Congressional Record, Senate, May 14, 2020, Page S2461 — Coronavirus
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated May 14, 2020, at page S2461. It begins with the end of bill text requiring reports on repression in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by the Government of the People's Republic of China, including internment camps, forced labor and mass surveillance technology. Mr. McConnell then says House Democrats released a coronavirus relief bill with a staggering pricetag, more than the first four coronavirus response bills combined, and Mr. Cornyn speaks under Coronavirus. The page ends with Executive Calendar business and lists of Navy officers nominated for promotion.
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, Senate, May 14, 2020, Page S2461 — Coronavirus.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-05-14-crec-2020-05-14-pt1-pgs2461-6309950303/
, SHA-256 e5b55c8b69cec7ef75771dc4741ca418d134bddc2e69c7e0840026baaeac53e2.Full text
May 14, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2461
(3) to the extent practicable, an assessment (1) an assessment of the national and re- It certainly seems to be a different
of the number of individuals in the region in gional security threats posed to the United approach than the one taken by the
forced labor camps; States by the policies of the Government of House. Earlier this week, House Demo-
(4) a description of the methods used by the People’s Republic of China in Xinjiang
People’s Republic of China authorities to
crats released a so-called coronavirus
Uyghur Autonomous Region;
‘‘reeducate’’ detainees in internment camps, (2) a description of— relief bill. You might say they kind of
including a list of government agencies of (A) the acquisition or development of tech- mailed it in because they haven’t been
the People’s Republic of China in charge of nology by the Government of the People’s here for the last 2 weeks, but it has an
such reeducation; Republic of China to facilitate internment absolutely staggering pricetag—$3 tril-
(5) an assessment of the use and nature of and mass surveillance in Xinjiang Uyghur lion, with a ‘‘t.’’ That is more than we
forced labor in and related to the detention Autonomous Region, including technology spent in the first four coronavirus re-
of Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang Uyghur Au- related to predictive policing and large-scale sponse bills combined.
tonomous Region, including a description of data collection and analysis; and I tell my constituents, when I am
foreign companies and industries directly (B) the threats that the acquisition, devel- talking to them on a videoconference
benefitting from such labor; opment, and use of such technologies pose to
(6) an assessment of the level of access to call or teleconference, that 2 months
the United States;
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region grant- (3) a list of Chinese companies that are in- ago, I never would have imagined that
ed by the Government of the People’s Repub- volved in— the Senate would be voting on trillion-
lic of China to foreign diplomats and con- (A) constructing or operating the intern- dollar bills, but now apparently the
sular agents, independent journalists, and ment camps in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous House wants to make this a routine
representatives of nongovernmental organi- Region; or way to do business and particularly
zations; (B) providing or operating mass surveil- without much debate.
(7) an assessment of the mass surveillance, lance technology in Xinjiang Uyghur Auton- As astounding as that figure is, the
predictive policing, and other methods used omous Region; and biggest issue with that bill isn’t the
by the Government of the People’s Republic (4) a description of the role of the Xinjiang
of China to violate the human rights of per-
cost or the fact that Speaker PELOSI
Production and Construction Corps in in-
sons in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Re- ternment and forced labor in Xinjiang
and her party drafted it in secret but
gion; Uyghur Autonomous Region. that they released the 1,800-page bill
(8) a description of the frequency with (c) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required text on Tuesday, and they plan to vote
which foreign governments are forcibly re- under subsection (a) shall be submitted in an on it tomorrow. Unbelievable.
turning Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, unclassified form, but may contain a classi- It would be an understatement to say
and other refugees and asylum seekers to the fied annex. there are concerns with this kind of
People’s Republic of China; SEC. 10. CLASSIFIED REPORT. legislating. I would call it legislative
(9) a description, as appropriate, of United The Director of National Intelligence, in malpractice, to be kind. It is not just
States diplomatic efforts with allies and consultation with such elements of the Intel- from Republicans or the administra-
other nations— ligence Community as the Director deems
(A) to address the gross violations of
tion or the American people; the
appropriate, shall submit a classified report
human rights in Xinjiang Uyghur Autono- Speaker’s own Members are begging for
to the Select Committee on Intelligence of
mous Region; and the Senate and the Permanent Select Com- additional time to review this massive
(B) to protect asylum seekers from the re- mittee on Intelligence of the House of Rep- bill. Unlike the previous coronavirus
gion; and resentatives that assesses the ability of the response bills passed here in Congress,
(10) the identification of the offices within United States Government to collect and there have been no bipartisan discus-
the Department of State that are responsible analyze intelligence regarding— sions in the production of that bill
for leading and coordinating the diplomatic (1) the scope and scale of the detention and from the House—not with House Re-
efforts referred to in paragraph (9). forced labor of Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, publicans, not with the administration,
SEC. 8. REPORT ON PROTECTING CITIZENS AND Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim mi-
RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES and certainly not with us. I can assure
nority groups in the People’s Republic of
FROM INTIMIDATION AND COER-
China;
you that this legislation looks just like
CION.
