 270,000 Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
am pleased there is $25 billion in this
small businesses and nonprofits. We 1 minute to the gentleman from Penn-
package for testing, which allows for
also are positioning our country for re- sylvania (Mr. JOYCE), a member of the
my advocacy of mobile testing.
We must make testing accessible and covery in voting for $25 billion for Small Business Committee.
affordable for rural and persistent-pov- COVID–19 testing. Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam
erty communities facing obstacles due This bipartisan agreement is one of Speaker, all of us want our small busi-
to a lack of transportation. the many steps that we must take to nesses to survive this economic crisis.
This pandemic has also laid bare the provide the American people with the All of us want to save American liveli-
inequities in our financial system. The relief they need. However, for Senate hoods. All of us want to get Americans
first round of funding through the Pay- majority Leader MCCONNELL to suggest back to work.
check Protection Program went to that our States and local governments For weeks, I have talked to workers,
businesses with long-term banking re- should be bankrupt in order to be made small business owners, farmers in
lationships. Many small family and mi- whole is outrageous. These are our he- Pennsylvania who are counting on the
nority-owned businesses and nonprofit roes. They are on the front lines. Paycheck Protection Act.
organizations were shut out. That is I urge this body to pass this legisla- Today, we are offering these Penn-
why Democrats insisted that $60 billion tion and to work with us now to pass sylvanians an opportunity to keep
be reserved in this package for commu- the Heroes Act. their workers paid and emerge stronger
nity-based lenders, such as community Mr. BRADY. I yield 1 minute to the on the other side of this unprecedented
development, financial institutions, gentleman from Michigan (Mr. MITCH- challenge by protecting our workforce
ELL). and safeguarding our economy.
minority depository institutions, and
credit unions. Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I Truly these are difficult days, but we
This legislation is not perfect, but it rise in support of H.R. 266, which pro- know there is light ahead.
is a step towards making some much- vides badly needed financial support The people of Pennsylvania are resil-
needed relief accessible and affordable. for small businesses and hospitals. Our ient. The people of our great Nation
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Nation continues to struggle with the are resilient. Together, we will weather
1 minute to the gentleman from Cali- health and economic impacts of the storm.
fornia (Mr. LAMALFA). COVID–19. We cannot allow a virus to destroy
Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, I But I must also comment on the the American Dream.
thank the gentleman for yielding. function of Congress. We passed the
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April 1, Secretary Mnuchin warned CARES Act almost 30 days ago. Since
us that the PPP has high demand and then, the lights have been off here. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
will likely need more funding. Today, we vote for one crucial item minute to the gentlewoman from
April 4, President Trump tweeted out and depart again. Michigan (Mrs. LAWRENCE), a well-
a statement supporting more funding a I will vote ‘‘aye’’ on the relief pack- known advocate for the people of
day after the program opened up. age, but I stress Congress must get Michigan.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1929
Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Speaker, I $250 billion to $480 billion to include women BASS, LEE, and PRESSLEY, as
rise today in support of the latest our priorities. An additional $60 billion well as Senators WARREN, HARRIS, and
COVID–19 relief package. was set aside for small banks and com- BOOKER, to ensure that we collect and
In my State of Michigan, the num- munity development financial institu- analyze racial data related to the obvi-
bers are devastating. There are more tions and credit unions. ous disparity in COVID–19.
than 33,000 confirmed cases. I want to We were determined to add billions The better data made possible by this
add another number today: over 2,800 for small community lenders. We wrote bill must effectively direct resources
deaths. I just got a phone call that an- into the legislation that these loans into our communities where needed,
other dear friend of mine has passed. will be forgiven if properly used for not where best connected.
Nearly 1.2 million people have filed for paycheck protection. Let us also remember the postal
unemployment. I call on Secretary Mnuchin to follow workers, the State and local govern-
That is why I am back here today. through on his commitment to Chairs ments, our teachers. They need our re-
We, however, have a lot more work to WATERS and VELÁZQUEZ to ensure that sources also.
do. The package is not perfect. More these small lenders get the money; Madam Speaker, I want to give my
work must be done to provide assist- make sure the money gets into the condolences to Senator WARREN for los-
ance to our States and our local gov- hands of African American, Latino, ing her brother to COVID–19.
ernments, to ensure the continuous op- women, and veteran-owned businesses; Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
eration of the Postal Service, where make sure the money gets into the 1 minute to the gentleman from Michi-
there is a statement that neither snow hands of nonprofits and churches. gan (Mr. HUIZENGA).
nor rain nor gloom of night should stay I call on the Small Business Adminis- Mr. HUIZENGA. Madam Speaker,
the completion of mail delivery. The tration to furnish data on the approved while we have many different ap-
COVID virus is devastating the Postal lenders authorized to originate these proaches about restarting our econ-
Service. loans, provide a report to us by race omy, we should all agree the Paycheck
I want you to know that the $484 bil- and ethnicity as to whether diverse en- Protection Program has provided a
lion measure will provide desperately tities are receiving these loans and vital lifeline to small businesses and
needed financial support. grants. communities across America, including
I stand here today with my heart bro- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield west Michigan.
ken in support of this bill. 1 minute to the gentleman from Ten- For example, media reports are that
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield nessee (Mr. KUSTOFF). Macatawa Bank, a community bank
1 minute to the gentlewoman from Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee. Madam based in Holland, Michigan, was able to
Puerto Rico (Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN). Speaker, I thank the gentleman for process over $300 million in PPP loans.
Miss GONZÁLEZ-COLÓN of Puerto yielding. This will help keep paychecks coming
Rico. Madam Speaker, I rise in support Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- to more than 27,000 hardworking people
of this emergency legislation that port of the Paycheck Protection Pro- in west Michigan.
prioritizes to replenish emergency re- gram and Health Care Enhancement In Wellington, Michigan, I heard
lief for all small businesses and hos- Act. from an owner of a bowling alley whose
pitals across the Nation. There is no doubt that our small business was literally saved by the
The Paycheck Protection Program businesses in west Tennessee and PPP. His employees are getting paid,
has, without doubt, been instrumental across the Nation have felt the brunt of he can pay his bills, and his business
in helping small businesses in Puerto the economic effects of the has avoided bankruptcy.
Rico and America keep their employ- coronavirus. Even with these successes, I have
ees paid through this unprecedented The Paycheck Protection Program
heard from employers across my dis-
crisis. has saved small businesses in west Ten-
Lenders in Puerto Rico approved trict waiting to receive their loan.
nessee and also allowed them to keep
more than 2,800 of these loans, dis- While I am glad that is happening
their employees on the payroll.
bursing a total of $658 million before Now, I am disappointed that the today, it shouldn’t have taken this
the funds ran out. We have got less Democrats didn’t allow a vote on this long.
Now, Madam Speaker, as we discuss
than .17 percent of all the Nation’s funding before today, but I am appre-
the next steps the Federal Government
PPP loans, making us jurisdiction ciative of the vote.
I look forward to voting for this can take, I encourage the Speaker and
number 52.
I expect this bill now would allow the funding today that will give American my colleagues to support H.R. 6433, a
rest of those small businesses to get it small businesses the resources to main- bill I introduced on April 3, the Heroes
and to get it now. tain their livelihoods and weather the Act, as a way to say thank you to the
The island’s economy has been great- storm. first responders and medical profes-
ly impacted, just like the people here Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 sionals risking their lives on a daily
on the mainland. And now with more minute to the gentlewoman from Illi- basis to save the lives of others.
than 150,000 employees that are out of nois (Ms. KELLY), a real champion of Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
work and the small businesses that are small business. minute to the gentleman from Oregon
out of business, it is imperative that Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam (Mr. BLUMENAUER), a very influential
we support this bill and immediately Speaker, I support this legislation be- member of the Ways and Means Com-
provide vital aid to American busi- cause hospitals and small businesses in mittee.
nesses across the Nation, which are the our communities need relief. Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker,
lifeblood of our economy. Our communities need this bridge I thank Chairman NEAL for yielding me
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 over troubled waters. time.
minute to the gentleman from North This legislation rightfully invests I am in awe of the countless unsung
Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD), a very ca- $300-plus billion into the backbone of heroes who made it possible for all of
pable Congressman and a close friend our economy: small businesses. It puts us to get here safely today. We thank
of mine. $75 billion into our Nation’s hospitals them.
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speak- and ensures that those serving our I am here not just to vote for badly
er, I thank Chairman NEAL for yield- most vulnerable receive the resources needed additional relief, but in support
ing. they need to save lives. It invests $25 of the Speaker and our leadership in
Madam Speaker, I rise to thank and billion in testing. their successful effort resisting the Re-
commend my colleagues for their work As the chair of the CBC Health publicans and the Senate in fighting
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on this $480 billion legislation. Braintrust, we must make sure that against making it better.
On April 7, as the Speaker said, Re- the testing goes into the areas dis- But I am here to give voice to my fel-
publicans wanted $250 billion, but no proportionately affected, like the low Oregonians, who know so much
more. Black and Brown communities. more needs to be done, that it is out-
After Democratic demands, Repub- This legislation includes language rageous that big banks and the Trump
licans finally agreed to increase the developed by me, along with Congress- administration gave too much to the
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H1930 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
wrong people and not enough to those We are here to legislate, not just pon- Letting State and local governments
most in need. tificate. flounder would dangerously weaken the
The administration can do something Vote ‘‘yes’’ and live to fight another response ahead of the virus’ second ex-
that costs taxpayers nothing: clarify day. pected wave.
the PPP provisions with a simple an- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield The American people deserve and
swer on how exactly the forgiveness 1 minute to the gentleman from Ken- need to be able to participate in their
provisions are going to work. tucky (Mr. GUTHRIE). democracy safely, without having to
I was on the phone until 1 a.m. last Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I risk their lives, and Congress should
night with a small businesswoman in thank the gentleman, my friend, for support State efforts to set up voting
Portland who, because of this lack of yielding. by mail.
clarity, is unsure if she should even ac- Madam Speaker, the PPP program Finally, postal workers are risking
cept the loan that she has been given. came out with astonishing speed. The their lives every day to deliver our
We must do better for the small busi- President and the Secretary imple- mail. They deserve our support, and
nesses and the millions of jobs that de- mented the legislation we passed, bi- the Federal Government needs to keep
pend upon them. partisan, in astonishing speed, but their agency from going bankrupt.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield there were criteria to get the money Only Congress can achieve these
1 minute to the gentleman from Wis- because we were spending $350 billion. things, and we cannot delay. The need
consin (Mr. GROTHMAN). I did have smaller banks and smaller in this country is urgent, and the
Mr. GROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, businesses who did not have experience American people are depending on us.
like all bills, this bill comes down to working with the SBA, with the Fed-
b 1245
how it is implemented. eral Government, who needed to come
up to speed. I think all of us, hopefully, Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am
Right now we have a problem, and I
were home, and I certainly was, talk- proud to yield 1 minute to the gen-
hope that bureaucracy does a better
ing to our small businesses, our small tleman from Texas (Mr. ROY).
job of implementing it.
banks, getting them online and getting Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I have one
The PPP in this program is going to,
them ready. question: Where has Congress been?
I believe, a lot of businesses that are Forty-three percent of American
actually even better off because of the I had small businesses saying, I don’t
have my 2019 taxes prepared yet, and I households have had a significant or
virus, because it is being so sloppily ad- total pay cut; 26 million Americans
ministered. I hope in the future, if we have to have that to show my income
for 2019. have filed for unemployment; schools
pass this bill, that people pay attention are shut down, placing burdens on fam-
to that. But it all came together right before
we ran out of money, at least in my ilies; and hospitals are laying off doc-
I also realize a lot of money is going tors and nurses. Where has Congress
to hospitals who have relied on pre- district. Everybody was in the portal
or the small businesses were ready. been?
dictions coming out of Washington Congress has met twice: first, to pass
that they were going to get a lot of pa- And that is what we wanted, was $250
billion to go forward, keep the program a $2 trillion bill that in many cases is
tients that they may not be getting. harming the very businesses it pur-
Right now in my district and many running, and they would be flush
today. ports to help; now, again, to spend
other districts, nurses and other hos- more borrowed money without asking
Doing the things we are doing now
pital personnel are being laid off and the important questions—no hearings,
today, they are important too, they are
hospitals are losing money because no oversight.
bipartisan, we agree, but we didn’t
they were expecting a deluge of pa- Today, I am holding my nose voting
have to have this interlude.
tients that never came, gratefully. for a bill I had no chance to shape be-
So help is on the way.
I hope in the future that the rec- Our small businesses are now ready. cause there are 700,000 businesses
ommendations out of Washington are It did take some time for some smaller closed by the power of government on
more on target and the employees of banks and smaller businesses, but I am the outside looking in while Harvard
my hospitals can get back to work as proud to say they are ready, and I am qualifies for $9 million.
we begin to do colonoscopies, mammo- proud to vote for this bill today. But this is it, Madam Speaker,
grams, hips, knees, and diagnostic Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 enough. No more half-assed legislating.
tests one more time. minute to the gentleman from Virginia No more picking winners and losers. No
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 (Mr. BEYER), an ambassador, Congress- more asking a small restaurant to
minute to the gentleman from New man, successful businessman, and gamble, to borrow money in hopes that
York (Mr. JEFFRIES), who has done a member of the Ways and Means Com- money will be forgiven by their govern-
remarkable job during this trying pe- mittee. ment if they rehire people. They can’t
riod as the chair of the Democratic Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, I thank rehire because those same overlords
Caucus. the chairman for yielding. are paying workers more in unemploy-
Mr. JEFFRIES. Madam Speaker, I I rise in support of this legislation to ment than to do their job.
thank the distinguished chair for his protect jobs, support small businesses, Congress must convene not just
tremendous leadership. and save lives. today, but every day until America is
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- It is good that we agree on this fund- back on track. Our job is to make poli-
port of this emergency spending legis- ing, but Americans need more, much cies that will save lives by moving us
lation. More must be done, but it is a more. forward with deliberation, facts, and
strong step in the right direction. As of this morning, 26 million Ameri- balanced reason, not reaction, panic,
The COVID–19 pandemic is ravaging cans have lost their jobs, in some and fear.
America. Small businesses are shut- States as many as one-third of their Congress should be here, Madam
tered. Thousands have died. Millions of workforce. Speaker.
Americans are unemployed. Workers need our help in a way that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem-
Rome is burning. doesn’t stop or expire. Congress will bers are reminded to refrain from using
We can either put out the fire or have to do more to save small busi- profanity in debate.
watch our great Nation go down in nesses both in funding, in making Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am
flames. changes, and exercising oversight to pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentle-
This bill will help family-owned busi- ensure that it goes to small businesses. woman from California (Ms. JUDY CHU),
nesses, help women-owned businesses, State and local governments des- a very well-regarded gentlewoman and
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help minority-owned businesses, help perately need our help. The idea that a member of the Ways and Means Com-
small family farmers, and help our hos- we would tell States and localities to mittee.
pitals and our nursing homes. bear the brunt and then let them go Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Madam
Yes, it is not perfect, but we cannot bankrupt, and lay off medical workers, Speaker, I rise today in strong support
allow the perfect to be the enemy of police, firefighters, and teachers is des- of the Paycheck Protection Program
the good. picable, and we must reject it. and Health Care Enhancement Act.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1931
In order to reopen our economy and this disaster relief bill, and the Senate Madam Speaker, the coronavirus
conquer this virus, we need to have a majority leader’s arrogant advice for pandemic has resulted in an unprece-
real count of who has been infected, them to include bankruptcy is insult- dented public health and economic cri-
but we still don’t know the true impact ing and arrogant. sis. While frontline providers are fight-
of this pandemic because our Nation is What we need at the time of national ing to keep us all safe, the deliberate
facing a severe shortage of COVID–19 crisis, a national emergency, is we need slowdown of our economy has caused
tests. That is why it is so important leaders who possess goodness, humil- significant disruption for employers
that Democrats fought to include $25 ity, courage, and a sense that we are and employees throughout the country.
billion in this package to expand our all in this together, a sense of national In Pennsylvania, the Payroll Protec-
testing capacity. solidarity. tion Program has, in a period of 12
Also of critical importance is that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- days, processed over 70,000 loans, total-
this legislation has the Paycheck Pro- bers are advised to refrain from engag- ing $15.7 billion, to help small busi-
tection Program set aside $60 billion in ing in personalities toward the United nesses make payroll and save jobs. I
lending authority for small community States Senate. thank our community banks and small
lenders, helping the countless small Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am businesses and the SBA for everything
businesses turned away by big banks, proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- that was done.
like my constituent Tony, a dentist tleman from Illinois (Mr. RODNEY The severity of this crisis, however,
who has had a business account with DAVIS), Republican leader of the House necessitates additional funding for this
Bank of America since 1983 but was de- Administration Committee. program. For the past 2 weeks, Repub-
nied the opportunity to even apply for Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. licans in Congress have advocated for
PPP. This set-aside authority gives our Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking additional appropriations while Demo-
smallest businesses the resources and Member BRADY and Chairman NEAL. crat leadership has permitted such
hope they need that they can survive I really appreciate the opportunity to delays to continue.
come here to once again remind our It has been extremely disruptive for
this pandemic.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am colleagues that, if there is one thing businesses that it took this long for
proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- that we ought to do right in this insti- the PPP to be increased. Businesses
tleman from Arkansas (Mr. HILL), a tution, it is to help Americans recover need some certainty. They do not have
from a disaster that they didn’t ask the luxury of waiting for partisan po-
leader of the Financial Services Com-
for. We did that by coming together for litical games. Let’s not let this happen
mittee and newly appointed member of
the CARES Act. again, particularly during the course of
the Congressional Oversight Commis-
The PPP program in Illinois, alone, this crisis.
sion for the CARES Act. Our country must now focus our ef-
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam has made 69,893 loans to our Main
forts on planning to get back to work
Speaker, I thank the chairman for Street businesses, worth almost $16 bil-
while maintaining a high level of safe-
yielding. lion. But I want to tell you about one
ty standards. With new funding in
I rise in support of the Paycheck Pro- person who still has a need: Lindy
place, we can continue to fight the
tection Program Increase Act. In Ar- McDonald of Myler Automotive Repair
virus, stay safe, and get our economy
kansas, there are more than 13,000 in Champaign, Illinois. She kept all of
roaring again.
pending PPP loan applications, rep- her employees. She is keeping her busi- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am
resenting over $1.1 billion, Madam ness going even though customers are pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen-
Speaker, of loans in limbo. Likewise, down. She is still in the queue to get tleman from New York (Mr. SUOZZI), a
many await the SBA’s disaster loan funded by what we do today. champion of all things New York and a
funding and wait for it now. Vote ‘‘yes’’ for this legislation, and I member of the Ways and Means Com-
The timing of this additional funding thank you for the bipartisanship. mittee.
is critical, and yet, again, I regret the Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, I sup-
delay by many leaders on the other minute to the gentleman from Illinois port this legislation. I am concerned,
side playing politics one more time (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS), chairman of the however, that the banks are focused on
with the livelihoods of our constitu- Subcommittee on Worker & Family big small businesses and have ignored
ents. Support. the smaller small businesses seeking
After the passage of this important Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. $100,000 or less.
package, I am confident that our em- Madam Speaker, the coronavirus has I am asking my colleagues to send a
ployers and our consumers will pru- brought to national attention the huge clear message to the banks and to Sec-
dently be able to combine common disparities in health status and eco- retary Mnuchin: We will be watching.
sense and follow the CDC precautions nomic status of African Americans and We need you to fight for the little
and get back to work, back to seeing other population groups in this coun- guys.
patients, back to the barbershop, back try. There are a lot of good things in this
to their faith communities, and back We have seen how some financial in- bill, including something we in New
to some semblance of normalcy. stitutions overlooked and denied small, York have pushed for: money for hos-
Americans always come together in struggling businesses. This bill will do pitals based on the rate of infection.
times of crisis. We will defeat this for- something about both. I hope it does, But we need more.
eign invader. We will get our economy and I am confident that it will. My three counties are in the top five
back to full capacity. After we have arrested the in the Nation in confirmed cases. New
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 coronavirus, let’s do something dif- York has over 30 percent of the cases
minute to the gentleman from New ferent and help equalize America so and 30 percent of the deaths. Pre-
York (Mr. HIGGINS), champion of all that Blacks and other population viously, this administration gave New
things Buffalo and a member of the groups are not dying in disproportion York hospitals less money than Texas,
Ways and Means Committee. to our population. which has only 3 percent of the cases.
Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Let’s make America the great equal- How does that make sense?
Speaker, I thank Chairman NEAL for izer, the America that has never been Now Senator MCCONNELL is saying
yielding. and yet the America that we know can let’s bankrupt our hardest hit States
This disaster relief bill includes $360 and must be, and let’s save our Postal and local governments.
billion for paycheck protection for Service. Madam Speaker, my State subsidizes
American workers; $75 billion for our Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am Senator MCCONNELL’s State and has for
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courageous healthcare workers and the pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- decades. The grim reaper is telling my
institutions that they work at; and $25 tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. State and others to drop dead.
billion for virus testing to bend, break, MEUSER). Well, I have a message for you: We
and crush the disease curve. Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I are going to fight you. Most Democrats
Sadly, New York’s State, county, and thank the gentleman from Texas for and Republicans have put aside ideo-
local governments were kicked out of yielding. logical differences for the common
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H1932 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
good. We must continue to fight for support our small businesses by pass- lief legislation, including legislation
New York, for my district, and for the ing the CARES Act. Today, I am here that creates a $100 billion emergency
little guy. again asking the House to pass this bill rental assistance fund and a $75 billion
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- and get it to the President’s desk so we homeowner assistance fund.
bers are reminded to address their re- can give our small businesses and Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 266,
marks to the Chair. healthcare providers the additional as- and look forward to working with my
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am sistance they need. colleagues on the next relief package.
proud to yield 1 minute to the gen- This bill provides an extra $75 billion Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, our
tleman from North Carolina (Mr. to our hospitals and $25 billion for ex- prayers are with Chairwoman WATERS,
BISHOP), a leader in the small business panded testing capacity, with resources her sister, and her family.
community. specifically set aside for community Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. health centers and rural health clinics. the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr.
Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking These additional funds will have a dra- FLEISCHMANN), one of the leaders of the
member for yielding. matic impact in rural areas like Michi- Committee on Appropriations.
In my 1 minute, let me tell you about Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speak-
gan’s First District, where access to
Hornwood, Inc.—talk about a survivor. er, I rise in support of this, the fourth
testing has lagged and our rural
Hornwood is a specialty textile manu- bill.
healthcare facilities are struggling to
facturer in operation 74 years. It manu- At a time of adversity, I would like
keep their doors open.
facturers products for the U.S. mili- This legislation also refills the Pay- to reach out to my colleagues on both
tary, many specialty applications, and check Protection Program, critical for sides of the aisle. The American people
now components for PPE. the Upper Peninsula and northern are concerned, but we are optimistic.
Hornwood’s main facility is in Anson The American people are worried, but
Michigan’s small businesses. This tem-
County, among the most economically we will come through this adversity. I
porary, targeted relief is our oppor-
challenged counties in North Carolina. think of the people I represent in Ten-
tunity to send a strong message to our
Hornwood employs almost 400, the nessee, but we are coming together as
Main Street businesses that we want
largest employer in that county. a Nation during this time like I have
Although it is designated essential, them to be able to open their doors
when it is time to open our economy never seen us come together before. At
its revenues plummeted as government a time of difficulty, we have an oppor-
shut down the economy. Without a back up.
I urge my colleagues to support this tunity to actually seize this moment
PPP loan, despite being essential, and move our great Nation forward. So,
Hornwood must shut down imminently. bill.
yes, am I concerned? Yes, I am con-
It applied for PPP on the second day, b 1300
cerned. Of course, I am. But we will see
but its application was caught in a Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 better days in this great Nation.
snafu and the funds ran out. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- Madam Speaker, let us never forget,
The 2 weeks consumed by the major- fornia (Ms. WATERS), the chairwoman we in this Chamber represent the peo-
ity’s exercise of leverage may well of the Financial Services Committee, ple of the greatest Nation in the world.
prove the fatal difference for Hornwood who is a major author of this legisla- We shall prevail.
and thousands of other small busi- tion. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, we cer-
nesses, but I am glad we are here fi- Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I tainly express our best to MAXINE
nally to finish the job. thank the gentleman for his leadership WATERS and her family at this chal-
To Hornwood and all of the others: and tough negotiations in support of lenging time.
Keep surviving. this legislation, H.R. 266.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I am de- Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
I not only rise in support of this leg- the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
lighted to yield 1 minute to the gen-
islation, the Enhancement Act, I also JACKSON LEE), the distinguished con-
tleman from California (Mr. GOMEZ), a
would like to rise in support of what gresswoman.
well-regarded member of the Ways and
we are doing for the Health Care En- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
Means Committee.
Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise hancement Act in this bill. let me acknowledge that people are
in support of this package because I And I am going to take a moment to dying. That sometime in the future, we
have small businesses in my district dedicate this legislation to my dear may have one-sixth of the number of
that are closing, after being in business sister, who is dying in a hospital in St. people that died in World War II in the
for decades, right before our eyes. This Louis, Missouri, right now, infected by battles on behalf of the United States.
bill is better than what the Repub- the coronavirus. I rise because I support this legisla-
licans originally proposed. This legislation provides $370 billion tion because it has universal testing
And make no mistake about it, if it in funding for small businesses, as well for COVID–19. It is a matter of life and
wasn’t for Democrats pushing to make as $100 billion for hospitals and death. And I call upon using this $25
changes, the businesses, the true small coronavirus testing. I am pleased that billion for testing nursing homes and
businesses—not the publicly traded we have been able to set aside $60 bil- all essential workers. They must be as-
companies—would still continue to be lion for our Nation’s community devel- sured that they are safe.
left behind. There would be no money opment financial institutions, minor- I join with the Congressional Black
for hospitals, no money for PPEs, no ity depository institutions, community Caucus to make sure that we have con-
money for testing. It is the push of the banks, credit unions, certified develop- centrated voluntary testing in areas
Democrats that made this bill better ment companies, and microlenders to where there have been high deaths,
and is why I am supporting it. directly lend to their small business contact tracing to identify the people,
I also want to be clear that this virus customers, who are often minority- which has been included, antibody
is on a different timeline. No matter owned businesses. tests, working with our communities
what people think, no matter what Small businesses and their workers and faith-based. And, yes, The Nickel
people say, this is just the end of the all across the country are in dire need in the Fifth Ward, where Mickey Le-
beginning and not the beginning of the of assistance and will benefit from this land and Barbara Jordan work; that is
end. bill. And so with that, Congress must a restaurant. I want them to be part of
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I am now immediately turn to the next those who will get now the new dollars,
pleased to yield 1 minute to the gen- package of legislation to provide relief the $60 billion that is going to help the
tleman from Michigan (Mr. BERGMAN). during the pandemic. We need to do very, very small. And I want to stand
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Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, I much more to help renters, home- in the way of the Ruth’s Chris and the
rise today in support of the Paycheck owners, people experiencing homeless- Shake Shacks, the large corporations,
Protection Program and Health Care ness, and mom-and-pop landlords. to make sure that they understand
Enhancement Act. As chairwoman of the Financial that we are sharing with each other. So
Less than a month ago, I stood on Services Committee, I am already small businesses now with minority
this floor and urged my colleagues to working on additional coronavirus re- banks and CDFIs can do this.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1933
Finally, our hospitals that have been As the economic impact of the coronavirus shine a light on where COVID–19 is and
on the front lines. They need to be re- pandemic becomes clearer and more far- where it is not present.
imbursed and those who are Medicare reaching, it will be necessary to replenish the The lack of testing early on and the contin-
focused, not just Medicaid focused, not Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Eco- ued lack of testing is costing trillions in lost
just Medicare focused. nomic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL) economic output and it will continue to cost
And, yes, I want hero pay for our funding made available under the CARES Act. much more as we struggle to save lives
transit workers and hero pay for our The legislation before us replenishes these through social distancing and providing ade-
professionals. funds, and importantly, sets aside a portion of quate universal access to COVID–19 needed
Madam Speaker, I support this legis- those funds be deposited in Community De- medicines, equipment, and PPE to protect
lation now to save lives. velopment Financial Institutions (CDFIs), mi- medical personnel.
Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the nority depository institutions (MDIs), certified Madam Speaker, based on the limited data
Committees on the Judiciary and on Home- development companies, microloan inter- available to date, it is clear that African Ameri-
land Security, and founder and Co-Chair of mediaries, and State or Federal Credit Unions cans are at higher risk of contracting COVID–
the Congressional Coronavirus Taskforce, I to ensure that economically distressed or dis- 19 and experiencing the worst outcomes.
rise in strong support of the ‘‘Paycheck Pro- advantaged communities have access to the An April 2020 analysis by the Washington
tection Program and Health Care Enhance- capital needed to revive and regenerate their Post of available data and census demo-
ment Act,’’ an interim measure that supple- local economies. graphics shows that counties that are majority-
ments the CARES Act, the assistance and re- Specifically, the legislation before us black have three times the rate of infections
lief package passed by Congress providing strengthens the Paycheck Protection Program and almost six times the rate of deaths as
more than $2 trillion to address the adverse with $310 billion in additional funding and $50 counties where white residents are in the ma-
health and economic impacts of the COVID– billion for SBA disaster lending, translating into jority.
19 pandemic. more than $350 billion in loans, and $10 billion Madam Speaker, African Americans are 26
But more must be done, and it is our obliga- in SBA disaster grants. percent of the population in Milwaukee Coun-
tion to ensure that the necessary assistance is Additionally, and importantly, this legislation ty, Wisconsin but account for 73 percent of
provided, and that our decisions are informed directs that $30 billion be deposited in banks COVID–19 related deaths; comparable num-
by science, based on evidence, and put the and credit unions with less than $10 billion in bers in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C.
physical safety and economic security and assets, as well as all Community Development are 32 percent and 46 percent of the popu-
livelihoods of the American people foremost. Financial Institutions (CDFIs), MDIs, certified lation but 67 percent and 58 percent of
Every day, we see the need for further ac- development companies (CDCs), and micro- COVID–19 deaths respectively.
tion to combat the coronavirus crisis. lenders that are PPP lenders.
To date, there are more than 800,000 con- Faced with this grim reality, I am particularly
Madam Speaker, another reason I strongly pleased that the legislation before us directs
firmed cases, over 43,000 dead, including support this legislation is because it provides
20,196 cases and 547 deaths in my home the Secretary of Health and Human Services
$75 billion to provide hospitals and health care to collect, publicly release, and report to Con-
state of Texas. workers on the frontlines the necessary re-
On top of that, by taking the necessary gress racial and demographic data on
sources, especially personal protective equip- COVID–19 in order to identify and address ra-
measures to slow the pandemic and ‘flatten ment (PPE) to battle the coronavirus pan-
the curve’ so as not to overwhelm the nation’s cial disparities in the response.
demic and care for its victims. But Madam Speaker, we all recognize the
health care system, economic activity in the We have all seen the heart-wrenching sto-
United States has experienced a severe shock legislation before us is only an interim meas-
ries of courageous doctors, nurses, ambu-
to the system. ure and more must and will be done to protect
lance drivers, orderlies, and others selflessly
More than 22 million initial unemployment our nation and make our people whole.
striving to save others while putting them- In the next supplement to the CARES Act,
claims in the past month alone. selves in harm’s way because of the severe
In addition, on March 23, 2020, the Dow I look forward to working with my colleagues
shortage of PPE. to include the following priorities:
Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) dipped to Madam Speaker, the current president fan-
18,321.62, which is even lower than it was on 1. Hero pay for mass transit workers;
cies calling himself a ‘‘War President.’’
Election Night 2016, and far below the 19,827 For anyone who needs reminding, the na- 2. Increased childcare direct payment as-
mark where it stood on January 20, 2017. tion’s greatest wartime presidents made sure sistance to essential workers;
In other words, Madam Speaker, all the 3. Additional funding for CDC data collection
that American troops on the frontlines were
gains that were made to the stock market and and research regarding disparate impact of
trained, equipped, and protected in battle.
heralded by this Administration as evidence of I also support this legislation because it pro- COVID–19 on African Americans and Latinos;
its genius have been wiped out, depleting the vides as I requested $25 billion for diagnostic 4. Expanded Medicaid payments to local
retirement savings and 401ks of millions of or- testing and contact tracing promised at no counties in states that have not accepted the
dinary Americans. charge to the person. expanded Medicaid;
Democrats dramatically changed the pack- This funding will help states and local juris- 5. Medical shelters creating extra COVID–
age originally proposed by the Senate from an diction conduct necessary COVID–19 testing 19 hospital beds to be funded at 100 percent
insufficient Republican plan that left behind in local jails, juvenile detention centers, and so counties like Harris County in my home
hospitals and health workers but did nothing to elsewhere in the criminal justice system. state of Texas is not subsidizing all of its
aid the survival of the most vulnerable small Testing is the key to reopening the economy neighboring counties; and
businesses on Main Street. and resuming our lives, and to prevent, pre- 6. Funding for an additional cash distribution
That is why Democrats in Congress insisted pare for, and respond to coronavirus, domesti- of $2,000 per adult and $500 per child.
on, fought for, and succeeded in shepherding cally or internationally, for necessary expenses Madam Speaker, the occasion demands
into law the CARES Act, established the Pay- to research, develop, validate, manufacture, that we rise, and I urge all Members to join
check Protection Program (PPP), a new guar- purchase, administer, and expand capacity for me in voting to pass the Senate Amendment
anteed loan program at the Small Business COVID–19 tests to effectively monitor and to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program
Administration (SBA) to help small businesses suppress COVID–19, including tests for both and Health Care Enhancement Act.
cover payroll and other expenses during the active infection and 19 prior exposure. Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1
crisis, with 100 percent of the amount eligible If we cannot see where COVID–19 is within minute to the gentleman from Georgia
for forgiveness if employers retain employees. a community, there is no reliable way to pre- (Mr. FERGUSON), the chief deputy whip,
The CARES Act also created the Economic vent its spread other than quarantine. a key member of the Committee on
Injury Disaster Loan Program, a new $10 bil- If we do not dramatically increase testing, Ways and Means.
lion grant program, leveraging SBA’s Office of we will remain prisoners of COVID–19 until we Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I
Disaster Assistance to provide small busi- have a vaccine widely available, which is not rise in support of the legislation.
nesses with much needed capital in a timely expected to occur until early 2021. This is important for our commu-
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manner. Universal testing for COVID–19 is a matter nities and our small businesses back
Congress intended that these programs of life and death for millions of Americans, but home. We are in a real battle. On one
would provide immediate financial support to it is also a salvation for millions of others who front, we have our incredible
secure the survival of the small business com- are living desperate lives behind locked doors. healthcare workers, our frontline
munity, which is the backbone of the national The liberation of millions hinges on getting healthcare workers, our first respond-
economy. testing in every community so that we can ers, and hospital administrators that
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H1934 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
are fighting out there. And those he- bring our pharmaceuticals home, but tion Program by providing an addi-
roes, we owe a debt of gratitude. This our technology and our business that tional $310 billion to help small busi-
bill will provide important resources, China is preying on right now, as we nesses stay afloat.
particularly for our rural hospitals. speak. Wake up America. We are in a Further, this bill ensures that true
But there is an economic disaster as cold war, and we have to do better. small businesses—not large, multi-
well. And I would like to say thank you Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 million-dollar corporations—have ac-
to another group of unexpected heroes seconds to the gentlewoman from Con- cess to these funds.
that are out there working very, very necticut (Ms. DELAURO), a fully capa- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
hard every single day, and those are ble member of the Committee on Ways leagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 266. The
our community bankers in our small, and Means. well-being of the American people de-
rural communities. Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, this pends on it.
These bankers have been working economic relief package is for small Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
long hours, helping the small business businesses, finally. 1 minute to the gentleman from South
in their communities that they serve. I am proud that we also secured $25 Carolina (Mr. WILSON).
And I will tell you, there are going to billion to expand testing, with $11 bil- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina.
be a lot of stories that come out about lion to increase State and local testing Madam Speaker, I support the legisla-
good things and bad things that happen capacity; $1 billion for the CDC, $1.8 tion.
with this program, but I could not be billion for the NIH, $1 billion for I am grateful that President Donald
more grateful for the men and women BARDA, money for the Food and Drug Trump has succeeded with an agree-
in our small community banks out Administration and money for commu- ment to address the destructive impact
there putting in long hours, long days, nity health centers. This is not every- of the Wuhan virus. Our families, small
doing their dead-level best to help the thing we wanted. businesses, and hospitals need this sup-
communities that they serve. Next, we need relief for States and lo- port to maintain jobs now more than
Madam Speaker, again, I ask that all calities, SNAP benefits, paid family ever.
colleagues support this legislation. leave and paid sick days, and the ex- The Paycheck Protection Program
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 pansion of the Child Tax Credit. Vote has been successful in supporting small
seconds to the gentlewoman from New ‘‘yes’’ to continue working for people. businesses in maintaining jobs, already
York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield saving 30 million jobs. A real-world ex-
chairperson of the Committee on Over- 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas ample of success was on Fox Business
sight and Reform. (Mr. ARRINGTON), a fellow Texan, and News last week with Melissa Francis
Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New key member of the Committee on Ways interviewing Bill Dukes of the Blue
York. Madam Speaker, I support this and Means. Marlin restaurant in Columbia, prais-
bill, which provides an additional $310 Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, ing Scott Hagler of the Security Fed-
billion for PPP loans. And while this is these resources are a lifeline to our fel- eral Bank for saving jobs.
desperately needed, it almost certainly low Americans, whose lives and liveli- This agreement will help families
will not be enough. hoods have been turned upside down but, sadly, there was a delay because of
I am glad that an additional $60 bil- through no fault of their own. partisan politics, letting no disaster go
lion is being set aside for community They aren’t just numbers on some to waste.
banks, credit unions, minority banks, government spreadsheet. They are In conclusion, God bless our troops,
and CDFIs. And as chair of the Com- healthcare workers who rush to the and we will never forget September the
mittee on Oversight and Reform, I front lines in this battle, risking their 11th in the global war on terrorism.
promise I will watch the $60 billion like lives for our safety. They are family Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
a hawk to make sure that it goes to the farmers, independent energy producers, minute to the gentlewoman from Flor-
communities that we intended. and small businesses of all kinds who ida (Mrs. MURPHY), a very capable
But I also want to mention another listened to their leaders, did their part, member of the Committee on Ways and
key priority: The postal service, which made their sacrifices and stayed home, Means.
is running out of money and must be shuttered their businesses, all to keep Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Madam
funded soon. their communities and their country Speaker, today’s bill is a positive step
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield safe. and has my full support, but it took
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- This temporary support will com- too long. Next time let’s skip the par-
ida (Mr. WALTZ). pensate them partly, but more impor- tisan games and just do our jobs.
Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, we are tantly, will help them get on their feet We must be aggressive and smart. We
hearing a lot today about Democrats so that they can keep their employees should spare no expense when it comes
support this; Republicans support that. on the payroll and off the unemploy- to testing, treatments, and vaccines.
I don’t think this is the time for that. ment roll. These folks are the heart- And we must support workers and busi-
Americans don’t care. They don’t care beat of America. They are the lifeblood ness owners who bear no blame for this
about party. This virus doesn’t care. of this economy, and they—not the crisis.
They care about this Congress getting government—will lead one of the great- We should keep workers tethered to
things done and about America pulling est American comebacks in our his- their jobs and to their healthcare. And
through. tory. aid should be swift and direct rather
This is a good day for our businesses, Madam Speaker, let’s suit up, let’s than through complicated and time-
for our hospitals, but I think a silver strap it on, and let’s get America back consuming programs. For workers who
lining in all of this will be all of us see- to work. do lose their jobs, Congress has pro-
ing America pull together. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 vided billions to support them.
