Congressional Record, Senate, July 1, 2020 — National Defense Authorization Act and PPP Extension
Summary
Page S4084 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for July 1, 2020, from a very long page of the National Defense Authorization debate, in interleaved columns. One speaker describes shootings in a lawless place and reports of a self-appointed security squad, which is that speaker's account. Another says China is not the only adversary and warns that Russia will exploit American retreat from the Middle East. A speaker quotes a committee leader on the Green New Deal and lists its pillars, and Mr. Scott of Florida asks unanimous consent that a resolution be agreed to.
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“Congressional Record, Senate, July 1, 2020 — National Defense Authorization Act and PPP Extension.”
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S4084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
There have been numerous shootings China is not our only adversary occu- tation and Infrastructure Committee
in this lawless place. About a week pying the spotlight. Recent days have said so. He said: ‘‘This is the applica-
ago, a 19-year-old was shot and killed. intensified questions about Russia’s tion of the principles of the Green New
Last weekend, after yet another shoot- negative role in the Middle East. Deal.’’ And he is right, because here
ing, a 16-year-old is dead and a 14-year- I have long warned that Russia and are the four pillars of the Green New
old was injured. Some reports suggest other adversaries will exploit any Deal: No. 1, spend an insane amount of
these two boys were shot by a self-ap- American passivity or retreat from money; No. 2, check every far-left ideo-
pointed security squad. These are mis- this important region. Whether in logical box; No. 3, propose bad policies;
cellaneous citizens who roam the area Syria or Afghanistan, the question is and No. 4, forget about making law
with guns drawn after the occupiers whether we will stand our ground and from the very beginning so you can leg-
drove the real police out. exert our influence or allow Iran, Rus- islate in a world of pure fantasy—pure
We are talking about Seattle, WA, in sia, and terrorists to literally push us fantasy. Check, check, check, and
the United States of America? out of the region. check.
The rule of law cannot fade in and Sadly, as the Senate turns to the This so-called infrastructure bill
out with the fashions of the radical NDAA, the need to continue making would siphon billions in funding from
left. No leaders should have sacrificed swift progress on our national defense actual infrastructure to funnel into cli-
small businesses to riots and mobs a strategy is staring us plain in the face. mate change policy. By putting a huge
few weeks back, and no leader should Fortunately, Chairman INHOFE, Rank- thumb on the scale for mass transit
let threats or leftwing jargon persuade ing Member REED, and our colleagues and electric vehicles, it revises the old
them to tolerate occupations for weeks on the Armed Services Committee have Obama-Biden focus on disproportion-
on end. put forward a bill that rises to the ately helping major metro areas, leav-
I understand that, just this morning, challenge. ing less for the rest of our country. No
Seattle’s mayor finally—finally—re- The bill establishes the Pacific De- wonder it came out of committee in
leased a new order that at last empow- terrence Initiative. It lays out a clear the House on a purely bipartisan vote.
ered police to bring an end to this. So vision for making our Pacific joint No wonder the White House declared it
let’s hope the rule of law finally—fi- force more adaptable and our commit- not a serious proposal and made it
nally—prevails. ments to regional partners more fea- clear this will never become law.
f sible, smarter basing for forward-de- Naturally, this nonsense is not going
ployed Americans, more supplies and anywhere in the Senate. It will just
NATIONAL DEFENSE equipment prepositioned.
AUTHORIZATION ACT join the list of absurd House proposals
It will encourage more streamlined
Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, that were only drawn up to show fealty
technology so that, from weapons plat-
on an entirely different matter, the to the radical left. Here in the Senate,
forms to information security, America
Senate has indeed turned to what will we will keep at the serious work of our
and its allies in China’s backyard stand
be the 60th annual National Defense Nation.
ready to counter aggression together.
Authorization Act. If you look at the This NDAA authorizes full funding f
world news, it would appear we have for the European Deterrence Initiative, RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME
done so not a moment too soon. doubling down on our NATO alliances The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
After months of threats, President Xi as we check the worst impulses of the previous order, the leadership time
and the Chinese Communist Party fi- Putin’s Russia. The bill will further is reserved.
nally delivered the punch in the mouth limit the information Putin gets per-
to the city of Hong Kong that they are f
taining to missile defense, bring more
calling a ‘‘national security law.’’ As I focus on tracking Russian support for CONCLUSION OF MORNING
and others have warned for months, it terrorist proxies and despotic regimes, BUSINESS
tramples all over the freedoms and au- and renew our commitment to have The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning
tonomy that have set Hong Kong apart. U.S. forces support, train, and keep business is closed.
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of watch alongside our partners.
Hong Kong’s handover from the United f
But it isn’t enough to check our ad-
Kingdom. Normally this anniversary versaries today. We also need to outrun LEGISLATIVE SESSION
would have occasioned peaceful dem- them toward the future. So this legis-
onstration. Instead, the new law has lation will also support critical re-
brought scores of arrests and boasts NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA-
serves to help us secure a decisive edge
from local authorities about how many TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR
in everything from hypersonic weapons
peaceful demonstrators they have 2021—Resumed
to 5G communications.
jailed, new harsh penalties for Threats to our Nation are pulling The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
Hongkongers for new and vague of- American servicemembers in all direc- the previous order, the Senate will re-
fenses, and new authority from Beijing tions. Fortunately, this NDAA has all sume consideration of S. 4049, which
to intervene at will. of their backs. the clerk will report.
It appears to directly—directly—vio- f The legislative clerk read the fol-
late China’s international promises and lowing:
effectively end the ‘‘one country, two INFRASTRUCTURE A bill (S. 4049) to authorize appropriations
systems’’ policy. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, for fiscal year 2021 for military activities of
I have discussed at some length the on one final matter, while the Senate the Department of Defense, for military con-
specific consequences China will face maintains the serious approach that struction, and for defense activities of the
Department of Energy, to prescribe military
for this. I will continue to discuss them builds bipartisan successes like the
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and
in the future. CARES Act and the Great American for other purposes.
This same week, we received new Outdoors Act, the House Democrats ap-
confirmation that China’s ethnic Pending:
pear addicted to pointless political the-
Inhofe amendment No. 2301, in the nature
cleansing campaign against the Uighur ater. of a substitute.
people in Xinjiang includes forced Well, our absentee neighbors have fi- McConnell (for Portman) amendment No.
abortions, forced birth control, and nally arrived back in the Capitol, and 2080 (to amendment No. 2301), to require an
State-enforced sterilizations on a sys- they have wasted no time resuming old element in annual reports on cyber science
tematic scale. tricks. The Speaker has chosen to and technology activities on work with aca-
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All of this is in addition to the inter- spend the House’s time this week on a demic consortia on high priority cybersecu-
national provocation that China has multithousand-page cousin of the rity research activities in Department of De-
only stepped up during this pandemic— Green New Deal masquerading as a fense capabilities.
which they helped worsen—against highway bill. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER
Taiwan, against India, against the You don’t have to take my word for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
Philippines, and so on. it; the chair of the House Transpor- Democratic leader is recognized.
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4085
AMERICAN WORKFORCE RESCUE ACT and impossible—impossible—to ex- small business owners. More than
Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, plain. 200,000 DACA recipients are currently
this morning, I have come to the floor We have other deadlines before us, ‘‘essential critical infrastructure work-
with Senators WYDEN and BENNET to not just the PPP. Today is July 1. With ers.’’ That is not my term. It is the
talk about a really bold new idea to ex- the first of the month comes a new way President Trump’s Department of
tend enhanced unemployment assist- rent payment for millions of American Homeland Security describes the work
ance for as long as economic conditions families who have lost their jobs of these DACA recipients now—200,000
in the country warrant it. I will speak through no fault of their own. Senate of them ‘‘essential critical infrastruc-
about that legislation more in a mo- Democrats, led by Ranking Member ture workers.’’ Among those DACA re-
ment, but first, two other issues. SHERROD BROWN, are going to ask the cipients, 41,700 of them are in the
S. 4049 Senate to pass rental assistance and an healthcare industry. This includes doc-
Madam President, first, last night extension on the moratorium on evic- tors, intensive care nurses, paramedics,
President Trump threatened to veto tions. Will Senate Republicans agree to and respiratory therapists. They are
the National Defense Authorization our request or leave millions of renters the healthcare heroes we salute, and at
Act—the bill on the floor this week— out in the cold? the same time, they are the DACA re-
because it contains a provision to re- I would say to my Republican cipients this President loathes.
name military bases named after Con- friends, let the extension of the PPP On September 5, 2017, President
federate generals. program be a metaphor. Democrats are Trump repealed DACA. Hundreds of
Let me make a prediction. First, that going to keep pressing for Senate ac- thousands of Dreamers faced losing
provision will not change in this bill as tion on COVID–19-related issues. Let their work permits and faced being de-
it moves through the House and Sen- the Republican response be quick and ported to countries many of them bare-
ate. Second, let me predict that Presi- generous, not stingy and halting. Sen- ly remembered, if they remembered at
dent Trump will not veto a bill that ate Republicans are going to have to all. Thankfully, the Supreme Court
contains pay raises for our troops and respond one way or the other and ei- stepped in and rejected that strategy
crucial support for our military. This ther support urgent and necessary by President Trump.
is nothing but typical bluster from pieces of legislation or explain to their What was the President’s reaction?
President Trump. The NDAA will pass, constituents why they are blocking To no surprise, the President re-
and we will scrub from our military them. It would be far better to pass sponded by attacking the Court and
bases the names of men who fought for these measures earlier rather than threatening to try to repeal DACA,
the Confederacy and took up arms later and be more generous rather than even again, in the closing months of
against our country. stingy. his first term.
CORONAVIRUS (The remarks of Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. Congress must step in immediately.
Madam President, on a second mat- WYDEN and Mr. BENNET pertaining to After that Supreme Court decision,
ter, before I get to the main topic of the introduction of S. 4143 are printed President Trump tweeted, ‘‘I have
this morning, all week, Democrats in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Statements wanted to take care of DACA recipi-
have been trying to force action on the on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolu- ents better than the Do Nothing Demo-
Senate floor to make progress on cru- tions.’’) crats, but for two years they refused to
cial issues related to the COVID–19 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The negotiate.’’
pandemic. As Senate Republicans con- Democratic whip. Here is the reality. The President has
tinue to mindlessly delay the next UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 6 rejected numerous bipartisan proposals
round of COVID–19 relief, we have tried Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I to deal with DACA and the Dreamers.
day after day to jolt the Senate into come to the floor this morning on an May I be specific?
action. Last night, we made notable issue that is topical. It is an issue that, On February 15, 2018, the Senate con-
progress. over the last several days, has become sidered bipartisan legislation that was
In the late hours of last evening, we a national centerpiece of conversation. offered by Republican Senator MIKE
were able to pass a monthlong exten- It reflects a decision of just a few ROUNDS and Independent Senator
sion of the Payment Protection Pro- days ago by the Supreme Court that re- ANGUS KING—a bipartisan measure.
gram, whose loan authority expired at jected President Trump’s efforts to re- The bill, which included a path to citi-
midnight with over $130 billion left in peal deportation protections for zenship for Dreamers, was supported by
the program. We had to force our Re- Dreamers—young immigrants who a bipartisan majority of the Senate.
publican colleagues to act on this very came to the United States as children. Why did it fail to reach 60 votes? Be-
simple and noncontroversial exten- In an opinion by Chief Justice John cause President Trump openly opposed
sion—a date change—to help small Roberts, the Court held that the Presi- it. That is why. He said: I have a better
businesses across America, particularly dent’s decision to rescind DACA, the idea.
underserved businesses, minority- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals On the same day that the Senate
owned businesses that had trouble ac- Program, was ‘‘arbitrary and capri- voted on the President’s immigration
cessing the PPP program in its early cious.’’ proposal, we found his so-called ‘‘better
days. It was 10 years ago that I joined with idea’’ failed by a bipartisan super-
Throughout the day, we heard, to our Republican Senator Dick Lugar, of In- majority of 39 to 60.
surprise, that our Republican friends diana, on a bipartisan basis, to call on On June 4, 2019, the House of Rep-
might block the legislation, but when President Obama and beg him to use resentatives passed H.R. 6—on June 4,
the time came, Senator CARDIN’s con- his legal authority to protect Dreamers 2019, which was more than a year ago.
sent request was agreed to. It certainly from deportation. President Obama re- H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, is
is something to celebrate, but I would sponded by creating the Deferred Ac- legislation that would give Dreamers a
have hoped that our two parties could tion for Childhood Arrivals Program, path to citizenship, and it passed the
have worked this out before last night known as DACA. It provided for House with a strong bipartisan vote.
as a small part of much broader legisla- Dreamers temporary protection from The Dream and Promise Act has been
tion to address the many challenges deportation—2 years at a time—if they pending in the Senate for more than a
posed by COVID–19 rather than a con- registered with the government, paid year. I have come to the floor, day
sent request forcing the Republicans to substantial fees, and passed criminal after day, and heard the Republican
act. and national security background leader, Senator MCCONNELL, bemoan-
But Senate Republicans, unfortu- checks. More than 800,000 Dreamers ing the fact that we are so busy here in
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nately, seem dead-set on delaying al- came forward and received DACA pro- the Senate and that the House just
most any action on COVID–19 until tection. isn’t doing its work. Yet the House has
after July, after they have had time, in DACA unleashed the full potential of sent some 400 pieces of legislation to
the words of Leader MCCONNELL, ‘‘to these Dreamers, who are contributing Senator MCCONNELL’s desk—90 percent
assess the conditions in the country.’’ to our Nation in a variety of ways—as of it bipartisan. He refuses to consider
The obstruction is deeply regrettable soldiers, as teachers, as nurses, as it. He refuses to bring it to this empty
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S4086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
Senate floor so that we can do our our judicial process all the way to the bill is here. We know that the bill is
work. One of those measures, sadly, is highest Court in the land, where the prepared and covers the areas that
the Dream and Promise Act—the bill ruling was in favor of Cinthya and the would protect this young lady and so
that would solve at least part of the DACA recipients who have this protec- many others and give them a future in
immigration challenge we now face in tion. the United States of America. At this
America. Last week, I sent a letter, In that year, did we step forward in point, it is really up to us.
signed by all 47 Democratic Senators, the U.S. Senate—the so-called greatest Now, there may be an objection when
calling on Senator MCCONNELL to im- deliberative body on Earth—to even de- I make this unanimous consent re-
mediately schedule a vote after the Su- bate the bill that passed the House of quest. Listen carefully to the objec-
preme Court decision. As of today, the Representatives? No. No, there was no tion. It has nothing to do with resolv-
Senator has not replied. time for that. As you can see, we are so ing the issue before us—the issue of the
Over the years, I have decided that busy here on the floor of the U.S. Sen- future of this young woman and thou-
the only way to tell the story of the ate. sands of others just like her.
Dreamers and the story of DACA is to There is so much more that we could But we are in a position at this mo-
introduce them here in the Senate. I do here. Shouldn’t we start with the ment where we have to act. I am await-
have asked them to come forward, if highest priority—protecting Americans ing the arrival of a Republican Mem-
they wish, provide me with photo- in the midst of this pandemic? ber, who I hope is on the way, and so at
graphs, and let me tell their stories. This woman, Cinthya Ramirez—un- this point I am going to suspend and
This is the 124th story I am going to documented, protected by DACA—risks yield the floor with the hopes that we
tell. It is the story of a remarkable her life every single day because of this can return to another colleague coming
young woman named Cinthya Ramirez. pandemic. Can we risk ourselves politi- to the floor momentarily.
Cinthya Ramirez came to the United cally for a minute in the Senate and I yield the floor.