(2) the gross violations of human rights the kind of product that you would ex-
Not later than 90 days after the date of the pect from that type of flawed process.
perpetrated inside the internment camps in
enactment of this Act, the Director of the It is partisan; it is unaffordable; it is
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; and
Federal Bureau of Investigation, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of State, shall sub-
(3) other policies of the Government of the unrealistic; and it stands absolutely no
mit a report to the Committee on Foreign People’s Republic of China in Xinjiang chance of becoming law.
Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Uyghur Autonomous Region that constitute We all know that legislation drafted
the Judiciary of the Senate, the Select Com- gross violations of human rights. in a vacuum by one political party in
mittee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I one Chamber isn’t a good-faith effort
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House suggest the absence of a quorum. to try to survive, much less address,
of Representatives, the Committee on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The this pandemic crisis. It is a political
Judiciary of the House of Representatives, clerk will call the roll. statement as much as anything else, a
and the Permanent Select Committee on In- The bill clerk proceeded to call the
telligence of the House of Representatives
liberal wish list which, if passed—
roll. which it will not be—would sink us fur-
that outlines all of the efforts to protect
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask ther in debt without the benefit of ad-
United States citizens and residents, includ-
ing ethnic Uyghurs and Chinese nationals le- unanimous consent that the order for dressing the problems we are actually
gally studying or working temporarily in the the quorum call be rescinded. facing.
United States, who have experienced harass- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without When this legislation was announced,
ment or intimidation within the United objection, it is so ordered. Speaker PELOSI said:
States by officials or agents of the Govern- f We all know we must put more money in
ment of the People’s Republic of China.
the pockets of the American people. This is
SEC. 9. REPORT ON SECURITY AND ECONOMIC CORONAVIRUS
IMPLICATIONS OF REPRESSION IN
not only necessary for their survival, but it
XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, since is also a stimulus to the economy.
REGION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF the Senate returned to Washington 2 But the ones set to reap the biggest
THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. weeks ago after about a 6-week hiatus, benefits from this bill aren’t the ones
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days we have accomplished quite a bit on a struggling to make ends meet. Actu-
after the date of the enactment of this Act, bipartisan basis. We have confirmed
the Director of National Intelligence, in co-
ally, what Speaker PELOSI is appar-
ordination with the Secretary of State, shall
national security nominees; we have ently trying to do is help some of the
submit a report to the Committee on For- held hearings to examine liability limi- wealthiest people in America.
tations, coronavirus testing, safely get- This legislation would reinstate the
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eign Relations of the Senate, the Select
Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the ting back to work and school, and the so-called SALT deduction—the State
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House impact of the pandemic on broadband. and local tax deduction—and thrust
of Representatives, and the Permanent Se- In short, the Senate has been working, that burden of subsidizing the wealthi-
lect Committee on Intelligence of the House
on a bipartisan basis, to understand est people in the bluest parts of the
of Representatives on the matters described
in subsection (b). the challenges that this virus has cre- country on the rest of us. We were able
(b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.— The report ated so we can provide targeted re- to cap that in a fair and realistic way
required under subsection (a) shall include— forms. in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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S2462 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 14, 2020
Prior to that tax reform, taxpayers lutely no sense, particularly in the face are able to get back on their feet, but
who itemized their returns could de- of a crisis like the coronavirus. This I am afraid this move would stunt—
duct the amount of State and local isn’t an attempt to support those who would retard—any hope of economic re-
taxes they paid with no limit. So, if are struggling to make ends meet. covery, and it would deepen the hiring
you lived in a high-tax State like New That is who we ought to be focusing on: struggle businesses are already fac-
York, there was no limit to your abil- the people who are not getting a pay- ing—and I am glad that they are hir-
ity to deduct those State and local check because their business has been ing—and ensure that the ‘‘Sorry, we’re
taxes. You know who paid for it? The shut down, their restaurant, their bar, closed’’ sign remains on the door of
people of Indiana, the people of Alaska, their sports stadium. This is a get-out- Main Street businesses throughout the
the people of Texas, and the people of of-jail-free card for millionaires and country.