And I think the other silver lining seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Sadly, this support has been delayed
will be us drastically changing how we fornia (Mr. TAKANO), chairperson of the in States like Florida, whose unem-
view our relationship with China, and Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ployment system is marred by incom-
understanding the Chinese Communist Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, H.R. petence and indifference. Congress
Party is not our friend, they are ma- 266 provides billions of dollars in fund- must demand better. Our country con-
nipulating international organizations, ing for small businesses, hospitals, and fronts a deadly, serious crisis. As lead-
they are hoarding supplies, have much-needed testing. This is a bill that ers, we must unite to combat COVID–
brought manufacturing away from a works for the people, not just the fa- 19.
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place where we, as America, can ben- vorite clients of the big banks. My fellow Blue Dog colleagues and I
efit. We must bring that manufac- I have heard from small business will continue pushing for more bipar-
turing home. We will do that on the owners in Riverside County who have tisan cooperation to get the job done
other side of this. struggled to receive the help they need for the American people.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to intro- after the original funds ran dry. This Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
duce legislation today to not only bill strengthens the Paycheck Protec- 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1935
(Mr. HURD), a member of the Com- Madam Speaker, we fought to also move safely and responsibly to reopen
mittee on Appropriations, and a fellow include $75 billion for hospitals and the economy.
Texan. healthcare providers so the frontline This is critical economic support. I
Mr. HURD of Texas. Madam Speaker, healthcare heroes are taken care of and support this bipartisan legislation.
134,700—that is the number of small $25 billion for critical COVID–19 testing Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
businesses in my home State of Texas so we can better understand the spread 1 minute to the gentleman from Ken-
that have received Paycheck Protec- of this virus, to save lives, and to have tucky (Mr. BARR), a member of the Fi-
tion Program loans amounting to more the confidence to reopen our commu- nancial Services Committee.
than $28.4 billion. nities. Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, for
This money helps small business Madam Speaker, I urgently ask ev- America’s struggling small businesses,
owners catch their breath because they eryone to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this legisla- there is just no substitute for safely re-
didn’t have to fire their employees. tion. opening the economy; but until that
This money prevented thousands from Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 happens, the Paycheck Protection Pro-
going on unemployment and standing seconds to the gentlewoman from gram is a lifeline.
in line at already-overrun food banks. Washington (Ms. SCHRIER). The first wave of funding delivered
Madam Speaker, this money has been Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, to- $350 billion in forgivable loans to 1.6
a Band-Aid helping small businesses day’s bill is critical for small busi- million firms nationwide, including
stop bleeding. This program has and nesses in my district that are des- over $4 billion to save jobs in my home
will help many survive this moment of perately waiting for this financial life- State of Kentucky.
darkness. More funding for PPP will line. For the Wells family at Green Tree
save jobs. More funding for testing will The funding for testing is also crit- Forest Products, the funds meant that
save lives. Let’s get it done. No more ical as our country is woefully behind. they could keep their sawmill open and
delays. We need 10 to 20 times current levels of retain 93 employees in eastern Ken-
Madam Speaker, I am proud a solu- testing to know who is infected and tucky.
tion to add funds to this program fi- isolate them and to find emerging hot For Upper Right Marketing, a Lex-
nally came about, but I am dis- spots. Without that, we are flying ington tourism company impacted by
appointed partisanship delayed it. Our blind, and we will see new surges. Wide- the postponement of the Kentucky
neighbors and communities are step- spread testing is key to moving for- Derby and the closure of the Kentucky
ping up and working together to help ward. Bourbon Trail, funding arrived the day
one another. Congress should follow Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield before the company was set to lay off
that lead. 1 minute to the gentleman from Mon- 30 employees.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 So it is unfortunate that some in this
tana (Mr. GIANFORTE).
seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I House dithered the last 7 days, making
fornia (Mr. BERA). rise today in support of reopening the partisan demands after the program
Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, we are
Paycheck Protection Program after an ran out of money and an additional 41⁄2
in the middle of a global pandemic.
unnecessary lapse in funding. million Americans filed for unemploy-
This isn’t a Republican virus or Demo-
In just 2 weeks after the launch, the ment.
cratic virus. It doesn’t recognize the
program provided over 13,000 loans in But today’s replenishment of funding
color of your skin or the country of
Montana, totaling $1.4 billion. It has restores hope for workers, families, and
your origin. It doesn’t know what god
helped small businesses stay open and business owners, including Dennis from
you worship.
We are in this together, not just as a keep workers on the payroll. Lexington, who has operated a car re-
But as the well quickly ran dry on pair shop for 17 years, has 10 employ-
city, a State, a country. We are in this
this critical lifeline for small busi- ees, but has yet to receive a loan.
together—all of us—and we will get out
nesses and workers, the Speaker and Congress must ensure that, by flat-
of this together. Let’s find our human
the Senate Democratic Leader, CHUCK tening the curve, we don’t flatten
kindness and our better nature. We will
SCHUMER, stood on the sidelines and small business with it. I urge my col-
persevere. We will be more resilient.
failed to work with Republicans to leagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’
And we will come out stronger and
keep this program running. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, let me
kinder and gentler.
When Senate Majority Leader inquire as to how much time is remain-
b 1315 MCCONNELL moved to increase funding, ing on each side.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Democrats objected, refusing to allow The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
1 minute to the gentlewoman from Mis- immediate action. That is outrageous. tleman from Massachusetts has 31 min-
souri (Mrs. WAGNER), a member of the At last, we are doing the right thing utes remaining. The gentleman from
Financial Services Committee. by small businesses and workers, but it Texas has 241⁄2 minutes remaining.
Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Speaker, I is overdue, and it has been needlessly Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
am here today to call on colleagues to held up with partisan games. seconds to the gentlewoman from Min-
support the Paycheck Protection Pro- I urge my colleagues to stand with nesota (Ms. CRAIG).
gram and Health Care Enhancement small businesses and workers today Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise in
Act, legislation that is poised to be a and pass the Paycheck Protection Pro- strong support today for America and
lifeline to my constituents in Mis- gram. Minnesota’s small businesses.
souri’s Second Congressional District Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Whether it is a florist in Apple Val-
during this pandemic. seconds to the gentleman from Utah ley, the Cannon River Winery, or a food
This bill includes $310 billion in in- (Mr. MCADAMS). shelf in Eagan, I have heard the urgent
creased funding for the Paycheck Pro- Mr. MCADAMS. Madam Speaker, need for funding assistance to survive
tection Program, a program that has Utah families are suffering and wor- the impacts of COVID–19. But we must
helped keep open thousands of Missouri rying about how they are going to sur- do more.
businesses, including Martha’s Hands, vive this crisis financially. This legis- I am grateful that we are going to
a St. Louis-based home healthcare pro- lation provides additional funds for the add additional support to small busi-
vider with over 200 employees. My of- Paycheck Protection Program to cover nesses and nonprofits by funding the
fice worked with Martha’s Hands to se- payroll and other essential expenses for Paycheck Protection Program and the
cure these vital PPP funds so that they small businesses, and it keeps pay- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Pro-
will be able to pay their employees and checks coming for employees. We must gram today to keep small businesses
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keep their doors open to help the most make sure that this money makes it to and the American Dream alive.
fragile in our community. the small businesses and hardworking Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
There are small businesses and work- families that deserve it. 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas
ers just like them all over that are de- This bill also provides critical sup- (Mr. CRENSHAW).
pendent. They are the backbone of our port to our hospitals that are saving Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I
economy. lives and money for testing so we can rise today where we should have been a
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H1936 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
week ago when the Treasury warned us businesses that are struggling through Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
that the small business program need- this time. The Paycheck Protection seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
ed refunding. It is a program we al- Program has been incredibly successful fornia (Mr. RUIZ).
ready authorized. It is a program that as a lifeline to those small businesses. Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, the
Americans need desperately to keep President Trump called on us weeks coronavirus has upended life as we
their payrolls whole during this crisis. ago to come and replenish this fund know it.
But, in predictable fashion, it was de- that has been used by so many busi- Healthcare workers need personal
layed. My colleagues will claim victory nesses to hang on, and yet there were protective equipment and hospitals
for this delay, claiming ‘‘wins’’ for ad- cries from the other side. In fact, one need supplies.
ditional funding. But they know that of the leaders of the main caucus on Small businesses and small farmers
this vote today could have easily been the opposition side called the Pay- need financial security to weather this
agreed to last week. check Protection Program leverage, storm.
We are asking our grocers to stock that they should hold out from re-fund- America needs a national testing re-
our shelves, truckers to drive, and ing to get other things. gime to safely and efficiently get this
nurses and doctors to risk their lives, This isn’t about leveraging families country back to work.
who are struggling and hanging on and Underserved rural communities need
but Congress can’t even bother to vote
businesses that barely can make it doctors and increased access to care.
to help small businesses in time. In The Paycheck Protection Program
fact, many want to vote from home or while you try to go for other items.
Help those people who are in need. Ne- and Health Care Enhancement Act will
by proxy. If you think that is leader- provide much-needed relief to millions
ship, then I would encourage you to gotiate on other things that we can get
agreement on, but don’t hold hostages across the country and help save lives.
rethink what it means to be a Rep- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
resentative. during this time.
I reached out to so many small busi- time of the gentleman has expired.
Leadership is courage to lead from Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield
the front. It is steadfast judgment free nesses and heard from people in my dis-
trict and all around this country. We the gentleman from California another
from cynical opportunism. Leadership 10 seconds.
means acting worthy of the people we saw another 4.4 million people lose
Mr. RUIZ. Because of the urgency, I
represent. If we are to survive this his- their jobs just this week, and yet there
urge you to vote ‘‘yes.’’ However, State
toric crisis, we might collectively were businesses holding on, waiting for
and local governments and Tribal na-
stiffen our spines and demonstrate to this money that didn’t get it for the
tions across the country need funding,
the American people what that looks last 2 weeks while this leverage game
too, to provide essential services for
like. was played.
I just talked to one company, Delta our essential frontline workers: para-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 medics, law enforcement, firefighters.
Electronics in Harvey, Louisiana: ‘‘We
seconds to the gentlewoman from We must include the Coronavirus Re-
laid off two of our three employees.
Texas (Ms. ESCOBAR). lief Act, $250 billion for local govern-
. . . We are about 7 days away from
Ms. ESCOBAR. Madam Speaker, I ment for populations less than 500,000
shutting our doors down for good and
rise to support this interim package. in the next act because small cities’
possibly declaring bankruptcy.’’
I have spent every day in my district The SPEAKER pro tempore. The firefighters and paramedics in my dis-
speaking to constituents and stake- time of the gentleman has expired. trict matter, too.
holders battered by this health and Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
economic crisis. I am grateful to the gentleman from Louisiana an addi- 1 minute to the gentleman from New
Speaker PELOSI and Democratic col- tional 1 minute. Jersey (Mr. SMITH).
leagues who fought for additional Mr. SCALISE. ‘‘We are about 7 days Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam
money for small businesses, fixed prob- away from shutting our doors down for Speaker, in New Jersey, 100,000 people
lems we saw after the first round of good and possibly declaring bank- have tested positive for COVID–19, with
funding, and added money for hos- ruptcy. We don’t know what else to do. more than 5,000 suffering death. Forty
pitals. percent of those who have died are
I’m tired of crying myself to sleep
I am disappointed by Republican col- women and men in nursing homes and
every night wondering what tomorrow
leagues who refused to include local veterans in long-term care homes. We
holds. Will we lose everything we
and State governments, but we will grieve their loss.
worked for? Our house? Our retire- My constituents have shown remark-
keep fighting for them and so many ment?’’
others who were left out. able strength, resolve, and resiliency,
‘‘Enough is enough.’’
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield They had to wait an extra 2 weeks. especially those in healthcare, first re-
2 minutes to the gentleman from Lou- Hopefully, that company can hold on. sponders, postal workers, truckers, su-
isiana (Mr. SCALISE), the Republican MJ’s Grill in Columbia, South Caro- permarket employees, and more. With-
Whip. lina: ‘‘We are a small, family-run res- out their courage and sacrifice, things
Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I taurant that has a staff of 16. We have would be far worse.
thank my colleague from Texas for Signs outside of CentraState Medical
had to cut our staffing down to eight
yielding. Center in Freehold say it all: Heroes
and those employees work limited
Most importantly, I want to thank Work Here.
hours. I open and close the kitchen For our hospitals, the $70 billion in
all of those hardworking families every day without taking a paycheck this legislation, on top of the $100 bil-
across this country, people who are to try and keep the doors open. We are lion for the CARES Act, is critically
struggling through this crisis, who are quickly approaching the hard-line deci- needed to sustain our overworked,
adhering to the guidance from the sion of closing our doors permanently.’’ cash-starved hospitals that risk insol-
President and their Governors. But These are stories that go on and on,
vency, in large part, because they have
they want us to get back to work. They heartbreaking stories from businesses
been compelled by law to postpone
want us to work together to help them that just want to hold on to keep their elective surgeries.
through this critical time, to focus on family business going, to keep those A few days ago, Secretary Mnuchin
finding a cure as we are seeing so many employees, that represent millions of said 30 million jobs have been saved by
advances in medicine, on testing, and people. the Paycheck Protection Program, the
on therapies that may work. Stop thinking of them as leverage PPP. Today’s $310 billion replenish-
In the meantime, we are all learning and start thinking of them as our ment continues and expands this his-
how to deal with this disease better, neighbors. Just like we applaud our toric bridge to assist businesses with
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how to socially distance. Even if you frontline workers, the men and women forgivable loans to prevent layoffs and
go to the grocery store now, people are in the hospitals, the nurses, the doc- bankruptcy.
being more cautious. tors who are keeping us safe, let’s work
We also need to make sure that we to keep everybody safe and get through b 1330
help those families hold on through this and open our economy back again. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
this time, that we help those small Let’s pass this bill. seconds to the gentlewoman from New
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1937
York (Ms. CLARKE), the vice chair of Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio. Madam laughing it up on late night television,
the Energy and Commerce Committee. Speaker, I rise in support of the Pay- showing off her stash of high-end ice
Ms. CLARKE of New York. Madam check Protection Program and Health cream, while I and other small business
Speaker, I rise today to stand up for Care Enhancement Act. owners don’t know how we will make
the 15,000-plus New Yorkers and thou- Throughout this crisis, our small the next payroll.
sands of Americans who have lost their businesses have done everything we I tell you what, ladies and gentle-
lives due to the coronavirus and to have asked, and it is past time that we men: Times are tough. Small business
stand up for the tens of thousands of add this necessary funding to help needs everything we can give them in a
healthcare and essential community them maintain payroll and survive this bipartisan way. I strongly urge support
workers whose lives are on the line as crisis. of this bill.
I stand here. But we all know that this cannot be Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
Today, we are voting on a $480 billion the end of our work in response to seconds to the gentleman from Vir-
interim relief package that includes COVID–19. Local leaders across my ginia (Mr. CONNOLLY).
$370 billion for small business loans and northeast Ohio district have made it Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I
grants, $60 billion of which will go to clear that their finances are in dire don’t know what my friend from Indi-
mom-and-pop, underbanked, and cash- shape. This is forcing difficult deci- ana is talking about.
and-carry, $75 billion for hospitals and sions about essential services, includ- I do know this: Thank God the Demo-
healthcare facilities and $25 billion for ing fire departments and police offi- crats insisted that this bill help the
a national testing strategy. cers. small businesses intended to be sup-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield While we should not bail out badly ported. Too many big guys got sup-
1 minute to the gentleman from Ari- run States and cities, it is vital that ported over the little guys, and that is
zona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT), a key member we provide targeted funding to munici- what we are trying to fight for today.
of the Ways and Means Committee. palities like Parma, North Canton, Me- Second point, we have got to help
Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Madam Speaker, dina, Orrville, Rootstown, and Green, State and local governments. They
how many of us have had the phone municipalities that have done things cannot be allowed to go bankrupt. That
calls over the last couple of weeks the right way and need our help. is social Darwinism at its worst.
I look forward to working with all of And, thirdly, we have got to help our
where we are talking to that small bus-
my colleagues on this. postal workers and the Postal Service
inessperson, and you can almost hear
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 who serve all Americans.
the tears on the other side of the call? Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
seconds to the gentleman from Wis-
You can hear the stress, almost panic 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas
consin (Mr. POCAN).
that they are about to hurt the very Mr. POCAN. Madam Speaker, I sup- (Mr. ESTES), a key member of the Ways
people that they work with, because port the bill before us today, but we all and Means Committee.
their business is failing, because they know it is not enough. Much more Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, 2 weeks
are desperate for what we made a must be done. In the next comprehen- ago, my Republican colleagues and I
promise to do, that payroll protection sive aid package, we must put people asked for more funding for the Pay-
money that functionally ran out a cou- first. check Protection Program. More than
ple of weeks ago. We knew the math, But something also must be done 1.6 million small businesses and their
and we engaged in a type of cruelty about the horrific Federal response to employees were helped before the
around here because we sat here and testing. FEMA and the Trump adminis- money ran out, including $4.3 billion in
engaged in partisan—we are better tration have been nonexistent in get- PPP loans for more than 26,000 small
than this. We knew what we had to do. ting States like Wisconsin the test businesses in Kansas.
Let’s never do this again. kits, reagents, and PPE we need to re- Now, hundreds of thousands of appli-
For Arizona, what we are about to open. cations sit, because Congress would not
vote on is 202,000 jobs. And the fact of If the President forces us to open too act in time. As a result, small business
the matter is, they should have had soon, more people will get sick and die, owners are laying off employees, they
those two weeks ago. Let’s make this and the economy will suffer, and that are losing the businesses that they
happen. will be on the President’s hands. worked so hard to build.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 This isn’t a reality show. American This bill will save 201,000 Kansas jobs.
seconds to the gentleman from Texas lives are at stake. Get us our supplies While late, this bill provides more
(Mr. GREEN). now. funding to the program, representing a
Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speak- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield small step towards reopening America.
er, with all due respect to the Presi- 1 minute to the gentlewoman from In- This money will save businesses and
dent, if you want to make America diana (Mrs. WALORSKI), a key leader of jobs and allows more hardworking
great again, Mr. President, have the the Ways and Means Committee. Americans to provide for their fami-
Senate pass a bill to protect first re- Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I lies.
sponders by sending money to local want to give a shout-out to the Increased testing is a vital step in
governments. healthcare workers in Indiana’s Second our return to normalcy. This bill pro-
If you want to make America great District while I am standing here sup- vides $75 billion for healthcare pro-
again, put money in the pockets of the porting this legislation. What a phe- viders and another $25 billion for test-
persons who are in food lines miles nomenal job and risk they have taken. ing capacity to combat the virus. Test-
long so that they can feed their fami- I am supporting this legislation ing is critical to reopening Kansas and
lies. today, but this delay was long, too getting America going again.
If you want to make America great long, completely avoidable. Two weeks Today, I am grateful for the Ameri-
again, admit that what you said was a ago, Democrats blocked attempts to re- cans who stepped up to help their
hoax and let the healthcare workers plenish PPP and ensure small busi- neighbors in this unprecedented time,
and advisors give the advice on nesses could continue making payroll and I will continue to show up for Kan-
healthcare. and rent. They said there was no data sas by supporting this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. supporting more funding, even though Mr. NEAL. I yield 30 seconds to the
JACKSON LEE). Members are reminded the program ran out of money only a gentleman from New York (Mr. NAD-
to address their remarks to the Chair. week later. LER), chairman of the Judiciary Com-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, you PPP has helped so many small busi- mittee.
may also remind Members that we are nesses across my district save jobs. But Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, small
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not to engage in personalities on the others have been waiting for loans they businesses in my district are desperate
House floor. urgently needed while Democrats for assistance, but stymied by a lack of
Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to played games with workers’ liveli- funding and unfair treatment by the
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. GON- hoods. big banks and the SBA.
