Congressional Record, June 30, 2020, from Page S4023 — Senate
Summary
Page S4023 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for June 30, 2020. Under the heading Extending the Authority for Commitments for the Paycheck Protection Program, Mr. Cardin says he will make a UC request shortly, with Senator Scott on the floor. The remarks under that heading say $130 billion remains for the PPP program, mention 4,856,647 small businesses and the Labor Department's May estimate of 2.5 million jobs added, and describe set-asides for businesses with 10 employees or less and a needs-based approach tied to a 50 percent loss in revenue.
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“Congressional Record, June 30, 2020, from Page S4023 — Senate.”
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June 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4023
Mrs. Peters’ parents, Harold and Helen, We are all eternally grateful to the front- 4,856,647 small businesses. Quite frank-
have been married for 67 years. line workers who are caring for our loved ly, these are small businesses that very
For the past 11 years, Harold and Helen ones. well may not have been here today but
have been residents of a nearby retirement They deserve more than our praise.
for the PPP program. We kept them
community. They deserve protection. They deserve
As they grew older, they required differing testing. They deserve premium pay. alive, and we have saved jobs. The
levels of care. They decided to reside in The bill that I am hoping the Senate will Labor Department’s May estimate of
rooms across the hall from each other. pass will provide resources for all of that. 2.5 million jobs added—a large number
However, like the greatest love affairs, Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I yield as a result of the PPP funds.
even that separation could not keep them the floor. Small businesses need additional
apart. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. help. They need additional help. Times
According to Mrs. Peters, before COVID, have changed. We know, for example,
‘‘[t]hey spent the majority of their waking
PERDUE). The Senator from Maryland.
f that in the State of Texas and Florida,
hours together.’’
Their love knew no bounds. we are seeing a record number of infec-
EXTENDING THE AUTHORITY FOR tions just now. The need is still there.
Now, COVID is keeping them apart from
each other, their daughter and their ex- COMMITMENTS FOR THE PAY- We have mandatory closures of bars in
tended family. CHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM those States. We certainly didn’t an-
Mrs. Peters explained that in the middle of Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, shortly, ticipate that when we passed the legis-
lunch, her parents were told the facility I am going to make a UC request. I am lation last March. Small businesses
would be going into ‘‘lock down’’ and Helen need additional help. We don’t want to
not going to do it now because we are
would need to leave immediately.
Since then, Helen and Harold have only still working out some of the specific close the door on the PPP program.
been able to see each other and their daugh- details, and Senator SCOTT will be on The good news is that we have $130
ter through a sliding glass door. the floor when I do that, but let me billion remaining in the coffers for the
They have tried to visit with each other just explain while I am on the floor. PPP program. So the resources are
virtually, but that has its own challenges. My colleague Senator SHAHEEN, a there, the need is there, and we just
We know from experts that social isolation key member of the Small Business need to change the date. So the UC I
for seniors can have the same health impact am going to be making in a few mo-
Committee and one of the negotiators
as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. ments would change the deadline for
This very topic was the focus of a recent on the small business package, is on
the floor, and we are joined by Senator filing for a PPP loan from June 30 to
hearing in the Aging Committee.
Nursing homes and other long-term care SCHUMER, who has been a real cham- August 8. We picked August 8 because
facilities need resources in order to safely re- pion in making sure we get help to that is the end of the next work period.
open. America’s small businesses. I want to We certainly hope that by then, we are
They need dollars for PPE. They need dol- acknowledge the work of Senator going to have the next stimulus pack-
lars for testing. And they need dollars for age signed by the President of the
COONS, who I expect will be on the floor
their workforce. United States.
My bill would provide nursing homes with a little later. One of our key cospon-
sors in the next round of aid is Senator I must tell you, we need to do more
those resources.