States from Mexico at the age of 4. She actually take up a measure that could I suggest the absence of a quorum.
grew up in Nashville, TN. She wrote me have a direct impact on the lives of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
a letter. Here is what she wrote about 800,000 DACA recipients and the thou- clerk will call the roll.
growing up: sands of others who could have applied The senior assistant legislative clerk
Moving to the United States gave me the for that protection during the months proceeded to call the roll.
gift of education. I learned English by the that we have debated this in court? Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I
first grade, and that is when I learned that I Sadly, we have been unable to do ask unanimous consent that the order
loved school and I loved learning. that, and it is all because of a decision for the quorum call be rescinded.
While in high school, Cinthya was on being made by the President of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
the track team and was a student United States and by the Republican objection, it is so ordered.
council representative and a great stu- majority leader, and it is a decision Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I
dent. She graduated at the top of her which needs to be addressed directly. am here to urge my colleagues on the
high school class with the highest hon- In a few moments, I am going to offer Republican side not to object—follow
ors. Cinthya went to Lipscomb Univer- a unanimous consent request, when it last night’s example and allow this
sity, which is a private Christian col- comes to moving this bill, that was simple, humane, and good-for-our-econ-
lege in Nashville, and she graduated sent over by the House of Representa- omy amendment to go forward.
with a nursing degree. Today, thanks tives more than a year ago. I am really First, I want to salute Senator DUR-
to DACA, Cinthya works as a cardiac going to call the bluff of this President, BIN. There has been no voice—no voice
registered nurse at Vanderbilt Univer- who asks: Why doesn’t Congress act? of any elected official whom I know
sity Medical Center—the largest hos- Why don’t you come up with a bipar- who has had a stronger, longer, and
pital in Nashville, TN. Cinthya is on tisan proposal? more passionate defense of the DACA
the frontline of the COVID–19 pan- Mr. President, here is our chance. kids, many of whom are now adults.
demic. Here is an opportunity. And he has pricked the conscience of
Here is what she writes about this ex- We have a bill that has been sitting the Nation so that now the DACA kids
perience: here for a year that would address and their families are, really, by most
I am a very spiritual person, and I pray a Cinthya Ramirez’s future and the fu- Americans respected and by many
lot. I remind myself that this is the job that ture of thousands of others. The ques- Americans just loved. I am one of those
I was meant to have. If the time comes for tion is whether or not the Members on in the latter category. I love these kids
patients to die and they cannot have their the other side of the aisle, on the Re- and their families.
families with them, we have to be there for publican side of the aisle, will at least I have watched them, on the
them. let us address this issue now. frontlines during the coronavirus crisis
Cinthya’s greatest fear is that of Give us an opportunity to bring be- in New York, risk their lives, even
bringing the coronavirus home to her fore the U.S. Senate a measure which though they are not allowed to be full
family when she comes home after her is no surprise, nothing revolutionary or Americans, to help.
nursing shifts at the hospital. new. It is a measure we have consid- Now we have an opportunity here to
Here is what she writes: ered in various forms over the last 20 simply say: Stop harassing them. Let
I take every precaution before entering the years, but it is a measure that would them do their jobs. Let them live their
house. I take off my clothes, clean my phone, address this issue and do it in a lives. Let them be with their families
go straight to the shower. The rest is in the thoughtful way. here in America so they can help us in
hands of God. This is an opportunity which we our economy recover from COVID, as
I thank Cinthya Ramirez—a DACA should seize. Wouldn’t it be remark- they have been doing, without looking
recipient—for her service. She is an im- able, maybe a headliner, if the Senate over their shoulder and worrying about
migrant healthcare hero. She is a actually did something—if we actually being deported or having one of their
DACA healthcare hero. She is putting took an issue of the day that affected family members being deported every 5
herself and her family at risk to save real people, real lives, in the middle of minutes.
the lives of others. She should also not this coronavirus epidemic and actually It is such an important amendment.
have to wake up every morning in fear decided that this young woman and It is so good for the country. The idea
that actions taken by the Trump ad- thousands like her were worth the ef- that immigrants are bad for America,
ministration will lead to her being de- fort? that DACA kids are bad for America, is
ported back to a country she can bare- I think America would be shocked a regressive, nativist, and often bigoted
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ly, if at all, remember. that this U.S. Senate responded that idea that some use for political pur-
This is a classic example of this de- way, and don’t tell me we have better poses, but nothing, nothing, nothing
bate and what it is about—and to think things to do. I am all for doing the could be further from the truth.
that, in a year, we have not even taken military authorization bill. We can get So I urge my colleagues not to object
up this issue that was sent to us by the that done and be back in 2 weeks and to Senator DURBIN’s fine amendment to
House while it winds its way through take this up immediately. We know the help America live up to its ideals and
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4087
its dreams. That lady in the harbor in diploma or equivalent, or are currently Put it through an amendment process
the city in which I live—‘‘Give me your in the process of doing that. She is a on the floor. I have lived through that
poor, your tired, your huddled masses graduate of Lipscomb University with before. It actually would resemble the
yearning to breathe free’’—that has a degree in nursing. U.S. Senate, which many people re-
been part of the American fabric for They must pass government and member from the history books, where
centuries. background security checks, submit bi- people actually came to deliberate and
This is a chance to bring us back to ometric and biographic data, dem- vote on amendments. That is all we are
that fabric, that wonderful fabric that onstrate good character with no felo- asking for. Bring this under unanimous
has been so good for our country for nies, misdemeanor offenses of domestic consent to the floor. Let’s do it. The
those centuries. violence, or multiple misdemeanor con- President has challenged us.
I yield the floor. victions, and they must register for the I am going to make a unanimous con-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Selective Service, if applicable—she sent request. I see the Senator from
ator from Illinois. has already met all these standards by Texas is on the floor here, and I want
Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I the examination she has been put to make sure I get the right copy. Here
want to thank my colleague and friend through for DACA—and, of course, pay it is.
Senator SCHUMER. We have been fight- their application fee. Madam President, I ask unanimous
ing this battle for a long time, Senator. DACA recipients and other DACA-eli- consent that the Senate proceed to the
Eight of us who came, four Demo- gible Dreamers who still meet the re- immediate consideration of Calendar
crats and four Republicans, put to- quirements needed to obtain DACA No. 112, H.R. 6, the American Dream
gether a comprehensive immigration would automatically qualify for condi- and Promise Act; further, that the bill
reform bill which should have passed 7 tional permanent resident status. be considered read a third time and
years ago—68 votes on the floor of the When the President ended DACA in passed; that the motion to reconsider
U.S. Senate. It was a bipartisan meas- September of 2017, we stopped accept- be considered made and laid upon the
ure, which we joined with Senator ing applications from those who were table with no intervening action or de-
McCain to put together to bring to the eligible. Now these young people would bate.
floor. have the chance, if they meet the re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there
I thank you for your heartfelt com- quirements and the test that is re- objection?
ments. quired of them. The Senator from Texas.
They must complete one of three Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, reserv-
I am going to speak a little longer
tracks: graduate from college or uni- ing the right to object.
and make a unanimous consent re- You know, someone watching this at
quest. versity or complete at least 2 years of
a bachelor’s or higher degree program home might think that Senate Demo-
This measure I am asking for unani-
in the United States; complete at least crats want to actually enact amnesty
mous consent on, the American Dream for the so-called DACA recipients. Of
and Promise Act, was introduced by 2 years of honorable military service or
have worked for a period totaling at course, they could have done so earlier.
Representative LUCILLE ROYBAL- President Trump offered Senate
ALLARD, Democrat of California, on least 3 years while having valid em-
ployment authorization; maintain con- Democrats a deal that would have
March 12, 2019, with 202 original co- granted permanent amnesty for all the
tinuous residence in the country; dem-
sponsors. DACA recipients, and the Democrats
It would provide Dreamers, tem- onstrate an ability to read, write,
speak English; understand American turned it down. They didn’t want the
porary protected status recipients, and deal. They hoped, instead, to have an
history, principles, and form of govern-
individuals with deferred enforcement issue in November.
ment.
departure with protection from depor- You know, we are right now in a time
It is a high standard, but it is one
tation and an opportunity to obtain they are prepared to meet and they of crisis in our country. We have a
permanent legal status in the United should meet to become part of Amer- global pandemic, and we have 44 mil-
States if they meet certain require- ica’s future. lion Americans out of work. This is, on
ments. How important are they? Well, they the economic side, the greatest crisis
It passed the House of Representa- are extremely important in every sin- our country has seen since the Great
tives 237 to 187—7 Republicans joined gle State. We know that there are some Depression.
the 230 Democrats who were present to 780,000 DACA recipients across the Yet what we are seeing in the Senate
support the legislation. United States. There are 109,000 of is a continuation of something we have
Protections in the American Dream them in the State of Texas—109,000. seen for several years, which is that to-
and Promise Act would allow nearly The average age of arrival for them is day’s Democratic Party doesn’t value
700,000 DACA recipients, as well as an- 7. They came here as kids. Their an- working men and women—American
other 1.6 million eligible Dreamers nual tax contributions are in the mil- working men and women.
brought to the United States as chil- lions. I could read the numbers. Last week, we saw a decision from
dren to stay in our country legally. In the State of Texas, there are 30,000 the Supreme Court of the United
The bill’s protections would also of these DACA recipients who have States on amnesty. It was a particu-
allow over 300,000 temporary protected been characterized by the Trump ad- larly disgraceful opinion. Unfortu-
status holders and 3,600 individuals ministration as essential workers— nately, it was authored by Chief Jus-
that I described earlier with the same 30,000—4,300 DACA healthcare workers tice Roberts; it was joined by the four
opportunity. in the State of Texas. liberals; and it concerned President
It would create a conditional perma- The States of Texas, Arizona, Cali- Obama’s illegal amnesty.
nent resident status valid for up to 10 fornia, Florida, and others are going DACA, when it was issued, was ille-
years that would protect Dreamers, in- through a resurgence of infection and gal. Actually, for years, President
cluding DACA, from deportation and death from this pandemic. These DACA Obama admitted that. When activists
allow them to work legally in the young people—many of them are on the asked him: Will you decree amnesty
United States. Cinthya Ramirez could frontline fighting this disease, as unilaterally, as an executive, he told
continue working as a nurse long after Cinthya Rameriz is in Tennessee. them over and over again: I can’t do
this pandemic is gone. The notion that we want them to that. I am bound by Federal immigra-
To qualify for this, the Dreamers leave now—4,300 leave Texas now— tion laws. I am not a King. I am not an
would need to meet requirements. They healthcare workers? Unimaginable. It Emperor. That is what President
must have come to the United States makes no sense. Obama said repeatedly.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
before the age of 18—she came at the It is time for us to do something. At But then as the election approached,
age of 4—and continuously lived here a minimum, for goodness’ sake, in this I guess they reassessed and decided
for at least 4 years. empty Chamber, can we come together that being a King or Emperor sounded
They must demonstrate they have and debate this issue? pretty good, and so DACA, the day it
been admitted to an institution of The President has challenged us to was issued, was directly contrary to
higher education, earned a high school do it. Let’s do it—not be afraid of it. law.
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S4088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
Federal immigration law says in the ders, rapes, and assaults. We are not This young woman has been as open
statute books that if you are here ille- going to let them out to abuse and with our government as she could pos-
gally, it is illegal for you to stay, to threaten children. sibly be, and for it she has received 2
get work permits, and the Obama ad- Kate’s Law is overwhelmingly bipar- years at a time to build a life, and
ministration ignored Federal immigra- tisan common sense. If you go into the what a life she has built. Undocu-
tion law and simply printed what were great State of Illinois and ask the vot- mented and uncertain of her future, a
called work authorizations. ers of Illinois ‘‘Does Kate’s Law make person who is doomed by the Trump
My friend from Illinois has a picture sense?’’ overwhelmingly, they say yes. administration’s policy finishes her
of a lovely young lady whom he has That is true in every State in the coun- medical education in nursing school at
spoken about. try. Lipscomb University, a Christian col-
What he doesn’t have a picture of is By the way, it is true of voters who lege in Nashville, and works at one of
what happened after Executive am- aren’t just Republicans. It is true of the best hospitals in the whole region,
nesty was granted for those who came Democrats, and it is true of Independ- saving the lives of people who are fac-
illegally as kids, which is that the ents. It is true of everyone except the ing COVID–19, and in the eyes of the
number of unaccompanied children 47 elected Democrats in this Chamber Senator from Texas, she is just another
skyrocketed. and their colleagues in the House of criminal looking for amnesty. Really?
In the State of Texas I have been Representatives because the reason I am sorry, that doesn’t add up. It
down to the border many, many times. Kate’s Law is not the law is that every doesn’t add up at all.
I have visited with the Border Patrol time I have tried to bring it up, the To say today that because we are
many, many times. You know, when Democrats have objected to it. seeking help on DACA, Democrats do
you go online, you see cages with chil- If Kate’s Law had been on the books, not value American workers—another
dren in them. What many of the people Kate Steinle would still be alive be- statement made by the Senator from
online don’t tell you is that it was the cause the violent criminal who kept Texas—may I remind the Senator that
Barack Obama administration that coming in over and over and over again all of the people we are talking about
built those cages, and it was Executive illegally would have been in jail in- in the DACA Program are currently in
amnesty that resulted in tens of thou- stead of murdering that young woman. the United States legally working be-
sands of little boys and little girls Amnesty is wrong. Illegal Executive cause of DACA? It is not as if they are
being sent alone with violent drug traf- amnesty is wrong, and we need to have taking jobs away by coming into this
fickers, with coyotes. Far too many of as our first priority protecting the country and displacing others. Many of
those kids were physically assaulted American workers and keeping the them are unemployed because of the
and sexually assaulted. You are not American people safe. economy too. She is doing work people
helping children by incentivizing little I object. are afraid to do, exposing herself to the
boys and little girls being in the hands The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- coronavirus every single day.
You heard the routine she goes
of violent traffickers. That is not hu- tion is heard.
through when she comes home from
mane. I have seen child after child The Senator from Illinois.
Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, it work: taking off her clothing, rushing
after child abused by this system, and
into a shower, washing off her cell
every time the Democrats offer more my understanding that the Senator
phone, cleaning it before she sees her
amnesty, the predictable result is that from Texas was going to offer a con-
family. This is a person who is a crimi-
more children are going to be phys- sent request.
nal? She is a criminal for what she
ically and sexually assaulted. Amnesty Mr. CRUZ. Yes.
Mr. DURBIN. I think this is the mo- does, Cinthya Ramirez—really? I don’t
is wrong. understand the thinking.
It is also the wrong priority of to- ment to do it.
To call the decision last week—the
day’s Democratic Party. Their priority The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
week before—before the Supreme Court
is on people here illegally and not on ator from Texas.
disgraceful is to say that she should
American workers, not on keeping UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—KATE’S LAW
have no chance. She should be gone.
American workers safe. Mr. CRUZ. Madam President, I ask What has she got to offer to the United
What we should be doing—and in just unanimous consent that the Senate States of America, to the State of Ten-
a moment, I am going to ask unani- proceed to the immediate consider- nessee, to our future? She has a lot to
mous consent for this body to take up ation of Kate’s Law, which is at the offer, and most Americans, even an
and pass Kate’s Law. I am the author desk. overwhelming majority of Republicans,
of Kate’s Law in the Senate. Kate’s I ask unanimous consent that the bill get that part of it.