other States who more responsibly billionaires who don’t want to pay As we begin to recover from the eco-
dealt with their fiscal affairs. their fair share of taxes and would foist nomic crisis that this virus has caused,
Now, for the average American, this that unfairly onto others. our country will need a lot more from
change hasn’t even been a blip on the Now, I realize that is only a small Congress than a blank check written in
radar screen. For the millionaires and portion of the bill. After all, it is a $3 a back room. Rushing to appear to do
billionaires, though, the ones Speaker trillion bill. So let’s dive into a couple something while doing absolutely noth-
PELOSI’s bill would benefit most di- of other things—changes, for example, ing, which is what House Democrats
rectly, this was a huge blow. they would make in unemployment in- have done, will not do any good unless
People say, well, the wealthy ought surance. The CARES Act we passed—I we are taking the time to find out
to pay more. Well, OK. Here is a way think it was March 25—expanded unem- what America’s healthcare profes-
for them to do it in the right way, but ployment benefits to include workers sionals, small businesses, and workers
it is also a way to hold your State and who would not typically be eligible for actually need.
local jurisdictions accountable for the those benefits, the self-employed and That is what we are doing every day:
high taxes they pass, only to pre- independent contractors. It also pro- listening. How is what we have already
viously allow those taxes to be de- vided an additional $600 of Federal ben- done working? What are the mistakes
ducted from the Federal income tax, so efit on top of the State’s unemploy- that need to be corrected? Where are
this is a matter of political account- ment benefit through the end of July, the gaps that need to be filled—at a
ability for them, too. for 4 months. time when about a half-trillion dollars
I am sure the wealthiest Americans The theory behind that was to pro- of that money from the CARES Act
were delighted to see that the Demo- vide workers who lost their jobs with isn’t even out the door yet from the
crats’ response to what Speaker PELOSI the money they needed to pay for the Main Street lending facility that is
necessities of life until the economy being set up through the Federal Re-
called the biggest catastrophe in our
could reopen and they could go back to serve.
Nation’s history would allow them,
work. I am not blaming Treasury. I am just
once again, to reap the benefits of this Slowly but surely, businesses across
no-limit deduction. If the SALT cap saying, they are covered up, and they
this country are starting to reopen are working 24/7, but let’s see how what
were removed, they would receive an their doors—safely and gradually re-
average tax cut of nearly $60,000. That we have already done works before we
open their doors—and many are facing continue to shovel more money aim-
is higher than the household income an unlikely burden, which is now get-
for many Texans and many Americans. lessly out the door.
ting people to come back to work. Over Earlier this week, the Judiciary
To make matters worse, this would the last several weeks, I have heard
sink our country further in debt. Committee held a hearing to examine
Texas businesses struggling to rehire liability around the coronavirus pan-
The nonpartisan Joint Committee on their employees because they are mak-
Tax estimates that doing away with demic. One of our witnesses was Kevin
ing more from unemployment than Smartt, a Texan from Bonham, TX—
the SALT cap would cost about $700 they would if they worked.
billion over the next 7 years, with al- the home of Sam Rayburn—who is CEO
And it is not an isolated issue. Ac- and President of Kwik Chek food
most 95 percent of the benefit going to cording to the Texas Workforce Com-
those making at least $200,000 and more stores. I think he has 47 fast-food
mission that administers our unem-
than half going to those making more stores. In his opening statement, he
ployment insurance program, 80 per-
than $1 million a year. outlined the steps that Kwik Chek
cent of the people are making more
Now, we have spent a lot of money in took to protect the safety of its em-
money on unemployment than they
the last couple of months, but we have ployees and customers while con-
were when previously employed—80
done so in the face of an emergency— tinuing to provide access to essential
percent.
kind of like the civilian equivalent of Now, that clearly was a mistake in items like food and fuel.