It would give Harold and Helen the chance ROSEN. than just extend this date; we need
to be together. And, it would give their I want to acknowledge the cospon- round two of help for small businesses.
daughter and family peace of mind. sors of the unanimous consent request I am very pleased that I have had the
AMY LOWENTHAL—LATE FATHER: DAVID legislation, including myself and Sen- help of Senator SHAHEEN and Senator
LOWENTHAL, GERIATRICIAN IN PHILADELPHIA ator SCHUMER, Senator SHAHEEN, Sen- COONS. We filed legislation that targets
My office also heard from Amy Lowenthal. ator COONS, Senator ROSEN, and Sen- the next round. The first round was to
Amy’s father, Dr. David Lowenthal, was a ator COLLINS. get money out quicker to save small
nephrologist and professor who was trained I also want to acknowledge that this businesses. The second round needs to
as a doctor at Temple University and prac-
is bipartisan. I talked to Senator be targeted to those small businesses
ticed medicine in Philadelphia. that really need the help. That is why
Amy was told that he was the first resident RUBIO, and he has informed me that
our legislation targets it to small busi-
in his nursing home to test positive for this has cleared the hotline, so we are
nesses under 100 workers and those
COVID–19. hopeful that we will get this UC done
In explaining the care and treatment that that have economic needs that can be
today.
her father received after the diagnosis, she demonstrated and helping particularly
As we are waiting for the paperwork
told my office about the incredible kindness the underserved, underbanked commu-
to get to us, let me just explain what
of the nursing home’s workers. nity.
the UC does before I make the UC re- I was very pleased that this type of a
Call after call, looking in on her father,
Amy and her sisters said that nurses and quest. second round was acknowledged by
doctors ‘‘took the time to talk to her and an- The authority of the Small Business
Secretary Mnuchin at an oversight
swer her questions.’’ Administration to approve any more hearing before the Small Business and
‘‘The COVID ward staff were patient, em- Paycheck Protection Program loans Entrepreneurship Committee. There
pathic, and acted like my father was the expires at midnight tonight. With the
only patient on the ward.’’ have been good-faith negotiations with
deadline we established when we passed Senator RUBIO. We worked on this bi-
In the last hours of his life, Amy heard the CARES Act in March—that was a
from a hospice nurse asking if she would like partisan issue. I think we can get it
to FaceTime with her father one last time.
reasonable assumption in March. We done today.
She ‘‘thanked the nurse profusely for thought that by the end of June, our I am disappointed, though, that we
reaching out.’’ And when they connected, the economy would be back on track and are going to go into the recess sched-
nurse was holding her father’s hand and we would not need to have additional uled for the end of this week. We are
playing classical music for him. applications after that date. not coming back until July 20, and
According to Amy, the nurse said, ‘‘This Well, a lot has changed since March
breaks my heart. If it were my dad, I would
small businesses are going to run out
of this year, and we recognized that of money during that period of time.
hope someone would do the same for me.’’
when we passed the bipartisan Flexi- The small businesses that have used up
As Amy described, she never knew the
name of the nurse. She never saw her face bility Act. It changed the time period their PPP money and need additional
through the PPE, but Amy said that she will for use of PPP funds from 8 weeks to help are not going to get our attention
remember that nurse for the rest of her life. up to 24 weeks and changed the alloca- until we come back July 20. That is
‘‘She gave me the gift of one more moment tion that Treasury had established of wrong.
with my Dad. And, it would be my last.’’ using 75 percent of the funds for pay- We should have taken up this bill by
Amy concluded her correspondence with roll to 60 percent of the funds for pay- now. The House passed the Heroes Act
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
this ‘‘I often wonder what my Dad, a lifelong roll. We recognize that times have
physician and teacher, would have thought
months ago. We should have been tak-
of this last chapter of his life. But I do know
changed. ing this up now. As I said, small busi-
for sure that he would have been so grateful The PPP program is extremely pop- nesses have exhausted a lot of their
to those frontline workers who provided ular. As of 5 o’clock tonight, $520.6 bil- PPP funds, and we need to act.
warmth and comfort to his family during his lion of forgivable loans have been Tonight, we will have the oppor-
last days.’’ issued under the PPP program to tunity to extend the June 30 deadline
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S4024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 30, 2020
by the UC request. I am pleased that amendment to help those businesses tive burden, an inequity, and it is not
we are likely to be able to get that hurt by this crisis. really germane to what we are trying
done. The last day that we anticipate, I ask that Senator CARDIN modify his to do in moving forward with the sec-
the end of the work period—the next request and instead the Senate proceed ond round of the PPP program.
work period—we will have time to to the immediate consideration of S. With that, I would object to modi-
work together, act together, and hope- 4116, introduced earlier today, but that fying my unanimous consent request.
fully pass additional bipartisan help for my amendment at the desk be agreed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec-
small businesses in this country. Small to; further, that the bill, as amended, tion is heard on the modification.
businesses are the growth engine, job be considered read a third time and Is there an objection to the original
creator, innovator, and we need to act, passed; that the motion to reconsider request?
and we need to act tonight. be considered made and laid upon the The Senator from Florida.
