Congressional Record, Senate, July 2, 2020 — Statements on Introduced Bills Including S. 4160
Summary
Pages S4224 and S4225 of the Congressional Record, Senate, July 2, 2020. The pages begin with additions of cosponsors, at the request of named Senators, to amendments intended to be proposed to S. 4049, an original bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for military activities of the Department of Defense. Under Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolution, Ms. COLLINS introduces S. 4155 on an additional vehicle adapted for operation by disabled individuals for certain eligible persons, and speaks on the AUTO Act. Mr. THUNE introduces S. 4159, to amend the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, and S. 4160, on hospitals in the 340B drug discount program, and asks that the text of each bill be printed in the RECORD.
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“Congressional Record, Senate, July 2, 2020 — Statements on Introduced Bills Including S. 4160.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-07-02-crec-2020-07-02-pt1-pgs4224-2870ad86b7/
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S4224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 2, 2020
(Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- military personnel strengths for such original bill to authorize appropria-
sponsor of amendment No. 1931 in- fiscal year, and for other purposes. tions for fiscal year 2021 for military
tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an AMENDMENT NO. 2184 activities of the Department of De-
original bill to authorize appropria- At the request of Ms. SINEMA, the fense, for military construction, and
tions for fiscal year 2021 for military name of the Senator from California for defense activities of the Depart-
activities of the Department of De- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- ment of Energy, to prescribe military
fense, for military construction, and sponsor of amendment No. 2184 in- personnel strengths for such fiscal
for defense activities of the Depart- tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an year, and for other purposes.
ment of Energy, to prescribe military original bill to authorize appropria- AMENDMENT NO. 2324
personnel strengths for such fiscal tions for fiscal year 2021 for military At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the
year, and for other purposes. activities of the Department of De- name of the Senator from California
AMENDMENT NO. 1952 fense, for military construction, and (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co-
At the request of Mr. SCOTT of Flor- for defense activities of the Depart- sponsor of amendment No. 2324 in-
ida, the name of the Senator from ment of Energy, to prescribe military tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an
Texas (Mr. CRUZ) was added as a co- personnel strengths for such fiscal original bill to authorize appropria-
sponsor of amendment No. 1952 in- year, and for other purposes. tions for fiscal year 2021 for military
tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an AMENDMENT NO. 2244 activities of the Department of De-
original bill to authorize appropria- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the fense, for military construction, and
tions for fiscal year 2021 for military names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. for defense activities of the Depart-
activities of the Department of De- MORAN) and the Senator from Min- ment of Energy, to prescribe military
fense, for military construction, and nesota (Ms. SMITH) were added as co- personnel strengths for such fiscal
for defense activities of the Depart- sponsors of amendment No. 2244 in- year, and for other purposes.
ment of Energy, to prescribe military AMENDMENT NO. 2329
tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an
personnel strengths for such fiscal original bill to authorize appropria- At the request of Mr. PAUL, the name
year, and for other purposes. tions for fiscal year 2021 for military of the Senator from Vermont (Mr.
AMENDMENT NO. 1954 activities of the Department of De- LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor of
At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the fense, for military construction, and amendment No. 2329 intended to be pro-
name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. for defense activities of the Depart- posed to S. 4049, an original bill to au-
MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of ment of Energy, to prescribe military thorize appropriations for fiscal year
amendment No. 1954 intended to be pro- personnel strengths for such fiscal 2021 for military activities of the De-
posed to S. 4049, an original bill to au- year, and for other purposes. partment of Defense, for military con-
thorize appropriations for fiscal year AMENDMENT NO. 2245
struction, and for defense activities of
the Department of Energy, to prescribe
2021 for military activities of the De- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the
military personnel strengths for such
partment of Defense, for military con- name of the Senator from Minnesota
fiscal year, and for other purposes.
struction, and for defense activities of (Ms. SMITH) was added as a cosponsor
AMENDMENT NO. 2384
the Department of Energy, to prescribe of amendment No. 2245 intended to be
military personnel strengths for such At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the
proposed to S. 4049, an original bill to
fiscal year, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Maryland
authorize appropriations for fiscal year
(Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor
AMENDMENT NO. 1955 2021 for military activities of the De-
of amendment No. 2384 intended to be
At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the partment of Defense, for military con-
proposed to S. 4049, an original bill to
name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. struction, and for defense activities of
authorize appropriations for fiscal year
MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of the Department of Energy, to prescribe
2021 for military activities of the De-
amendment No. 1955 intended to be pro- military personnel strengths for such
partment of Defense, for military con-
posed to S. 4049, an original bill to au- fiscal year, and for other purposes.