Law is named for Kate Steinle, a beau- be considered read a third time and Now the Senator comes before us
tiful young woman in California who passed and that the motion to recon- today with a consistent record on
was murdered on a California pier by sider be considered made and laid upon Dreamers. Every moment that he has
an illegal immigrant who had come the table. been in the U.S. Senate, whenever he
into this country illegally over and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there has been given a chance—whenever—to
over and over again. He had multiple objection? help the Dreamers or to help DACA,
violent criminal convictions over and Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, re- the junior Senator from Texas has
over and over again, but our revolving- serving the right to object. voted no, time and time and time
door system kept letting him out. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- again. He is consistent. Bless him for
As Kate Steinle died on that Cali- ator from Illinois. his consistency.
fornia pier, her father held his daugh- Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, lis- Today he is not even offering an al-
ter in his arms, and her last words were ten carefully to what we just heard ternative that would give this woman a
‘‘Daddy, please help me.’’ from the Senator from Texas. First he chance—no alternative to the Dream
I have had the opportunity to visit talked about amnesty. Amnesty as I and Promise Act. Instead he offers his
with Kate Steinle’s family. What hap- understand it is a blanket forgiveness own bill, which has nothing whatsoever
pened to her was wrong. It shouldn’t for the commission of a crime. to do with DACA and the Dreamers.
happen, and the reason it happens is Cinthya Ramirez has DACA—the The Cruz bill would increase penalties
that our broken system keeps letting DACA protection that I described—2 for immigration offenses, but anyone
go violent criminal illegal aliens. What years at a time. She was brought here who commits any of the offenses that
does Kate’s Law provide? Common- to the United States from Mexico at have been described by the Senator
sense legislation that says aggravated the age of 4. She has paid her fee, has from Texas is already ineligible under
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
felons—people with serious felony con- gone through her background check, DACA—ineligible. DACA requires ap-
victions—who repeatedly enter the and receives 2-year protections to con- plicants to clear criminal and national
country illegally face a mandatory tinue in this country. According to the security background checks. Cinthya
minimum prison sentence; in other Senator from Texas, that is amnesty Ramirez has done that. To say that she
words, we are not going to let them out for a crime—amnesty for a criminal. It is even close to committing a crime is
and allow them out to commit mur- is certainly not that. an outrage.
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4089
Let’s be clear. The junior Senator entering at a greater risk. We must We also know that social distancing
from Texas is in the majority in the enact real reform so that the next time is key to preventing the spread of the
U.S. Senate. If he were serious about the next pandemic or economic down- virus. Yet almost one in six Native
advancing his bill, he could ask the turn hits, it is not these same commu- households is overcrowded, making so-
chairman of the Senate Judiciary Com- nities that once again bear the brunt of cial distancing not just difficult but
mittee to hold a committee vote on the the disaster. physically impossible for many fami-
bill. The Senator from Texas serves on Today, I want to focus our attention lies.
that committee. Then he could ask the on American Indian and Alaska Native All these institutional barriers com-
majority leader to schedule a floor communities—communities where in- bine to create a perfect storm. These
vote. But he hasn’t done that. This bill fection and mortality rates are much barriers aren’t the result of chance;
that he brings to the floor today he has higher than the overall U.S. population they are the result of policy. It is these
not even introduced as a bill in this and communities that can’t escape the institutional barriers that we must ac-
session of Congress. economic hardships this pandemic has knowledge and finally address so that
In this session of Congress, with the caused. this pandemic is not one more example
Republicans in the majority, the immi- We already knew that pandemics like of the failure of the United States to
gration subcommittee chaired by the this take an awful toll on Native com- meet our obligations. This time must
other Senator of Texas has held one munities. This was true 100 years ago be different. We must meet our respon-
hearing. The Senate Judiciary Com- during the 1918 flu pandemic when Na- sibilities and help build a more just
mittee has voted on one immigration tive Americans died at four times the and equitable society.
bill. There has not been a single vote rate of the rest of the country. This Throughout this crisis, Native com-
on an immigration bill on the floor of was true a decade ago during the 2019 munities have fought back. They are
the U.S. Senate. H1N1 outbreak when Native Americans resilient. They have fought back hard.
Clearly, the Senator from Texas has died at the same high rates. For example, in my home State of New
no intention of trying to advance this It is unforgivable that the adminis- Mexico and in Arizona and Utah, the
bill that he passionately defended on tration was not better prepared. Navajo Nation has imposed strict cur-
The underlying reasons that Native fews to prevent the spread. They have
the floor. He is offering it today to try
peoples—whether living on Tribal
to muddy the waters and somehow tie ramped up testing despite the complete
lands, in urban settings, or elsewhere—
up this wonderful young nurse in Ten- lack of testing supplies in the begin-
are at risk are multifaceted. They are
nessee with a horrible crime that was ning, and they have now, as of today,
all rooted in historic systemic injus-
committed in California. She had noth- tested about 25 percent of their popu-
tice.
ing to do with it. There is nothing in First and foremost, many Native lation, compared to 10 percent nation-
her life that is even close to that Americans do not have ready access to ally.
crime, and to put that as the alter- Tribal responses to the pandemic
quality healthcare, despite the Federal
native to DACA and the Dream Act is have been repeatedly hamstrung by
Government’s trust and treaty obliga-
fundamentally and totally unfair. this administration and congressional
tions to provide it—trust and treaty
As long as I am in the Senate, I will obligations taken on by this govern- inaction. As vice chair of the Senate
come to the floor of the Senate to ad- ment in exchange for millions of acres Indian Affairs Committee, I fought
vocate for Cinthya Ramirez and all of of land and countless lives lost. hard for funding targeted for Tribes.
the Dreamers. What an American trag- On the large, rural reservations and When the administration offered noth-
edy it would be to deport this brave in remote Alaskan Native villages, the ing for Tribes, we secured over $10 bil-
and talented young nurse who is saving nearest healthcare facility might be lion in the CARES Act. When the ad-
lives in the midst of this pandemic. hours away, and when you get there, if ministration fumbled distribution of
America is better than that. We must you can get there, there often aren’t Tribal funding, missing the statutory
ensure that Cinthya and hundreds of enough doctors or nurses or hospital deadline for distribution by almost 2
thousands of others in our essential beds. months, Congress and the Tribes
workforce are not forced to stop work- These logistical barriers are com- pushed back. Because Tribes are in cri-
ing. We need them now more than ever, pounded by the chronic, historic under- sis, days matter. It took a lawsuit and
and we must give them the chance they funding of the Indian Health Service, a Federal court order for Tribes to get
desire to let them become citizens of which many of us have fought for years their share of the $8 billion set aside
the United States. to correct. While we have made for them under the CARES Act.
Madam President, I object to the progress, the IHS budget still only cov- Today, the Senate Indian Affairs
unanimous consent request by the Sen- ers an estimated 16 percent of the need. Committee will hold an oversight hear-
ator from Texas. As a result of centuries of discrimi- ing on implementation of Federal pro-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- natory land, agricultural, and environ- grams to support Tribal COVID–19 pre-
tion is heard. mental policies, Native communities vention, containment, and response ef-
Mr. DURBIN. I suggest the absence of also face the highest rates of under- forts. Tribal witnesses will testify that
a quorum. lying conditions, like diabetes, heart policies and practices at FEMA, the
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and lung disease, asthma, and obesity, CDC, HRSA, and a number of other
clerk will call the roll. that result in worse COVID–19 out- Federal Agencies have made Tribal ac-
The senior assistant legislative clerk comes. cess to Federal COVID–19 resources
proceeded to call the roll. Battles over water rights and under- much harder.
Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I ask investment in Tribal infrastructure Whether it is denying Tribes access
unanimous consent that the order for have compounded the problems. We all to coronavirus surveillance data, cre-
the quorum call be rescinded. know that washing our hands is a crit- ating a confusing, Byzantine bureauc-
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ical measure to prevent the spread of racy for requesting emergency medical
SASSE). Without objection, it is so or- COVID–19. Yet Tribal communities are supplies, or delaying access to grant
dered. 3.7 times more likely to lack complete funds, this administration continually
CORONAVIRUS indoor plumbing than other U.S. house- makes decisions that disadvantage Na-
Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, COVID–19 holds. On the Navajo Nation, which is tive communities, decisions that
has taken a wrecking ball to our Na- confronting one of the worse threaten Native lives and prolong this
tion’s health and economy. No corner coronavirus outbreaks in the Nation, 18 country’s legacy of systemic injustice.
of the United States has been spared. percent of households don’t have com- The administration must do better,
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
Communities of color are being hit plete indoor plumbing. So, again, it is and Congress must do much more.
the hardest. We here in Congress must no surprise that researchers have al- Each day we fail to act to advance poli-
focus our work on helping these com- ready found that COVID–19 cases are cies to address the disparities faced by
munities. We must take on the long- more likely to occur in Tribal commu- Indian Country is a day we fail to up-
standing systemic reasons that these nities, with a higher proportion of hold our oath of office. The Republican
communities entering this crisis are homes lacking indoor plumbing. Senate majority has delayed far too
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S4090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
long. Infections are on the rise. The Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, I ask Within Tribal nations, the economic
United States has surpassed every unanimous consent that the order for impact of the coronavirus is equally
other nation in the world in the spread the quorum call be rescinded. devastating. Early this spring, Tribal
and death and destruction of this virus. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without governments in Minnesota and all
Now, 20 million Americans are out of objection, it is so ordered. around the country made the difficult
work, which is the highest unemploy- Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise decision to voluntarily close Tribal en-
ment level since the Great Depression. today, with my colleague, the Senator terprises in order to protect public
State and local and Tribal govern- from New Mexico, TOM UDALL, to call health. As a result, they lost signifi-
ments and healthcare systems across for urgent action by Congress to re- cant government revenue and also ex-
the Nation are shuttering essential spond to the needs of Tribal nations perienced massive unemployment, not
services and furloughing essential and urban indigenous communities only for their members but for mem-
workers. None of this should come as during the COVID–19 pandemic. bers from the surrounding commu-
news to the Republican majority. We have not done enough. We have nities. This lost revenue meant that
Inaction in the face of this disaster is not lived up to our shared trust and Tribal governments were forced to
unconscionable. This body must get treaty obligations. And in this mo- scale back essential services, like nu-
down to the business that we are here ment, we are called upon to respond to trition assistance for elders, public
for and we are elected to do. It is long the historic injustice and systems of safety, and education programming.
past time we pass another COVID–19 oppression and institutional violence In the CARES Act, Congress agreed
relief package. Our next package must that are harming communities of color to $8 billion in emergency relief to help
include targeted funding and programs and indigenous people. Tribes respond to COVID. Even after
for Native communities and Tribes. We Over the last month, people in Min- congressional action, though, Tribal
must infuse IHS with additional fund- nesota and across our country have fo- governments have had to continue
ing for Tribal healthcare and ensure it cused our attention on the deep sys- fighting to get their fair share of those
has parity in accessing Federal pro- temic inequities that Black, Brown, dollars. The Trump administration ar-
grams. We must provide Tribal govern- and indigenous people face. This injus- gued that some of this relief should go
ments with the resources they need to tice is not new. It is as old as the col- to for-profit Alaska Native corpora-
keep their communities up and running onization of our country, but, col- tions. Then it took the Treasury De-
safely by providing $20 billion in addi- leagues, this is a unique moment. partment 40 days to distribute just the
tional targeted funding within the This public health crisis presents us first 60 percent of the funds to Tribes,
Treasury’s Coronavirus Relief Fund. with an opportunity to show that we and not until 2 weeks ago, almost 3
The Senate should pass bills I have are serious about repairing the damage months after passage of the CARES
introduced that have already been done by our broken promises to sov- Act, did Tribal governments receive
adopted by the House of Representa- ereign Tribal nations and urban indige- the rest. To be clear, these funds can-
tives in its Heroes package, which was nous communities. not be used to replace lost revenue.
passed over 6 weeks ago. We must Some have said that COVID–19 is the We have so much work to do to fulfill
make our strategic stockpile available great equalizer, but we know that our commitment to indigenous people
COVID hits hardest those without a and the simple proposition that Native
to Tribes. Tribes should be able to ac-
safe place to call home, those strug- families should have equal access to
cess PPE, ventilators, and other nec-
gling with low wages and poverty and healthcare and housing opportunity as
essary medical equipment just as
lack of healthcare, and Black, Brown, White Americans.
States can. We must make sure that When I speak to Tribal leaders in my
Tribes have equal access to the Centers and indigenous people living with the
State about this cycle of historic
for Disease Control and their resources trauma of having their identity and
underinvestment, inequity, and broken
to prepare for public health emer- their very humanity called into ques-
promises, I share their frustration. I
gencies like this pandemic. tion, even before this virus spread.
The impact of COVID on Native com- don’t know how anybody couldn’t.
Seventy percent of Native Americans Indigenous leaders in Minnesota
live in urban settings. Yet the Med- munities has been devastating. Native
know that a lack of housing on Tribal
icaid reimbursement rate for Urban In- people have been hospitalized for lands leads to overcrowding, which in-
dian Health facilities is lower than the COVID at five times the rate of White creases the risk of contracting COVID.
Federal reimbursement rate at other people. In mid-May, the Navajo Nation Tribes have asked over and over for
IHS facilities. We need to balance the reached a higher per-capita infection sufficient funding for housing pro-
scales and help the 43 Urban Indian rate than any other hotspot in the grams. They shouldn’t have to ask any-
Health facilities across the Nation ex- country. more.
pand their services. Why is it that COVID is hitting Trib- Indigenous leaders know a lack of ac-
As so much of our lives move to the al nations so hard? Despite repeated cess to healthcare and substance abuse
internet, we must make sure that Na- calls from Tribal leaders and urban in- disorder treatment lead to chronic
tive schools, healthcare facilities, and digenous leaders, over the past few dec- health conditions, like diabetes, heart
government services are not left on the ades, the Federal Government has disease, and asthma, which worsen
wrong side of the digital divide. All stood by and allowed the budget of the COVID symptoms. Tribes have asked
Tribes must have access to high-speed Indian Health Service to dwindle. They over and over for sufficient funding to
broadband. have neglected Indian housing pro- address these health inequities, and
This public health and economic cri- grams, and they have ignored growing they shouldn’t have to ask anymore.
sis has hit us all hard, but we shouldn’t health inequities. Indigenous leaders know that a lack
deny that some communities have been The Federal institutions dedicated to of access to credit and capital prevents
hit hard. We need to send immediate serving Indian Country are not broken. urban indigenous households and folks
relief to those communities that have Unfortunately, these institutions have living on Tribal lands from building
been so severely hurt, including Native never been adequate to live up to our wealth like their White neighbors, who
communities, and we need to set our trust and treaty responsibilities, and can more easily, therefore, weather the
sights on genuinely taking on the sys- they represent a broken promise. storm of unemployment.
temic and institutional barriers these The Federal Government’s failure Native communities have asked over
communities have faced for far too has life-and-death consequences for Na- and over to enforce fair lending laws
long. We can, we should, and we must tive people—for their health, for their and to ensure access to credit for mi-
do better. well-being, and for their opportunity to nority borrowers, and they shouldn’t
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
I yield the floor. provide for their families. have to ask anymore. Long before
I suggest the absence of a quorum. Think of this striking statistic: Un- COVID, these inequities have harmed
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The employment in the indigenous commu- indigenous people. Our inaction has
clerk will call the roll. nity in the Twin Cities is at a terrible placed Tribal nations in the untenable
The legislative clerk proceeded to 47 percent—higher than any other position of having to ask for what they
call the roll. group in our State. are already owed.