With that in mind, I ask unanimous table. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President,
consent that the Senate proceed to the Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, reserv- first, I want to thank Senator CARDIN
immediate consideration of S. 4116, in- ing the right to object. for worrying about the businesses. I
troduced earlier today. I further ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Does the think the Senator is absolutely right. I
unanimous consent that the bill be Senator so modify his request? think we all can acknowledge that in
considered read a third time and passed Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, reserv- the original bill, it could have been
and that the motion to reconsider be ing the right to object to modifying the done better. So some of the businesses
considered made and laid upon the amendment, under my reservation, let that got it shouldn’t have probably
table. me first thank the Senator from Flor- gotten it in the beginning, and we
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ida. I agree with his concerns, and that could have targeted more for some of
objection? is why we are looking at additional the smaller businesses.
Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President. help for small businesses. I thank Senator CARDIN for what he
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The legislation that I filed with Sen- is doing. I am not going to stand in the
ator from Florida. ator SHAHEEN and Senator COONS in- way of this. I look forward to working
Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, cludes a needs-based approach to the with him to try to make sure that the
reserving the right to object. I want to next round of PPP loans because we money goes to people who actually
thank my colleague for bringing up are going to need to do more. need it and that it doesn’t go to people
this important bill today. This crisis is Secretary Mnuchin acknowledged who haven’t actually had a downturn
unprecedented, and leaders across the that we are going to have to do more, in their business.
Nation have taken steps to address the but he also acknowledges that we can We don’t have unlimited resources up
virus and the devastation it has caused target that aid. here, as we all know. I just want to
both to the health of Americans and to The first round was aimed at getting make sure the money is spent well.
our economy. money out quickly, and we could not So I am not going to stand in the
The Paycheck Protection Program have gotten money out quickly if we way.
has helped so many businesses in Flor- had underwriting standards that re- I yield the floor.
ida and across the Nation to stay quired the needs-based as in the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there
afloat during this unimaginable time. ator’s amendment. objection?
As we continue to reopen our economy So here is the dilemma that the Sen- Without objection, it is so ordered.
and get Americans back to work, we ator is offering. We are not looking at The bill (S. 4116) was ordered to be
have to continue looking for ways to this PPP–2 program. This is the origi- engrossed for a third reading, was read
help our small businesses that are nal program that we want to keep alive the third time, and passed, as follows:
hurting, and extending the Paycheck as we negotiate the next round. S. 4116
Protection Program is one way to do So if the Senator’s amendment were Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
that. adopted, you could have a bar owner in resentatives of the United States of America in
My focus has always been on how we Maryland who has been closed, who has Congress assembled,
get this money to those who truly need been able to get the PPP program, but SECTION 1. EXTENDING AUTHORITY FOR COM-
it. We have heard all the stories—sto- now you have a bar owner in Florida MITMENTS FOR THE PAYCHECK
ries of big businesses with thousands of who just recently got notice that they PROTECTION PROGRAM AND SEPA-
RATING AMOUNTS AUTHORIZED FOR
employees that found loopholes to have to close and wants to apply for a OTHER 7(A) LOANS.
qualify for these loans, universities PPP loan and is not going to be able to Section 1102(b) of title I of division A of the
with massive endowments accepting get it in a timely way because they are Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secu-
these loans, and even small businesses going to have to establish—maybe pro- rity Act (Public Law 116–136) is amended to
taking these loans when they haven’t spectively—the loss of revenue after read as follows:
seen a downturn in their revenue. guidelines are given, et cetera. ‘‘(b) COMMITMENTS FOR PPP AND OTHER 7(A)
Under my colleague’s proposal, com- That is not fair. It is not fair to treat LOANS.—
one small business of one State dif- ‘‘(1) PPP LOANS.—During the period begin-
panies that are not being harmed at all
ning on February 15, 2020 and ending on Au-
by the coronavirus crisis will have the ferently than we treat a small business gust 8, 2020, the amount authorized for com-
ability to receive taxpayer-funded in another State. mitments under paragraph (36) of section 7(a)
loans that can be forgiven. The second point I would point out to of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a))
This program needs to be reformed so the Senator is this: As we have looked shall be $659,000,000,000.