struction, and for defense activities of
thorize appropriations for fiscal year AMENDMENT NO. 2284
the Department of Energy, to prescribe
2021 for military activities of the De- At the request of Mr. SASSE, the military personnel strengths for such
partment of Defense, for military con- name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. fiscal year, and for other purposes.
struction, and for defense activities of CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of AMENDMENT NO. 2396
the Department of Energy, to prescribe amendment No. 2284 intended to be pro- At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the
military personnel strengths for such posed to S. 4049, an original bill to au- names of the Senator from Illinois (Ms.
fiscal year, and for other purposes. thorize appropriations for fiscal year DUCKWORTH), the Senator from Illinois
AMENDMENT NO. 1962 2021 for military activities of the De- (Mr. DURBIN) and the Senator from Or-
At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the partment of Defense, for military con- egon (Mr. MERKLEY) were added as co-
names of the Senator from Connecticut struction, and for defense activities of sponsors of amendment No. 2396 in-
(Mr. BLUMENTHAL) and the Senator the Department of Energy, to prescribe tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an
from Massachusetts (Mr. MARKEY) were military personnel strengths for such original bill to authorize appropria-
added as cosponsors of amendment No. fiscal year, and for other purposes. tions for fiscal year 2021 for military
1962 intended to be proposed to S. 4049, AMENDMENT NO. 2295
activities of the Department of De-
an original bill to authorize appropria- At the request of Ms. KLOBUCHAR, the fense, for military construction, and
tions for fiscal year 2021 for military name of the Senator from California for defense activities of the Depart-
activities of the Department of De- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- ment of Energy, to prescribe military
fense, for military construction, and sponsor of amendment No. 2295 in- personnel strengths for such fiscal
for defense activities of the Depart- tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an year, and for other purposes.
ment of Energy, to prescribe military original bill to authorize appropria-
f
personnel strengths for such fiscal tions for fiscal year 2021 for military
year, and for other purposes. activities of the Department of De- STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED
AMENDMENT NO. 2112 fense, for military construction, and BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION
At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the for defense activities of the Depart- By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr.
name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. ment of Energy, to prescribe military MANCHIN, and Mr. BOOZMAN):
WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of personnel strengths for such fiscal S. 4155. A bill to amend title 38,
amendment No. 2112 intended to be pro- year, and for other purposes. United States Code, to authorize the
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posed to S. 4049, an original bill to au- AMENDMENT NO. 2313 Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pro-
thorize appropriations for fiscal year At the request of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, vide or assist in providing an addi-
2021 for military activities of the De- the name of the Senator from Cali- tional vehicle adapted for operation by
partment of Defense, for military con- fornia (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a disabled individuals to certain eligible
struction, and for defense activities of cosponsor of amendment No. 2313 in- persons; to the Committee on Vet-
the Department of Energy, to prescribe tended to be proposed to S. 4049, an erans’ Affairs.
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July 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4225
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today, I expensive adaptive vehicles in order to (b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in
am pleased to be joined by my col- drive safely and, also, in order to main- this section, or the amendments made by
league from West Virginia, Senator tain their independence. this section, may be construed as affecting
the consent provided by any consumer under
JOE MANCHIN, in introducing the Ad- Our Nation owes American veterans
section 101(c) of the Electronic Signatures in
vancing Uniform Transportation Op- our deepest gratitude. We must con- Global and National Commerce Act (15
portunities for Veterans Act. Our bill, tinue to honor that commitment to our U.S.C. 7001(c)) before the date of enactment
known as the AUTO Act, would lessen veterans by supporting their needs, in- of this Act.
the financial burden for severely dis- cluding the needs of disabled veterans
abled veterans who require special who need adaptive technology for their By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Ms.
adaptive equipment to drive a motor vehicles long after they are discharged STABENOW, Mr. PORTMAN, Ms.
vehicle by increasing the access to the or retired from Active Duty. The AUTO BALDWIN, Mrs. CAPITO, and Mr.