ZALEZ), a leader in the Financial Serv- As one frustrated small business I support this legislation, because it
ices Committee. owner wrote to me: I saw the Speaker is absolutely imperative that we get
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H1938 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
small businesses a new round of fund- priority should be and should always be I think of a family-owned bowling alley
ing and support. keeping people safe. that has been in my district for almost
I am also pleased this bill provides But the virus has also forced our 30 years, one that I took my kids to
significant funding for hospitals and economy to a grinding halt. Our small when they were growing up. With their
for expanded testing without which we businesses are desperate for a lifeline. PPP loan, they are now able to keep
cannot safely reopen the businesses And for many, that lifeline is the PPP. and pay their 90 employees and stay in
and other establishments we are trying In Illinois, almost 70,000 loans were business, so now my grandchildren can
to save. approved before funding ran out. But go there, too.
I am disappointed that despite the funding should have never been allowed I think of a home healthcare provider
best efforts of my Democratic col- to run out. We should have done our that cares for senior citizens. With
leagues, the bill does not give State job. We should have come back, and their PPP loan, they have kept a dozen
and local governments the funding and politics should not have been played. employees on the payroll and can con-
flexibility they desperately need. The COVID–19 virus is not Repub- tinue to care for our Greatest Genera-
We must provide for these and other lican; it is not Democrat. This hurting tion.
unmet needs in the next bill. But right economy is not Republican; it is not While no government program is per-
now, the funds in this bill are des- Democrat. But yet we held it up, and fect, this one undeniably helps people
perately needed, and we must vote yes. we will never know how many small in difficult times, and for that I sup-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield businesses failed because politics was port it.
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- played rather than getting our job
done. b 1345
ida (Mr. MAST).
Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, we are a Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
body of 435 representatives. That is seconds to the gentleman from Rhode seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
true. There is only one that can de- Island (Mr. CICILLINE), the chairman of fornia (Mr. LEVIN).
mand that that gavel go up and down. the Democratic messaging committee. Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam
And I have a very simple question for Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
rise to support the interim relief pack- yielding.
this body: Can anybody, will anybody,
age. The American people are generous
in this body stand and say that the
Thanks to the strong leadership of and strong, and we will get through
Speaker has demanded that we act here
the Speaker and our outstanding com- this if we stay united.
with the urgency that our people re-
mittee chairs, this bill helps our small- To the mom-and-pop businesses in
quire, with the urgency that this body
est small businesses, our hospitals, and my district that haven’t received a
is capable of?
a national testing strategy, which were dime and the community health cen-
You believe this body has acted with
not included in Senator MCCONNELL’s ters struggling to help their patients,
the urgency we are capable of, that our
original bill. So thanks again for their they are why I got on a flight last
people require?
leadership. night, and they are why we need to
I think it is sad that there are people Madam Speaker, we also have to
that believe that we have acted in ur- pass this bill today.
work hard to flatten this curve, and we
gency. There has been no haste by this In the weeks ahead, it should be ev-
have to do a lot more for America’s
body. eryone’s priority in this government to
working families.
It will be said of this time that those help our heroes on the front lines and
In the next phase of relief, we need to
who could do the most did the least. those most in need, regardless of what
include recurring direct cash payments
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 State or city they are in. We are the
to workers, additional small business
seconds to the gentleman from New United States of America, and we must
relief, aid to States and cities to pay
Jersey (Mr. PAYNE). stay united.
first responders and their healthcare
Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
heroes that are on the front lines, and
thank the chairman, I thank the 1 minute to the gentleman from Ne-
even more in unemployment benefits.
Speaker, and I would say to my friend Our response must meet the gravity braska (Mr. FORTENBERRY), a key mem-
on the other side of the aisle, there was of the moment. I hope my colleagues ber of the Appropriations Committee.
no urgency in February when this was on the other side of the aisle will join Mr. FORTENBERRY. Madam Speak-
first brought to the President’s atten- with us to make sure we respond to er, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
tion. this issue in the way that is necessary Steve called me recently. He has one
Madam Speaker, I rise today to sup- and not resist efforts to help hospitals, of the businesses that has been hardest
port the fourth coronavirus stimulus. to help workers, to help expand test- hit by coronavirus. He is down 90 per-
It is good to see both parties can come ing, all of the things we know we need cent. We talked through some issues.
together to aid the country during a to do to defeat this pandemic. Steve decided to fight back. He got in
national crisis. Thank goodness we stood up. Other- line early for the Paycheck Protection
But we must have accountability for wise, we wouldn’t have $75 million for Program and made a decision to bring
the money that we provide, and we healthcare workers, $25 million for his employees back, and then he had a
must get it to the people that need it testing, and all of the other things virtual ribbon cutting where he an-
the most. which are in this bill to help the small- nounced his reopening.
Like many Members, I was not happy est of small businesses. Madam Speaker, our country is in
to hear of small businesses that could Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield dire need of some good news, and this
not get funds. We must do a better job 1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- PPP has been a bright spot in the trau-
in getting the funds to the people that ida (Mr. SPANO). ma that we have all faced here.
need it the most, and that should be Mr. SPANO. Madam Speaker, as the Where I live, Madam Speaker, the
our commitment. sole Florida Member serving on the banker knows the farmer, the banker
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield house Small Business Committee, I rise knows the barber, the banker knows
1 minute to the gentleman from Illi- today in support of replenishing the the cafe owner. CPAs, financial advis-
nois (Mr. BOST). Paycheck Protection Program. ers, credit unions, we have all pitched
Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, the last While the program is far from per- in. This is what I call community soli-
time I stood in this Chamber was the fect, it has been undeniably effective. darity.
first day that my district reported a Before the original funds were ex- It was clear from the beginning that
COVID–19 fatality. At that time, on hausted, 88,000 businesses in my home this program would run out of money,
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March 27, my district had just 27 con- State of Florida received almost $18 and we have reached that point. This
firmed cases. As of today, the 12th Dis- billion in forgivable loans, money that has been a bipartisan airlift, a lifesaver
trict has 50 deaths and 862 confirmed saved jobs and businesses, all in just 13 for so many people who make things
cases. days. with their own two hands and take care
COVID–19 has rattled our commu- Beyond numbers, what is important of others under their employ. I whole-
nities across this country, and our top is the people that this program serves. heartedly support this bill.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1939
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 loved one, but they couldn’t even be You see, every single committee in
seconds to the gentleman from New near them or with them in their time Congress has an oversight. We have a
Jersey (Mr. KIM). of need. I want them to know, from a committee just designed for oversight.
Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I thank Republican and Democrat side, for the But we wanted to make something to
the gentleman for yielding. entire Congress: You are in our pray- make sure it was bipartisan, so we cre-
Madam Speaker, 5,000 of my fellow ers, and you will stay in our prayers. ated three new entities in the CARES
New Jerseyans have died and many I also want to give a sincere thank- Act just for oversight.
more will in the weeks to come, and you to all of the essential workers on The first is called the Pandemic Re-
still we can’t get enough tests for those the front lines of this crisis, not from sponse Accountability Committee. It is
who need it. the Republican leader, but from a very made up of inspectors general, not Re-
We are the richest, most powerful grateful nation. publicans or Democrats. They are inde-
country in the world, and we are now For the medical professionals, the pendent and professional.
tired of excuses. We need a national doctors, the nurses, the receptionists, The second is a Special Inspector
testing program to let us know if our we thank you for going to work. We General for Pandemic Recovery. This
loved ones are healthy or sick so we know the fear that it brings; we know individual is appointed by the Presi-
can reopen our country and help our the fear that it brings when you go dent, confirmed by the Senate, and
small businesses. home to your families; and we are lasts for 5 years. And we gave $25 mil-
That is our challenge. It is what his- grateful. lion to make sure they had the re-
tory will judge us by. Let’s get it done. To the farmers who make sure we sources to make it happen.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield have food grown in America that is But that wasn’t enough. We created a
1 minute to the gentleman from Ari- safe and the truck drivers who drive third one. Now, this one is the Congres-
zona (Mr. BIGGS). through the night to replenish the sional Oversight Commission, with
Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I thank stores that we walk in and keep our commissioners. This body is appointed
the gentleman for yielding. distance to have the food; to the postal by congressional leadership.
The current bill provides $12 billion workers, the warehouse workers, the On our side of the aisle, we appointed
to jurisdictions that specifically au- clerks inside those stores who every FRENCH HILL. Why? First, he is a
thorize and encourage the use of sur- day go to work, you are making a statesman. He worked at the Treasury
veillance and contact tracing. The bill meaningful and measurable difference Department. He knows things back-
does not define these terms. in the lives of our entire Nation. wards and forwards, so they can’t ever
Does it allow big tech companies to We will be forever grateful for those
fool FRENCH HILL.
who kept us safe, kept us healthy, and
surveil and trace American citizens I was very excited when I heard, on
kept us fed. They deserve a government
and then turn that accumulated infor- the other side of the aisle, they ap-
that strives to meet that very same
mation over to the government? pointed DONNA SHALALA, the former
level of dedication.
How will this data be secured, stored, Secretary of HHS.
That is the promise I will make: that
et cetera? we will bring the same dedication that You see, this body won’t be weighted
There are many questions that go un- by one side or the other. All four lead-
you bring to help others that you don’t
answered. Not the least of these, how- even know, and we should rise to that ers, Republican and Democrat, appoint
ever, is the question of how much occasion. This is a commitment we one, so it is equal.
longer the American people acquiesce make to every American. We will fight And then you know what happens for
to unconstitutional and crushing gov- this virus together until we defeat it a chair? MITCH MCCONNELL and Speak-
ernment action. together. er PELOSI decide who to become the
We need to open up America now. I We did not ask for this virus. We did chair. I think the American public says
call on our Governors to free their citi- not invite it. It came from a distant that is right. But they don’t go and
zens immediately. land. But together, we will defeat it, hide inside a corner. They literally re-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 not only for our country, but for the port to Congress every 30 days.
seconds to the gentleman from Florida world. I was proud of that accomplishment.
(Mr. SOTO). To do that, Congress must act, and That is what America expects from us:
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I thank we will continue to act even if some in no politics, but the very best on there,
the gentleman for yielding. this body want to play politics. Even if and report back.
The true question we face in this we get something held up, we will stay But today, when we come back be-
pandemic is not when we will get out of at the table until we bring people to- cause it was delayed, to give small
this crisis, but how we will get out of gether. business the resources it takes to keep
this crisis. And the keys to our eco- We want to put people before politics. people employed, now we added a little
nomic freedom lie in this bill: $25 bil- Our entire effort will be bipartisan. politics to the game. You see, today,
lion for testing and monitoring; $75 bil- After all, public health and a strong we will vote on a new Oversight Com-
lion for treatment, a national testing economy are not a Democrat or Repub- mittee.
strategy; finally, additional business lican issue. Will it be equal? Will it be the same
help for our small businesses, including Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, we number of Republicans and Democrats
$370 billion and $60 billion for our watched the other side within our own like the congressional one? No.
smallest, most vulnerable businesses. Speaker of the House interject politics Will it be the same when it comes to
If we commit to continue to focus on where it did not belong: into an over- the inspectors general, where it won’t
how to survive this pandemic, then, my sight body of our necessary relief care about politics? No, sad to say not.
fellow Americans, we will. funds. You see, this committee will be the
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield Now I want everybody to understand only committee weighted politically.
1 minute to the gentleman from Cali- what the CARES Act did, the CARES There will be seven Democrats and five
fornia (Mr. MCCARTHY), the leader of Act that got held up for more than a Republicans. This committee was an-
the Republican Conference. week. Yes, at the end of the day it nounced before they even told the mis-
Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I changed from that one Sunday night. sion of what this committee should do.
thank the gentleman for yielding, and Kennedy Center and others got some They even announced the chair of the
I thank him for his service. more money, but it didn’t change for committee.
Before I begin, I want to thank all of what the work was going to be done, Now, I respect the chair greatly,
us for spending the time to be here for the people who needed it. Madam Speaker. He has one of the best
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today. Yes, some people, unfortunately, got political minds I know. Joe Biden will
Madam Speaker, I want to say to the laid off because it was delayed. It tell you that. You see, our dear friend
families who are battling this virus or wasn’t a bright moment for this body Congressman CLYBURN should be cred-
to the families who have lost a loved that week. But inside that CARES Act, ited with getting Joe Biden the nomi-
one, if we would all pause to think not only did we provide resources, we nation. While he failed in all the other
about that, not only did they lose a provided accountability. States, South Carolina was critical.
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H1940 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
He did politics very well in the en- Shame on this body. time for indifference, selfishness, or di-
dorsement. He turned the tide of the I have listened to this debate thor- vision.
Democrat nomination. And they will oughly. I have listened to the other We are going to help America get
have a nominee, and a lot of that will side. through this. We are going to do this
go to JIM CLYBURN, and he deserves the b 1400 together. In the end, we are going to be
credit politically for what he was able stronger, healthier, and more united
to accomplish. When you look at what we accom-
than ever before. Why? Because we are
We do not question his political abili- plished in those 14 days alone, we saved
Americans, and that is who we are.
ties. He is the majority whip. He knows 30 million jobs. We all could have put a
tweet out today not having to be in This body will raise debates. This
how to gather votes. He knows how to body plays politics many times, but
make the political argument. But, here and say we saved 34 million jobs,
but, no, 4 million more lost because now is not the moment for politics.
Madam Speaker, this is the same indi- Now is not the moment to say: Let’s
vidual who said that the pandemic pre- somehow people felt good with politics.
I listened to debate on the other side. hold something up even if somebody is
sented the perfect opportunity to re- going to be punished, because somehow
structure things to fit our own vision. Some actually said they don’t want to
be here today: We shouldn’t have folded I will get a political advantage.
I do not question his appointment. I
and actually came together. We should Finally, when people come together,
wonder why this committee. If that
was his view, why wasn’t he put on the have used leverage even further, used the statement should not be: Let’s hold
congressional oversight that was equal that political leverage to hold people more leverage, because it is okay be-
with the number of Republicans and up. cause, when we come to the floor, we
the number of Democrats? I have even seen some people on the will spin it and say it was not us.
The public does not want to see poli- other side of the aisle say they loved to But when we are long gone, history
tics. Why would we waste our time see it when the price of oil dropped, will write about this day. They will
bringing people back to create a polit- when no one had seen it before, and the write about that day on April 7 when
ical committee? I guess the vote will idea that millions in our energy indus- America witnessed something they
tell us differently. try are going to get laid off, too. have never seen before, when one stood
It is interesting to know why we are It doesn’t matter about politics. before the Chamber in the Senate and
here. At 8:30 today, we actually found There will be Democrats and Repub- requested to add exactly what we are
the reason, 4.4 million more reasons licans both that get laid off. doing today to a program to keep peo-
why we are here. How many of those 4.4 Then I listened as we come back ple hired in all the places we know and
million would not have gotten a pink here, Madam Speaker, and I tried to love in our neighborhood, and one
slip last week had we listened more listen to the other side. I tried to un- party sent two people, in the middle of
than 2 weeks ago, on April 7, when we derstand: Why would you hold it up? COVID, onto the floor to raise a simple
said the program we created that was What is different? hand to say they object. That was the
so successful, that was able to do the I listened to the debates. I listened to only thing holding the money up be-
number of loans in 14 days that it took the leadership talk. It was amazing to tween the American public and those
the SBA to do in 14 years, that there me. In listening to it, the only thing I 4.4 million who unfortunately went to
was such a need out there that maybe could think is what Shakespeare would a different job today: the unemploy-
we would overcome politics for that say: ‘‘The lady doth protest too much, ment line.
one moment. Could it be too much to methinks.’’ I don’t know how anybody could be
read that it was one simple page? If you have to explain as hard as you proud of that, but, Madam Speaker, I
I thought there was a moment in can and spin with as much political am always an optimist. I know what
time it would happen. I thought we might as you can why you laid 4.4 mil- has been before us. I know the chal-
could say yes on a unanimous consent, lion people off because you felt better lenge. Today, we are going to display
this is a program we all had just voted to tell MITCH MCCONNELL that a pro- to the American public that we can
for and surely just 2 weeks before. gram that put out funds and saved 30 work just as those truck drivers, those
Yes, that was tough to get that bill million jobs, that you were going to medical professionals, the checkers at
through. Yes, we had to have it held up hold it up to prove a point, that is not my local Vons, or the paramedic who
on the other side. That was wrong that what I would want to hear in history. comes when the call is requested. They
other millions were laid off. But this Madam Speaker, as I said earlier, it
are essential. I think it is essential to
was the moment to learn from that is our responsibility to act, to put our
this country to show we can do our job
mistake on the other side before. We differences aside and do what is right not in a partisan way.
did not learn. It was played again. for the American public.
Now more than ever, the American So when the moment comes, you will
To those 4.4 million Americans who
people deserve a Congress that acts have two votes. You have already
were laid off this week: Congress owes
you an apology. You did not have to with leadership, dedication, and resil- voted, all of us here in the Chambers,
have that happen. ience. Anything we do in this Chamber to add three more committees that are
To the small business owner: I under- that deals with COVID should be bipar- bipartisan for the accountability of
stand this greatly. At age 20, I created tisan, from legislation to deliberation this money going forward. The country
my first business. I know where you to voting. is asking you to keep that together.
make these decisions. You make these Yes, I stayed up until 2 a.m. to see So you will have a choice. Now you
decisions on the kitchen table. what the majority wanted to put for- can cast a new vote to put in some-
If you ever had a small business, you ward. We all work hard to get here. We thing partisan that we have never seen
realize you are the first to work, you all almost have about the same size before with an individual who is one of
are the last to leave, and you are the districts, because every 10 years we the best political minds around, who
last to be paid. You know those who take a Census to figure that out. believes that this virus is more about
work with you are not just employees, Our constituents make a decision restructuring government in their view
they are your family. You know their every 2 years to lend their voice to the than solving a problem. Then you are
children’s names. You are there at person they want to represent them. going to have another vote, a vote to
their weddings; you are there when They did not lend their voice to give continue the funding that we already
they graduated; and you are proud of that proxy to somebody else they can- asked for more than 2 weeks ago.
them. You never want to have to say not hold accountable. They did not This time, after twice holding up
you are going to lay them off. lend that voice to wait until 2 a.m. to money from the American public, I just
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They put everything into their busi- change more than 200 years of history ask all in this Chamber to learn from
ness to succeed, and government told because somebody wanted to have more this. Let’s not hold up again our abil-
them they had to shut down for the power than the job of the majority ity to help and work in a bipartisan
health of the Nation. They made a sac- themselves. manner to not only open this Chamber,
rifice. But they got sacrificed for poli- We are living in one of the greatest but to work for the American public
tics last week. turning points in history. This is not a and solve this problem once and for all.
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1941
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, a re- communities and first responders as Americans have always been allowed to
minder that our job here is never to ac- calls and pressure to reopen mount. do, which is go to work. Now is the
quiesce to the other Chamber. By any Without data, it is shortsighted. It also time. There is one person who can do
objective measurement, this is a much- offers no assistance to our postal serv- that, and that is the Speaker of the
improved piece of legislation. ice, whose jobs hang in the balance. House. I urge her to get us back to
Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to Madam Speaker, Congress must move work.
the gentlewoman from Washington America forward a step at a time. We are getting paid; many Americans
(Ms. JAYAPAL), whose heartfelt expres- Lives are at stake. I urge my col- are not.
sions on behalf of her constituents this leagues to vote for this important bill. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1
week were well noted. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield minute to the gentleman from Mary-
Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, in 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio land (Mr. HOYER), the distinguished
days, we will lose more American lives (Mr. DAVIDSON). majority leader.
than we lost during the Vietnam war, Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Madam Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I
26 million Americans unemployed from Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman thank the gentleman for yielding.