money isn’t being taken out of the at the evolution of the PPP program, ‘‘(2) OTHER 7(A) LOANS.—During fiscal year
hands of those who really need it. I the late applications, those that are fil- 2020, the amount authorized for commit-
have offered an amendment to my col- ing now, they are invariably the small- ments for section 7(a) of the Small Business
league’s bill today that will prohibit est of the small businesses, the ones in Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) under the heading
‘BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM ACCOUNT’ under
businesses that have not seen a down- the greatest need. So why would we the heading ‘SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRA-
turn in their revenues to the COVID– want to change the rules for those that TION’ under title V of the Consolidated Ap-
19—during the coronavirus pandemic had the greatest need when we didn’t propriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116– 93; 133
from being eligible for a Paycheck Pro- do it on the original round? Stat. 2475) shall apply with respect to any
tection Program loan going forward. So I would just urge my colleague: commitments under such section 7(a) other
My amendment would not be retro- Let’s work together. I assure you that than under paragraph (36) of such section
active; it would only apply to those we want to do this in the next round. I 7(a).’’.
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businesses applying for a loan going am disappointed we are not doing it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
forward. this week before we adjourn, but that ator from Maryland.
It is incumbent on us to create ac- is a decision made not to bring up the Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, let me
countability in the Paycheck Protec- next stimulus package at this point. I thank my friend from Florida for al-
tion Program, and I encourage my col- would urge my colleague to recognize lowing this to go forward. I think we
league to accept this commonsense that this would create an administra- do share the same objective. We want
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June 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4025
to make sure the money gets out, and I have heard from small businesses along with the chairman of the com-
we also want to make sure that those like LaBelle Winery, which is a beau- mittee, Senator RUBIO, and I crafted
who really need it get the funds. tiful winery, conference, and wedding the Paycheck Protection Program that
I assure the Senator, I would be venue in Southern New Hampshire. It has literally been a lifeline to small
happy that we could bring up the sec- has 100 employees. It is fighting to sur- businesses and their employees
ond round this week, but let’s make vive. The owners of LaBelle Winery throughout this country.
sure we work together with your col- have put in two decades of work, yet More than 4.8 million loans have been
league from Florida, Senator RUBIO. all of their events are canceling for the made under this program. These are
We have been in constant contact, and summer and fall. They have spent their forgivable loans. As long as the small
we hope to have a bill ready. first round of PPP. They are operating business, the employer, uses the per-
I want to acknowledge on the floor now at just a fraction of their capacity. centage that is established now at 60
Senator SCHUMER, who has been our Before the pandemic, this was a thriv- percent in order to pay for his or her
leader on our side to make sure that we ing business with expansion plans for employees, then the loan, at the end of
really target the help for the small opening an inn and a second res- the day, is forgiven.
businesses that really need it. taurant. Now, if they don’t get that This has made the difference between
I see on the floor Senator COLLINS, second round, they are in real trouble. a small business shuttering its doors
who was part of the negotiating team Colby Hill Inn and The Grazing Room forever, laying off its employees per-
that was able to come up with the PPP restaurant, which is in the only manently, and surviving this pan-
program—incredible contributions. Henniker on Earth—Henniker, NH—is demic. Small businesses do not want to
Senator SHAHEEN was also part of that about to lose 65 percent of its revenues lay off their employees. Their employ-
negotiating team—with Senator this year. The revenue from their high- ees are their family members, their
RUBIO—that came up with the PPP pro- end restaurant isn’t even covering pay- friends, their neighbors. They are com-
gram, and I thank you for your support roll or food costs. They had 95 percent mitted to them. They are committed to
on this unanimous consent request. of all of their events cancel this year. their communities.