Department of Veterans Affairs auto- for Veterans Act is an important step CARDIN):
mobile grant program. in helping those who have served our S. 4160. A bill to enable certain hos-
The VA is currently authorized to Nation so honorably and have sac- pitals that were participating in or ap-
provide eligible veterans with a one- rificed so much for our freedom. plied for the drug discount program
time grant of approximately $21,400 to I urge all of our colleagues to join under section 340B of the Public Health
be used to purchase a new or used auto- Senator MANCHIN and me in honoring Service Act prior to the COVID–19 pub-
mobile and necessary adaptive equip- and supporting our Nation’s disabled lic health emergency to temporarily
ment, such as specialized pedals or veterans. maintain eligibility for such program,
switches. This grant is often used to- I send the bill to the desk. and for other purposes; to the Com-
gether with the VA special adaptive The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill mittee on Health, Education, Labor,
equipment grants, which help veterans will be received and appropriately re- and Pensions.
purchase adaptive equipment, such as ferred. Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask
powered lifts, for an existing auto- unanimous consent that the text of the
mobile or van to make it safe for a vet- By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. bill be printed in the RECORD.
eran’s use. MORAN, and Mr. YOUNG): There being no objection, the text of
Although veterans can receive mul- S. 4159. A bill to amend the Elec- the bill was ordered to be printed in
tiple special adaptive equipment grants tronic Signatures in Global and Na- the RECORD, as follows:
over the course of their lives, they are, tional Commerce Act to accommodate S. 4160
for some reason, limited to a single emerging technologies; to the Com- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
grant for the vehicle. The current limi- mittee on Commerce, Science, and resentatives of the United States of America in
tation fails to take into account that a Transportation. Congress assembled,
disabled veteran will need more than Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY EXCEPTION FOR THE
DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM DUE TO
one vehicle in his or her lifetime. In unanimous consent that the text of the THE COVID–19 PUBLIC HEALTH
fact, the Department of Transportation bill be printed in the RECORD. EMERGENCY.
reports that the average useful life of a There being no objection, the text of (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any
vehicle is 11.5 years, and a vehicle that the bill was ordered to be printed in other provision of law, a hospital described
has been modified structurally tends to the RECORD, as follows: in subsection (b) that, for an applicable cal-
have a shorter useful life. S. 4159 endar quarter, otherwise meets the require-
According to the VA Independent ments for being a covered entity under sub-
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- paragraph (L), (M), or (O) of section
Budget prepared by the Disabled Amer- resentatives of the United States of America in 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Service Act
ican Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of Congress assembled, (42 U.S.C. 256b(a)(4)) but that, for such cal-
America, and the Veterans of Foreign SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. endar quarter, does not meet the applicable
Wars, the average cost to replace modi- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘E-SIGN requirement for the disproportionate share
fied vehicles ranges from $40,000 to Modernization Act of 2020’’. adjustment percentage described in sub-
$65,000 when the vehicle is new and SEC. 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSENT TO ELEC- section (c), shall be deemed a covered entity
TRONIC DISCLOSURES. under such respective subparagraph for such
$21,000 to $35,000 when the vehicle is
(a) IN GENERAL.—Title I of the Electronic applicable calendar quarter.
used. These are significant costs for a
Signatures in Global and National Com- (b) HOSPITALS.—A hospital described in
severely disabled veteran to bear to re- merce Act (15 U.S.C. 7001 et seq.) is amend- this subsection is—
place his or her primary mode of trans- ed— (1) an entity that, on the day before the
portation. That is why veterans should (1) in section 101(c) (15 U.S.C. 7001(c))— first day of the COVID–19 public health
be eligible to receive an automobile (A) in paragraph (1), by striking subpara- emergency, was a covered entity described in
grant once every 10 years. Our bipar- graphs (C) and (D) and inserting the fol- subparagraph (L), (M), or (O) of subsection
tisan bill would do exactly that. lowing: (a)(4) of section 340B of the Public Health
One disabled veteran in Maine, Neal ‘‘(C) the consumer, prior to consenting, is Service Act participating in the drug dis-
Williams, from Shirley, used a VA provided with a statement of the hardware count program under such section; or
and software requirements for access to and (2) an entity that—
automobile grant in 1999 to purchase
retention of the electronic records; and (A) prior to the COVID–19 public health
an adapted vehicle—a Ford Econoline ‘‘(D) after the consent of a consumer in ac- emergency, submitted an application for par-
van. He has had to purchase several cordance with subparagraph (A), if a change ticipation in such program as a covered enti-
adaptive vehicles since 1999, with each in the hardware or software requirements ty described in subparagraph (L), (M), or (O)
one lasting 250,000 miles, until they needed to access or retain electronic records of section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health
were no longer roadworthy. Two hun- creates a material risk that the consumer Service Act;
dred and fifty thousand miles is a lot of will not be able to access or retain a subse- (B) prior to or during such emergency, was
miles, particularly over Maine’s roads quent electronic record that was the subject approved for such participation; and
of the consent, the person providing the elec- (C) during such emergency, began partici-
and highways. Neal’s current vehicle
tronic record provides the consumer with a pating in such program.