COVID, body bags piling up, and insuf- for yielding. I have heard a number of people, in-
ficient testing and PPE. This bill is a Band-Aid, and it doesn’t cluding my friend, the minority leader,
Democrats took a bad Republican even cover the wound. It is better than stand up and say we need to act in a bi-
proposal and we made it better, but no bandage, but it won’t stop the bleed- partisan fashion, and the next state-
this is far from enough. CARES four ing in our economy, and it won’t stop ment is a partisan attack on one of our
has to meet the scale of this crisis with this virus. Members. It is either schizophrenia or
a bold paycheck guarantee that stops In light of COVID–19 and the reaction a lack of understanding of what this
mass unemployment, an essential to it, Congress urgently needs to lead Congress has been doing over the last
workers package, and State and local by example and get into full session few weeks.
government funding. safely, but fully functional, laser fo- I don’t know about you, Madam
Every minute, Madam Speaker, is a cused, 24/7, in full compliance with the Speaker, but I have been working 6
death, a family devastated, a business House rules for debate, amendment, hours, 7 hours on the phone and an-
shuttered. We must think and deliver and voting. other 3 or 4 hours reviewing the mate-
better. Every one of us has a duty to balance rials that have gotten us here today.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield and consider public health and our Why did it take so long? Because it
1 minute to the gentleman from Penn- economy, but every single one of us took 2 weeks for my Republican col-
sylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK). swore an oath to support and defend leagues—and this is a partisan state-
Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, our Constitution, to defend freedom ment, I understand that, but I think we
we are here today to replenish the Pay- and represent our constituents. ought to all be realistic.
check Protection Program, and that is It is time to support and defend it. It We are all trying to get to a place
a good thing. is time for us to occupy this House and where America and Americans are safe
We should have been here last week man our duty station and win. and where our economy is working, be-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 cause the statistics we see are statis-
when the program ran out of money,
seconds to the gentleman from South tics of pain and of fear and of anxiety
and we will be back in the same posi-
Carolina (Mr. CUNNINGHAM). about tomorrow.
tion next week if we don’t fix the PPP. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Madam Speaker,
There are over 700,000 applications
today I will vote to extend a lifeline to b 1415
currently in the queue, and if the So what have we been doing? We have
small businesses, shore up our hos-
Treasury Department does not estab- been on the phone with one another. I
pitals, and expand testing so we can re-
lish guardrails to differentiate between have talked to the minority leader nu-
open our economy, but it is unaccept-
well-capitalized brokerage firms and merous times over the last 2 weeks, not
able that it has taken this long.
undercapitalized mom-and-pop shops, Supporting hospitals and small busi- only on this particular piece of legisla-
we will not be helping the people who nesses is not partisan, but, again, poli- tion, but on the process going forward.
need us the most right now. tics is obstructing policy. So if anybody on that side is saying
We need to get these small businesses This bill fails to ensure relief goes that Congress is not working, they
and nonprofits every single penny they only to small businesses that need it must be speaking for themselves, be-
need to survive, and we must hold most instead of large corporations, nor cause every one of these colleagues on
China accountable for every single does it help States respond to this un- my side of the aisle—and I believe on
penny. precedented crisis. their side of the aisle—has been work-
Madam Speaker, this is not the time We cannot wait until the next dis- ing very hard: in touch with their local
to be attacking each other. We must aster forces both sides to the table. Our government, in touch with their Gov-
get through this crisis together. We constituents deserve more from their ernor, in touch with their healthcare
must have each other’s back. Let’s Representatives. Let’s come together delivery people, anybody who works in
have each other’s back. Let’s think and get our country back to work. a hospital or a healthcare center or a
with our hearts and our heads, and let’s The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. CAS- federally qualified health center. They
march through this together. TOR of Florida). Without objection, the are working hard.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 gentleman from Ohio (Mr. DAVIDSON) Let us not denigrate ourselves or this
seconds to the gentlewoman from Ohio controls the time of the gentleman institution or our commitment to the
(Ms. KAPTUR). from Texas. American people because that is bla-
Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I There was no objection. tant partisanship.
thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Madam We waited 2 weeks, Madam Speaker,
Madam Speaker, this economic boost Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- that is correct. What for? So that the
is desperately needed as our Nation sits tleman from South Carolina (Mr. NOR- proposal that we made 2 weeks ago—or
on such a dangerous precipice. MAN). 3 weeks ago—which has now effectively
The bill offers hope to millions and Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise been accepted by the Republicans
millions of Americans, our small busi- today to support a lifeline for our would be accepted. That is what we
nesses, hospitals, and those on the small businesses, for our first respond- waited for.
front lines, yet I am troubled by the ers, for our hospitals, but I also rise And what did we get? $120 billion ad-
limited insight into how the last $2 today to say now is the time to stop ditional money for small business. And
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trillion was spent and why so much has writing checks on money we don’t have be assured, we are talking about for
yet to be disbursed. It seems little that is mortgaging the future of this the small business. What this bill does
went to those who need it most, while great country. I was not sent here to is puts $120 billion, in addition, $370 bil-
those with access had their takings. bankrupt this country. lion, for small business.
Unfortunately, today’s bill dras- Secondly, we need to get our busi- Now, we are talking about biparti-
tically shortchanges America’s local nesses to open the doors and do what sanship. The first bill we did dealing
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H1942 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
with coronavirus on this floor passed nority communities that were left out those of us who want our constituents
415–2. It doesn’t sound like partisanship of the initial program. to visit Washington to see their gov-
to me. It sounds like we came together I bet if you ask your small businesses ernment.
and agreed on how we could help. And or rural people, your hospitals or those We also must include more help for
it wasn’t enough. State officials who are saying testing State and local governments. They
And then on phase two, which we is essential, I bet they would say: I am have been on the front lines of fighting
passed on March 14, 10 days later, is glad you waited because you got us re- this scourge and, as a result, have
Congress not working? Ten days later, sources that we needed. spent a lot of resources they budgeted
we passed 363–40. It doesn’t sound like That wasn’t in the initial proposal, of for other issues, including employees,
partisanship to me. course, that came from the administra- including police and fire and health
And then phase three we passed on tion, and it was objected to, and the workers. We need to do that. We want-
March 27, 13 days later, on a voice vote, leader in the Senate would not provide ed to do it in this bill. But those of you
with only one Member in the Senate or for such sums. who argue for delay, I will bet that you
the House demurring. More help is still needed, of course, are going to vote in the next tranche
It doesn’t sound like partisanship to for nonprofits as well as small and mi- for additional State and local help—
me, Madam Speaker, and I don’t think nority-owned businesses, those in maybe not all of you. Why you are de-
today’s vote will be a partisan vote. I underbanked communities and the self- laying that help is beyond me.
certainly hope it will not be. employed. Those must be, Madam This, by the way, is not an abstract
Why? Because for the last 2 weeks, Speaker, priorities in the next bill accounting problem. We are talking
we have been working with one another that, clearly, is going to be necessary. about States and counties across the
to try to get to a place where we think In addition to the increased funding country being able to keep teachers,
we are giving the needed resources, be- for the Paycheck Protection Program, first responders as tax revenues col-
cause we think the initial request was Democrats insisted on recapitalizing lapse due to the necessary social
shortchanging hospitals, shortchanging economic injury disaster loans as well, distancing.
testing. It still shortchanges our providing an additional $60 billion for This pandemic, Madam Speaker, has
States and local government, and so we this program, which can be leveraged shown a spotlight on the stark dispari-
will need another bill to try to get to $300 billion. ties in health status and treatment of
there. Yes, we asked for, we worked for, we African Americans in particular and
Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, the negotiated to get small businesses, mi- minority communities in general. That
Senate came together to pass this leg- nority businesses, businesses that reality is an indefensible and unaccept-
islation in a bipartisan way. Now, un- couldn’t get into the system that the able one.
like the House, no Senators came to other bigger businesses got in—some so While we do include new ways of
the floor except three or four. They did big that they were ashamed and gave tracking certain data relating to racial
disparities in this pandemic, there is
it by unanimous consent. We are not the money back.
We are also providing an additional more we must do, not simply for those
able to do that—although I think this
$75 billion for hospitals and, crucially, who are at greater risk, but for all of
bill will pass overwhelmingly—because
$25 billion for testing. us who wear a mask; not because we
some of our Republican friends wanted
I guarantee you, not one of your hos- don’t want to be with one another, but
to vote.
pitals is going to call you up and say: because this pandemic has made us a
Fine. We are here. We are wearing
You should have acted sooner and not risk to others, to our neighbors, our
masks. I am not wearing a mask while
friends, our family.
I am speaking, but as soon as I stop had the hospitals in there—not one of
Furthermore, we need to do more to
speaking, I am going to put my mask them. And no Governor or county exec-
protect our elections. My Governor has
back on as I turn around to go among utive or mayor or county commis- ordered that an election that is coming
us. Congress is doing its job. sioner or county council person is up next Tuesday be all by mail. Now, in
And I want to tell the American peo- going to say: Gee whiz, we didn’t want Wisconsin, the Governor tried to do
ple one more time: Members are work- that money for testing. that and Republicans fought us. The
ing daily to respond to the coronavirus We will not be able to return our Republican speaker of the Wisconsin
that is putting our people and our economy to normal operations, Madam House was covered from head to toe in
country and our economy at risk. Speaker, without a robust testing sys- a gown, super mask, and gloves.
Last month, we enacted emergency tem in place to know we can safely go Do we want to ask all of our citizens
legislation that included more than $2 to work without putting workers at to be so at risk because they are exer-
trillion in assistance for workers, vet- risk and to identify those who have cising their franchise to vote in Amer-
erans, small businesses, healthcare sys- coronavirus so we can take necessary ica? I surely think that is not the case.
tems, and communities dealing with steps to isolate them and trace those And so we need some additional
the spread of coronavirus. One of the with whom they came in contact, be- money to facilitate, because they
programs we created together was the cause that is how we win this battle. didn’t plan on it, because they didn’t
Paycheck Protection Program to try This bill is an interim step, the plan on this pandemic, to allow our
to keep people on a payroll, even if fourth interim step as we continue to citizens to vote, to encourage them to
they could not go to work because work on the next major piece of legis- vote, to facilitate their vote, to wel-
health professionals say don’t con- lation. I hope we can include, by the come their vote, and to provide for a
gregate. way, Madam Speaker, in the next bill, way that they can do it safely without
The Paycheck Protection Program provisions that, unfortunately, we were endangering themselves or others.
provides loans to small businesses that unable to secure in this bill. Furthermore, we need to do more to
will be forgiven—that will be for- First of all, we shortchanged—we are protect our elections in this adminis-
given—if they keep their workers on all in the Nation’s Capital. Millions of tration. I am glad that the House is
the payroll. The need was so great that Americans come here, and we gave Wy- moving forward today with the cre-
the initial $350 billion, as has been oming and Vermont—small States, less ation of a select committee to oversee
pointed out, in funding, Madam Speak- population than the District of Colum- the coronavirus response.
er, was exhausted in a matter of days. bia, the Nation’s Capital, to which mil- Now, my friends on the other side of
So, today, we are providing another lions of your constituents will come. the aisle had eight different partisan
$310 billion for that program, and an We shortchanged them by giving them commissions overseeing what happened
additional $60 billion for the most at- 40 percent of what we gave the smallest in Benghazi where four American lives
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
risk small businesses. States, smaller than the District of Co- were tragically lost. 44,575 Americans
Critically, $60 billion of that, as I lumbia. have lost their lives. Is it too much to
just said, will be set aside for smaller We wanted to add that $700 million in ask that we would have a special com-
banks where they focus on community this bill. Unfortunately, we couldn’t mittee to make sure that the money
development financial institutions get agreement on that. I think that that we are appropriating in historic
that service businesses in rural and mi- was penny-wise and pound-foolish for amounts is spent correctly?
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1943
Congress has a responsibility to en- and I only know about the Democrats— for State and local schools and col-
sure that the extraordinary sums we 225 of our 234 have been on the phone leges; $25 billion for State and local
have authorized and appropriated are 21⁄2 hours a day talking back and forth mass transit; and more Medicaid
disbursed efficiently and consistent between one another to see what poli- money for our State and local govern-
with our intent. Such great sums can cies we need. They have been a credit ments. That claim is simply absurd.
not only be a source of economic recov- to their districts, to the institutions of Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to
ery, but, surely, everyone on this floor the House and this Nation, spending the gentleman from Idaho (Mr.
knows that that sum of money on the hours on the phone, through video- FULCHER).
table can also be a magnet for waste, conference, making sure that Congress Mr. FULCHER. Madam Speaker, a
fraud, abuse, and, yes, criminality. We is doing its job, and talking to State month ago we stood on the floor and
owe the American people, as we appro- and local leaders and healthcare pro- we authorized a $2.2 trillion stimulus
priate unbelievable sums, to make sure viders. package. Today, we will authorize an-
that the American people are the ones Let me thank the Members and staff other $480 billion to keep it going. By
advantaged. who volunteered to be here on the law, the U.S. economy is mostly shut
Any time Congress spends taxpayer floor. We will go off the floor and we down. As long as that is the case, we
money, particularly in such large won’t be as exposed as they are. They have an obligation to facilitate relief.
amounts, we owe it to the American are all wearing masks. They are wear- So with anxiety, I will support an ex-
people to know where that money is ing masks because they know there is tension of the Paycheck Protection
going and to ensure that it is being a risk. Perhaps not as great a risk as Program.
spent as directed. those courageous individuals who work Madam Speaker, most of the Mem-
Now, I know the President of the in our hospitals and our healthcare bers have not been here the last month.
United States said he is going to do the providers in many different modes, but We have been working, but we have
oversight. I don’t think that is what courageous and patriotic, nonetheless. been working from home due to health
the Framers had in mind in terms of Thank you, staff. concerns. And by most of Congress not
checks and balances. I thank those who are working in our being here, that means only a few ne-
And in the most efficient and ethical grocery stores, our police, our fire, our gotiate the deals, and these are very
ways possible, we must know which truck drivers, who are getting food and big deals.
programs are working best, which products from here to there; EMS per- Madam Speaker, our job is here. No
aren’t, and that way we can modify sonnel who respond to emergencies; de- more bypassing of regular order. This
what we do in the future. livery workers. And every time I go to virus may threaten our health, but
Madam Speaker, I want to thank the grocery store—and I hope all of you when all of us aren’t involved in the
Speaker PELOSI. I want to thank the do it—I thank those people who are work of Congress, our Republic is
chair of the Small Business Com- stocking the shelves. I thank those threatened.
mittee, and I want to thank the chair people who are checking us out. I Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, the gen-
of the Financial Services Committee. I thank those people who are putting the tleman has already said that he in-
want to thank the chair of the Edu- carts where they need to be. They are tends to visit the issue immediately of
cation and Labor Committee. the best of America, and we owe it to more aid for State and local govern-
I want to thank Mr. NEAL, who is on them to do all we can to bring this pan- ments, and be assured, based upon the
the floor, and many other chairs, Mr. demic to an end as quickly and safely negotiations and discussions we have
PETERSON, who is very nervous about as possible. We all want to go back to had in our caucus, that opportunity
not having a nutrition program in this work in the regular fashion. The Demo- will present itself in the near future.
bill, which we wanted. That would have cratic-led House will continue to do ev- Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to
delayed it further because, of course, erything possible, working with our the gentlewoman from Massachusetts
we didn’t get support on the other side Republican friends, who we believe (Ms. PRESSLEY).
of the aisle for that. But people are in want the same objective, a safe Amer- Ms. PRESSLEY. Madam Speaker,
incredibly long food lines because their ica, a working America. families are in crisis, food pantry lines
nutritional health, as well as their psy- We want to help small businesses, around the block, rent is due again in
chological health, is at risk because workers, and their families get through 8 days. The community health centers
they can’t get food. this crisis, and to ensure that our cou- and hospital workers in my district are
rageous healthcare workers who are on desperate. This is a crisis within a cri-
b 1430 sis, exacerbating every inequity that
the front lines have all the support
I thank Speaker PELOSI for having necessary to win this fight against already existed. This Chamber will de-
the courage and the wisdom to stand COVID–19. termine how many more lives we are
up and say, ‘‘We need these items.’’ Madam Speaker, I hope, and I pray robbed of. Now is not the time for a
And we have gotten a lot of them. We that every Member of Congress will back-pass.
asked for $500 billion total. This is $484 vote for America and Americans, and Our Nation is crying out. The people
billion total. vote for this bill. We may need more, are crying out, and we must answer
My, my, my, you held out for 2 weeks but we certainly need to do this this their cries in the CARES package with
for a $16 billion savings. day and get more assistance to the a bill that puts the people first. Now is
I also thank our Members who have American people. not the time to rest. We took an oath.
been working—let me repeat this once The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without People are counting on us. They de-
again, Madam Speaker. These Mem- objection, the gentleman from Texas serve healthcare and economic housing
bers, those Members, have been work- (Mr. BRADY) controls the time. justice. We cannot continue to leave
ing round-the-clock to make sure their There was no objection. out our immigrant neighbors and mi-
communities are safe, to make sure Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield nority-owned small businesses.
their hospitals are getting what they myself 30 seconds. Let me fact-check Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield
need, to make sure that their teachers the absurd claim that Congress has left 1 minute to the gentleman from Geor-
are teaching kids at home. Everybody State and local governments behind. gia (Mr. CARTER).
has been working hard. You may not We fund one-third of State budgets Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam
see us, but millions and millions and year-to-year. We have already given Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
millions of Americans are working at $150 billion direct aid to State and yielding.
home. They are teleworking. That is local governments. Some Democrat Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup-
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essentially what we have been doing— governors haven’t even sent it down to port of this legislation. This very im-
teleworking. And don’t tell them they their local communities. portant legislation, the Paycheck Pro-
are not working, because they know $260 billion in State unemployment; tection Program, has proven to be a
they are working. They have been a $100 billion for State and local hos- great program that has saved many
credit to their districts. Every Mem- pitals in healthcare; $45 billion for small businesses in the First Congres-
ber—Republican, Democrat—I presume, State and local disaster aid; $30 billion sional District of Georgia, and there
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H1944 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
are many small businesses that still Madam Speaker, it would be a trag- American, I am glad that we are com-
need this program. Therefore, the extra edy if we lost these mom-and-pop busi- ing together to help those whose lives
funding that we are sending here today nesses. I have a business in my district. are falling apart. We must do more, but
is going to be utilized and utilized in a It is Faklis’ Department Store and let’s come back together again and re-
great way by these small businesses. Shoe Repair. They have been around solve to do this in a bipartisan fashion
Also, there are $75 billion in there for since 1912, Madam Speaker. I don’t once again.
hospitals, and hospitals—particularly want to see them go. The store was es- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
rural hospitals—are extremely impor- tablished by Greek immigrants and tinue to reserve the balance of my
tant in this scenario as well. We need passed on from generation to genera- time.
to make sure that money gets to them. tion. It would be a great tragedy if we Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
Oh, by the way, speaking of hos- lost them. They survived World War II, seconds to the gentlewoman from Flor-
pitals, Madam Speaker, heroes come of course, World War I, and the Great ida (Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL).
and go but legends last forever. We Depression. Let’s save our small busi- Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam
have heard that before. Today, our he- nesses. They are the backbone of Amer- Speaker, South Florida is hurting. My
roes are wearing white lab coats. They ica. community is calling me in tears be-
are our doctors, our pharmacists, our Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 cause they don’t know how they are
healthcare workers, our nurses, who seconds to the gentlewoman from Illi- going to make payments or keep their
are providing healthcare services, risk- nois (Ms. UNDERWOOD). businesses afloat, and hospital workers
ing their own health in order to pro- Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I are afraid of losing their jobs. And to
vide these healthcare services to our rise today in support of the Paycheck make matters worse, Floridians—over
citizens. I thank them for that. Our Protection Program and Health Care 1 million Floridians—still cannot ac-
country thanks them for that. Their Enhancement Act. This urgently need- cess unemployment benefits.
service will be legendary. ed legislation will help provide almost Although I am happy to support this
And finally, Madam Speaker, for all $700 billion in additional grants and legislation to support our small busi-
of those in the First Congressional Dis- loans to small businesses and farmers nesses, we need to make sure that it is
trict and throughout our country who reeling from the coronavirus crisis. It those small mom-and-pop businesses,
have lost loved ones, our thoughts and invests $75 billion in providers, $25 bil- minority-owned businesses, women-
prayers are with you. lion in testing, and requires the admin- owned businesses, veteran-owned busi-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 istration to develop a national plan for nesses, that receive that funding. We
seconds to the gentlewoman from New testing, so once our businesses reopen, have not done enough for America. We
York (Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ). they can stay open. need to continue to work.
Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Madam Congress has more to do. Frontline Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
Speaker, on behalf of my constituents workers need PPE. Families and com- tinue to reserve the balance of my
in the Bronx and Queens, New York’s munities need relief. But this bill is a time.
14th Congressional District, the most necessary interim fix to keep needed- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
impacted district in America, calling funds flowing to small businesses and seconds to the gentleman from New
people losing their families every day, our health system. York (Mr. ROSE).
it is a joke when Republicans say that Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
they have urgency around this bill. leagues to support it. b 1445
The only folks that they have ur- Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I re-
gency around are folks like Ruth’s serve the balance of my time. Mr. ROSE of New York. Madam
Chris Steak House and Shake Shack. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Speaker, I rise today because I agree
Those are the people getting assistance seconds to the gentleman from Penn- with my colleagues across the aisle. We
in this bill. You are not trying to fix sylvania (Mr. LAMB). should have been here weeks ago:
this bill for moms and pops. And we Mr. LAMB. Madam Speaker, a Sen- weeks ago to get more money for our
have to fight to fund hospitals, fight to ator said yesterday he would let local hospitals, weeks ago to protect testing,
fund testing. That is what we are fight- governments go bankrupt. And while weeks ago to improve this program for
ing for in this bill. It is unconscion- he said that, our local county execu- small businesses.
able. If you had urgency, you would tive was busy loading food into people’s But, alas, only in Washington, D.C.,
legislate like rent was due on May 1st cars. Cars that had toolboxes and work would we wait weeks when we all
and make sure that you include rent boots in them, and people who were agree. But let’s move forward because
and mortgage relief for our constitu- nonetheless hungry. our frontline workers right now cannot
ents. If the Senator has his way, it is these afford for us to stand by for politics.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- people whose towns will go bankrupt. Leader MCCONNELL said to our cities
bers are reminded to address their re- He talks about the economy. And I and States, to our cops and firemen
marks to the Chair. asked, ‘‘What happens to an economy and teachers, he told them to drop
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I yield where entire towns of firefighters and dead. Well, why don’t we put politics
1 minute to the gentleman from Flor- teachers and others lose their pay- aside, rise up, and tell him that we put
ida (Mr. BILIRAKIS). check or their pension?’’ the country first.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I We are moving the ball today, but no Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
appreciate the ranking member yield- one should mistake this for a touch- tinue to reserve the balance of my
ing me the time. down. The Senator would send our best time.
Madam Speaker, since the establish- players off the field. The American Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
ment of the PPP, I have heard from people will never accept that, and nei- seconds to the gentlewoman from New
countless local, small businesses that ther should we. Jersey (Ms. SHERRILL).
the application process was difficult to Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I
navigate. In response to these revela- tinue to reserve the balance of my am going to vote for this bill because it
tions, I submitted to leadership a letter time. provides desperately needed money for
asking that any future funding for PPP Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 small businesses and hospitals. But we
loans contain a set-aside for the truly seconds to the gentleman from Illinois have got to do better by our State and
small businesses, like the mom and (Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI). local governments. We must support
pops. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam the work of our cops, firefighters,
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I was pleased to see this take its Speaker, I rise in support of this legis- EMTs, and teachers.
form in today’s funding package that lation. As a small business person, I am New Jersey is critical in the fight
sets aside funds for small community glad that it helps small businesses. As against this virus. We have more sci-
banks and credit unions, which have a the husband of a physician who is entists and engineers per square mile
good track record working with our treating COVID patients today, I am than anywhere in the world and the
small businesses. glad that it helps hospitals. But as an best education system in the country,
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1945
so supporting our State and local gov- the coming days, and we need to tease Now, I am pleased this bill has
ernments in New Jersey is key to beat- out more bipartisanship to get that money for testing and to develop new
ing this virus and taking care of Amer- done quickly. tests. The next bill needs $5 billion to
icans. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- research therapeutics.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- tinue to reserve the balance of my Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
tinue to reserve the balance of my time. tinue to reserve the balance of my
time. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 time.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
seconds to the gentlewoman from fornia (Mr. ROUDA). seconds to the gentlewoman from Cali-
Michigan (Ms. SLOTKIN). Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise fornia (Mrs. TORRES).
Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I today in support of this legislation. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam
support this legislation as a critical But let’s be clear: 50,000 of our fellow Speaker, I rise in support of this bill
lifeline to small businesses coping with Americans have already died. We have and to highlight the need for reliable
the crisis and the hospitals on the 26 million Americans out of work. We testing.
front lines of this war. have tens of thousands of small busi- Last week, Pastor Joseph Owes suc-
SBA loan programs are vital to Main nesses that will not be able to partici- cumbed to COVID–19. He was a pillar in
Street businesses across my district, pate in this legislation because we our community, hosted food banks,
and I am proud to support them. But haven’t funded it enough, and we have health fairs, job and financial literacy
this must-pass bill should also include cities clearly looking at the prospect of workshops to help his community.
support for America’s smallest and me- bankruptcy. He tried repeatedly to get tested but
dium-sized communities who face the So we do have a lot more work to do, was denied time and time again be-
very real possibility of eliminating and I hope we can continue to work in cause testing hasn’t been available in
basic services without our support. a bipartisan fashion, stop the partisan my community. If he had been tested
The same police and fire, health de- sniping, and do what we were meant to and treated earlier, he would still be
partment and sanitation workers who do here to protect our country. here with us today.
are risking their lives every day now Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- Without tests, we don’t know who
have their jobs at risk. They deserve tinue to reserve the balance of my has COVID and we can’t open up our
better. We should give them better. time. economy.
Let’s do it. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- seconds to the gentlewoman from Flor- tinue to reserve the balance of my
tinue to reserve the balance of my ida (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). time.
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
time.
Madam Speaker, healthcare workers seconds to the gentlewoman from Min-
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
and small businesses are struggling to nesota (Ms. OMAR).
seconds to the gentlewoman from
stay alive. That is why Democrats Ms. OMAR. Madam Speaker, people
Pennsylvania (Ms. DEAN).
fought to ensure hospitals and Main in my State of Minnesota are hurting,
Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, shame
Street get this jolt of relief. and I am sure everyone represents a
on those who would not tell the truth
We walled off billions in new Pay- State that is hurting.
during a pandemic. Though more help It is indefensible for us not to sup-
check Protection Program funds for
is needed, I rise in support of this in- port to replenish the PPP, but it is also
smaller community banks and credit
terim funding bill. indefensible for us not to focus on re-
These dollars must actually make it unions so Wall Street doesn’t vacuum
it all up. plenishing the coffers of Americans and
to those who need it: small family busi- focus on making sure they are able to
Let’s face it: If healthcare workers
nesses, minority- and women-owned support paying their rent, making sure
cannot safely protect us, America’s
businesses, so many I have talked to that our cities and States are not going
economy stops. So Democrats secured
over these last few weeks. Their future bankrupt, and making sure American
$75 billion for healthcare providers and
and our economy depends upon it. families are not dying of hunger.
$25 billion more for testing. Without
For healthcare workers saving lives, Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
mass testing, we can not fully reopen,
we have the responsibility to do all we tinue to reserve the balance of my
and we end up voting for endless relief
can to help protect those who are sav- time.
packages.
ing our families’ lives. Without Democrats’ push for truly Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30
To reopen our country, we need test- seconds to the gentlewoman from New
small businesses, big business would
ing, testing, testing. I look forward to Mexico (Ms. TORRES SMALL).
have continued to cut the line.
the next more robust and even more We will rescue schools and local gov- Ms. TORRES SMALL of New Mexico.
equitable bill of relief for the people. ernments in CARES Act 2. Right now, Madam Speaker, I rise to get Ameri-
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- this is the adrenaline shot that the cans the support to keep them safe and
tinue to reserve the balance of my healthcare system needs. make sure New Mexicans and rural
time. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- communities get their fair share. By
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 tinue to reserve the balance of my refilling small business forgivable
seconds to the gentleman from Con- time. loans and dedicating money to small
necticut (Mr. HIMES). Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 lenders, this package will help New
Mr. HIMES. Madam Speaker, I rise seconds to the gentleman from Cali- Mexicans who were crowded out of the
today in strong support of the aid that fornia (Mr. SHERMAN). first wave of funding.
we will deliver today. Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, we I am also voting to save rural hos-
My small State of Connecticut will need to shift from the economic to the pitals and to get testing and masks and
soon pass 2,000 fatalities. These are our biological focus on defeating this dis- gloves and gowns, all the things we
neighbors. These are people we know ease. need to keep us safe and to rebuild our
and love. Everyone should wear a mask, in- economy.
Madam Speaker, I celebrate the bi- cluding you, Mr. President, whenever There is still so much work to be
partisanship that will be demonstrated you might be within 6 feet. done, and let’s do that next step to-
today. It will save lives. And we need to provide free masks to gether.
Our small businesses are critical to the homeless and others. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
our economy and to opportunity, but We need more money for better paid tinue to reserve the balance of my
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so are our hospitals and the heroes who sick leave so all those with symptoms time.
work in those hospitals. So are our can stay home. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, might I
EMTs and our paramedics and our po- And so far, only one-tenth of 1 per- inquire as to how much time is remain-
lice officers and our firefighters. I say cent of the coronavirus money has ing on both sides.
that not to make a political point, but gone for medical research to prevent The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
to say that they will need our help in and treat the virus. tleman from Massachusetts has 121⁄2
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H1946 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
minutes remaining. The gentleman Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chair-
from Texas has 4 minutes remaining. the gentlewoman from Michigan an ad- man NEAL for his leadership and close
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 ditional 1 minute. working relationship on these key
seconds to the gentleman from New Ms. TLAIB. I urge my colleagues to issues.
York (Mr. ESPAILLAT). please do more to save lives. It is im- Look, this bill is 16 days too late, de-
Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, in moral for us to walk away and take a spite all of the denials you heard. We
the Northwest Bronx, in Washington month off when people, our neighbors, could have agreed on this bill in 16
Heights, Inwood, in Harlem and East are dying and losing loved ones. minutes, Republicans and Democrats,
Harlem, this pandemic is still ravaging So, in memory of Skylar, in honor of but it got held up for all sorts of extra-
Black and Brown lives. The economic her, please let’s expand public health curricular stuff. We should have come
plight this virus will leave will be un- funding and testing for everyone. together. It was delayed. Real people
precedented. Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- lost their jobs as a result.
I am glad we are providing $60 billion tinue to reserve the balance of my Secondly, I want to thank President
for small businesses and fought for time. Trump, Vice President PENCE, the en-
funding for hospitals and testing, but Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 tire Cabinet, and everyone in the gov-
we must come back. seconds to the gentleman from Cali- ernment who has done a remarkable
MITCH MCCONNELL’s words are equiv- fornia (Mr. COX). job standing up the small business pro-
alent to Gerald Ford’s words: Drop Mr. COX of California. Madam gram in 7 days, in sending out indi-
dead, New York. Speaker, I hear my colleagues on the vidual rebate checks in 18 days rather
But we will come back. other side today, one after another, than 70 months that it took the last
We must support State and local gov- time there were rebate checks. I want
crying about the replenishment of the
ernments. We must support our com- to thank that leadership in this
PPP. They wanted to keep it as origi-
munities. Our people are dying. coronavirus crisis, both on the
nally designed, where 4 percent of the
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con-
borrowers got 45 percent of the money. healthcare side and with the economic
tinue to reserve the balance of my
I think the farms and dairies and small challenges we face.
time. I want to thank Minority Leader
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 mom-and-pop shops in my district and
across the country should get loans be- KEVIN MCCARTHY, who has done a re-
seconds to the gentleman from Cali-
fore big steakhouses. markable job leading the Republicans
fornia (Mr. CARBAJAL).
Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I I am proud of the work my Caucus in the House through each of these key
rise in support of this bipartisan relief has done to make the PPP a more equi- emergency aid bills. I want to thank
package. The funds we are adding to table program, plus getting sorely the leadership that supports him, rank-
the PPP and EIDL programs will go a needed funds for hospitals and testing, ing members who work with our Demo-
long way in providing necessary sup- which we all know is what is required cratic colleagues to put together a bill
port to small businesses. I am glad that to reopen our economy. we think is critical and urgent.
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- There is a guiding quote that I have
small farms and ranches will now be el-
tinue to reserve the balance of my kept as my computer screen saver for
igible for the EIDL program and that
time. many years here in my office. It reads:
we have secured additional resources
‘‘I cannot give you the formula for suc-
for hospitals, workers, and testing. b 1500
While this is another great bipartisan cess, but I can give you the formula for
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield failure, which is: Try to please every-
step forward, more must be done, espe- myself such time as I may consume as body.’’
cially for our States, cities, and local I prepare to close. This bill doesn’t try to please every-
governments. People are hurting. Time Madam Speaker, I want to thank body or do everything. It focuses on re-
is of the essence. We must act now. many Members and staff who made
Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I con- plenishing small business loan pro-
sure this final product conveyed the grams that local businesses and their
tinue to reserve the balance of my
values of the Democratic Caucus and workers desperately need. It provides
time.
Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I yield 30 will bring real life and relief to the more funding for our hospitals and
seconds to the gentlewoman from American people. healthcare workers who man the front
Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). First, I want to thank the Speaker, lines of this pandemic. It commits
Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, this bill who has provided tremendous leader- more of your tax dollars producing and
is only necessary because, in the last ship to get this deal over the line. distributing tests to communities that
bill, Republicans prioritized a half-tril- Next, our deepest gratitude to fellow need them. These are immediate, ur-
lion-dollar gift to corporations that committee chairs and their contribu- gent priorities right now, and we need
turned around and laid off workers who tions and shrewd negotiation of this to act right now.
bailed them out. package. I would point out, also, Mr. Speaker,
Our people need us to prioritize pub- Small Business Committee Chair- that those who say we are not com-
lic health and testing, and they need woman VELÁZQUEZ and Financial Serv- mitted to State and local communities,
recurring monthly relief payments ices Committee Chairwoman WATERS this Congress, Republicans joined
now. deserve our thanks for securing fund- Democrats, sending $150 billion down
This is Skylar Herbert. You need to ing for small businesses that will need to our State and local communities.
see her face because there needs to be it the most. Unlike some Democratic Governors
a human face to this pandemic. She is Thanks to FRANK PALLONE from the who are holding their dollars at the
5 years old, died from coronavirus. Energy and Commerce Committee for State capitol and refuse to share it
Skylar loved dressing up and per- fighting for national testing as a strat- with local communities, our Governor
forming, and she loved and adored egy and securing funding to combat in Texas announced more than a week
being in kindergarten. Her death this public health crisis. ago he was developing an approach to
should be a wake-up call that we must Each coronavirus relief package has make sure all of our communities on
act in urgency. been a herculean effort, and this one is the front line are getting help. Gov-
Her father, a firefighter, her mother no different. ernors who are withholding that aid to
a police officer, first responders, and With that, I want to close and wish small communities ought to be
the amount of guilt that they feel be- good health to our colleagues and our ashamed of themselves.
cause maybe they didn’t have access to fellow Americans, and I urge my col- Finally, let’s continue, after this
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testing, that is exactly why they are leagues to support this legislation. work is done today, to work together
out there telling her story every single Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of with President Trump to apply max-
day. my time. imum pressure to the coronavirus, help
Please, let’s act now in urgency. Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- businesses create safe, healthy work-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The self as much time as I may consume. I places. Let’s jump-start the economic
time of the gentlewoman has expired. am prepared to close. rebound and accelerate a return to
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1947
work for those who are jobless or fur- rected promptly. That is not what Con- transparency, and that we must pro-
loughed. gress intended, and the American peo- vide the data that we need in order to
I urge strong and bipartisan support ple expect better. assess if this program is working as it
for this bill. By the way, today, this morning, as was intended.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the chair of the House Small Business As chair of the Small Business Com-
of my time. Committee, I held a hearing entitled, mittee, I will fight tooth and nail for
Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Member Day Hearing on COVID–19 Re- small businesses that have not yet re-
self such time as I may consume. sponse and Recovery. Fifty-six Mem- ceived any assistance.
Mr. Speaker, we need to establish bers of this Chamber, Republicans and Mr. Speaker, let me remind the Sen-
clarity in the RECORD. Democrats, all of them, came before ate majority leader that there are two
This legislation is much improved the committee today, and every one, Chambers. You can be sure that in this
over what came over to us from the Republican and Democrat, expressed Chamber, I will be fighting nonstop for
Senate. This includes an additional $75 the fact that we needed more trans- hard-hit States like New York.
billion for our hospitals, $60 billion parency, that we needed data, and that Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back
that is directed at people at the bottom we needed to fight to make sure that the balance of my time.
end of the small business community. this program serves every small busi- Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today,
In addition, we all agree in this I will be supporting this bipartisan relief bill.
ness in every part of the country.
Chamber that the following has to It will give small businesses access to addi-
That is why my colleagues and I
occur: testing, testing, testing. That tional funds that will help them keep their
fought in this package to secure $60 bil-
was not in the legislation until we de- doors open.
lion in PPP funds set aside specifically And, it will also assist hospitals over-
cided on this side to establish that as a for mission-based, community-oriented whelmed by this virus, get health care workers
marker. This legislation, on every lenders. With this set-aside, more un- the protective gear they need, and help ex-
basis, has been improved. derserved small businesses will get pand rapid testing nationwide.
And let me just say this: President loans. While this bill will do a lot of good, it still
Trump has said more money for State In addition, this bill provides $60 bil- does not go far enough for my state of Texas
and local governments, Republican lion for the Economic Injury Disaster and people across America.
Governors across the country and Loan program, the EIDL program. Texas is 49th out of 50 states for testing per
Democratic Governors, including the Again, when they sent the bill from the capita, and in large cities like Houston nearly
Republican Governor of Massachusetts Senate to the House, it didn’t have any 60 percent of COVID–19 related deaths were
who has spoken to me personally on money for the EIDL program, for the of African Americans and nearly 20 percent
this issue, as we go forward. disaster loan program. Latino.
This is about the police, the fire, the Everyone who testified today before We need to do more to help community
EMTs. This is about the school- my committee was asking how we are health clinics helping poor people, expand mo-
teachers. This is about those individ- going to make sure that their busi- bile testing sites in hard hit communities, and
uals who make a difference in our lives, nesses, their constituents, will get dis- deploy rapid testing nationwide now.
the postal workers every day, and not aster loans. Well, we have good news And we also need to ensure that we are
to forget those individuals whom we for them. The Democrats fought and getting more direct aid into the hands of folks
depend on and we have come to see just secured not only $50 billion, but $10 bil- across America.
how important they are to all of us in lion in grants. This is critical as we work to responsibly
the last few weeks. That is what the And I heard complaints about the open our country.
additional phase four will look like. fact that the grants program ran out of We must put working families first and I
And with that, Mr. Speaker, with money and that people really like that urge my colleagues on the other side of the
gratitude, I want to recognize the gen- program, the grants program. Well, I aisle to join us in getting this done in the next
tlewoman from New York. I must tell wanted $100 billion; we secured $10 bil- package.
you that not only did she do a great job lion. Again, we are putting in $10 bil- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
with authoring this legislation, but her lion in this bill that was not part of support of H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection
patience in answering questions from what Senator MITCH MCCONNELL sent Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
colleagues during the course of the last to us. This interim legislation is critical to support our
2 weeks has been remarkable. I thank Speaker PELOSI, Minority small businesses and healthcare systems, but
Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of Leader SCHUMER, and Chairwoman we must do much more to support families,
my time to the gentlewoman from New WATERS for their efforts to include all communities, and our economy.