Senator COONS, as I have already The life savings of Bruce, the owner, Through no fault of their own, the
mentioned earlier, is one of the key and his husband Jeff are in this inn, pandemic has led to government-issued
members of the Committee on Small and if they lose their business, they orders that have closed businesses
Business and Entrepreneurship, one of down or their customer base has sim-
not only lose their business; they lose
our cosponsors of round 2 of relief to ply dried up. As a result, these small
their home. If they don’t get a second
small businesses. businesses were facing extreme
round, if they can’t apply for that sec-
With that, I yield the floor to my col- cashflow problems, with no liquidity,
ond round, they may not still be here.
league from New Hampshire. and were unable to keep their busi-
So I am really pleased we have got-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- nesses going without the assistance
ten this extension tonight. That is
ator from New Hampshire. from the PPP.
progress. But we need a second round. I am proud of what we have been able
Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am There is $130 billion left in the Pay-
really pleased to be here to join the to do. I know the difference that it has
check Protection Program. We need to
ranking member of the Committee on made in the State of Maine, where
help those small businesses that need
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, more than 26,000 small businesses—that
additional assistance. is almost 75 percent of small businesses
Senator CARDIN; Democratic Leader I am pleased that we are working in
SCHUMER; Senator COONS, who is also a in our State—have received more than
a bipartisan fashion to try and get a
$2.2 billion worth of forgivable loans.
member of the Small Business Com- bill. We have a bill that Senators
That is equal to nearly half of the en-
mittee; and Senator COLLINS, who CARDIN, COONS, and I introduced. Now tire State budget for the State of
worked so hard with the negotiating we are working with Senator RUBIO, Maine.
team to put in place the Paycheck Pro- chairman of the committee, and Sen- Those forgivable loans have sus-
tection Program. ator COLLINS, who was part of that tained paychecks for nearly 200,000 em-
I am pleased because we have an four-person negotiating team. I am ployees in my State. It has allowed
agreement to extend the expiration hopeful and cautiously optimistic that, small businesses to retain employees;
date to August 8. I came here thinking if we work together, we will be able to it has allowed them to recall employ-
that we would not be able to get agree- agree—Republicans and Democrats—on ees; and it has allowed them to send
ment, so I am glad that Senator SCOTT what should be in that second round. paychecks to employees who have been
was willing to work with us as we try The challenge, then, is to get another furloughed due to a lack of work.
and get not just an extension—because package of assistance not just for Most of all, it has kept that bond be-
we need an extension of that first America’s small businesses but for all tween the small business employer and
round, and that is what tonight does, of the people who have taken such a hit his or her employees intact so that, as
but we also need another round of PPP. as a result of this global pandemic. restrictions are lifted and as the econ-
This has, by far, been the largest Over 128,000 Americans, 339 Granite omy reopens, the small business and its
business relief effort in our Nation’s Staters, have lost their lives. workforce can be quickly reunited.
history—for small businesses, anyway. New Hampshire has an unemploy- That benefits every community in this
I am hearing now from so many small ment rate that, before the pandemic, country.
businesses in New Hampshire. Those was under 3 percent, and it is now 14.5 So I am very pleased that the legisla-
that have used the PPP program effec- percent. We have to help those small tion that we brought to the Senate
tively have kept their workers on the businesses get through this period, and floor under the leadership of Senator
payroll; they have paid their rent; and I am hopeful that, working together, CARDIN tonight has been approved so
they are beginning to open back up we can do that. We can get another that we don’t see an interruption in
again. But that funding is about to run package of legislation, and we can say this program.
out, and they need more assistance as to Americans again that help is on the I, too, understand the concerns raised
our economy reopens—particularly way. by Senator SCOTT. In our negotiations
those mom-and-pop businesses with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- on a phase 2 program of the PPP, we
very few employees. ator from Maine. are looking at having a revenue test,
In New Hampshire, the tourism and Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I want and I think that is likely to be a provi-
hospitality industries, which have been to commend the Senator from Mary- sion included in the next stage of this
the first to close and are going to be land, the ranking member on the Sen- program.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
the last to reopen, are just vital to New ate Small Business and Entrepreneur- But in the meantime, let us make
Hampshire’s economy. And New Hamp- ship Committee, for bringing this legis- sure that we continue our efforts to
shire restaurants account for nearly lation forward this evening. keep our small businesses alive and
70,000 jobs, with $3 billion in sales, and I also want to commend my neighbor paychecks flowing to their employees.
hotels represent another 29,000 jobs and from New England, Senator SHAHEEN. I look forward to continuing the ne-
$1 billion in wages and salaries. Senator CARDIN and Senator SHAHEEN, gotiations with my colleagues. I want
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S4026 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE June 30, 2020
to thank Senator CARDIN, Senator SHA- were passed in COVID 3.5, and that is a ness Committee. The ranking member
HEEN, and Senator RUBIO for their ex- very good thing. and his talented colleague from New
traordinary leadership, and it has been I would recommend to our small Hampshire have worked tirelessly to
a great pleasure to work with them on businesses that have been rejected to shape the PPP, or the Paycheck Pro-
such a concrete program that has made reapply because it might be available tection Program, that was part of the
literally the difference between going to you again. CARES Act enacted more than 2
out of business and surviving this ter- Let me say, this shouldn’t have hap- months ago.
