Heroes Act (Cong. Rec., May 20, 2020)
Summary
Page S2526 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for May 20, 2020, headed Heroes Act, in interleaved columns. A speaker on trade says China entered the World Trade Organization though it was already the sixth richest nation by GDP in 2000, and that it jealously guards a sweetheart deal, which is that speaker's argument. The same speaker proposes mutual trade and strong partners as a counterweight to China's Belt and Road Initiative. A Memorial Day tribute remembers SGT Joseph Milledge, killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his unit, and thanks servicemembers.
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“Heroes Act (Cong. Rec., May 20, 2020).”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-05-20-crec-2020-05-20-pt1-pgs2526-2-456a333028/
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S2526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 20, 2020
China entered the organization even We in America cannot compromise would serve as a powerful counter-
though China was already the sixth our sovereign right to protect the weight to China’s expanding Belt and
richest nation in the world by GDP in American people and their livelihoods, Road Initiative, and it would boost de-
the year 2000. China jealously guards so we must replace an empire of law- mand for our products, raising wages
that sweetheart deal even today, allow- yers with the confederation of truly and creating good jobs along the way.
ing it to defer its obligations, to skirt mutual trade. Mutual trade will re- Here again, our aim must be to build
the rules we follow, and to continue to quire a new approach to dispute resolu- networks of strong partners able to
amass power at our expense. tion, one that will offer nations flexi- stand tall against Chinese aggression
I could go on. bility and choice, allow countries to while strengthening our workers and
The WTO places strict limits on the litigate trade disputes like a private fostering our industries.
support we can provide our farmers and contract, through third-party arbitra- A new departure is upon us whether
ranchers, even as other nations refuse tion chosen by the parties on a case-by- we like it or not. The old order is giv-
to comply with WTO rulings in favor of case basis, with ground rules agreed ing way. The future need not be lim-
our producers. upon by both sides and subject to revi- ited, however, not for this country.
It is clear that the WTO is deeply sions as circumstances warrant, or This moment is full of promise if we
flawed. The institution’s design makes allow countries to set up enforcement have the courage to lead.
it nearly impossible to reform, as we procedures within the trade agree- We can build a future that looks be-
saw during the failed go-around, and it ments themselves, like we have done in yond pandemic to prosperity—a pros-
remains completely ill-equipped to deal our recent phase 1 negotiations with perity shared by all Americans, from
with forced technology transfer and in- China. On either approach, choices over the rural towns of our country to the
tellectual property theft like we have urban core.
trade will be made and policies will be
seen from China for decades. We can build a future that looks past
set, as they should be, by elected lead-
The American people get the idea. No a failed consensus to meet the national
trade regime can last when it no longer ers who are accountable to the people, security needs of this new century.
serves the people of the countries that not by a court sitting in Geneva. We can build a future that transcends
But reform should not stop at trade. the narrow thinking of the Washington
are part of it. The truth is, our inter-
We must also think seriously about beltway and that gives confidence to
ests and those of the WTO diverged
what occurs upstream from trade, and American workers and to the commu-
many years ago. The WTO is a symbol
that means global capital. There is a nities they call home.
of an economic order whose Wilsonian
reason why Wall Street loves the sta- With a global economy that better
ambitions have cost this country dear-
tus quo. There is a reason why they suits our interests, that better protects
ly, enabling and empowering the rise of
an imperialist China. will object to leaving the WTO and re- our people, we can find the strength
Now, American leadership is re- sist major reforms to our global eco- and purpose to counter the gravest
quired—it is essential—to chart a new nomic order. That is because they are danger to American workers in a cen-
course. This Nation has never been on a gravy train of foreign capital tury and to unleash again the promise
content to linger in the rear while oth- flows that keep their checkbooks fat. of our unique and marvelous way of
ers lead the way, and we will not begin But this foreign money pouring into life.
now. We will lead. We will act. our country has a distorting effect. We To my colleagues in the Senate, I
I call on this body to do its part by get asset bubbles that could spur reces- say: It is time to lead.
taking a vote to withdraw from the sions, and our exporters have trouble Thank you.