York (Ms. VELÁZQUEZ). these provisions, particularly the $60 In the wake of the unprecedented COVID–
Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, by billion carved out for minority busi- 19 pandemic, Congress acted swiftly to pro-
providing $310 billion for PPP, this bill nesses, for women-owned businesses, vide funding for hospitals and healthcare facili-
will allow the program to reopen and for veterans’ businesses, for farmers to ties, schools, states and localities, and small
more small businesses to secure capital have a chance to secure a loan. businesses. Unfortunately, the funding was not
and keep employees on payroll—$310 While this legislation is a building sufficient to meet the need and too many
billion. block, more must be done. In future small businesses are left wondering if they
When the Senate passed their bill, legislation, we must help businesses can survive. I have heard from small business
they passed $250 billion for small busi- shuttered for longer than 8 weeks. owners from across Northwest Oregon who
nesses. So it is not enough to pour This bill also does not address prob- were unable to access the Paycheck Protec-
funding into a program if loans are not lems that let big companies snatch up tion Program and Economic Injury Disaster
reaching the intended businesses. All of loans meant for small businesses. To Loan and Grant funding. They described their
us have been concerned by reports of those large publicly traded companies frustration as the money was quickly ex-
big banks prioritizing large firms for who have already benefitted, I would hausted; a significant amount going to large
this assistance. suggest now would be a time to exhibit restaurant chains while small mom and pop
Over 80 publicly traded companies some good corporate citizenship by re- businesses were left out. The pandemic con-
have received loans through the PPP. turning those funds. tinues to ravage communities and our econ-
Examples like this come to mind: To the small businesses out there omy remains largely shut down through no
Ruth’s Chris Steak House restaurant who have not yet received help, whom fault of the small business owners and work-
got two loans for $20 million. And we my office hears from daily, I say this: ers who need our help in this unprecedented
have all this, 80 publicly traded compa- We are not finished. time. The bill before us today will provide the
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nies. This underscores the need for Getting these programs restarted and assistance those businesses need. The bill in-
oversight. loans out the door is critical. Because cludes $310 billion in additional funding for the
If the administration’s implementa- of the improvements that we made to Paycheck Protection Program, with $60 billion
tion means giant companies secure this bill, I will say that help is on the of that funding dedicated for lending by com-
loans while small businesses are left way and that we will hold the agencies munity-based and small- and mid-sized lend-
waiting, that problem must be cor- accountable, that we must adhere to ers, including credit unions, community banks,
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H1948 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
and other institutions that are prepared to lend local, and tribal governments that are leading safest and securest possible environment we
to that small businesses that have traditionally this response. can ensure. That requires funding. Funding to
been overlooked, such as minority-owned This legislation will temporarily refill the Pay- support a full panoply of voting options includ-
businesses, businesses owned by women and check Protection Program but if the experi- ing absentee ballots and extended early voting
veterans, and small businesses in our rural ence of the first week of this program is any periods. We also need funding to ensure local-
communities. We must make sure this money indication, demand will again quickly over- ities have an adequate number of polling
gets to mom and pop businesses. whelm this program and the program’s funds places and funds to ensure that all votes cast
The bill also bolsters the Economic Injury will be quickly depleted. And while I support are counted accurately and fairly. And that’s
Disaster Loan and Grant programs by pro- the changes to direct funds into the hands of just to list a few of the reasons why funding
viding $60 billion in funding, and expanding some of the most vulnerable small busi- to protect our election security is so fun-
the program so farmers and many agricultural nesses, that addresses just one of the numer- damentally needed. In the recent Wisconsin
enterprises are eligible. The programs provide ous concerns about this program that my of- election, nearly 80% of the ballots cast were
funding for small businesses to cover oper- fice has heard. And I know other Members absentee. But even there you had issues as
ating expenses, but were similarly under- have heard as well. More changes are needed you had people request a ballot who did not
funded for the demand. not only to increase transparency and protect get one or had one sent after the elections,
H.R. 266 also provides $75 billion in much- the taxpayer, but also to help this program there were also issues with stacks of undeliv-
needed funding for our hospitals and work better for more vulnerable small busi- ered absentee ballots, and ballots returned be-
healthcare facilities. We know that these facili- nesses, not just larger corporations or friends cause they did not have a postmark. The
ties are operating without the resources they of the Trump Administration. longer we delay providing these funds, the
need, and are unable to cover expenses be- I am also pleased that the bill includes addi- less likely we will get, despite the best efforts
cause they can’t perform elective procedures tional funding to support our hospitals and by hardworking state and local officials, a fair
during stay home orders. The bill also includes other health providers that daily work to test, election.
$25 billion to expand testing, including funding diagnose, treat those affected with this illness. I yield back the balance of my time.
for states and localities, the Centers for Dis- They have saved countless lives. However, so Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
ease Control, the National Institutes of Health, far, the Administration has only released $30 support of the interim emergency corona virus
the Biomedical Advanced Research and De- billion of the first $100 billion provided by Con- package being considered today.
velopment Authority, and the Food and Drug gress a few weeks ago, with little if any of that The last two months have been some of the
Administration. We need to vastly expand test- money shipped out so far going to children’s hardest in our nation’s history. The toll that
ing capabilities if we are going to be able to hospitals, community health centers or Med- this virus has taken on our economy and,
get a handle on this pandemic, so I am thank- icaid providers, among others who are strug- more importantly, on American lives, has been
ful that this funding was included. gling. staggering. Over the last few weeks, my office
The funding included in this bill is critical to The Administration needs to be more trans- has received thousands of calls and emails
help our country, but we must do so much parent about how it will distribute the remain- from constituents who need help obtaining the
more to support workers, small businesses, ing funds from the first round and the addi- important economic relief provisions secured
and communities. Our work is far from done. tional funding in this bill and how it will deter- by Congress.
I am continuing to fight for robust child care mine key terms, such as hot spots that it re- While some small businesses and nonprofits
support, increased funding and capabilities for portedly wants to target. And it needs to get in my district were able to access programs
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance these dollars out soon. Weeks more of delay like the Paycheck Protection Program, many
Program, funding for workers and our work- is not acceptable. more were shut out from these critical funds.
force system through the Workforce Innovation Additional funding provided for our public Let’s be clear—large companies and cor-
and Opportunity Act, and expanded access to health efforts through CDC, HRSA, and NIH is porations never should have been allowed to
capital through our credit unions to make it appreciated. But since this is a public health receive funds meant for small businesses.
easier for them to lend to small businesses. I emergency, much more funding is needed es- Now, it’s up to us to begin to make this right
am also fighting to make sure that our state pecially as state and local governments are and ensure that those small businesses most
and local governments receive more funding, challenged by an economic slowdown that has in need get access to replenished relief funds.
students and teachers have the resources imperiled their revenues. Countless American jobs—and lives—are on
they need, that people receive additional eco- There is more to be done and that must be the line.
nomic impact payments, and that our immi- done soon. We need another strong com- The legislation before us today would pro-
grant community is included in future relief ef- prehensive bill in line with the CARES act that vide an additional $310 billion in funding for
forts. I’m also advocating for workplace protec- responds to emerging needs. Access to Per- the Paycheck Protection Program, including
tion standards and essential pay for frontline sonal Protective Equipment remains a struggle billions intended for businesses in under-
workers during this pandemic. I am extremely and testing remains a challenge even while served rural, urban and tribal communities. It
disappointed that this bill doesn’t recognize the Administration pats itself on the back on also provides $50 billion for additional emer-
the increased number of people who are now both fronts. gency disaster lending, translating into more
food insecure and lack additional SNAP bene- Additionally, we need to ensure that critical than $350 billion in loans, and another $10 bil-
fits that individuals and families desperately programs that serve populations that will be hit lion in emergency disaster grants.
need. As we move forward, I will continue to the hardest by any economic downturn, like In addition, this package continues our ef-
fight for robust legislation to help individuals, TANF and SNAP, are granted funding and forts to provide health care workers with the
families, and our communities and small busi- flexibility to help people through these trying life-saving protective equipment they need to
nesses around the country. times. Having tried to take care of everybody do their jobs safely and effectively by directing
Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I support this im- else, our next package needs to look out for $75 billion toward hospitals and other health
perfect interim agreement. But I want to be the least, the last, and the lost. care providers.
clear, while it funds some key priorities, it Lastly, one of the truly missed opportunities Also of great importance to me is the $25
leaves behind additional key assistance that is funding to support safe and secure elections billion this package secures for testing, which
we can provide to households, individuals, and in this environment. Unfortunately, my state of is key to quickly and safely reopening the
state and local governments that are the tip of Wisconsin has become an unwelcomed exam- country. These funds will be critical in facili-
the spear in the fight against COVID–19. As ple of what happens when partisanship, rather tating the large-scale production and rapid de-
we take up this bill, I recognize that it is a than people’s well-being, guides decisions ployment of precise coronavirus testing—
much better bill than the one Senate Majority about holding elections in this environment. In which public health experts agree is necessary
Leader MITCH MCCONNELL tried to ram the city of Milwaukee, the largest city in the to determine when people can get out of their
through the Senate last week. Thanks to those State, there were only 5 polling stations avail- homes and back into schools, the workforce
who worked so hard to help accomplish that. able. You can guess the result . . . long lines and society.
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That being said, it is clear that this Con- that both discouraged voting and raised a po- Despite these important provisions, this
gress has much more work to do to support tential health threat to both voters and poll package falls short in a number of areas.
the American people, our heroic public health workers. For one, it is unacceptable that Republicans
and health professionals on the front line of We know more elections will be held soon blocked more funding for state and local gov-
this pandemic while fighting to get basic pro- and regardless of decisions about reopening ernments on the frontlines of this crisis. Right
tective equipment, and to help support state, states and cities, they must take place in the now, every American is benefiting from the
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1949
tireless work our local officials are doing to proximately one percent of Americans have and economic security to the nation. With this
keep us safe. been tested. This legislation calls for a na- in mind, I oppose passage of a resolution to
However, without additional support from tional strategic testing policy focused on in- establish a select subcommittee that is dupli-
the federal government, the costs of the creasing domestic testing capacity, including cative, unnecessary, and most likely a politi-
coronavirus response—on top of the reduced testing supplies. cally motivated tool to attack the President
tax revenues caused by the economic fallout This interim funding package will assist during an election year. Continuing to work
of the pandemic—threaten to bankrupt our workers, families, small businesses, hospitals, across the aisle to provide our country the re-
communities and undermine public health ef- and all our health care workers. The American sources it needs is the only way forward.
forts. people have tremendous needs and I’m proud I remain grateful to the incredible health
The fact that some in Congress and the Ad- to support this legislation to help meet them. care professionals, first responders, and es-
ministration would rather bail out big corpora- There’s so much more to do and I stand ready sential service employees who are working
tions than support the local governments to work to meet our historic challenges. I sup- tirelessly to keep our nation healthy. I also sa-
working day and night to keep us safe is un- port this legislation and will continue to sup- lute Americans who are following guidelines
acceptable. We will not stop fighting until our port swift action by a Congress that aids a sci- and doing their part to flatten the curve for not
communities get the support they need. entific public health response to the pandemic only their own health but for their neighbors.
We also must continue fighting for the most and a worker-first response to the economic The past few weeks have seen our nation
vulnerable among us. Our immigrant commu- crisis. unite to fight the Coronavirus. While these
nities, incarcerated individuals, undocumented Finally, I’d like to take a moment to ac- times have been challenging for all, I know
people, poor families and many others are still knowledge the sorrow being felt across the that we will get through this.
being left out of important relief provisions. country as families mourn the loss of their Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I support the
If there’s one thing we’ve learned through- loved ones to this terrible disease. In tribute to bipartisan agreement reached on the Senate
out this pandemic, it’s that we’re all in this to- them, we do our work today. Amendment to H.R. 266, the Paycheck Pro-
gether. We have to look out for each other, Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I tection Program and Health Care Enhance-
and we have to do our part to take care of rise today in support of the Paycheck Protec- ment Act.
one another. tion Program and Health Care Enhancement Many California small businesses were un-
While I urge my colleagues to come to- Act. able to access the first round of loans made
gether to pass today’s package to bring addi- Our nation’s health and economic recovery through the Paycheck Protection Program
tional relief to our small businesses and health are inextricably linked during this pandemic. (PPP) established under the CARES Act (H.R.
care providers, we must continue working to Today’s vote is another win in the fight against 748) because the initial round of funds was in-
ensure all those suffering from this pandemic the coronavirus. This legislation strengthens sufficient to meet the dire needs of our com-
can be made whole. the Paycheck Protection Program by allocating munity during this time. Even more con-
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support an additional $310 billion in funding, with cerning, the Administration’s bungled rollout of
of the Paycheck Protection and Health Care money reserved for community-based lenders, PPP has sown frustration and confusion at
Enhancement Act. This emergency funding is small and medium-sized banks, and credit every point of the application process, denying
the fourth bipartisan aid package to address unions to reach more small businesses. It also many Santa Clara County small businesses a
the tremendous needs of the American people includes vital funding for our hospitals and lifeline. I outlined my concerns regarding these
as we fight COVID–19 on both the public health care workers and money for much flaws in my testimony to the House Small
health front and the economic front. needed testing. Business Committee on Thursday, April 23,
The Democratic House has led the way to While today’s additional funding is a win, 2020.
respond to this emergency. On March 4th, much more needs to be done. Without addi- This bill will provide $310 billion in additional
when the Administration refused to acknowl- tional measures for testing, tracking, treat- funding for PPP. More importantly, it will re-
edge the magnitude of this crisis, the House ment, and ultimately a vaccine, we won’t over- serve $60 billion for small- and medium-sized
passed bipartisan emergency legislation pro- come this crisis. We must also do more to banks, credit unions, and community-based
viding four times the amount of funding for help individuals suffering from the impact on lenders to ensure our relief efforts are reach-
public health purposes than the Trump Admin- the economy, as well as non-profits not cov- ing all communities. It also adds $10 billion to
istration originally requested. A week later, the ered under the CARES Act, and state and Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Grants
House passed the bipartisan Families First local governments who have been devastated and $50 billion to the Disaster Loans Program
Act, which recognized the importance of free by lost revenues and protect essential work- for our small businesses.
coronavirus testing and the need for paid sick ers. Our hospitals, health centers, and county
leave and nutrition aid for working families. On Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, more health officials need the additional $75 billion
March 27th the House passed the bipartisan than two weeks ago, I called for more funding in assistance to maintain necessary resources
CARES Act putting families and workers first, for the Paycheck Protection Program, which and procure more protective personal equip-
instead of a corporate, trickle-down approach has provided more than 1.6 million loans to ment for our healthcare workers who continue
offered by the Senate. small businesses across the country. I strongly to give and risk so much.
Today, the bipartisan Paycheck Protection support rapid passage of the Paycheck Pro- Additionally, the nation needs the $25 billion
and Health Care Enhancement Act continues tection Program and Health Care Enhance- for testing to guarantee a science-based tran-
the House’s work to respond to the pandemic. ment Act to support small businesses and our sition for when communities are ready to re-
It flips an insufficient Republican proposal that nation’s health care professionals. open. A nationwide strategy with a focus on
left hospitals, Community Health Centers, and With this fourth Coronavirus response pack- increasing domestic testing capacity will be
health care workers behind by nearly doubling age, we have secured an additional $310 bil- critical for reopening the economy and for pre-
the resources to provide badly needed assist- lion for the Paycheck Protection Program, and venting a second outbreak.
ance to them. $60 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Four bills and $2 trillion in emergency relief
The legislation contains the following: to help more small businesses survive and later, more is still needed. Specifically, we
Small businesses: Adds $310 billion to re- continue to pay their employees. must provide additional direct funding for state
plenish the Paycheck Protection Programs, re- In order to reopen our country, more testing and local governments and perform robust
serving $60 billion of that funding for commu- must be made available so Americans can oversight on the allocation of funds for pan-
nity-based lenders, credit unions and small to safely return to their normal lives and jobs. demic relief to prevent fraud and abuse. State
midsized community banks that work with the There is a dedicated $25 billion in this legisla- and local governments need and deserve fed-
smallest of businesses. The bill also adds an tion to prepare and ramp up necessary testing eral assistance. In CARES 2, we must make
additional $50 billion in disaster loans at the to equip state and local decision makers with whole the state and local governments on the
SBA and $10 billion in grants to small busi- critical information to reopen our communities frontlines of this crisis and ensure our state,
nesses and nonprofits. and reignite our economy. Finally, the $75 bil- county, and city officials are equipped to pre-
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$75 billion for hospitals, health systems, lion in additional funds will help hospitals and serve the health and safety of our community.
Community Health Centers, and other health health care workers on the front lines continue I will continue to work with my colleagues in
care providers, including funds for Personal to take care of those that are battling this ill- the House and Senate to address specific
Protective Equipment for frontline workers. ness. community needs in any future legislation.
For all Americans: $25 billion for testing, the It is critical that Congress continue working Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support
key to reopening the economy. Today, ap- in a bipartisan manner to provide aid, relief, of this economic boost desperately needed by
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H1950 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
our communities. Our nation is on a dan- That being said, it is absolutely necessary nomic Injury Disaster Loan program will re-
gerous precipice, an experiment with thou- that we pass this bill today and provide the ceive the money needed to continue aiding
sands of lives in the balance. This bill offers SBA additional resources to support small our nation’s small businesses. Of the $349 bil-
hope for thousands more small businesses, businesses and ensure they make it through lion appropriated by Congress in the CARES
hospitals, and perhaps most importantly those this pandemic. Of course there is more we Act for small business relief programs, my
on the frontline, with an infusion of $25 billion need to do. Transit systems need billions in home state of Ohio received over $14 billion.
to ramp up desperately needed means to ad- resources to stay afloat. Cultural nonprofits These dollars are going to real businesses
vance widespread testing. Testing is the key need funding and flexibility to re-open their and helping communities, both large and
that offers containment of this virus. doors when this pandemic passes. Renters small, across my district. I hope even more
I am troubled. Troubled by the little insight desperately need emergency assistance to dollars make their way to Ohio as we get set
we have into how the last two trillion dollars stay in their homes even with the eviction mor- to pass this relief bill before us.
approved by these hallowed chambers was atorium. The U.S. Postal Service is on the This week, Congress will pass the fourth aid
spent by the Trump Administration. We must brink of collapse. Families need food assist- bill to help Americans. And much like the pre-
ask why so much has yet to be disbursed. We ance to keep their kids healthy. Hospitals and vious bill, the CARES Act, the bill before us in-
must question why little help was provided to providers desperately need PPE. Our work is creases funding levels for the Paycheck Pro-
those who need it most, while those with ac- not done, and we cannot stop here. But today, tection Program and the Economic Injury Dis-
cess had their takings. we must pass this bill and get this small busi- aster Loan program, while also ensuring our
I am proud of the work of my colleagues, ness funding flowing again. health care system receives the support it
particularly Small Business Chairwoman NYDIA I appreciate the efforts to get this interim bill needs.