World War II—fighting this virus, both They followed the constantly shifting
the underlying bill. It is true that,
the public health and the economic guidelines from the CDC and other Fed-
when you do something that big and
consequences, so we are already look- eral, State, and local government agen-
that fast, you are going to make some
ing at staggering debt that we are cies and adjusted and adapted accord-
mistakes, but nobody can think this is
going to have to deal with at some sound public policy: to pay people more ingly. Like millions of businesses
point because it is immoral to expect for not working than when they do across the country, Kwik Chek imple-
our kids and grandkids to pay that work. mented strict cleaning protocols. They
money back after we have already Here is what House Democrats do. installed sneeze guards in their stores,
cashed those checks. They extend that mistake through they put markers on the floor to help
But this just adds insult to injury, next January, providing even less of an customers maintain social distancing,
what Speaker PELOSI and House Demo- incentive for workers to find new jobs. and they made every effort to obtain
crats are trying to do. Even the liberal The United States can’t be the success- masks and hand sanitizer, but have
Tax Policy Center reported that one- ful economy that we are capable of often struggled to overcome supply dis-
third of the SALT deduction went to being or have been by encouraging peo- ruptions.
the top 1 percent. We hear our Demo- ple not to work. At a certain point, In his testimony, Kevin said:
crat friends talk about income inequal- these benefits are going to do more Unfortunately, despite trying to do every-
thing we can to protect the health and safety
ity and the top 1 percent needing to harm than good, and I would say they of our customers and employees during this
pay more. Well, then, their actions are
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are already starting to do that. So, ex- pandemic, my companies now have targets
directly contrary to their rhetoric. We tending unemployment benefits to next on our back because our doors have remained
know 80 percent of the benefit went to year would deter people from trying to open. That’s just not right. We are all in this
the top 20 percent income earners. return to work because, why would together, and my businesses shouldn’t be-
Now, we are not trying to start a they? Why would someone choose to do come targets for liability threats just be-
civil war here between people who are more work for less money? cause they serve their communities.
doing well and people who are not Well, I understand the need to sup- I found this is a common fear for
doing well, but this just makes abso- port the American people until they businesses small and large alike, as
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May 14, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE CORRECTION S2463
well as for our dedicated healthcare proceed to executive session for the en indicated while assigned to a position of im-
professionals. Can you imagine serving bloc consideration of Executive Cal- portance and responsibility under title 10,
on the frontline of this fight against endar Nos. 583 and 633 through 639 and U.S.C., section 601:
the pandemic, doing everything you all nominations on the Secretary’s To be vice admiral
can possibly do to help people who are desk; that the nominations be con- Rear Adm. Eugene H. Black, III
sick and injured, and, despite acting in firmed; that the motions to reconsider NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE SECRETARY’S
good faith to protect employees, cus- be considered made and laid upon the DESK
tomers, or patients, we know that a table with no intervening action or de- IN THE ARMY
certain element of the bar are lining up bate; and that the President be imme- PN1463 ARMY nominations (965) beginning
to file opportunistic lawsuits against diately notified of the Senate’s action, WILLIAM P. ABBOTT, and ending D015041,
these hard-working men and women, all en bloc, and the Senate then resume which nominations were received by the Sen-
people who I think we all consider to legislative session. ate and appeared in the Congressional
be heroes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Record of February 4, 2020.
Across the country, lawsuits have al- PN1464 ARMY nominations (628) beginning
objection, it is so ordered.
ready begun rolling in by the hundreds. DAVIS M. ABT, and ending D014989, which
The nominations considered and con- nominations were received by the Senate and
Unless we take action, we are going to firmed are as follows
wake up from this pandemic only to appeared in the Congressional Record of Feb-
IN THE ARMY ruary 4, 2020.
find ourselves in a legal nightmare. PN1465 ARMY nominations (628) beginning
Now, I want to be clear. Bad actors The following named Army National Guard
of the United States officer for appointment JAMIE E. ABEL, and ending D014063, which
don’t deserve blanket immunity. We nominations were received by the Senate and
in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indi-
are all in agreement on that point, but cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 appeared in the Congressional Record of Feb-
hard-working Americans who are try- and 12211: ruary 4, 2020.
ing to do the best thing and follow, in PN1466 ARMY nominations (40) beginning
To be major general
good faith, the guidance that their gov- ADESOLA O. ADEPEGBA, and ending
ernment gives them deserve a safe har- Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean, II G010437, which nominations were received by
bor from frivolous litigation and nui- IN THE AIR FORCE the Senate and appeared in the Congres-
sance lawsuits. This Chamber is full of The following named Air National Guard of sional Record of February 4, 2020.
lawyers—Democrat lawyers, Repub- the United States officers for appointment in PN1522 ARMY nomination of Jamal D.
the Reserve of the Air Force to the grade in- Snell, which was received by the Senate and
lican lawyers—who are well aware of appeared in the Congressional Record of Feb-
dicated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203
just how damaging this unlimited liti- ruary 12, 2020.
and 12212:
gation that will ensue will be on our PN1640 ARMY nomination of Kelly L.
economic recovery. To be brigadier general
French, which was received by the Senate
While House Democrats have been Col. Michael W. Bank and appeared in the Congressional Record of
crafting their dead-on-arrival liberal Col. Monica M. Brouse March 2, 2020.
wish list, we have been working on leg- Col. Allan R. Cecil PN1696 ARMY nomination of William A.