WTO. The agreement by which we selling abroad. Our farmers and pro- I yield the floor.
joined that organization expressly af- ducers know this problem all too well. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
fords us this right. It commits to Con- So now we must work for new agree- ator from Iowa is recognized.
gress—both Houses—the right to de- ments and better managed capital mar- POLITICAL PRISONERS
bate the WTO’s workings and the right kets to stop currency manipulators and Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I
to vote to continue in the WTO or to to protect this Nation’s producers. By rise for two reasons: one, for a very
withdraw. This is a right—it is our re- moderating these flows of foreign short comment on political prisoners
sponsibility, really—that the Senate money, we can help give a much needed in foreign lands, and the other one on
has never exercised since 1995, not one boost to our producers at home and fi- how the CARES Act is developing and
time. We are past due. nally reverse our massive trade deficit the reaction to it.
We should take up our responsibility with China and with the world. First of all, our country is now hope-
and debate this issue critical to the fu- Finally, actions at home are only fully recovering from COVID–19, so I
ture of our country, and we should vote part of the solution. Trade and current want to take this opportunity to ad-
to leave. To begin a new era, we must policy, after all, are not made in a vac- dress the plight of an extremely vul-
end the old. So let’s vote, and let it be uum. The world is changing, and if we nerable population—political prisoners
a new beginning. Let the work begin in are to halt China’s bid for hegemony abroad.
earnest to forge a new way forward. over the coming decades, we will need In Turkey, Syria, China, and a lot of
Thinking of that future, I offer two to work with our allies and partners to other countries, political prisoners re-
principles to guide our policy. do it. So it is in America’s interest to main locked away in crowded prisons
First, as a member of the world econ- see that other free nations grow strong without adequate medical care. The
omy, we must never privilege the pref- and that we are able to work together spread of COVID–19 among this popu-
erences of other nations or multilat- to deter and defeat Chinese economic lation dramatically increases the risk
eral institutions over the needs of our coercion. of serious medical consequences or
own people and our own workers. As We benefit if countries that share our even death.
the leader of the free world, we must opposition to Chinese imperialism— Authoritarian regimes only risk fur-
empower other countries to resist Chi- countries like India, Japan, Vietnam, ther destabilization of their countries
nese imperialism at every turn, wheth- Australia, and Taiwan—are economi- by jailing the innocent. Political pris-
er on their own or standing together cally independent of China and stand- oners ought to be released, and they
with us as a coalition. ing shoulder to shoulder with us. So we ought to be released now.
To put these principles into action, should actively pursue new networks of HEROES ACT
we must leave the WTO and construct mutual trade with key Asian and Euro- Madam President, at the beginning of
a new trade system that helps the pean partners, like the economic pros- March, we worked to get ahead of the
United States grow strong. This new perity network recently mentioned by COVID pandemic, and an amazing
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system should retain and deepen the Secretary Pompeo. thing happened. Congress came to-
principle of reciprocity. It should en- We should offer partner nations new gether quickly and developed a broad
courage cooperation and market access incentives to support the purchase of package of measures to provide relief
but without compromising nations’ our products made here in America by to families, workers, and businesses to
economic sovereignty and their inter- American workers. A new system of ex- weather the COVID–19 event and the
nal control of their own economies. port financing and loan guarantees crisis that it is.
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May 20, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2527
Coronavirus aid, relief, and economic losses—or, as we call them in tax jar- nesses in recent years operate as pass-
security—those words make up the gon, NOLs—just like Congress did in through entities. Pass-through busi-
CARES Act—included a broad range of 2002 after 9/11, in 2005 for taxpayers af- nesses include some of those hardest
tools: first, direct payments to individ- fected by Hurricane Katrina, and again hit by this pandemic we are in, like
uals and families; second, it expanded in 2009 after the financial crisis. farmers, restaurants, manufacturers,
unemployment insurance benefits for Those were actually bipartisan relief retailers, and healthcare providers.
the unemployed; third, lending pro- efforts just like the CARES Act. These They employ over half of America’s
grams for businesses of all sizes; and provisions are temporary. They are de- workers. Yet the Democrats want to
fourth, targeted tax relief to help busi- signed to terminate after the recovery take them on.
nesses continue operations and keep is in full force. It is critical that these businesses
workers on the payroll. While it seems longer, you have to also survive this pandemic to ensure
Our objective for the tax provisions remember the CARES Act was enacted that Americans have jobs to return to
in the CARES Act was twofold: first, to just over 7 weeks ago. In that time, as it becomes safe to go back to work.