VELÁZQUEZ, Financial Services Chairwoman done as quickly as possible, and I look for- In addition to providing $370 billion of relief
MAXINE WATERS, and our dedicated Speaker, ward to continuing our efforts to stop this pan- to small businesses, the bill includes $75 bil-
who fought for $60 billion in community lend- demic, keep our country safe, and, when pub- lion more for hospitals; the first tranche of this
ing and a $310 billion infusion into the Pay- lic health experts agree, thoughtfully and care- money from the CARES Act’s fund has al-
check Protection Program. This bill provides a fully re-open our economy. ready gone out. Hospitals in my district have
great step forward and a vital lifeline to small Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today let me know how critical it was to receive this
businesses across Northern Ohio. in support of our nation’s small businesses. As support. They have also let me know that
Unfortunately, this bill drastically short- many of my colleagues are aware, our coun- more is direly needed. This is why we are
changes the localities now forced with over- try’s economy is built upon and benefits from here today; to respond to those calls for more
whelming burdens, huge losses of revenue, the millions of entrepreneurs and innovators help. The PPP and Health Care Enhancement
huge cuts to budgets, forced decisions of lay- who go to work every single day for a small Act also includes $25 billion for testing. I know
ing off first-responders or cut back on other business. Without these small businesses and from Ohio’s governor that this is a key piece
life-sustaining services. It also offers no assist- their employees, the United States would not of the puzzle in safely reopening economic ac-
ance to our postal service workers whose jobs be the economic hub it is today. tivity.
hang in the balance. However, Mr. Speaker, these small busi- Congress must not hesitate in its efforts to
Calls to reopen without science and data nesses, along with our entire nation, have combat the novel coronavirus. Congress must
are short sighted. Shame on Republican elect- been presented with an unprecedented not hesitate in its appropriation of additional
ed leaders who lead their constituents into the enemy. The 2019 novel coronavirus has funds to support America’s small businesses.
fire. What our constituents need is real leader- wreaked havoc on our health, our economy, It is imperative we use our time here as Rep-
ship to keep them safe and supported until a and our day-to-day lives. Everyday activities resentatives of our communities and the full
bridge to the future for America can safely like visiting our loved ones, dining at our favor- capabilities of the federal government to pro-
lead to reopening. Lives are at stake. ite restaurants, or cheering on our favorite tect Americans—both in terms of health and
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, in the last few teams have been placed on hold as we com- economic security. We will defeat this virus
weeks, my office has been flooded with calls bat this virus. I believe the steps taken by this and we will emerge from this unprecedented
from small business owners desperate for as- Administration and governors around the time a stronger, more resilient nation. I urge
sistance but stymied by the slow response, country, including Governor DeWine in my my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill
unfair treatment, and limited funds of the small home state, to minimize the destructiveness of and stand with small businesses and those on
business programs set up by the CARES Act. the coronavirus should be noted and ap- the front lines—without which, our nation
I support this legislation because it is abso- plauded. would most certainly not be the global beacon
lutely imperative that we recapitalize and im- In Congress, we have worked to provide the of opportunity and freedom it is.
prove PPP and EIDL to get small businesses necessary aid and relief sought by so many. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, this emergency
the resources and support they need as fairly We have extended health benefits—placing legislation makes key investments in programs
and efficiently as possible. I am also pleased public health at the forefront of our battle. We that are critical to helping our hospitals and
this bill provides significant funding for hos- have ramped up our equipment production to health providers continue to respond to
pitals and expanded testing, without which we levels unseen for nearly 80 years, when we COVID–19.
cannot safely re-open the small businesses were fighting the Second World War. And per- It also improves our testing capacity, which
and other establishments we are trying to haps most importantly, we have funded aid will be critical to combating the pandemic and
save. I am, however, all too aware that this in- programs within the Small Business Adminis- reopening out economy.
fusion of money simply will not be enough to tration to lift up America’s small businesses. This is not a perfect package, but no bipar-
meet demand, and many of the problems my The bill before us, the Paycheck Protection tisan agreement ever is.
constituents have raised with PPP and EIDL Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, It does not include clearer metrics for the
are not addressed by this legislation. will continue to support these critical efforts hospital funding that l think is necessary to en-
I am disappointed that, despite the best ef- through much-needed supplemental funding. suring that funding is distributed in a way that
forts of my Democratic colleagues, this bill Earlier this week, I introduced my own resolu- is fair and equitable, transparent, and respon-
does not give state and local governments the tion to recognize the enormous strain being sive to the areas that are treating the highest
funding and flexibility they desperately need to placed upon our economy’s engine, the small number of COVID–19 patients.
support their fights against COVID–19 and fill businesses that are the foundation of all our I also do not believe that the COVID–19
the massive revenue gaps they are facing. communities. To say that this Congress has testing strategy is as strong as I would have
New York State faces a $10 billion loss of tax come to the aid of small businesses would be liked. Right now, the Trump Administration has
revenue. While we are the epicenter of the fair; but, to say that our job here is done no clear plan, no clear benchmarks, and no
pandemic, we’re not alone in our budget short- would be far from true. In fact, it is important clear timelines for setting up a national pro-
falls. Oklahoma faces a $415 million gap, Ari- now more than ever to double down on our gram that will reopen our economy. We must
zona is looking at a $1.1 billion deficit, and support and ensure unwavering commitment hold this Administration accountable for its
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Maryland could face a $2.2 billion shortfall. My to Main Street. abysmal response to testing, and I hope that
Republican colleagues must come to the table Mr. Speaker, my resolution specifically re- we will be able to do more in the next pack-
and support additional resources for states quests Congress to increase its support for age.
and cities and give states additional flexibility America’s small businesses. I am extremely Having said that, l want to acknowledge the
in how they use the funds, including replacing pleased to see that programs such as the good in this bill, because l do believe it will
lost revenue. Paycheck Protection Program and the Eco- provide some additional relief and guidance
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April 23, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1951
that our states and local governments, terri- Finally, the package also includes up to $1 munities are faced with this public health
tories, tribes, hospitals, and providers des- billion to cover the costs of testing for the un- emergency, our healthcare system can pro-
perately need. We simply could not afford to insured. vide the urgent medical attention they need.
wait, and thanks to our efforts we are pro- And there are some other key Democratic Included in this bill is $75 billion in funding to
viding some critical relief. priorities that were included in the package— the Public Health and Social Services Emer-
First, we include another $75 billion for the reporting on demographic information related gency Fund to provide resources to the med-
CARES Provider Relief Fund, or the hospital to testing, diagnoses and hospitalizations, and ical frontlines, including for personal protective
fund. This is $75 billion in addition to the $100 the requirement of a testing plan. equipment and health provider reimburse-
billion funding provided in CARES. While the Republicans would not support ments. It also designates $25 billion in funding
These funds can be used to reimburse hos- real-time reporting of demographic data, we for COVID–19 testing expenses and mandates
pitals or providers for expenses or lost reve- were able to include regular demographic data the development of a national strategic testing
nues as a result of COVID–19. reporting—that is to be de-identified and policy, focused on increasing domestic testing
The language remains the same as the disaggregated. This includes data on race, capacity, including capacity for testing sup-
CARES Act, so it will be critical that we con- ethnicity, age, sex, geographic region, and plies.
tinue to fight for clearer metrics for how future other factors for COVID–19 cases, hospitaliza- I am fighting for the city of Dallas, and all of
funding allocations will be distributed so that tions, and deaths, and epidemiological anal- the incorporated municipalities in my district,
health care entities receive the funding they ysis of such data. that are getting hammered by the necessary
need to continue to treat patients and keep We also were successful in adding a re- stay at home orders, to make sure that we re-
their doors open. We will also fight for trans- quirement for the Administration to submit a ceive funding to provide for essential services
parency so that we have more real-time ac- COVID–19 strategic testing plan that will detail like fire and police.
counting of who is receiving these dollars and how the Administration will increase domestic As I mentioned before, this bill is far from
how much funding they are receiving. testing capacity and testing supplies, address perfect. Two priorities that must be addressed
We also address the critical issue of testing disparities, and provide assistance and re- in upcoming packages are the need for in-
by making an additional investment of $25 bil- sources to states, localities, territories, and creased funding to SNAP, due to the expo-
lion. As the Speaker has been saying, testing tribes. The plan is also required to include es- nential need for food assistance in our com-
is a essential component to how we respond, timates of testing production and guidelines for munities, and expanded federal assistance to
treat, and stop the transmission of this virus. testing, as well as an outline of Federal re- smaller municipalities like the cities of Cedar
Valid, widespread testing is going to be nec- sources that will be able to support the testing Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, and Lancaster, in
essary if we are to reduce social distancing ef- plans of States, localities, territories, tribes, my district. Now, more than ever, we must en-
forts and reopen parts of our economy. and tribal organizations. sure that the most vulnerable among us are
The $25 billion investment in testing will be This is an important provision—the Adminis- protected and that our local governments have
used for expenses related to all different areas tration has been running away from trying to the resources to support them.
of testing, including: research, development, come to develop a federal testing plan. This At the same time, I am inspired to see orga-
nizations step up to the plate and help people
validation, manufacturing, purchasing, admin- requires them to do so.
While I would have required a more detailed in this time of need. Just last week, the North
istering, and expanding capacity for COVID–
report, with clearer benchmarks for the activi- Texas Food Bank, along with the Texas Na-
19 tests. This includes rapid point-of-care tests
ties I just mentioned, including specific plans tional Guard, Fair Park First, Spectra, and In
and serological tests.
the City for Good distributed 6,500 boxes of
Of that $25 billion, $11 billion will go to for adequate testing in underserved areas and
food to over 2,200 households across the re-
states, localities, territories, and tribes to de- populations, and expanding surveillance and
gion. Looking at images of cars lined up for
velop, purchase, administer, process, and contact tracing, this is a good first step.
We will all have to work together to hold this miles waiting to receive food should serve as
analyze COVID–19 tests. It will also fund scal-
a reminder of how much more we must do to
ing-up laboratory capacity, contact tracing, Administration accountable to produce a clear
ensure our constituents are successfully able
monitoring and surveillance, and supporting strategy for testing that will help us to reduce
to navigate through this crisis.
the workforce. the spread of this virus, clearly identify cases Mr. Speaker, now is the time to provide crit-
$2 billion of this $11 billion will go to the and individuals with immunity, and expand ca- ical funds and support for our neighborhood
States consistent with the Public Health Emer- pacity so that testing can help inform what businesses; owners and employees. Now is
gency Preparedness grant formula, ensuring communities may be able to reopen safely the time for us to provide critical funds and
every state receives funding, and $4.25 billion and without a surge in new cases. support to the hospitals who will be fighting to
will be allocated based on a state’s relative These will be a priority as well as we draft keep our friends, family, and neighbors alive
number of COVID–19 cases. Tribes, tribal or- the next package. through this pandemic. It is my sincere hope
ganizations, and urban Indian health organiza- Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise that the next COVID–19 bill will better serve
tions will receive $750 million for testing activi- today in support of H.R. 266, the Paycheck all of our constituents. I urge my colleagues to
ties. Protection Program and Health Care Enhance- support this bill.
This $25 billion also includes key invest- ment Act. Though this bill is far from perfect, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, as we
ments in our federal public health agencies— it provides much needed temporary assistance continue the fight to help our constituents and
$1 billion is provided to CDC for surveil- to small business owners and hospitals im- all Americans as they face the devastating
lance, epidemiology, laboratory capacity ex- pacted as a result of the COVID–19 pan- coronavirus crisis, I am voting today in strong
pansion, contact tracing, public health data demic. support of H.R. 266, The Paycheck Protection
surveillance and workforce to support the ex- This bill includes additional funding for the Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act, to
pansion and improvement of COVID–19 test- Paycheck Protection Program and makes sev- help protect American families, workers, and
ing; eral vital corrections to loopholes in the pro- small businesses.
$1.8 billion is provided to NIH to develop, gram from the CARES Act. A lack of proper Democrats successfully fought to improve
validate and improve testing, including further oversight in the previous package gave lend- today’s interim emergency relief package by
development of rapid point-of-care and sero- ers the ability to pick and choose their ensuring greater access for small businesses
logical testing; loanees, therefore leaving smaller businesses in underserved areas, and by successfully
$1 billion is provided to BARDA for ad- like hair salons, independent restaurants, and adding billions more in funding for testing,
vanced research, development, manufacturing, dry cleaners, who may not have an estab- hospitals, and the PPE for health care workers
production, and purchase of diagnostic, sero- lished banking relationship, left without suffi- who are caring for those infected by the
logic, or other COVID–19 tests or related sup- cient financial assistance. I am proud that coronavirus.
plies. House Democrats fought to include $60 billion For small businesses, this final agreement
$22 million for the Food and Drug Adminis- in funding designated specifically for small and strengthens the Paycheck Protection Program
tration to support activities associated with di- medium-sized lenders, which will go a long with $310 billion in additional funding, more
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agnostic, serological, antigen, and other tests; way in supporting small businesses bearing than the $250 billion initially requested. Demo-
and the brunt of this crisis. crats were able to set aside $60 billion to help
$600 million to support testing activities at Additionally, this bill provides critically need- unbanked and underserved businesses get
Community Health Centers, and $225 million ed funding and resources to support our hos- access to PPP funding, including minority-
to support testing activities at rural health clin- pitals, medical clinics, and local testing capa- owned businesses, urban and rural busi-
ics. bilities. We must ensure that when our com- nesses, small ‘‘mom-and-pop’’ businesses,
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H1952 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 23, 2020
and smaller nonprofits. This $60 billion in- and mid-sized banks, credit unions, and com- Congress must also address the critical situ-
cludes $30 billion for community-based lend- munity-based lending institutions to help en- ation the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is in.
ers and small banks and credit unions, and sure that unbanked and underserved busi- Despite bipartisan support for stronger relief,
another $30 billion for medium-sized banks nesses can access the PPP. This includes mi- the administration forced weak and restrictive
and credit unions. The agreement also ex- nority-owned businesses, rural businesses, aid for USPS into the CARES Act. Without
pands small business support beyond PPP by small ‘mom and pop’ businesses, and smaller significant steps, the Postal Service could
securing $50 billion for Small Business Admin- nonprofits that too often have been pushed to cease operations by June. For the millions of
istration disaster lending, which translates into the back of the line for this program, while bil- people who count on the USPS every day—
more than $350 billion in loans, and $10 billion lion-dollar chains have accessed funding. including seniors and veterans—this is not an
in SBA disaster grants. I am also pleased that this legislation in- option.
For hospitals and health care workers, cludes $60 billion for SBA’s Economic Injury We can and must also give additional, direct
Democrats secured $75 billion to help pay for Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Emergency Eco- support to the American people. This includes
Personal Protective Equipment and other re- nomic Injury Disaster Grant program. I have additional economic impact payments, more
sources. The Trump Administration has also heard from dozens of businesses who applied comprehensive relief for homeowners and
agreed to key improvements to be made in for EIDL relief only to never hear back from an renters, stronger steps for the millions of stu-
CARES 2, including significantly lowering the overwhelmed and underfunded SBA. This dent loan borrowers, and more.
interest rate on advance payments, length- funding will allow these emergency programs Congress should also finally take up legisla-
ening the repayment schedule, and distributing to provide flexible assistance to small busi- tion to reform enormously important issues like
payments from general revenues instead of nesses and nonprofits. prescription drug costs and surprise billing.
the Hospital Insurance Fund. Again, thanks to congressional Democrats, These issues have long plagued our broken
For all Americans, we added $25 billion for this legislation also includes an additional $75 healthcare system, and they will continue to
testing, which is pivotal to reopening the econ- billion in relief to hospitals and health care do so once we beat this virus.
omy and resuming our lives. The Trump Ad- providers for expenses or lost revenue attrib- Lastly, we must begin moving to the next
ministration has agreed to a national strategic utable to COVID–19. While I believe we need phase of this crisis: economic recovery. Con-
testing policy focused on increasing domestic much more than $75 billion, these additional gress must pass legislation that creates jobs
testing capacity, including testing supplies. funds will be crucial for helping providers who and rebuilds our decaying infrastructure. As
I am also voting today to establish a bipar- are bearing the brunt of this crisis, including Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastruc-
tisan House Select Committee on the Community Health Centers and rural providers ture Committee, I will continue to push for an
Coronavirus Crisis, which will help ensure we who are facing layoffs and massive revenue infrastructure package that repairs the breach
fight this pandemic with an efficient, effective, shortfalls due to cancellation of ‘elective’ pro- left by years of neglect—that rebuilds failing
and science-based federal response which cedures. bridges, restores crumbling highways, and
saves lives and spends taxpayer dollars wise- Congressional Democrats also fought for
puts people to work on projects with jobs that
ly. and secured $25 billion to expand our nation’s
cannot be exported.
The legislation we pass today will protect COVID–19 testing capacity, $11 billion of
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
countless American lives and livelihoods. which will go directly to states, localities, terri-
ESPAILLAT). The question is on the mo-
However, we have much more to do. Next, tories, and tribes to help them bolster testing
tion offered by the gentleman from
we must pass a CARES 2 Act that builds on shortfalls in their communities. Widespread
Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL) that the
the bipartisan CARES Act we passed last testing is the key to fighting this virus, reopen-
House suspend the rules and concur in
month, so we can keep helping our families, ing the economy, and protecting the health
the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R.
workers, and small businesses to stay safe, and wellbeing of Americans so that we can
266.
stay healthy, and make ends meet. safely begin to resume our normal lives. We
And because the Trump Administration also successfully inserted provisions to require The question was taken.
made the unconscionable decision to reject the Trump administration to finally create a na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the
more funding for state, local, and tribal gov- tional strategic testing plan that details how opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being
ernments so they can pay their essential work- our country will increase domestic testing ca- in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
ers, we must redouble our commitment to in- pacity, address disparities, and provide assist- Mr. BRADY. Mr. Speaker, on that I
clude that funding in CARES 2. If govern- ance and resources to states, localities, terri- demand the yeas and nays.
ments cannot pay first responders, transpor- tories, and tribes. The yeas and nays were ordered.
tation personnel, and other crucial workers, we This legislation is not without glaring omis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
are all put at grave risk. sions, though. Unfortunately, despite bipar- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro-
In these troubling times, the American peo- tisan support for additional funding, the Trump ceedings on this motion will be post-
ple are looking to Congress for support, guid- administration and congressional Republicans poned.
ance, and leadership in the fight against the refused to add any additional funding for state,
insidious COVID–19 virus. Today, tomorrow, local, and tribal governments. These entities— f
and every day, I will continue to do all I can who are on the front lines of this crisis—are in
to keep my constituents and my country safe, a dire financial position. I will continue to push PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF
and to provide the resources needed for the for this desperately-needed investment and to H.RES. 935, ESTABLISHING A SE-
development of a vaccine that will defeat this ensure that funding flows directly to smaller lo- LECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE
virus for good. calities. CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, today, I will vote Future legislation must also ensure strong
in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. support for families with an increase to SNAP The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
266—the Paycheck Protection Program and benefits to help put food on the table. Repub- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin-
Health Care Enhancement Act. licans stonewalled all efforts to include this in- ished business is the vote on adoption
This legislation builds upon and makes a crease in this legislation. of the resolution (H. Res. 938) providing
number of important improvements to the For our front-line workers, we are simply not for adoption of the resolution (H. Res.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secu- doing enough to support them. We need to 935) establishing a Select Sub-
rity (CARES) Act, which Congress passed less ensure that any additional legislation man- committee on the Coronavirus Crisis as
than a month ago to help our country continue dates that the Occupational Safety and Health a select investigative subcommittee of
the fight against COVID–19. Administration (OSHA) implements a robust the Committee on Oversight and Re-
Specifically, this legislation adds more than emergency temporary standard to strengthen form, on which the yeas and nays were
$300 billion to the Small Business Administra- protective measures for our health care work- ordered.
tion’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program ers, first responders, postal carriers, retail em- The Clerk read the title of the resolu-
dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with HOUSE
(PPP), which has provided a critical lifeline to ployees, grocery workers, transportation work- tion.
small businesses around the country as we ers, and more. We should also be supporting The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
continue to deal with the economic fall-out these individuals with hazard pay as they con- question is on the resolution.
from this global pandemic. I am proud that tinue to report to work and risk exposure to The vote was taken by electronic de-
Democrats stood our ground and were able to COVID–19 in order to perform their essential vice, and there were—yeas 212, nays
carve out $60 billion from this fund for small duties for the betterment of our communities. 182, not voting 35, as follows:
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