rible pandemic. pened. Our Republican colleagues have It has delivered, as you heard to-
Let me end, as Senator SHAHEEN did, been missing in action on COVID–19 night, remarkable assistance to nearly
with a story of a small business in the throughout—on small business, on un- 4 million businesses, more than $500
tourism industry in my State. This is employment insurance, on aid to local- billion—I think $526 billion in assist-
an innkeeper who has run an inn that ities, and on so many other issues. The ance—and has helped millions of busi-
has been in her husband’s family for only reason we are here tonight is that nesses all over our Nation not have to
generations. we Democrats said we are going to close.
In the month of June, usually—and force you to come here with the unani- Today—tonight—was supposed to be
last year—her occupancy rate is 94 per- mous consent statement. last minute, the last chapter in the
cent. This June, it was 6 percent—6 Let us hope—there is always hope PPP program, but because of the unan-
percent. When I saw her, she told me here—that this will repeat itself; that imous consent request that was suc-
that but for the Paycheck Protection our Republican colleagues will see that cessfully negotiated by Senator
Program, her business would not be in sticking their heads in the ground, fol- CARDIN, there is now 5 more weeks of
operation. She was able to keep all of lowing Leader MCCONNELL, who said running room for businesses, large and
her year-round staff employed because that we will have to assess the situa- small, across our States—excuse me,
of the PPP. I think it is obvious that tion—I guess tonight we are not assess- businesses small and smaller, across
this business, like so many others, is ing the situation, but thank God we are our States—to have an opportunity to
going to need additional help to sur- acting—that we will move forward on get to the SBA to apply for a loan
vive this pandemic. And that is what issue after issue after issue. through their lender of choice and to
We have many more UCs this week.
we must do. have another opportunity.
The need to pass those UCs is every bit Why do we need this? Because the
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as pressing as to move this UC. Maybe pandemic is so far from over. Despite
Democratic leader. they will relent again, and maybe they the wishes and the rhetoric of the
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, let me will come back and say we need to ne- President and others, we all know that
salute Senator CARDIN and Senator gotiate. in our States and in other States
Speaker PELOSI and I have asked
SHAHEEN for bringing this measure to around the country, a record number of
Leader MCCONNELL to sit down and ne-
the floor and forcing our colleagues on new cases were reported several times
gotiate now. No, no way, no negotia-
the other side of the aisle to relent, this week—the highest number of cases
tion.
who, originally, of course, wanted to We have had to push our Republican so far in this pandemic. Cases are ris-
block this bill all day long. It is going friends to help small business, to help ing in dozens of States, and small busi-
to benefit two groups of people. The the unemployed, to help those who nesses in our country face an uncertain
first, very simply, are those businesses rent, and so many other people, and to future.
whose businesses had gone bad in the help States and localities. They didn’t In my home State, Governor John
last few months. want to do any of it. But tonight might Carney, who has made good but hard
When this proposal was passed, plain be a metaphor for what is going to hap- decisions, has stopped the opening of
and simple, the economy everyone pen in the future as we move to the He- our economy, like several other
thought, might get better sooner. It roes Act. Our Republican friends, pres- States—Maryland, which shares the
hasn’t, and there are large numbers of sured by the very people in their own wonderful Eastern Shore beaches, and
businesses that are going to need to States, who desperately need help, will New Hampshire, which has wonderful
apply now. Had this program run out have to say yes, we agree with you. summer and winter hospitality busi-
today, they would have been out of But I have to say that this happened nesses up and down its State. This is a
luck. Now, with this renewal, in short tonight not because of bipartisan ac- critical time of year for our seasonal
time, August 8, they at least get the tion, as much as I would like to see bi- businesses. To not have them fully
chance to reapply. partisan action in this body. It hap- opened is putting a burden and is put-
But there is a second group. This pro- pened because Democrats said we are ting a damper on exactly those hospi-
gram was rolled out very poorly by the going to go to the floor and demand a tality businesses that took the hardest
administration. We all know that. We UC. Until the last minute, our Repub- hits right at the beginning of this pan-
had to come back and fix it twice. lican friends said we are going to block demic.