help individuals, families, and busi- Treasury has distributed economic im- I have heard some critics even suggest
nesses weather the storm caused by the pact payments far faster than ex- that allowing small businesses and
stay-at-home governmental decisions, pected. Americans have received ap- pass-throughs to use their net oper-
and second, lay as much of a founda- proximately 140 million economic im- ating losses is kind of a tax gimmick or
tion as possible for restarting the econ- pact payments worth $249 billion. Over loophole. Apparently, they don’t under-
omy once businesses could start to re- 4.3 million small businesses have been stand that these are real economic
open and Americans could get back to approved for more than $500 billion of losses that businesses incur because
work. loans under the Paycheck Protection there isn’t enough income to cover
The CARES Act came together Program and businesses of all sizes payroll, rent, utilities, and other fixed
through a bipartisan process, and that have started to use the tax tools that expenses.
process took place over 8 short days we provided for their liquidity. The whole goal of the CARES Act is
and ultimately and amazingly passed But in that time, the critics have to help businesses tap cash paid as
the Senate 96 to 0 on March 25. The also done what they do best: They taxes in prior years when times were
House passed it by a voice vote 2 days criticize. The media has seized on an very good, so that they can survive
later, and President Trump signed it opportunity to perpetuate every nega- through this current crisis. When we
into law that same day. tive story that critics can manufac- drafted the CARES Act, we didn’t pick
As chairman of the Finance Com- ture. You can imagine my surprise winners and losers, and government
mittee, my approach for tax relief was when Democrats criticized the net op- shouldn’t pick winners and losers. The
to provide as much liquidity as possible erating loss carryback provisions in
tools generally apply to all types and
and as quickly as possible. For individ- the CARES Act. Oddly, Democrats pre-
sizes of businesses, from farmers and
uals, that meant providing the Treas- viously supported the last three bills,
sole proprietorships to partnerships, to
ury Department with authority to where we expanded the net operating
LLCs and S corporations, to the large
issue nearly $300 billion in economic loss carrybacks in 2002, 2005, and even
corporations. They apply across all in-
impact payments to families across the in 2009—in the last instance, with all-
dustries, since nearly every sector is
Nation. This economic impact payment Democratic rule.
was $1,200 for an individual, $2,400 for a I don’t recall, in any of those in- bearing the burden of stay-at-home and
couple, and $500 for each child. That stances, any partisan attacks from shutdown orders across our entire Na-
went out in checks or direct deposit. It Democrats about this previously bipar- tion.
tisan, anti-recessionary policy tools. Most importantly, we didn’t try to
also meant giving individuals access to
So why now? Sadly, that irrespon- decide which jobs were more worthy of
cash in retirement accounts, sus-
sibility has led our Democratic col- saving than other types of jobs. Our
pending required distributions from re-
tirement accounts already hit by steep leagues in the House to pass legislation goal was to help preserve as many jobs
declines in the stock market, and giv- that would take back important tax as possible, regardless of whatever
ing employers more flexibility to help tools that we have provided in the business they were in. Those objectives
employees with student loan payments. CARES Act to the tune of $254 billion, were the right ones.
Many of these tools are similar to and that is a tax increase on the Amer- This partisan tax increase also flies
ones made available to help families ican businesses, and with more taxes, in the face of anti-recessionary fiscal
recover from natural disasters in re- less employees. policy 101. Find me a credible econo-
cent years. So we were not reinventing It is hard to understand how the mist who says that we should raise
policy for this pandemic; we were mak- House Democrats think that this pol- taxes in a normal recession. It is just
ing use of things we had already tried icy makes any sense. Imposing tax in- common sense not to. In a normal busi-
before. Each of these changes I just creases when you have a downturn— ness cycle downturn, tax increases
mentioned is a tool that can be imple- imposing a quarter of a trillion dollar hurt, rather than help, the recovery.
mented very quickly to help families retroactive tax increase on businesses Why double down now, as the House is
access the care they need to get in need of cash to restart their oper- doing, in the greatest and sharpest eco-
through these difficult times. ations as States begin to lift shutdown nomic contraction in modern history?