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4091
So let’s take this extraordinary mo- that other countries look to us for 15, the Supreme Court issued a momen-
ment—a terrible moment but a mo- leadership during troubled times. It is tous decision—welcomed by Members
ment of real opportunity, a moment why we prevailed in two world wars, of both parties—extending civil rights
when our country is called to respond defeated the axis of evil, and have since employment protections to LGBTQ in-
to this terrible pandemic and to reckon maintained the greatest Armed Forces dividuals in workplaces across Amer-
with systemic inequities that have in the world. It is why the ideal of the ica. That decision, however, does not
hurt Native people and even sought to American dream exists. apply to servicemembers. That means
erase them—and let’s turn this mo- Importantly, it is the American peo- our servicemembers, who often come
ment to good. ple, past and present, who have shaped from communities that have for gen-
We have an opportunity not only to our American character—the 56 men erations bravely sacrificed for the
address the public health and economic who put their lives on the line to draft United States, currently enjoy fewer
crisis of COVID but also to live up to and sign the Declaration of Independ- statutory protections than their civil-
our obligation to Tribes, like providing ence in 1776; the volunteer army of ian counterparts.
them with the tools to build resiliency farmers and shopkeepers who defeated Think about what that says about
in their communities. the British and today has grown into our country: The law treats the people
First, we need to provide rapid, flexi- the best fighting force the world has willing to risk their lives to defend our
ble support to Tribal governments so ever seen. freedoms as second class citizens. It is
that they can respond to COVID–19 and Fifty-five Americans came together unconscionable, and it is un-American.
provide essential services to Tribal to write the U.S. Constitution, guaran- In this moment of reckoning on civil
members at the same time. teeing the freedoms for Americans to rights, we must ensure those rights ex-
Second, let’s live up to our promises worship, to speak out, to bear arms, tend to all of our military servicemem-
and fully fund the Indian Health Serv- and to peaceably assemble. In the years bers.
ice and the NAHASDA housing pro- that followed, America fulfilled its The push for the desegregation of our
grams. When we do this, we will be ad- promise to form a more perfect union troops, for gender integration into
dressing the shortage of physical and while acknowledging it is not perfect combat, and for the repeal of don’t ask,
behavioral healthcare for young adults but always striving to do better. don’t tell were all met with similar ar-
and parents and elders, and we will We ended the injustice of slavery; 100 guments about how increased oppor-
make it easier for families to find af- years ago this year, gave women the tunity for the group in question would
fordable safe places to live and to build right to vote; overcame the Great De- hamper readiness, unit cohesion, or
wealth through homeownership. pression; fought for the equal rights of otherwise weaken the military. Those
We can do this. It is within our all Americans during the civil rights arguments have been proven wrong
power. We can end this cycle of under- movement; and persevered after Sep- every single time.
investment and institutional violence. tember 11. It is, in fact, the lack of protections
This is the best moment in a genera- Today we still have those heroes who for these groups that hamper readiness.
tion to accomplish this. make America what she is today. We Without protections, an able platoon
I am committed to lifting up the see these works in our midst every day: sergeant can be stigmatized and driven
voices of indigenous leaders in Min- our service men and women who brave- from the military because he is
nesota and around this country. I fol- ly protect us across the globe and keep transgender. His years of experience
low their lead, and I will continue to the enemy away from our shores; the and the immense investments the mili-
advocate for these changes because dedicated men and women of law en- tary has made in him can be erased
they are so long overdue. forcement who work tirelessly to keep with the stroke of a pen.
I urge my colleagues in the Senate to our communities and our families safe;
join me in this work. Our military has grown only stronger
our teachers, who provide the gift of as it better represents our country.
Thank you. education to our youth; our doctors
I yield the floor. But, right now, in the year 2020, people
and nurses, who save lives every day who are willing to make extraordinary
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and have bravely taken on the chal-
ator from Georgia. sacrifices for our freedoms are being
lenge of COVID–19. told no simply because of who they are.
FOURTH OF JULY American exceptionalism started
Mrs. LOEFFLER. Mr. President, 160 We must do better. And we can. We
with our humble beginnings, and it has
years ago, Abraham Lincoln reminded can make sure the National Defense
endured throughout the challenges our
us that ‘‘at all times . . . all American Authorization Act includes discrimina-
country faces.
citizens are brothers of a common It is tempting to focus on the divi- tion protections for all servicemem-
country, and should dwell together in sions in America today, but we have bers.
the bonds of fraternal feeling.’’ much more in common that unites us. My amendment with Senator COLLINS
That bond—our commitment to com- This Fourth of July is a reminder of would codify in the law that service-
ing together to move our country for- the blessings of life, liberty, and the members of all races, religions, and
ward, our embrace of the challenges pursuit of happiness that all Americans sexes are protected from discrimina-
our country faces because we know we deserve. tion. It would affirm that Americans of
will come out of these moments President Reagan once said: every race, religion, sex, sexual ori-
strong—has made the United States ex- Freedom is a fragile thing and is never
entation, gender identity, and national
ceptional. more than one generation away from extinc- origin have the right to join and serve
As we approach the Fourth of July tion. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be and sacrifice in our military.
holiday, I want to take a moment to fought for and defended constantly by each I was proud to have Senator John
recognize what makes America who she generation, for it comes only once to a peo- McCain join me in leading similar leg-
is today and the values that have al- ple. islation to protect transgender troops 3
lowed us to carry on the Great Amer- I agree, and I hope this Fourth of years ago. The late Senator said: ‘‘Any
ican Experiment for 244 years. July we can stand together, proud that member of the military who meets the
The United States—the shining city we will strive to make this country a medical and readiness standards should
on a hill, the land of opportunity, the more perfect union. be allowed to serve—including those
land of the free and the home of the I yield the floor. who are transgender.’’ I hope this will
brave, the red, white, and blue—our The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- be the year that we deliver the results
country is exceptional precisely be- ator from New York. he wanted for our troops.
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cause we have never settled for any- S. 4049 Placing language safeguarding this
thing less. Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Mr. President, I right into the NDAA can help us begin
It was that very reason it was Ameri- rise to address a glaring inequality in to overcome an unfortunate legacy of
cans who first discovered electricity, the law—one that leaves our service- creating artificial, blatantly unfair
built the airplane, put a man on the members with fewer protections from barriers to service by underrepresented
Moon, developed chemotherapy, and discrimination than civilians. On June groups. It is a legacy that continues to
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S4092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
this day with the Trump administra- We will get this right. Yet, year after cused on this very issue. It does not do
tion’s ban on transgender servicemem- year, thousands of servicemembers are enough to protect our servicemembers
bers. raped and sexually assaulted, and their from sexual assault in the ranks or to
That discriminatory ban is not only assailants are not held accountable. punish perpetrators who commit these
an insult to members of the In many of those cases, the assailant violent crimes.
transgender community who have is someone in the survivor’s chain of Just for a minute, imagine this is
served our country; it is an insult to command—the same chain of command your daughter or your son. Imagine
every LGBTQ person who has given that will decide the case, picking just for a minute that your children de-
their life to protect it. Arguments judge, jury, prosecutor, defense coun- cide to go into the military. Do you
against open transgender service have sel—all decided by a commander in think they will be protected?
no basis in experience or in science. that chain of command. My bill, the Military Justice Im-
Transgender individuals served open- There is no other judicial system in provement Act, is being offered as an
ly in the military for more than 21⁄2 America that would ever allow this to amendment to the NDAA. This amend-
years without any readiness or cohe- happen. This system is not delivering ment will professionalize how the mili-
sion issues. I know because I asked all justice. The chain of command is not tary prosecutes serious crimes like sex-
four service chiefs and the Chairman of delivering justice. These decisions— ual assault, and it will remove the sys-
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and they all these fundamental civil rights deci- temic fear that survivors have to re-
confirmed it. The Chairman of the sions—need to be made somewhere else. port these crimes. Survivors don’t re-
Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, who They need to be made by trained, im- port these crimes because they fear the
was then Chief of Staff of the Army, partial military professionals, prosecu- retaliation against them.
told me that he had received ‘‘precisely tors, lawyers—people who are trained This bipartisan and commonsense re-
zero reports of issues of cohesion, dis- to make this very hard decision. form leaves the majority of uniquely
cipline, [or] morale’’ caused by We are asking survivors to come for- military crimes, as well as all crimes
transgender individuals in the service. ward in an environment where they punishable by less than 1 year of con-
The American Medical Association, know that there is less than a 10-per- finement, within the chain of com-
the American Psychiatric Association, cent chance that the chain of command mand. It would only move one deci-
and other experts agree: There is no will try their assailant for a crime sion—literally, one decision—that only
medically valid reason to exclude and—worse—that there is only a two in 3 percent of commanders actually have
transgender individuals from military three chance that they themselves— the right to make, and that decision
service. Anyone who can meet the mili- they themselves—will face retaliation. will be made by a trained military
tary standards should be allowed to Despite repeated efforts to stamp out prosecutor.
serve—and serve in an environment the scourge of retaliation against mili- These prosecutors, or military JAGS,
free from discrimination. It is that tary sexual assault survivors, the most are required to be licensed attorneys in
simple. recent Pentagon survey found that 64 good standing with their State bar as-
Our Armed Services should reflect percent of these survivors have experi- sociations and are subject to profes-
the best of what this country has to enced some form of retaliation for re- sional rules of ethics. Those are com-
offer—in their values and in their porting the crime. This figure is statis- monsense standards, but they are not
ranks. We cannot allow for laws that tically unchanged from 2016. It is unac- the standards that commanders have
unnecessarily limit their ability to re- ceptable. to meet. Commanders aren’t typically
cruit and retain the best person for the I ask you: Who is this system de- lawyers. They are not typically crimi-
job. signed for? nal lawyers. They are not trained in
I ask my colleagues to support our I think so often about a Marine vet- how to make this fundamental decision
troops with more than lip service. I ask eran who told me: about whether a crime has been com-
my colleagues to extend to them pro- When I reported the assault, my command mitted. So why wouldn’t you let mili-
tections from discrimination based on responded with retaliation . . . ostracism, tary police investigate the crime just
race, religion, or sex. These are people intimidation, and isolation. The humiliation as they do today?
who are willing to fight for our coun- of the retaliation was worse than the assault They take that investigation and, in-
try. These are people who are willing because it was sanctioned from those same stead of putting it on the commander’s
to die for our country. This body and leaders I once would have risked my life for. general counsel’s desk, they will put it
our country must be willing to fight The climate of retaliation comes on a military prosecutor’s desk. The
for them. My amendment will do ex- from the top. It comes from the chain military prosecutor gets to make a de-
actly that. I ask all of you to support of command. They should not be decid- cision: yes or no; I can prosecute or I
its inclusion in this year’s NDAA. ing these cases. They do not have the can’t. Then, that file goes right back to
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. COL- background or the impartiality nec- the commander. So when the com-
LINS). The Senator from New York. essary to deliver justice. This system is mander wants to do nonjudicial punish-
Mrs. GILLIBRAND. Madam Presi- broken, and it is failing our service- ment, he gets to do it. Every time a
dent, I rise again to address another members. prosecutor says there is no case here,
issue. I rise because, according to the This Congress has passed and spent he gets to have the same authority he
Pentagon’s recent biannual survey, al- hundreds of millions of dollars on in- has today.
most 21,000 servicemembers were sexu- cremental reforms since 2013. During Under today’s standards, only 10 per-
ally assaulted in the year 2018. That this time, an estimated 137,000 service- cent of these cases go to trial. That
was a 38-percent increase from the year members have been assaulted. would mean the commanders don’t get
before. Let me say that again. During that to make that one decision that 3 per-
I rise because the current climate of time, 137,000 servicemembers have been cent of them get to make 10 percent of
retaliation in our armed services and sexually assaulted. the time because 90 percent of the time
the lack of justice provided by the What are we doing here? Can we not it comes right back to the commander
chain of command meant nearly three- hold the U.S. military accountable? to do whatever nonjudicial punishment
quarters of those assaults went unre- Can we not do our jobs? Can we not he or she thinks is appropriate.
ported, and less than 10 percent of stand up for the men and women who This is a very small but important
cases considered for command action risk their lives for us every day? change because when you make this
went to trial—less than 10 percent. Incremental change that leaves the change, the survivor sees that the deci-
I rise because I stood in this very power in the hands of the chain of com- sion isn’t being made within her chain
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Chamber in 2013 and shared essentially mand is not enough. We have the proof of command. She or he sees that the
the same statistics. and the evidence. decision is being made by somebody
Year after year, the leaders of our ‘‘We’ve got this ma’am; we’ve got trained to make the decision—someone
armed services come to Congress and this.’’ They say it every year. They who is actually a prosecutor. He or she
commit to making things better. They don’t have it, and they haven’t had it will then believe it is worth reporting
commit to us in hearing after hearing: for the last 7 years we have been fo- the crime.
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4093
So many of these crimes don’t even thing, and do the right thing. It is our early April, it has provided $518 billion
get reported and, sadly, the percentage job. We are supposed to provide over- in forgivable loans to 4.8 million small
of those that are being reported is sight and accountability over the U.S. employers across the Nation.
going up—the percentage of those re- military. It is the Senate’s job, and According to an ongoing U.S. Census
ported confidentially. It doesn’t show every year that we don’t address this Survey, nearly three out of every four
that there is any faith in the system if fundamental scourge is another year small business respondents reported
people will only report if they don’t we fail. that they had received assistance
name their perpetrator. I am tired of this Chamber failing our under the PPP program. In Maine,
This reform is nothing new. This re- servicemembers. I am tired of our com- nearly 27,000 small businesses have re-
form has been done all across the world manders and our military failing our ceived forgivable loans, totaling more
by our allies. Our allies in the United servicemembers. We owe everything to than $2.2 billion. Just to give you an
Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Germany, them. idea of how much of a stimulus that is,
and Australia have all removed report- I yield the floor. that is equal to almost half of the en-
ing and prosecution of violent sex I suggest the absence of a quorum. tire State budget. That works out to an
crimes out of the chain of command. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. average loan size of $83,400, which
Leaders in those militaries have re- MCSALLY). The clerk will call the roll. translates into a small business with
The bill clerk proceeded to call the
ported that these changes have not di- approximately seven employees. All
roll.
minished their ability in any way. It Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I told, this program is helping to sustain
has not diminished their commanders’ ask unanimous consent that the order nearly 200,000 jobs in the State of
ability to maintain good order and dis- for the quorum call be rescinded. Maine.
cipline, to train their troops, and to do The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without As Treasury Secretary Steve
what they are there for. objection, it is so ordered. Mnuchin testified last month:
Congress owes our servicemembers a PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM The [Paycheck Protection Program] is sup-
debt of gratitude that can never be Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, last porting the employment of approximately 50
fully repaid. These brave men and million workers and more than 75 percent of
night, the Senate approved legislation small business payroll in all 50 states. This is
women who have experienced the un- to extended the Paycheck Protection
imaginable are counting on us this an extraordinary achievement.