There are many businesses in New it for one reason or another. Thank I want to take a few minutes and
York and elsewhere that applied ini- God they didn’t. They deserve praise talk about just a couple of the small
tially and were rejected or that went to for not doing it. But let’s make no mis- businesses I know in Delaware that
their bank and their banks said no be- take about it. This is not the end. This have benefited from the resources
cause this program was not aimed at is the beginning. We have a lot more to made possible by this program nego-
helping the smaller businesses by the do for small business and for many tiated by these great colleagues. And
administration, as they rolled it out. other parts of our economy and our $1.4 billion has been delivered to Dela-
The guidance that was supposed to be healthcare system that are struggling ware businesses and nonprofits quick-
issued—and all the other things that and suffering. They need action. We ly, helping them to stay open or re-
happened—didn’t happen. There are need bipartisanship like we saw to- open, helping them to hire or retain
many businesses that were rejected the night in these areas as well. workers. Yet, even tonight, $134 billion
first time. I talked to many in New I yield floor. in this program remains unspent.
York in the last few weeks: Can I apply The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Rather than shutting it down, we are
again? Now it has been straightened ator from Delaware. going to make sure that there are win-
out because of the good work that Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I rise to dows of opportunity for small busi-
Cardin and Shaheen and we Democrats join my colleagues and to express our nesses in our States.
did, forcing the Republicans to help enthusiasm for the work that lies This helps a company like Zoup! in
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
small businesses. ahead. I am so grateful to the Senator Newark, DE. Eric Ames is the owner. I
They originally just wanted to renew from Maryland for his leadership in was there at the opening of his first
the PP Program as is, and we said no. bringing this important effort to the Zoup! franchise years ago. This PPP
We said no, and we got a much better floor tonight. loan—a loan-to-grant program—has
bill. These businesses can now apply Senator CARDIN and Senator SHAHEEN made it possible for him to keep func-
again with the new guidelines that have been stalwarts in the Small Busi- tioning. Jimmy Vennard, who is the
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June 30, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4027
creative, innovative brewer in Newark, opportunities for us to work together businesses to be able to get loans by
DE, of Autumn Arch Brewing has bene- to address the needs of the American making it more financially rewarding
fited from a PPP loan. Yvonne Gordon, people. for the financial institutions to make
whom I have known for years, who runs Thank you so much to my col- those loans. We have stepped up to say
Orange Theory Fitness and is a minor- leagues, both for tonight’s exciting ex- that this is what we need to look at.
ity business owner in Pike Creek, has tension of the PPP program and for the I must tell you that we are in a pret-
been able to stay open and reopen be- work we have yet to do in the days and ty good position in the Small Business
cause of her PPP loan. And in Dover, months ahead. Committee because we have open dia-
DE, our capital, the wonderful Green With that, I yield the floor. logue and negotiations. Today, on two
Turtle Restaurant was able to stay The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- occasions, I was in contact with the
open because of this loan. ator from Maryland. chairman of the committee, and we are
These aren’t abstractions. These Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I want negotiating this and we will be ready.
aren’t statistics. These are real flesh- to thank Senator COONS for his com- We want you to know that we put out
and-blood families and businesses that ments and Senator SHAHEEN. Senator our proposal, and I want to thank Sen-
have benefited because of the PPP. As COONS is absolutely right. There are ator COONS and Senator SHAHEEN for
several of my colleagues have said, in many reasons why we needed to bring joining me in that effort.
the early stages of this program, not up the next stimulus package before we I would hope lightning could strike
enough small businesses and not go on recess. The issue of the State and and perhaps we could bring up the bill
enough minority-owned businesses, be- local governments are real. this week and get something done. I
cause of fewer banking connections and I have heard from Governor Hogan of think that is highly unlikely, knowing
because of the unpredictability of the Maryland. I have heard from Mayor the leader’s schedule for this week.