Going through the business tax relief orders—is a recipe for further disaster, The House Democrats have reverted
measures, our approach was to modify as opposed to the disaster we are al- to partisan politics, as usual, in the
existing provisions of the Tax Code, ready in. middle of the worst pandemic in more
easing limits and restrictions so that It makes one think that House than 100 years and the worst economic
businesses could apply for this help Democrats don’t want an economic re- crisis in nearly that long. Maybe, they
easily and quickly. The key was for covery, at least until they can defeat should think about former President
businesses to keep cash on hand if they President Trump. Imposing such a tax Obama’s support for this kind of anti-
hadn’t already filed or give refunds to increase when the country is facing un- recessionary fiscal policy back in 2009.
give them the liquidity to keep the employment levels not seen since the What former President Obama said
doors open, the machinery running, Great Depression fails the common then should apply now: Don’t raise
and most importantly, employees paid, sense test. taxes in a recession.
at least to the greatest extent possible. It is even more disturbing to the ex- Nevertheless, I am hopeful that we
Most of these tax measures have been tent that the House Democrats’ pro- can maintain the bipartisan spirit of
employed in previous economic crises posal targets small businesses and the CARES Act in the Senate as we
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
and natural disasters. Again, these other pass-through entities. Aren’t chart the next steps to reopen the
policies were not reinventing the these losses just as real as larger cor- economy and get Americans back to
wheel; we were taking advantage of porations and their need for liquidity work.
things that had worked in the past. possibly even greater? While some businesses will feel the
Particularly, we expanded the ability According to the Tax Foundation, impact of this pandemic more than
of businesses to use net operating more than 90 percent of American busi- others, none of these businesses are
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S2528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 20, 2020
doing well. They all deserve as many as it searched for weapons in Baghdad, families and loved ones who also make
tools as we can provide to weather this and he was just 23. It was the knock tremendous sacrifices, we appreciate
storm. What is more, employers across that I gave on his mother’s door to tell you and we support you. Because of the
the country who have been relying on her that her son would never be coming ongoing service of our military men
the CARES Act shouldn’t be deterred back home. and women, we will defeat this virus.
by the misguided tax hike proposed by Command SMA Marilyn Gabbard, the Folks, on this Memorial Day and dur-
the House Democrats. The messaging first woman in the Iowa Army National ing Military Appreciation Month, I
bill that the House just passed can’t be Guard to be promoted to the rank of pray we take time out of our lives, we
allowed to undermine access to capital Command Sergeant Major, was killed pause, and we remember all of those
needed to reopen their businesses, in Iraq in a Blackhawk helicopter who have made the ultimate sacrifice,
bring back employees, and win back crash. and the families and the friends and
the customers that made them success- These stories and many, many more loved ones whom they left behind.
ful before the pandemic attack. of these men and women of Iowa are To all of our soldiers, airmen, ma-
And to the Democratic critics, I say heartbreaking and heroic and the very rines, and sailors who never returned
this: Let’s put away the partisan at- reason for Memorial Day. home, today we honor you.
tacks. Let’s put away the political pan- For 23 years, I served alongside the May God bless our troops and their
dering. Let’s keep working for the good best of our Nation, women and men families.
of the country, so our families, busi- who risked absolutely everything to I yield the floor.
preserve our great freedoms. One of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
nesses, and economy really can come
many ways I pay tribute is through a ator from Missouri.
out of these tough times on a strong
ruck march. Every couple of months— Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, let me
footing and with the best shot at a join my other colleagues in apprecia-
rapid recovery. that is, until COVID–19—I would gather
tion for Senator ERNST and her service
I yield the floor. a group of people to go on a ruck
in Iraqi Freedom, her two decades of
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. march. I grab my rucksack, filled with
service, being ready and able to go
PERDUE). The Senator from Iowa. nearly 35 pounds of weight, and march
whenever she was called to go, and her
Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask down around the Washington Monu-
continued service here, and her appre-
unanimous consent to use my military ment and back. These marches offer
ciation for those who serve, which she
rucksack in my speech. time for us to remember and reflect on
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without feels in such a unique way.