Program, better known as PPP,
year to finally take real action. Until It is, indeed. It has made such a dif-
through August 8, while we continue
we do, we continue to fail in our re- ference to our small employers. It has
bipartisan negotiations on a bill to pro-
sponsibility to protect them. kept our small businesses afloat, pre-
vide additional assistance to our small
Madam President, this is something vented them from giving up and shut-
businesses that have been especially
we have worked on together for over 7 hard hit by COVID–19 mitigation meas- tering their doors forever, and provided
years. This is something that, on a bi- ures. paychecks to their employees.
partisan basis, this Chamber has I very much hope that the House of When we first drafted this program in
worked on for 7 years. We have been de- Representatives will act quickly to ex- early March, we did not know how long
nied a vote on this over the last 5 tend this important lifeline for our government-ordered closures would
years—denied a vote on this the last 5 small employers, as new PPP loans last. In fact, most of them had not even
years. The military has fought tooth cannot be issued until the bill that gone into effect at the time that we
and nail to not put in these funda- passed the Senate last night is enacted drafted the law. We also did not know
mental reforms. They ask us over and and signed into law, even though ap- how severe the impacts of these gov-
over: Trust us; we got this. Trust us; proximately $130 billion remains avail- ernment-ordered closures would be. We
we got this. able for the program. did not know how long the pandemic
They don’t have it. They haven’t had Let me, again, commend my partners would last. How I wish that we could
it, and they don’t focus on it. in this endeavor, Senators MARCO announce today that COVID–19 had
If you just look at the report from RUBIO, BEN CARDIN, and JEANNE SHA- been conquered; that America’s small
this year alone, we are up to 20,000— HEEN, for their continued work on this businesses were flourishing once again;
over 20,000—sexual assaults in the last vital program. and that the millions of jobs that they
year. The percentage of cases that are Back in March, the four of us formed provide had been fully restored. Unfor-
being reported confidentially is going a small business task force. We looked tunately, that is not the case, and we
up. The percentage of cases that are at ways that we could help our small have a long road ahead of us.
being reported openly is going down. employers and their employees survive According to a survey released last
The percentage of cases that are going this pandemic. We put forth a bold week by NFIB, an organization that is
to trial is going down. The percentage plan, the Paycheck Protection Pro- dedicated to providing a voice for
of cases ending in conviction is going gram, to help small employers and America’s small businesses, half of its
down. So under no measure today has their employees. Our concept was members anticipate needing additional
the military succeeded in this mission, straightforward: provide forgivable financial support in the next 12
under absolutely none. They say they loans to small employers to help them months.
got this. They don’t have it. They maintain that vital connection with I fear that, if Congress fails to act,
never have. And if we don’t do our job their employees, so that both could re- despite our good work to date, millions
this year, they never will. bound and thrive once the pandemic of our small businesses will be put at
This is not something new. This is passes. risk, and millions of jobs will be lost.
something that other countries that In some cases, that meant that a A case study of how the pandemic
are our allies have done. It profes- small business could retain an em- has threatened the viability of small
sionalizes the military. It gives hope to ployee who, otherwise, would have been businesses can be found in Maine’s
survivors. It creates permission for laid off. In others, it has meant that tourism sector. Tourism is one of our
them to report these crimes. If more the small business could recall workers State’s largest economic sectors. It
crimes are reported, more prosecutions who had already been laid off. And in supports 110,000 jobs. That is one out of
will be completed, and more cases will yet other cases, it allowed employers every six jobs in our State. In 2018,
end in conviction. to continue to send paychecks to em- total tourism expenditures exceeded
Send a message: Convict perpetra- ployees who had been furloughed so $6.2 billion. That is $7 million per day.
tors. Protect survivors. Honor the sac- that we could keep that link between In late March, there was the expecta-
rifice and legacy of every man and employers and their employees, so that tion that the 2020 tourism season would
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woman who serves in the military when the reopening occurred, they certainly be lower than the norm but
today who will give their life for this could be reunited quickly and the busi- active enough for the tourism busi-
country. That is our responsibility. ness could get up and running much nesses to survive. But, as the Fourth of
I urge everyone in this Chamber to more rapidly. July draws closer, near empty hotels,
stand with our troops. Stand with the The response to this program has inns, B&Bs, and restaurants portend a
men and women who sacrifice every- been phenomenal. Since its launch in long-lasting disaster, as many of our
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S4094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
State’s seasonal businesses rely on the commonsense ways. For example, we COVID–19 emergency supplemental bill
busy summer season and fall season to should allow forgiveness for supplier and to do it now. The needs are real.
pay their major bills for the year, in- costs and investments in facility modi- They are immediate. In fact, when the
cluding their mortgage and property fications and personal protective House passed the Heroes Act, we should
taxes, not to mention their all-impor- equipment that employers are buying have begun those negotiations in the
tant employees. to protect their employees and their first week after it had passed it, but we
Two weeks ago, a Maine innkeeper in customers, such as plexiglass shields, didn’t. We should have begun the nego-
York County told me that her inn patio installations for outdoor dining, tiations in the second week after it had
would normally have a 94-percent occu- masks, gloves—that kind of equipment. passed it, but we didn’t. We should
pancy rate at this point in the summer. It is especially important to res- have begun the negotiations in the
She currently has an occupancy rate of taurants facing dining restrictions and third week after it had passed it, but
6 percent. those struggling to get the high-qual- we didn’t—and the fourth and the fifth
As one observer put it, the word ‘‘Va- ity food supply that they need. We and the sixth.
cationland,’’ which appears on our li- should also clarify that employer-pro- Every day, I talk with Vermonters,
cense plates in Maine, might well be vided group health benefits are in- sometimes hundreds at a time in state-
replaced with ‘‘Vacancy Land.’’ cluded in forgivable payroll costs. wide conference calls. From small busi-
I have heard from so many hotel Fourth, we should extend the PPP to nesses, to families, to schools, to hos-
owners throughout Maine, and their small 501(c)(6) organizations that are pitals, to Federal employees, I hear
stories all have a familiar theme: Res- not lobby organizations. I am talking their urgent needs. So I want to talk
ervations made months ago for July about local chambers of commerce, today about just one of those urgent
and August are being canceled, and business leagues, economic develop- needs—funding for the United States
cancelations for the fall are also start- ment associations, and boards of trade, Citizenship and Immigration Services,
ing to come in. In addition to putting which are doing a great job but are USCIS.
hotel staff at risk of losing their jobs, struggling to themselves survive. It plays an important role in our Na-
or having their hours cut drastically, Fifth, we should clarify in statute tion’s immigration system. It processes
or not being hired in the first place, that forgivable loan funds can be spent requests for immigration benefits,
the vendors that supply these estab- through December 31 and allow bor- American citizenship, and it screens
lishments are losing sales. Local retail- rowers to apply for loan forgiveness, at asylum seekers. The agency is staffed
ers and restaurants are losing summer the time of their choosing, after 8 by more than 19,000 dedicated men and
customers. Planned improvements and weeks from loan origination. women across the country, including
expansions are being postponed, caus- Finally, to ensure transparency in roughly 1,700 in my home State of
ing harm for local tradespeople. the PPP loan program, we should re- Vermont.
I talked to a restaurant owner who Last Friday, furlough notices were
quire the Small Business Administra-
operates a wonderful restaurant in sent out to 13,350 of the 19,000 USCIS
tion to comply with data and informa-
Portland. Right now, she has to depend employees. They are effective next
tion requests from the Government Ac-
on outside seating and lives in fear of a month, on August 3. That is just 4
countability Office or Federal inspec-
bad storm, where people won’t be able weeks from now. In Vermont, 1,111 men
tors general within 15 days.
to eat outside. Only slowly is Maine al- and women received this notice, which
There are many other ideas that the
lowing in-restaurant eating to resume is over 65 percent of the USCIS work-
four of us who are members of the
force in Vermont. These are men and
in the most populous parts of our Small Business Task Force are taking
women who, day after day, do impor-
State. All of us understand that we a look at, but today, I just wanted to
tant work for the Nation. They have
have to put the health of people first, outline for my colleagues some ideas
continued to do that work every day
but these restaurant owners are get- that I am particularly interested in in-
even during the COVID–19 pandemic.
ting desperate, and they are trying cluding in this bill. And they have been told, even though
very hard to comply with all the CDC As the shutdowns have grown longer, they have been doing the work loyally
regulations. it has become clear that millions of and effectively, after August 3, a
There is no doubt that similar dis- small employers need additional help if month from now, they can no longer do
ruptions are occurring across the coun- they are to keep their heads above their job; they will no longer receive a
try. That is why it is so important that water and survive. It also has been paycheck.
we reach bipartisan agreement to allow clear that many of these employers Nationwide these are 13,350 new and
those small businesses that have been must make substantial investments to urgent reasons why the Senate must
especially hard hit by the pandemic to modify their operations, to protect act on our Nation’s real and immediate
receive an additional forgivable loan. their employees and customers, to needs, and the Senate majority must
As we continue our bipartisan negotia- mitigate the spread of the COVID make that possible now. We have lost 6
tions on such a plan, I have come to virus. weeks since the House acted on this. It
the floor to outline some of my own Most of all, we need to always keep is time the Senate acts.
priorities for a second Paycheck Pro- in mind that we are talking about em- I have been ringing the alarm bells
tection Program loan. ployees. It is the small businesses of for more than a month on this issue.
First, I do believe that we will our country that employ the majority We know that due to declining revenue,
achieve bipartisan agreement to allow of the people who are working. immigration-related application fees
the hardest hit small business employ- We are close to reaching a bipartisan coming into USCIS, the agency is fac-
ers—those who have seen their reve- agreement, and I know we are going to ing a budget shortfall of $1.2 billion,
nues decline by 50 percent or more in be working very hard over the recess to and the furlough notices that were sud-
any quarter this year compared to the do so. I also know that, for small busi- denly sent out last week are the result
same quarter last year—to receive an nesses that are struggling, such an of this shortfall. USCIS is simply say-
additional PPP loan. This is absolutely agreement cannot come soon enough. ing they can’t pay employees with rev-
essential to the ability of these busi- Again, I want to thank my col- enues they do not have.
nesses to survive as the fight against leagues—Senator MARCO RUBIO, Sen- I would remind everybody the short-
COVID–19 continues. ator BEN CARDIN, Senator JEANNE SHA- fall is not entirely due to COVID–19.
Second, because we must stretch the HEEN—for their dedication and good- The agency has not lived within its
$130 billion that remains in the PPP faith efforts to reach an agreement. budget for the last 3 years of this ad-
funds as far as we possibly can, I sup- I yield the floor. ministration, and, frankly, the Trump
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port generally limiting eligibility to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- administration’s mismanagement and
entities that have 300, rather than 500 ator from Vermont. extreme immigration policies have
or fewer, employees with a special pro- Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, I only worsened the situation.
vision for seasonal employers. came before the Chamber yesterday As part of the President’s efforts to
Third, I believe that we need to ex- and made the case as to why Congress erase our identity as a nation of immi-
pand forgivable PPP expenses in some needs to begin negotiations on another grants, he has not just tried to shut
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4095
our Nation’s doors to asylum seekers I know, on the major COVID bill, my portant to take stock of where we are
and refugees, he has attempted to re- staff and I worked 7 days a week, some- and to see how we need to adjust fur-
strict almost all immigration to this times very late into the night, and we ther to, again, what we have learned by
country. are all in separate locations, but we hard experience.
He has created obstacles for immi- got it done, and we got an appropria- On Sunday, I traveled to Dallas, TX,
grant workers, created a wealth test tions bill through here that almost all with Vice President MIKE PENCE for a
for immigrants, even exploited the cur- Republicans and Democrats voted for briefing on the coronavirus response ef-
rent public health emergency to im- because people worked together. We forts, and we were joined by two of
pose additional immigration restric- worked together. We passed legislation those members—Dr. Deborah Birx and
tions that have nothing to do with pub- this country needed. HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson.
lic health. We showed it can be done, so we can On the flight down, I was able to
And because USCIS has not been able and we should begin bipartisan, bi- spend some time talking with Dr. Birx
to issue visas or process other immi- cameral negotiations. Do it during the about testing strategies and the ways
gration benefits as they normally do as next 2 weeks so that when the Senate we can more effectively identify posi-
a result of President Trump’s anti-im- is back in session, we have legislation tive cases and stop the spread, espe-
migrant policies, revenue, of course, to consider and debate. We can enact cially among asymptomatic individ-
has fallen. the bill into law expeditiously. uals who have no incentive, no motiva-
No matter the cause, the budget If there are amendments people want tion to request a test in the first place.
shortfall is real. We have to address it. or things they want to change, vote If I am feeling well, why would I go ask
Furloughs would not only disrupt the them up or vote them down. We should for a coronavirus test unless I am just
processing of immigration benefits and be willing to stand here and vote, and curious. That is the conundrum.
American citizenship and other critical then we can enact a bill into law and Dr. Birx talked about the concept of
services provided by USCIS, but it is do it expeditiously. pool testing, which is one of the most
going to cause unnecessary hardships The American people deserve no less. efficient ways to test large numbers of
on thousands of Federal employees and The dedicated men and women at people using the least amount of time
Federal contractors. It is going to USCIS deserve no less, but I would say and resources.
come at a time when our Nation is al- the men and women of every single one Let’s say, for example, that a number
ready dealing with record job losses. of our States deserve no less. of employees at a meat packing plant
The loss of these valuable jobs will There are 100 of us here. We have are tested simultaneously. Rather than
also cause hardship to the communities shown we can work together. We have running each sample individually to
across the Nation where these Federal done it before. We have done it with ap- see if any of the employees had the
workers live and work. These are com- propriations bills. We sat here, voted virus, you would pool the sample to-
munities already struggling with the for or against amendments, and then gether and run it as a group. If the pool
pandemic. They were dealing with peo- did what is best for the country. Let’s sample comes back negative, you know
ple who have skills that have been do it. Let’s not be afraid to vote. that each individual within that pool is
built up over years of experience. I see my distinguished friend from negative. And if it comes back positive,
So let’s craft a fair, responsible solu- Texas on the floor. each sample is run individually to
tion to this problem. That would re- I yield the floor. identify positive cases.
quire emergency appropriations and ac- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- But this is a way to magnify the
companying legislation to ensure ator from Texas. number of testing cases we can do by
transparency and accountability. Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, I maybe as much as a factor of 10.
Time is of the essence. I know, as thank my friend from Vermont for his This pool-testing model makes it
vice chairman of the Appropriations courtesy. much easier to conduct repeated tests
Committee, we have agreement on the Yesterday, Texas reported almost for individuals in a single setting such
vast majority of the possible appropria- 7,000 new coronavirus cases, setting a as workplaces, schools, or nursing
tions bills. There has been a concern by new single-day record. homes.
the Republican majority not to bring As cases have climbed in recent This is exactly the kind of strategy
them up because they do not want weeks, it has become clear that we we are going to need as we contemplate
something on COVID. need to take what we have learned sending our children back to school.
Well, every Senator can go home and about this virus and adjust our strat- Dr. Birx was recently quoted as say-
talk to their people in their State. egy. ing: ‘‘If you look around the globe, the
They will hear, as I do every single day In the beginning, we were still learn- way people are doing a million tests or
in my calls from Vermonters, there is a ing about this novel virus and how it is 10 million tests is they’re doing pool-
need to do something regarding COVID. transmitted, while also trying to maxi- ing.’’