rules, were able to access to the PPP. Young of Baltimore City. I have heard That is wrong. He should have acted
Some were denied by multiple lenders. from our county execs. Their fiscal before the July recess. Let’s hope we
That is why it is important that we ex- year begins at midnight tonight. They can use the 2 weeks during the recess
tend this deadline tonight. have hundreds of millions of dollars of to put together a bill that cannot only
Let me also speak about what we revenue shortfalls that they have to pass the Senate and the House but be
hope will be the next phase—the make up because they have to have a signed by the President, to help not
Prioritized PPP Act. Extending the balanced budget. That is going to mean just small businesses, not just State
deadline of this first loan period for 5 they are going to have to consider lay- and local governments, but all the peo-
weeks is good but not enough. There offs. It means it will be difficult to ple in this country get through this
are other businesses that can and open up schools in the fall. And the list horrible pandemic.
should get access to the lifeline of a goes on and on and on. They need help I yield the floor.
prioritized second PPP loan. from us. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
As Senators CARDIN and SHAHEEN The CARES Act was important. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
have mentioned, this would focus on did provide some meaningful help, but clerk will call the roll.
the CARES Act dealt with the direct The senior assistant legislative clerk
fewer than 100 employees and with
cost to State and local government of proceeded to call the roll.
more than 50 percent greater revenue Mr. PERDUE. Madam President, I
loss. I am particularly excited about taking care of COVID–19, not the rev-
ask unanimous consent that the order
the set-aside of $25 billion or about 20 enue loss as a result of income tax rev-
for the quorum call be rescinded.
percent of the total funding for those enues down, as a result of the special The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms.
with 10 or fewer workers. fees that local governments receive for MCSALLY). Without objection, it is so
I know that Senator CARDIN and Sen- parking or for rental cars or hotel ordered.
ator SHAHEEN will be working hard in taxes. We never made up any of that.
f
the weeks to come to narrow and to They have to balance their budget. We
focus and to prioritize where we will go needed to act on that. MORNING BUSINESS
in the next relief bill. Senator COONS is absolutely right Mr. PERDUE. Madam President, I
With the forbearance of my col- when he talks about the fact that in ask unanimous consent that the Sen-
leagues, I want to talk about one other March, when we passed the CARES ate proceed to a period of morning
issue. In my home State of Delaware, Act, we thought that the unemployed business, with Senators permitted to
today, June 30, was the end of the would have jobs available, certainly, by speak therein for up to 10 minutes
budget year—the end of our General July, but that is not going to be the each.
Assembly session by constitution. All case for millions of Americans. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
of us received a letter from the seven We are going to have to do something objection, it is so ordered.
largest organizations representing about the expiring unemployment in- f
State, county, and local governments surance, and we have to deal with elec-
all over our country, saying it is ur- tion security. There are a lot of issues. HUMAN RIGHTS
gent that this next relief bill include We have to deal with pre-K through Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, as
not just another round of assistance to 12 and higher education. They have di- we grapple with the manifestations of
small businesses but critically needed rect costs that have yet to be met. racism and intolerance in our society
assistance to State and local govern- They are in danger of not being able to here in the United States, it is impor-
ments. safely reopen in the fall, and we have tant to remember that we have friends
There are 15 million Americans who to act to help them in that regard. I and allies across the globe who face
work for State and local governments: just really want to underscore the similar challenges. They support U.S.
teachers, paramedics, firefighters, po- point that Senator COONS made. leadership and seek our engagement on
lice officers, the folks who make our I want to thank Senator COONS, and I issues of common concern.
State and local governments run. And want to thank Senator SHAHEEN be- Throughout my career in Congress in
1.6 million of them have already been cause we have put out there for the both the House and Senate, I have been
laid off as State and local revenues public to take a look at what the sec- fortunate to participate in the Par-
plummet. ond round of help for small businesses liamentary Assembly of the Organiza-
We have to work together to make will look like. We put a priority, as I tion for Security and Cooperation in
sure this is part of the next program. think we should, on the smaller of the Europe—OSCE PA—a critical venue for
We have to extend unemployment ben- small businesses, first, by eligibility— international engagement. I have
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
efits. We need to ensure the American 100 employees or less—and, second, by served as the OSCE PA Special Rep-
people can safely vote, and we need to guaranteed set-asides for those that resentative on Anti-Semitism, Racism,
expand national service opportunities. are 10 employees or less. We have a and Intolerance for the last 5 years,
There is so much for us to do. needs-based approach, 50 percent loss after serving as a committee officer
I look forward to more successful ef- in revenue as a result of COVID–19, and and then a vice president of the assem-
forts with my colleagues and for the we make it easier for the smaller small bly. It has been a rewarding experience
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