the service and sacrifice of those in our She pointed out that this is a dif-
objection, it is so ordered. armed services. ferent Memorial Day. Communities
MEMORIAL DAY A couple of years ago, I went on the across Missouri and across the country
Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, on Mon- Bataan Memorial Death March in have traditional events that were long
day we honor the fallen on Memorial White Sands, NM. This is 26 miles. It is planned on Memorial Day. Every year,
Day. While we traditionally spend this a marathon in the desert, with a 46- Memorial Day looks the same. It will
day of remembrance with our family pound rucksack—not my typical 35 not look the same in very many places
and friends, things will look a little bit pounds. Folks, let me tell you, it was this year. If you did have a parade or
different this year. Even though we exhausting. My feet were blistered. My an event planned, it was probably can-
will not have the same services and legs were swollen and sore, and my celed weeks ago. Even with the best of
ceremonies that we typically take part back ached for days after. There were efforts, it was probably not put to-
in, it does not make this day any less times during that march when I gether for Monday.
important. Just like every year, on thought I couldn’t keep walking and I But it doesn’t mean that we still
this Memorial Day, let’s commemorate was probably dehydrated, and I just don’t have an opportunity and an obli-
the servicemembers and families who simply wanted to quit. But every gation, in fact, to remember those who
have sacrificed in defense of our free- minute and every mile was worth it be- served. Also, Memorial Day has long
dom. cause we were honoring the lives of the become a time, at least where I live, in
The freedoms we cherish, which are fallen, those who were on that Bataan the middle of the country—and it may
so often taken for granted, did not death march and others who had sac- be more southern and in southern Mis-
come without a price. For generations, rificed family, comfort, health, and, in souri than in other places. Memorial
American patriots have secured our so many cases, their lives. The Bataan Day really became a day to remember
blessings of liberty by willingly laying march really put the meaning behind all of those who have gone before us,
down their lives in defense of our great Memorial Day into focus. those who passed along values to us,
Nation. While this weekend is a time to re- those who have done things that made
Every fallen soldier leaves behind a flect on the sacrifice and lives lost, this life possible today.
grieving parent, child, sibling, spouse, entire month is Military Appreciation When I was growing up, sometimes
or friend. These family members and Month. So I want to take just a minute we called Memorial Day ‘‘Decoration
friends never forget that knock at the to commend our servicemembers. Dur- Day,’’ because it was the beginning of
door, the sound of Taps, the loud thun- ing this pandemic, our men and women the tradition of Memorial Day, and
der of the 21-gun salute, or the touch of in uniform have fought tirelessly people would go and decorate the
a folded flag once laid on a casket. against this invisible enemy, and they graves of soldiers after the Civil War.
As a combat veteran who served in have been doing an outstanding job. That has continued. Memorial Day be-
Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know that For instance, our troops have stepped came a time when families would go to
the men and women in uniform who up to care for patients in hospitals and cemeteries, and you sort of had the
served bravely alongside the fallen created deployable medical units, such genealogical lesson right there, as you
never forget either. I think of Iowans, as the Air Force expeditionary medical walked from gravestone to gravestone,
like Iraq War veteran Richard Miles, system, Army combat support hos- and it was explained to you how those
whose picture I proudly display on my pitals and field hospitals, and Navy ex- people were related to you.
desk; Iowa Army National Guardsman peditionary medical facilities. Mem- Many family members who were here
Brent Maher. bers of our U.S. Air Force have trans- last year aren’t here today and will not
Iowa National Guardsman James ported critical supplies around our Na- be here on Monday. Clearly, the
Carney, whose family are dear friends, tion. coronavirus pandemic has had a dev-
just 22 years old, was killed in Afghani- And the heroes who are near and dear astating impact on families. It has had
stan. Army SGT James ‘‘Jamie’’ to my heart, our National Guardsmen, a devastating impact on communities.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
Skalberg, Jr, died in combat in Afghan- have been working around the clock to It has had a devastating impact on
istan at just 25 years old, leaving be- disinfect public spaces, to hand out lives.
hind his beautiful son, who was not food, and to provide transportation and As we support this Memorial Day, as
even a year old when he lost his father. logistic support. we think about this Memorial Day, we
SGT Joseph Milledge was killed when To all of our servicemembers at home will be remembering a unique Memo-
a roadside bomb exploded near his unit, and abroad, thank you. And to their rial Day, where so many have given
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