Now, there have been numerous calls mize scarce resources. I think the best So as we are seeing spikes in Texas
by myself and the Democratic leader- analogy I can think of—we were trying and a number of other States across
ship in the Senate, and despite those to design and build an airplane while the country, it is clear we need to
calls, the White House and the Repub- we were flying it. adapt to everything we have learned
lican majority have refused to move Because of that, only individuals and embrace a new and different strat-
forward on a fourth COVID–19 emer- with symptoms or who had been in con- egy. We need more efficient and effec-
gency appropriations bill where we tact with a person who had tested posi- tive ways to test broad swaths of peo-
could address this and other critical tive could be tested themselves, but we ple so we can identify positive cases as
issues caused by the coronavirus pan- know a lot has changed in the last few soon as possible.
demic. months. We have learned that individ- Now, we know this virus is particu-
We should not wait any longer. In uals can have the virus even if they larly deadly if you are over 80 years old
fact, we must not wait any longer. I aren’t showing symptoms. or if you have underlying health prob-
call on Majority Leader MCCONNELL to Recent studies in North Carolina and lems. For the rest of us, honestly, if
begin bipartisan negotiations on a New York have shown that somewhere you get symptoms, you are probably
COVID–19 emergency relief bill now so between 12 and 20 percent of people going to recover. Sadly, some will have
we can solve this problem before fur- could have the COVID–19 antibodies. In to be hospitalized, but, actually, the
loughs are necessary. other words, they have had the virus, level of fatalities we have seen from
The Senate is about to recess for 2 and they recovered, but they didn’t the coronavirus infection have re-
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weeks, but that doesn’t mean our work even know they were sick in the first mained remarkably low because our
stops. With millions of people working place, but the problem is they can still healthcare providers have discovered
from home due to the coronavirus, in- spread it to others. new treatments and new ways to save
cluding in the U.S. Senate, we have As our knowledge about the lives.
shown that we can do our job from coronavirus has increased, so have our A data scientist and associate pro-
wherever we are located. testing capacities, but I think it is im- fessor at Cornell University named
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S4096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
Peter Frazier has said about pool test- can send our troops around the world everything from our cell phones, to
ing that ‘‘if you don’t test people with- with the confidence that they have the computers, to cell towers, to missile
out symptoms and focus only on symp- best equipment available. defense systems. Despite the pervasive-
tomatic people, then you miss the epi- I’m glad this legislation includes a ness of these devices in our everyday
demic and continue spreading.’’ provision I offered to increase the num- lives, we’re largely relying on other
We need to constantly reevaluate and ber of new F–35 aircraft. When we talk countries to manufacture them. Since
adapt our strategy to ensure that we about providing our servicemembers 2000, the U.S. has dropped from pro-
are identifying cases as soon as pos- with the best possible equipment, the ducing roughly a quarter of the world’s
sible to stop the spread and to protect F–35 is a prime example. This 5th gen- semiconductors to only 12 percent.
the most vulnerable among us. eration fighter gives our Meanwhile, China has gone from
I know the administration and the servicemembers an edge in stealth, sur- manufacturing zero chips to 16 percent
task force are working around the veillance, and weapons systems. of the world’s supply, and plans to in-
clock on this, but to be frank, we need Growing our F–35 fleet has been a pri- vest another $1.4 trillion in semicon-
to up our game, and I hope we will ority for a number of years, and this ductor technologies. America has lost
focus on developing a comprehensive legislation will continue moving us in ground to global competitors, and un-
testing strategy based on what we have the right direction. These aircraft will less the U.S. takes action, it’s esti-
learned from this hard experience to be made by hardworking Texans in mated that by 2030, 83 percent of global
combat the rise in cases and commu- Fort Worth, and provide our semiconductor manufacturing capacity
nity spread we are seeing in places like servicemembers around the world with will be in Asia. We need to bring back
Texas and elsewhere. the most advanced and capable aircraft some of the talent that was first cre-
S. 4049 to see them through their missions. ated here in the U.S.
Madam President, this week, the But maintaining a competitive edge 0f course, that’s much easier said
Senate is fulfilling one of our most requires much more than a fleet of top than done. Building a new foundry is a
of the line aircraft or a stockpile of in- very expensive undertaking, and it’s
basic responsibilities—and that is to
novative weapons. It also requires end going to require an investment from
support our common defense.
Passing the strong, strategic, and bi- to end security in our supply chains. the federal government.
The COVID–19 pandemic has really
partisan national defense authorization That’s why Senator WARNER and I in-
shone a light on the vulnerabilities
bill is something we have done for the troduced the CHIPS for America Act,
that come from a reliance on other
last 60 years. It is how this body has and I hope we can include a version of
countries for critical manufacturing.
ensured that generations of service- this bill as an amendment to the
We lean heavily on China and other
members would be paid, that they NDAA. This would create a federal in-
countries for masks, gloves, gowns,
would have the equipment and training centive program through the Depart-
ventilators—all the equipment we’ve
they need, as well as the weapons, the ment of Commerce to encourage semi-
needed over the past few months. That
planes, and the ships to bring them conductor manufacturing in the U.S.
reliance has led to a shortage of these
home safely. It is how we have taken In short, this would help stimulate
supplies at the most critical time, and
stock of the evolving threat landscape domestic advanced semiconductor
forced our medical workers to go into
and made adjustments to ensure that manufacturing, and boost both our na-
battle without their traditional armor.
our military remains the very best in It’s been a wake-up call on supply tional security and global competitive-
the world. It is a belief in peace chain vulnerabilities, and a reminder ness.
through strength. that we need to keep our most critical I mentioned, these devices are every-
We know our adversaries are con- supply chains right here at home. One where—military systems, tele-
stantly watching us to see whether we area where we need improvement is communications, healthcare, agri-
are hesitant or pulling back from our with 5G. For all the rewards that come culture, manufacturing. Virtually
world leadership or maybe we are not with this advanced technology, there every industry stands to benefit from a
investing like they are in modern are also a lot of risks, and we need to more secure semiconductor supply
weapons systems that can defeat our ensure we’re protecting this critical chain and our economy would reap the
defenses. asset. That’s why Senators BURR, WAR- benefits of bringing these manufac-
Well, we know for all the tech- NER, and I introduced the Secure 5G turing jobs back to the United States.
nologies and innovation that have and Beyond Act, which is now law. This legislation would serve as a
made our lives simpler and more effi- It requires the President to develop a boon to both our national security and
cient, that these changes in technology strategy to ensure the security of next our economy, and I’m hoping it will be
have made safeguarding our national generation telecom systems, and help included as part of the NDAA.
security that much more challenging. our allies protect their systems as well. I’d like to once again thank Chair-
We are seeing new technologies on But I believe we need to take this a man INHOFE and Ranking Member
the battlefield, and the race to develop step further, and safeguard not only REED for upholding the now 60-year
next-generation weapons, such as the networks themselves but the sup- tradition of a bipartisan process to get
hypersonic missiles, has allowed our ply chains that produce them. The re- this legislation over the finish line on
competitors to get a few steps ahead of ality is, a lack of domestic industry time. I’m glad this legislation
us. The bottom line is, unless we con- has caused the U.S. to fall behind our prioritizes advancements in the crit-
tinue our investment and our deter- foreign adversaries in developing 5G ical technologies that will modernize
mination to remain No. 1, we are going technologies. our national defense, and restore our
to be losing ground against our adver- I’m glad the NDAA includes an competitive edge.
saries. We no longer enjoy the across- amendment I offered to support these I yield the floor.
the-board strategic edge that we used critical supply chains. It would give The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
to have, and it is time for us to take the Department of Defense the flexi- ator from Oklahoma.
bold action to reverse the tide before it bility to partner with industry for Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, first
is too late. That is what I believe we commercial development and deploy- of all, I would make a comment in re-
can achieve with this year’s National ment of 5G technologies. This will en- action to the comments of our good
Defense Authorization bill. sure we’re investing in American com- friend from Texas. What he says is
I appreciate Chairman INHOFE and panies to strengthen and secure our true, and the American people are not
the members of the Senate Armed critical networks, which are vital not aware—and I don’t say this critically
Services Committee, which operates al- only to our national security, but to of the previous administration—but
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most entirely on a bipartisan basis. It our everyday lives. during the Obama administration, his
really is a great tradition and one we Beyond supporting 5G, another crit- top priority was not really defense. He
don’t want to break, passing the De- ical supply chain we need to support is had his own agenda, and, consequently,
fense authorization bill each year. for semiconductors. we suffered at that time.
It also provides funding to both mod- These devices are everywhere— In the last 5 years, which would have
ernize and grow our aging fleet, so we they’re the underlying technology in been from 2010 to 2015, he reduced the
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4097
funding of our military by 25 percent. for our Members who are watching to on the DETER Act; and Schatz-Mur-
What people don’t realize is, during be aware of where they stand in line. kowski No. 2252 on the section 1033 pro-
that same timeframe, Russia increased I ask unanimous consent that the fol- gram?
theirs by 34 percent, and China in- lowing amendments be called up en I ask the Senator to modify his re-
creased the funding of their military bloc and the Senate vote on adoption of quest to add those amendments, and
by 83 percent. That put us in a situa- the amendments en bloc with no inter- then Members on our side who have se-
tion in which we have to do what we vening action or debate: Moran, No. rious concerns can have their amend-
are doing, and that is why this and the 1694; Hyde-Smith, No. 1881; Romney, ments considered.
last bills have been very important. No. 1883; Portman, No. 1891; Kennedy, Mr. INHOFE. First of all, let me re-
We are still working on the National No. 1987; Romney, No. 2018; Sullivan, spond by saying that this has been a
Defense Authorization Act. I consider No. 2391; Johnson, No. 2077; Wicker, No. long process, and it is one that has in-
it to be the most important bill of the 2178, Fischer, No. 2231; Risch, No. 2238; volved leadership on both sides, and we
year. I know my colleagues agree with Gardner, No. 2241; Portman, No. 2243; are attempting to do that. I think that
me that this is very significant, and Inhofe-Reed, No. 2248; Peters, No. 1753; by looking at the list I have read off,
this is something that we know is Warner, No. 1803; Coons, No. 1808; War- the Senator will see a lot of Democrats
eventually going to pass. This will be ner, No. 1907; Tester, No. 1968; Bennet, and a lot of Republicans there. For
the 60th consecutive year. No. 1977; Smith, No. 2058; Cortez Masto, that reason I think we have an ade-
Our military is the best in the world. No. 2186; King, No. 2215; Merkley, No. quate number that several of us have
This week, with this bill, we are going 2251; Cantwell, No. 2255; Cantwell, No. agreed on, so I would object to modi-
to make sure it stays that way. The 2256; Hirono, No. 2269; Menendez, No. fication of my amendment.
goal of having a strong military is de- 2270, and Peters, No. 2275. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec-
terrence—to make sure that we don’t The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tion to the modification is heard.
have to use it—and to send a signal to objection? Is there objection to the original re-
our enemies that they can’t win The Democratic leader. quest?
against us. This is the message we need Mr. SCHUMER. Reserving the right Mr. SCHUMER. Reserving the right
to send today, tomorrow, and forever. to object, while I know the committee to object, I hope we can continue these
That is what the national defense is working hard and I know the Sen- discussions in a productive and fruitful
strategy tells us. ator from Oklahoma and the Senator way, but at this point I must object.
I don’t have the national defense from Rhode Island are working hard to- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec-
strategy book here, but we have been gether in a very good way, I know they tion is heard.
adhering to it. It is a strategy that was have been trying to work up an agree- Mr. INHOFE. I yield the floor.
put together a few years ago by 12 ment on three amendments to come, as The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Democrats, 12 Republicans, and all the well as a managers’ package, but there ator from Virginia.
experts in the field, and we have been are certain amendments that our side RUSSIA
using it as our model ever since. So we feels should be debated. Mr. KAINE. Madam President, I rise
want to make sure that we have In a moment I will ask the chairman to speak about the disturbing reporting
enough ships and planes and every- to modify his request to include rea- regarding Russian efforts to harm
thing in place. sonable numbers of amendments that Americans in Afghanistan through
China and Russia have caught up in we believe should have rollcall votes. payments to the Taliban and the
some areas, and I think it is important, None of these are ‘‘gotcha’’ amend- Haqqani network. This is deadly seri-
as the Senator from Texas said about ments. None of these are extraneous. ous and we—the Congress and the
the hypersonic weapons, that we are They are not dealing with impeach- American public—must get answers to
talking about offensive and defensive ment or the records of the President or a number of questions.
weapons; we are talking about some- anything like that. Every one of them When did the United States first re-
thing that is state of the art. They ac- is related to the NDAA bill, and there ceive information suggesting that Rus-
tually are ahead of us right now, but is sincere feeling on our side that these sia was providing financial support to
with this bill we are going to get amendments should be debated and Taliban or HQN operatives to kill
caught up. voted on. American troops?
Our superiority rests on our staying This is not an attempt to block or What investigation has been done by
ahead of our competition. We ceded obstruct; this is an attempt to come DOD or intel agencies to corroborate
that advantage under the last adminis- together. As we know, to make this the charge?
tration, and we are going to correct work, we need bipartisan agreement. What investigations have been done
that. That is where we are right now. All of them, as I said, are related to the into the deaths of U.S. troops in Af-
I see the minority leader is here, and NDAA bill. ghanistan during the relevant time pe-
I would like to propose a unanimous The modification I am asking for also riod to determine whether they might
consent request. includes the two Republican amend- be linked to Russian payments?
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—AMENDMENTS ments, one from Senator CORNYN and Was information about this allega-
EN BLOC one from Senator PAUL. tion contained in the President’s daily
Madam President, I ask unanimous I appreciate the chairman’s desire to briefing in late February? If so, why
consent that, at a time to be deter- start voting on these amendments, but are the President and the White House
mined by the majority leader in con- I hope he will modify his request so maintaining so strongly that the Presi-
sultation with the Democratic leader, that several more Members of the Sen- dent was never briefed?
the following amendments be made ate on both sides of the aisle can When did the United States first brief
pending en bloc and the Senate vote in amend the bill as well, and we can allies—specifically, the United King-
relation to the amendments in the move forward. dom—on the intelligence concerning
order listed without intervening action So I ask this question of my friend the Russian bounty allegations?
or debate: Paul amendment No. 2011; the chairman: Will the Senator modify What events led to an administrative
Sanders amendment No. 1790; third, his request to include the following interagency meeting on this topic in
Cornyn-Schumer-Cotton amendment amendments to be called up and voted late March?
No. 2244. on in relation to Sanders No. 1788, in What options were explored at that
I further ask unanimous consent that lieu of Sanders amendment No. 1790— meeting? Were any undertaken?
the following amendments be called up that is the 10 percent cut to the Pen- To the extent that there is a dif-
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en bloc and the Senate vote on adop- tagon; Tester No. 1972 on Agent Or- ference of opinion about the existence
tion of the amendments en bloc with ange; Shaheen No. 1729 on the PFAS of such a program among U.S. agen-
no intervening action or debate. study; Gillibrand No. 1755 on cies, what explains the differing con-
I hesitate to do this. It will take me transgender policy; Manchin No. 2361 clusions?
a minute to actually name all of the on NNSA; Menendez No. 2396 on the Did President Trump discuss the
amendments because it is important Bounty Act; Van Hollen-Rubio No. 1845 matter in any of the numerous phone
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S4098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
calls he had with Russian President only major country on Earth not to In order to begin the process of ad-
Putin from late March through this guarantee healthcare to all people as a dressing some of the most important
month? human right, and enormous crises that issues facing our country, I have intro-
If the President knew of the concern, in Siberia last week, the temperature duced five amendments, all of which I
why did he persist in trying to get Rus- was 100 degrees, which is frightening think are important and all of which I
sia invited as a participant to the G7 the scientific community because they believe need to have a vote and a de-
meeting to be held in the United States understand this is the tip of the iceberg bate. Let me very briefly explain what
this fall? regarding climate change. We have all those amendments are and what they
Why hasn’t the President condemned these crises out there, and nothing would do.
the existence of any such program or much happens here in the Senate. The first amendment would reduce
at least pledged that there would be se- Well, I think maybe it might be a the military budget by 10 percent and
rious consequences if such a program good idea to start some real debate use that $74 billion in savings to invest
existed? right here. I have introduced six in distressed communities in every
That Russia might behave in a hos- amendments that are significant. I will State in this country that have been
tile manner toward U.S. troops in Af- discuss each of them. Other Members, ravaged by extreme poverty, mass in-
ghanistan would not be a surprise Democrats and Republicans, have also carceration, deindustrialization, and
based upon Russia’s track record of bad introduced significant amendments. decades of neglect.
behavior all over the globe, but what Given the fact we have done virtually It is no secret to anybody that the
has been surprising has been the ad- nothing over the last year, I think it is American people are hurting all across
ministration’s actions regarding this not inappropriate to have some serious this country. We have communities
explosive allegation, and I believe the debate on one of the very major pieces where unemployment today is 20, 25, 30
Senate must get to the bottom of it. of legislation we will be dealing with. percent, where people are sleeping out
I yield the floor. We are talking about a bill that will on the streets, where schools are un-
I suggest the absence of a quorum. spend some $740 billion. That is more derfunded, where decent-quality
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ROM- money in terms of military spending childcare is virtually not available,
NEY). The clerk will call the roll. than the next 11 nations combined. and where air and water pollution is
The senior assistant legislative clerk Does anybody have a problem with rampant. It is time that we stop turn-
proceeded to call the roll. that? Some of us do. Maybe others ing our backs on those communities.
Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, I don’t. Let’s debate it. What we are doing right now is focus-
ask unanimous consent that the order We are talking about a bill that will ing attention on the fact that 40 mil-
for the quorum call be rescinded. be spending more money on the Pen- lion Americans are living in poverty.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. tagon than we did during the height of Half of our people are living paycheck
LOEFFLER). Without objection, it is so the Cold War and the height of the to paycheck. And maybe—just maybe—
ordered. wars in Vietnam and Korea. Does any- instead of investing more money in nu-
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST one have a problem with that? Well, I clear weapons and submarines and God
Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, do. Maybe some other people do. Maybe knows what else, maybe we want to in-
since last week, the Senate—ostensibly you don’t. Tell me why you think we vest in our own people, in jobs and
one of the great deliberative bodies in should be spending more money on the healthcare and education, so that they
the world—supposedly has been ‘‘debat- military today in terms of inflation can live their lives with dignity and se-
ing’’ the $740 billion National Defense than we did during the war in Vietnam. curity.
Authorization Act. It has been a very, Let’s debate it. I believe right now, in the midst of
very silent debate because of the 700 We are talking about a bill that will all of the crises this country faces—the
amendments that have been filed to provide 53 percent of the entire discre- crisis of the pandemic, the crisis of the
this bill. There have been no rollcall tionary budget to the bloat and waste- economic meltdown, the crisis of racial
votes on any of them. I do understand ful Pentagon at a time when the De- injustice, the crisis of 100 million peo-
that in the managers’ amendment, fense Department cannot even pass an ple being uninsured or underinsured,
some of the noncontroversial, non- independent audit. We have a huge the crisis of climate change—I think
significant amendments have been ac- budget for the Pentagon. They cannot the American people want real trans-
cepted and absorbed, and that is fine. pass an independent audit, and the re- formation. They are tired of the status
We have had a vigorous debate, but no- sponse of the Senate is, well, let’s give quo. They want a government that rep-
body in the world has heard that de- them even more money. It may make resents all of us, not the 1 percent and
bate because there has not been one sense to some people. It doesn’t make wealthy campaign contributors.
amendment here on the floor. sense to me. I do understand that the people be-
Knowing the way the Senate does In my view, it would be rather dis- hind this military budget who love it
business, I worry very much—and I graceful for us to leave town, recess so much are the military-industrial
hope I am wrong, and I will do my best the Senate for 2 weeks without getting complex and the defense contractors.
to prevent it, but I worry very much a vote on a single amendment and then They are doing phenomenally well. It
that we are supposed to be getting out come back in a couple of weeks to pass is a great budget for them. Their CEOs
of here for the Fourth of July break to- a $740 billion Defense bill without any make tens of millions of dollars a year.
morrow night. Right now, it is a little opportunity to amend that bill. They make huge profits every single
after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and we are If the horrific pandemic that we are year. It is a good budget for them. But
out of here on Thursday. now experiencing, where tens of thou- maybe we may want to get our prior-
Given the fact that we are talking sands of people are coming down with ities right and have a good budget for
about 53 percent of the discretionary the virus every single day—if the pan- working families and low-income fami-
budget of the U.S.A., I am just a little demic has taught us anything, it is lies in America. That is what my
bit worried about how many real that national security, the well-being amendment does.
amendments, significant amendments, of our people, and protecting our peo- This amendment is being cosponsored
are going to be offered. ple is a lot more than just building by Senators MARKEY and WARREN. It is
Let us be clear that over the last bombs and missiles and jet fighters and also being supported by over 60 organi-
year, we have been part of what I con- tanks and submarines. Our people are zations throughout this country rep-
sider to be the biggest do-nothing Sen- in trouble today in an unprecedented resenting millions and millions of peo-
ate in the modern history of this coun- way with the pandemic and with an ple, including organizations like Public
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try. This country faces enormous crises economic meltdown in which tens of Citizen, Union of Concerned Scientists,
in terms of the pandemic, faces enor- millions of people have lost their jobs Physicians for Social Responsibility,
mous crises in terms of an economic over the last couple of months. We and the Coalition on Human Needs.
meltdown, enormous crises in terms of have to focus on how we protect those These organizations are saying that
racial injustice and police brutality, people. It is not just spending money maybe—just maybe—instead of invest-
enormous crises in terms of being the on planes and guns and bombs. ing in weapons of destruction, instead
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4099
of spending more money on the mili- So the question that we have to ask The last amendment that I have filed
tary than the next 11 nations com- ourselves is this: How does it happen would reduce the defense budget by
bined, maybe we should invest in our that, in the wealthiest country in the one-tenth of 1 percent—not a lot of
people. history of the world and with the money—and use that money to make
What this amendment would do is strongest economy in the world, we our Nation safer by reaching out to
provide funding, again, for 1,000 dis- have doctors and nurses today who are people throughout the world and ex-
tressed communities, from Vermont to dealing with people with COVID–19 and panding educational and cultural ex-
Oklahoma, which would receive Fed- don’t even have the personal protective change programs.
eral funding to hire more public school equipment that they need? How in In other words, the theory behind
teachers, provide nutritious meals to God’s name does that happen? this whole bill is that, by spending $740
children and parents, and offer free tui- We are spending 18 percent of our billion on the building of planes and
tion to public colleges, universities, or GDP on healthcare—twice as much as tanks and guns and the most sophisti-
trade schools. any other country. Yet we cannot pro- cated weapons of mass destruction in
At this pivotal moment in American vide a $1 mask to a doctor or to a nurse the history of the world, it will make
history, we have to make a funda- whose life is at stake. It is not only us safer. Well, I am not so sure. Maybe
mental decision that we want to con- doctors and nurses. what makes us safer is when we break
tinue spending billions on endless wars What a number of countries around down the fears and the hatred that
in the Middle East, on weapons of mass the world are doing, which is very exist between peoples all over the
destruction—of which we have more smart, is producing or acquiring large world. Maybe what makes us safer is
than enough—or do we provide decent numbers of high-quality masks, and when we get to know each other—that
jobs and education and healthcare for they are distributing those masks to is, as human beings—whether we are
millions of people in our country? all of the households in their countries. Chinese or Russians or Iranians or Bra-
Further, a major reason why there is We should be making sure that every zilians or Canadians. Maybe we all
so much waste, fraud, and abuse at the household in this country has the share the same human aspirations.
Pentagon is, in fact, that the Defense masks that each needs. That will save Throughout history, it has always
Department remains the only Federal lives. There is an estimate from the been easy to demonize people you don’t
agency in America that hasn’t been University of Washington that it could know—always easy. That is what
able to pass an independent audit, save 30,000 lives during this pandemic if demagogues have always done. We are
which deals with the second amend- 95 percent of the American people were fearful of Jews, of Blacks, of the Irish,
ment that I have introduced. to wear masks. It would also save us a of Italians, and of gay people. It is so
I don’t think it is too much to say substantial sum of money because it is easy to demonize people with whom we
that the largest agency of the Federal a lot cheaper to invest in masks than are not comfortable and don’t know.
Government has to pass an inde- in the hospitalizations for those who They are not in our communities, and
pendent audit. have the virus. I should mention that we don’t know anybody. Let’s demon-
There is nobody in the Senate who other countries that are not as wealthy ize the people of Iran, and let’s demon-
does not believe there is massive waste as we are—countries like South Korea, ize the people of China and Russia.
and fraud at the Pentagon. Defense France, Turkey, Austria, and others— This is not saying that I or anybody
contractor after defense contractor has are doing just that. else here is in agreement with their
pled guilty to fraud. We have massive Again, this is an idea that has won policies, but are weapons the only ap-
cost overruns. support from not only Dr. Fauci but proach we have toward them? Yes, we
In the second amendment that I am from other leading healthcare experts need a strong military, and I believe in
offering, which has been cosponsored who testified before the Committee on a strong military. Do you know what I
by Senator GRASSLEY, a longtime Re- Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- also believe? When we have kids from
publican leader here; Senator LEE, a sions yesterday. That is the third the United States who go to other
Republican from Utah; and Senator amendment—making sure that we uti- countries and when other countries
WYDEN, of Oregon, all that we are ask- lize the Defense Production Act to send their kids, their farmers, their
ing is that there be an independent produce the masks that our medical doctors, their nurses to America and
audit of the Defense Department and professionals and the American people when we get to know each other, we
that it be completed no later than fis- need. We can save tens of thousands of have a shot at breaking down the irra-
cal year 2025. It is not a very radical lives and hundreds of billions of dollars tional hatred which foments so many
idea. by doing it. problems throughout the world.
The third amendment I am offering is The fourth amendment I have filed As a former mayor, I can tell you—
one that, I would hope and expect, would prohibit funding for military aid and I am not alone—that this idea of
would have wide support right here. I and logistical support for the disas- sister cities is certainly not a radical
think it does have support among the trous, Saudi-led war in Yemen. I be- idea. I suspect that almost everybody
American people, and it certainly has lieve it is past time that we put an end here in the Senate comes from a State
widespread support among the medical to our unconstitutional and unauthor- in which a sister city program exists or
community and the epidemiologists of ized participation in this war. that you have programs with cities in
this country. On this issue, I am certainly not other countries. In Vermont, we have a
Just yesterday, I was participating in alone. A bipartisan majority of the number of them. I started several of
a hearing of the Committee on Health, U.S. Senate has already voted three them when I was the mayor of Bur-
Education, Labor, and Pensions. We times—not once, not twice, but three lington. It was a beautiful thing to
had the leading experts in this country, times—to halt all U.S. military sup- see—kids from another country coming
including several representatives of the port for the Saudi-led war in Yemen. It to our country and our people going to
Trump administration—Dr. Fauci and is time for us to do that again—this other countries and learning.
others—talking about the pandemic time, not just in words but in action. All I am asking for is one-tenth of 1
and what we could do about it. There We should have no money going toward percent—$7 billion—no, less than that.
was widespread consensus. Nobody, I U.S. participation in this horrible war, What am I talking about? All I am ask-
think, has any doubt anymore, except which is destroying a nation with some ing for is $700 million to encourage cul-
maybe Donald Trump, that masks are of the poorest, most desperate people tural and educational exchange pro-
a very, very important preventive on Earth. grams. By taking this tiny fraction
measure. They are not going to solve So that is the fourth amendment, from our defense budget—one-tenth of
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all of the problems, but the evidence is and I think it would be hard for any- 1 percent—and applying it to these ex-
overwhelming that the people who body here to deny that it is an impor- change programs, we will send a mes-
wear masks in public, when they are tant amendment. This has already sage about the critical role these ex-
around other people, are less likely to been, in one form or another, passed change programs play. They exist all
transmit the virus or to receive the three times. So let’s get some teeth over this country already, but I want
virus. Nobody doubts that anymore. into it. to see them grow, in supporting not
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S4100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
only American security but our com- known each other for years and, I opposed to amendments. We are just
mon, global security. Therefore, I have think, respect each other. We have trying to—with the understanding and
listed and described five amendments. very, very different philosophical the realization that things are done in
Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- leanings, but that does not mean we the Senate with unanimous consent
sent to set aside the pending amend- cannot respect each other. and that one person has a lot of power
ment and call up the following amend- All I would say to my friend from to stop a lot of other people, we don’t
ments en bloc: Senate amendment Nos. Oklahoma is that the function of the want that to happen. We want to en-
1788, 1920, 1789, 1919, and 1918; that they Senate is for 100 Members to determine courage amendments, and we are going
be reported by number; further, that what is important, not just a few. What to try to consider as many as we can.
there be 2 hours of debate on the may not be important to me may be Mr. SANDERS. I would simply say to
amendments, equally divided and con- important to you, and what may be im- my friend, he is quite right—unani-
trolled by me or by my designee and by portant to you may not be important mous consent gives every Member a lot
Senator INHOFE or his designee; and to me. Yet I think, especially on a bill of power, and I do not want to be objec-
that, following the use or yielding back of this significance, the Members— tionable, but I feel very strongly on
of that time, the Senate vote on the Democrats and Republicans—have a this issue, and I hope we can work on
adoption of the amendments, in the right to come forward and bring forth something.
order listed, without intervening ac- amendments. If I don’t like an amend- Mr. INHOFE. Thank you.
tion or debate. ment and you have brought forth the Mr. SANDERS. I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. amendment, it is likely I am going to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
ROUNDS). Is there objection? vote against it, and you are going to ator from Washington.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, reserv- vote against my amendment. I get it. S. 4049
ing the right to object. It is called democracy. It is the process Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we go through here. I just cannot un- come to the floor to continue this de-
ator from Oklahoma. derstand why we are not voting on bate about the Armed Services bill we
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I object; amendments. When we get back, I are considering on the floor today, and
although, I would like to have the op- would rather see a process take place I would just note for my colleagues
portunity to look at all five of these whereby dozens of amendments are that I know that it is a general prac-
amendments to see which ones would brought up and debated and voted up or tice, but my colleague from Vermont is
not be consistent with the negotiation voted down. That is what, I think, this bringing up a very big, important point
that is taking place right now. Senate is supposed to stand for. about amendments, and that is that
I would like to make sure that every- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, if the the NDAA is marked up in a secret,
one understands that, at this very mo- Senator would yield for one more com- closed-door session. It is not like we all
ment, Democrats and Republicans are ment so I may address that, Senator have a bright light, and we know what
looking at a lot of amendments, as we REED and I are both in agreement. We is in there. In fact, they held the lan-
have done every year for 60 years, to have been wanting amendments. We guage for 3 weeks and then now, all of
make sure that we are getting the have been asking on a daily basis—now a sudden, thrust it onto the Senate
right amendments in order to make the for about 2 months—for Members to floor and then don’t want us to offer
bill the best we can. bring their amendments down so we any amendments.