Col. Michael A. Comstock Forbes, which was received by the Senate
islation which can and should gain bi-
Col. Kevin V. Doyle and appeared in the Congressional Record of
partisan support and protect our front- Col. Akshai M. Gandhi
line workers in the process. March 16, 2020.
Col. Thomas C. Hannon
We are working on legislation to pro- Col. Thomas J. James IN THE MARINE CORPS
vide liability protections for the men Col. David W. Manson PN1366 MARINE CORPS nominations (2)
and women who have supported us Col. John J. Ptak, Jr. beginning JEFFREY T. JONES, II, and end-
through this crisis and who will be the Col. Michael D. Stohler ing JUAN F. RODRIGUEZ, which nomina-
key to our recovery from this crisis. Col. Edwin A. VanDerWolde tions were received by the Senate and ap-
We simply must protect those who Col. Mark A. Vavra peared in the Congressional Record of Janu-
ary 6, 2020.
have acted in good faith from having to IN THE ARMY
PN1487 MARINE CORPS nominations (6)
defend costly legal battles—only to The following named officer for appoint- beginning MATTHEW S. BREEN, and ending
win—only to lose their business be- ment in the United States Army to the grade REYES J. RIVAS, which nominations were
cause they can’t survive that addi- indicated while assigned to a position of im- received by the Senate and appeared in the
tional burden—going through the pan- portance and responsibility under title 10, Congressional Record of February 4, 2020.
demic, the shutdown, only to find, just U.S.C., section 601: PN1488–1 MARINE CORPS nominations
when you think you are coming out of To be lieutenant general (395) beginning BRETT D. ABBAMONTE, and
it, that you are being drowned with Maj. Gen. Gary M. Brito ending JASON C. YURISIC, which nomina-
litigation costs. IN THE NAVY tions were received by the Senate and ap-
I believe we should continue to pro- peared in the Congressional Record of Feb-
The following named officers for appoint- ruary 4, 2020.
vide an opportunity to seek legal re- ment in the United States Navy to the grade PN1658–1 MARINE CORPS nominations
course for those who act willfully or indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: (106) beginning JOSHUA D. ANDERSON, and
exercise reckless disregard for the To be rear admiral ending SCOTT W. ZIMMERMAN, which
health and safety of others. Those are Rear Adm. (lh) Carl P. Chebi nominations were received by the Senate and
the kinds of cases that deserve, in my Rear Adm. (lh) David A. Goggins appeared in the Congressional Record of
opinion, access to compensation. Rear Adm. (lh) Douglas W. Small March 2, 2020.
Make no mistake, our country’s road The following named officer for appoint- IN THE NAVY
to recovery isn’t going to be easy, and ment in the United States Navy to the grade PN1482 NAVY nomination of Daniel M.
we have already caught a glimpse of indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: Wiegrefe, which was received by the Senate
the next epidemic, the lawsuit epi- To be rear admiral (lower half) and appeared in the Congressional Record of
demic, that is waiting around the cor- Capt. Rick Freedman February 4, 2020.
ner. The following named officers for appoint-
PN1570 NAVY nomination of Katherine L.
Unlike House Democrats, who are ment in the United States Navy to the grade
Jaudon, which was received by the Senate
moving full-speed ahead, the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of
indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624:
has chosen to tap the brakes and figure February 13, 2020.
To be rear admiral (lower half)
sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE
out the best way to avoid hitting the PN1654 NAVY nomination of Paul D. Sar-
Capt. Susan Bryerjoyner gent, which was received by the Senate and
brakes, economically and from a public appeared in the Congressional Record of
Capt. John A. Watkins
health perspective. March 2, 2020.
The following named officers for appoint-
f ment in the United States Navy to the grade PN1657 NAVY nomination of Christopher
indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: C. Supko, which was received by the Senate
EXECUTIVE SESSION
and appeared in the Congressional Record of
To be rear admiral (lower half)
March 2, 2020.
Capt. Mark A. Melson PN1697 NAVY nomination of James G.
EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Capt. Michael S. Sciretta Buckley, which was received by the Senate
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask The following named officers for appoint- and appeared in the Congressional Record of
unanimous consent that the Senate to ment in the United States Navy to the grade March 16, 2020.
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