Now, it will just take a few minutes can consider amendments. We are in In my case, I am objecting, along
for me to do this. Until then, I reserve the process now of seeing which amend- with the Senator from Vermont, as to
the right to object. If we have a timing ments we are able to bring up that we a major shift in policy that is in this
problem on this, I will object, but it might have reached an agreement on. proposal that shifts money away from
might be that there is one I would like We are doing that. It is not an easy the Department of Energy and onto nu-
to consider at this time. process, and it does take a little bit of clear weapons, where we didn’t even
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there time. Yet I am hopeful that we will vote on it. We didn’t vote on it, and
objection? have amendments. I anticipate we will. members of the Energy and Natural
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I object. Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, if I Resources Committee are in disagree-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- may respond to my friend, JACK REED ment about this, the fact that we
tion is heard. is a good friend of mine, and I know weren’t consulted and that it is basi-
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would that you and he are working hard and cally raiding jurisdiction.
like to be recognized in order to make well together. Yet you are two Sen- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
a comment. ators, and there are 98 others of us, and sent to have printed in the RECORD a
First of all, I have great respect for on what you two may agree to be im- letter signed by myself, Senator LAMAR
the Senator. I have worked with him portant or not to be important others ALEXANDER, Senator HEINRICH, Senator
many times, and we have really gotten may disagree. CASSIDY, Senator WYDEN, Senator BAR-
quite a bit accomplished. I know that All I am saying to the Senator is to RASSO, Senator RISCH, and Senator
my friend is sincere in the statements let people bring up their amendments. SANDERS from Vermont.
that he makes, but I find myself in a If the Senator doesn’t like it and I We object. We are members of the
different position. don’t like it, we will vote against it. I committee. We are very senior mem-
I see what has happened in previous just don’t know why we are restricting bers of the committee. We understand
administrations, and, during the last 5 amendments in a Senate which is sup- the DOE budget. We understand the
years of the Obama administration, I posed to be one of the great delibera- DOE responsibilities. We don’t think it
saw when, in his budget, the President tive bodies in the world. The world is is right for somebody to mark up, in a
reduced the military by 25 percent at supposed to look at us, but they are closed-door session, in the middle of
the same time that China was increas- not looking well at us when a few peo- the National Defense Act, a taking of
ing its by 83 percent and Russia was in- ple determine what is going to be voted money, basically neutering the Sec-
creasing its by 34 percent. I am sen- on or not. retary of Energy, basically saying: You
sitive to this, and it is one of the con- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I would only have half of your budget because
siderations we make. respond by saying that I don’t take we are going to dictate over at the De-
I do object to this amendment, but I issue with that, but I will say that we partment of Defense exactly how you
am going to work with the Senator to all remember what happened a year are going to spend those dollars.
see which of these might be appro- ago when this bill was up. One of our So that is a big power grab by a very
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
priate and can be sellable to a majority Members objected to all amendments few people and certainly deserves a
of the people in the Senate. coming up, and, as a result, no one got vote by the U.S. Senate. It certainly
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- an amendment up. deserves a bright light by the Amer-
ator from Vermont. That isn’t happening this year be- ican people because not only are we
Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, Sen- cause the individuals who were opposed talking about this from the perspective
ator INHOFE is right. He and I have to amendments last year are no longer of the taking away DOE resources and
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July 1, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4101
focus from the Secretary of Energy, we 2020 letter to Chairman Inhofe and share his would probably love to know that the
are also talking about putting into the concerns that provisions in the Senate hydro system didn’t have to go through
hands of the Department of Defense NDAA bill undermine DOE’s ability to meet FERC relicensing, but they did have to
its mission goals and responsibility for main-
what has been civilian oversight—civil- go through FERC relicensing.
taining the viability of the nation’s nuclear
ian oversight of the production of our deterrent. And so the fact that that was in a
nuclear weapons. As currently written, the Senate NDAA panoply of things stuffed into NDAA,
So why is this so important, who is bill would strip the Secretary of Energy of in the final negotiation in the House,
in charge of DOE’s budget? Well, I the ability to manage some of the most sen- they couldn’t get it out. So we are
think the Secretary of Energy is. I sitive national security programs that ac- being held hostage one more time on
think he comes before Congress. I count for almost half of the Department’s the NDAA bill for bad policy that has
think he discusses with Congress what budget. Such changes could impede account-
ability and Congressional oversight, as well
not had the broad discussion of the
that budget is. I think he talks and we U.S. Senate.
as imperil future funding for other critical
talk and we review his nominees and DOE responsibilities such as promoting sci- So I would say to my colleagues: If
the work they do on this. entific and technological innovation, man- you care about nuclear waste cleanup,
For me, in the State of Washington, aging our National Laboratories, sponsoring if you care about the agenda of our na-
we have the largest nuclear cleanup basic research in the physical sciences, and tional laboratories—and I will tell you,
site in the entire world. So cleaning up ensuring cleanup of the nation’s nuclear
you think people are threatening you
Hanford from the plutonium produc- weapons complex.
Sweeping changes impacting civilian con- right now? People are threatening us
tion that was done for our efforts in
trol of our nation’s nuclear weapons pro- on cybersecurity. People don’t stick a
World War II is a massive, multibil-
grams should only be made in consultation sub into your waters anymore, taunt-
lion-dollar-a-year cleanup. I wish it
and coordination with the committee of ju- ing you or flying aircraft overhead;
wasn’t that much, but it is, and it has risdiction in an open and transparent man- they basically put software tools into
been for decades. ner. The changes included in the Senate
And people constantly look at that $2 your powerplants, into your military
NDAA bill have been met with opposition sites. We need our National Labora-
billion and think: We can shave some from the Trump Administration, former Sec-
of those dollars off. I am here to tell tories to do their job, not have the
retaries of Energy, recent NNSA Administra-
you, you can’t, not with leaky tanks tors, and the Congressional Advisory Panel money subverted by some agency that
leaking into the groundwater and mov- on the Governance of the Nuclear Security we don’t see, they don’t come to us—
ing toward the Columbia River—no. We Enterprise. they go to a few Members. They go to
cannot have people taking half of the We therefore request that the provisions be the Senator from Oklahoma, but they
removed from the pending bill or that the don’t come see us and talk about their
DOE budget and then basically decid- Senate be allowed to vote on the relevant
ing that the Department of Defense is agenda. They basically just want an in-
amendments filed by Ranking Member crease, and instead of going through
going to decide what to do with it. Manchin.
Hanford isn’t the only site. There are the normal legislative process, they ba-
Sincerely,
other cleanup sites—Paducah. There MARIA CANTWELL, MARTIN HEINRICH, RON sically are trying to short circuit both
are still things to do with Savannah WYDEN, MAZIE K. HIRONO, BERNIE SAND- appropriators and authorizers on this
River. There are cleanup sites all over ERS, LAMAR ALEXANDER, BILL CASSIDY, important issue.
the United States. JOHN BARRASSO, JAMES RISCH. So if people are proud of that lan-
To, in the NDAA bill, basically, pre- Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, what guage, if they think it stands, they
clude us from even discussing such a else is at stake? think it is the right policy, then they
major policy change that is not sup- Also, at stake are our National Lab- should let us have a vote. They should
ported by the Secretary of Energy, not oratories. Our National Laboratories let us have a discussion of who is in
supported by the chairwoman of the do incredibly hard work for us. I know charge of DOE’s budget because, I guar-
Energy and Natural Resources Com- what ours does in the Pacific North- antee you, most Americans think it is
mittee or the ranking member, Senator west because they are an expert on cy- the Secretary of Energy and not a
MANCHIN, whose amendment we would bersecurity. They are an expert on de- five-, seven-member subcabinet level
like to seek a vote on—so I submit to tection. They are an expert on ter- over at DOD.
the RECORD this letter from my col- rorism and fighting terrorism. This is appalling, and it has to stop.
leagues on the Energy and Natural Re- So now, all of a sudden, you are going TRIBUTE TO JOEL CONNELLY
sources Committee also objecting to to let the National Nuclear Security
this language. Agency decide what that budget looks Mr. President, if I could, while I am
There being no objection, the mate- like because they are going to take out here on the floor, pay tribute to
rial was ordered to be printed in the more money from it. one of the most iconic newspapers in
RECORD, as follows: Now is not the time to allow the De- the State of Washington, the Seattle P-
partment of Defense, without our over- I, and one of its noted journalists who
UNITED STATES SENATE,
Washington, DC, July 1, 2020. sight that we are sent here to give, to is retiring this week after 47 years
Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, decide what this budget should look writing for the organization.
Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, like. That is not their role and respon- This newspaper, which was part of
Washington, DC. the Northwest history for decades, fi-
sibility.
Hon. CHARLES SCHUMER, nally stopped the print edition several
Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, So the fact that somebody thinks
they can stick this in, in a closed-door years ago, but it has still been online.
Washington, DC.
session, and then jam us, without a Joel Connelly has been an icon of the
Hon. JIM INHOFE,
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, vote of this body to consider such a Northwest, writing about Presidents
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. major policy change, is appalling. for decades; writing about Northwest
Hon. JACK REED, Now, I know that people tried to do policy, such as the outdoors; writing
Ranking Member, Committee on Armed Services, this 2 years ago or a year and a half about the relationship, on inter-
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. national issues, particularly with Can-
DEAR MAJORITY LEADER MCCONNELL, MI-
ago and basically got taken out by the
House of Representatives, but that is ada.
NORITY LEADER SCHUMER, CHAIRMAN INHOFE,
AND RANKING MEMBER REED: As the Senate no excuse for doing it now. People jam Joel said it best. Once he said about
considers the Fiscal Year 2021 National De- so many things into this bill. Last his employer, the P-I: ‘‘We do our best
fense Authorization Act (NDAA), we write to time, they jammed in basically the re- to inform you, to intrigue you, amuse
express our opposition to the inclusion of licensing of a hydroelectric dam. Basi- you, and at times get under your skin.’’
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
controversial and far reaching provisions cally, written into this for the chair- I miss those days of journalism
that would fundamentally alter the Depart- man was the revision that said they no today, where someone has so much
ment of Energy’s (DOE) responsibilities for
the nuclear weapons budget.
longer have to be regulated by the Fed- knowledge and information about our
As members of the Senate Committee on eral Energy Regulatory Commission. region, about politics in general, about
Energy and Natural Resources, we write in Well, I can tell you, there are lots of society that they help keep us in-
support of Secretary Brouillette’s June 29, people in the State of Washington who formed and engaged.
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S4102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 1, 2020
Joel once interviewed Bill Clinton on The USMCA brings to bear, then, a With every trade issue that comes, it
Air Force One and obviously inter- trilateral trade agreement that will is always important to remember what
viewed many Presidents—both Bushes, lift prosperity across North America. President Kennedy said in his Presi-
Clinton, Obama. The USMCA paves the way for freer dency about trade legislation and the
He once was a Pulitzer Prize runner- markets and fairer trade. It replaces benefits of it—that if it benefits one
up for his coverage of the Washington NAFTA and puts America in a better country, it benefits the others. He said
Public Power Supply System, and obvi- position to expand market access for that ‘‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’’
ously he covered Hanford issues, which U.S. workers, farmers, and businesses. I am confident the USMCA will steer
I just talked about many times, and Specifically, the USMCA modernizes America’s workers, farmers, and busi-
many northern border issues. rules of origin for autos, sanitary and nesses to better days ahead.
He probably was best known in his phytosanitary standards, intellectual I yield the floor.
coverage of Idaho Governor Cecil property rules, digital trade, financial The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Andrus and wrote a book about him services, customs, labor, environment, ator from Florida.
and the many fights that happened in and more. f
the Northwest on land issues for many, Some of these issues I just mentioned NATIONAL BORINQUENEERS DAY
many years. weren’t even around 30 years ago when Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President,
So I can’t even begin to explain what NAFTA was negotiated. Modernizing I rise today to recognize and honor a
it will be like without Joel Connelly at NAFTA into the 21st century was the very important group of people in our
the helm of political national com- right thing to do. Nation’s history. The 65th Infantry
mentary for us in the Pacific North- As we enter into this agreement, the Regiment of the U.S. Army known as
west. world is navigating uncertain times, as the Borinqueneers was comprised of
Nobody sharper. Nobody keener. No- we know. The unprecedented public U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico.
body more experienced. Nobody who health crisis has turned the economy The Borinqueneers courageously
struck more fear in me when I had to upside down. Now, more than ever, our fought for decades to defend the free-
get on the phone with him because farmers, businesses, and workers need doms we enjoy today. They answered
chances were he knew the issue even and deserve certainty that they can the Nation’s call to serve, and they are
better than I did, and I had been pretty count on us to turn things around and the longest standing and only Active-
studied on it, but that is what you get accelerate economic recovery. Duty Latino military unit in U.S. his-
after 47 years in journalism. As chairman of the Senate Finance tory.
So I wish him all the best, but I also Committee, with jurisdiction over On April 13, 2016, Congress awarded
hope his retirement is a call for all of trade, I will be keeping a close eye on the Congressional Gold Medal to the
us to remember how important jour- the implementation of this historic 65th Infantry Regiment in recognition
nalism really is; that the tool and trade agreement. I want to ensure that of the Borinqueneers’ numerous con-
trade of people who basically cover any kinks that come up are ironed out tributions to American history and
these policies, understand them, and with appropriate flexibility, taking outstanding military service from
help give commentary in their columns into consideration unforeseen cir- World War I to the recent conflicts in
or in their journalism and oversight is cumstances from the pandemic, such as Afghanistan and Iraq.
what helps us keep our democracy here automakers and others who were shut Today, I am honored to join my col-
in the United States. down or repurposed operations to leagues in recognizing the bravery,
So, Joel, I know you will be up there produce medical equipment, and that is service, and sacrifice of the Puerto
on Whidbey Island and you will be just one example. I also will keep Rican soldiers of the 65th Infantry
watching us from afar. I know we are watch to hold accountable all stake- Regiment and to express deep gratitude
not done hearing the last of you, but I holders and ensure full compliance for the contributions to the Armed
know we have heard a great com- with the trade agreement. Forces that have been made by hun-
mentary for 47 years of the P-I and Now more than ever, North America dreds of thousands of patriotic U.S.
your comments, and we greatly appre- must work together to harvest the citizens from Puerto Rico.
ciate it. fruits of the USMCA. That is how we I am honored to designate April 13 as
I yield the floor. can foster investment, innovation, and National Borinqueneers Day to ensure
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- job creation for the 478 million people their legacy lives on. History will for-
ator from Iowa. who live in these 3 countries. ever pay tribute to the sacrifices these
UNITED STATES-MEXICO-CANADA TRADE The U.S. International Trade Com- individuals and their families made to
AGREEMENT mission estimated that the USMCA defend our freedom.
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, within 5 years would raise U.S. GDP by Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
today the United States, Mexico, and $68 billion, forecasting 176,000 new jobs sent to address the Senate in Spanish.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
Canada launched a new chapter in our in the United States. That is music to
objection, it is so ordered.
historic partnership with entry into the ears for everyone in America who (The English translation of the state-
force of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agree- has been hard hit by the pandemic’s ment made in Spanish is as follows:)
ment—USMCA for short. economic fallout. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. It is my honor
Thanks to the decisive leadership of Farmers in my State have enjoyed to recognize the service of these brave
President Trump, the USMCA will open one of the best planting seasons in dec- American citizens from Puerto Rico
the door for robust economic growth. ades. However, our livestock, poultry, who fought for our Nation. Your legacy
At the same time, regarding his deci- and biofuels producers have faced cata- will live on. Thank you for your serv-
sive leadership as President, this isn’t strophic disruption to their operations ice.
an issue just now. This is something since the virus swept across the coun- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
the President said in 2016; that the try. Iowa is the Nation’s No. 1 producer sent that the Senate proceed to the
NAFTA was the worst trade agreement of pork, eggs, and corn. Our economy consideration of S. Res. 641, submitted
that we have had, and he was going to depends on exports to grow and for our earlier today.
get rid of it or revise it. Most Presi- economy to flourish. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
dents run on a platform. They may not American farmers depend on exports clerk will report.
serve on that platform. This President to pay their bills and earn a living. The senior assistant legislative clerk
is serving on that platform, and today Farmers simply want to grow and read as follows:
the USMCA going into force for the produce for the marketplace, not for A resolution (S. Res. 641) designating April
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
first time is absolute proof of this government bailouts. 13, 2020, as ‘‘National Borinqueneers Day’’.
President keeping his promises and Today’s inauguration of the USMCA There being no objection, the Senate
getting the job done. offers a bright ray of hope for North proceeded to consider the resolution.
He also needs to compliment and America to plow forward and to plant Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President,
thank Ambassador Lighthizer, the ne- the seeds for a robust economic recov- I ask unanimous consent that the reso-
gotiator on this whole agreement. ery. lution be agreed to, the preamble be
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File and source
- File
- CREC_crec-2020-07-01_crec-2020-07-01-pt1-pgs4084-5.pdf
- Size
- 340,109 bytes
- SHA-256
- 45424408b4b793648a90af9656bff036de1c0b6ea9bd0cf2e2f4583fcf8f9ca0
- Original
- www.govinfo.gov