now has over 100,000 miles, and he prob- statement of— (c) APPLICABLE REQUIREMENT FOR DIS-
ably only has a short time before he ‘‘(i) the revised hardware and software re- PROPORTIONATE SHARE ADJUSTMENT PERCENT-
will need a new one. He told me that quirements for access to and retention of the AGE.—The applicable requirement for the
purchasing a new van, which he uses electronic records; and disproportionate share adjustment percent-
for his wheelchair, and then he trans- ‘‘(ii) the right to withdraw consent without age described in this subsection is—
fers to the driver’s seat—he is such an the imposition of any fees for such with- (1) in the case of a hospital described in
extraordinary person in what he is able drawal and without the imposition of any subsection (a) that otherwise meets the re-
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condition or consequence that was not dis- quirements under subparagraph (L) or (M) of
to do, but he has told me that new van
closed under subparagraph (B)(i).’’; section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Serv-
will cost him well over $50,000, which is (B) by striking paragraph (3); and ice Act, the requirement under subparagraph
more than he paid for his home in rural (C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (L)(ii) of such section; and
Maine. (6) as paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respec- (2) in the case of a hospital described in
This is an enormous burden on vet- tively; and subsection (a) that otherwise meets the re-
erans like Neal who need to purchase (2) by striking section 105 (15 U.S.C. 7005). quirements under subparagraph (O) of such
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S4226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 2, 2020
section 340B(a)(4), the requirement with re- preferring full-time work, or are only Throughout its 245–year history, the
spect to the disproportionate share adjust- able to spend a few years with their United States Postal Service has
ment percentage described in such subpara- employer before moving again. Their played a vital role in bringing our
graph (O).
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
limited hours and short tenure often country together and moving our econ-
(1) APPLICABLE CALENDAR QUARTER.—The preclude them from being eligible to omy forward. The Postal Service al-
term ‘‘applicable calendar quarter’’ means a receive employer contributions to their lows us to remain connected with fam-
calendar quarter for which eligibility for the retirement plan or from being fully ily and friends and helps small busi-
drug discount program under section 340B of vested in their plan. nesses reach their customers around
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Increasing access to employer-spon- the country.
256b) is based on a cost reporting period for sored retirement plans would improve The Postal Service is also the
which the COVID–19 public health emergency the financial security of many military linchpin of a $1.6 trillion mailing indus-
is in effect for all or part of such cost report-
spouses. The bill I am introducing try that employs more than 7.3 million
ing period.
(2) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘covered today would help address this need by people. These jobs are as varied as
entity’’ has the meaning given such term in providing a tax credit to small employ- paper manufacturers, publishing, print-
section 340B(a)(4) of the Public Health Serv- ers who provide military spouses with ing, catalog companies, online retail-
ice Act (42 U.S.C. 256b(a)(4)). accelerated eligibility for retirement ers, and transportation providers.
(3) COVID–19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY.— plan participation, employer contribu- The COVID–19 pandemic has changed
The term ‘‘COVID–19 public health emer- tions, and vesting. our daily lives in fundamental ways,
gency’’ means the public health emergency My bill would allow small employ- and the Postal Service is needed now
declared by the Secretary of Health and more than ever. USPS is a lifeline for
ers—those with up to 100 employees—to
Human Services under section 319 of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on claim a tax credit of up to $500 per year Americans across the country, particu-
January 31, 2020, with respect to COVID–19. per military spouse. The credit would larly seniors and others living in rural
be available for three years per mili- areas. In a Harris poll conducted in
By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and tary spouse. The amount of the credit May, Americans ranked the USPS as
Ms. HASSAN): would be equal to $200 per military the most ‘‘essential’’ company amid
S. 4173. A bill to amend the Internal spouse, plus 100 percent of all employer the pandemic.
Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a cred- contributions for that spouse, up to The agency’s dedicated employees,
it to small employers for covering mili- $300. like the rural letter carrier in Colum-
tary spouses under retirement plans; to To receive the tax credit, small em- bia Falls, go to work each day, facing
the Committee on Finance. ployers must make a military spouse increased risk as they continue to en-
Mr. President, I rise today, along immediately eligible for retirement sure reliable delivery of needed pre-
with my colleague Senator HASSAN, to plan participation within two months scriptions, safety-net benefits, and
introduce the Military Spouses Retire- of hire. Upon plan eligibility, a mili- other critical services that might oth-
ment Security Act. This bipartisan bill tary spouse must be eligible for any erwise be unavailable.
would help spouses of active duty serv- matching or non-elective contribution While COVID–19 has underscored the
ice members save for retirement by ex- available to a similarly situated em- essential nature of the Postal Service,
panding access to employer-sponsored ployee with at least two years of serv- it has also caused significant declines
retirement plans. ice, and must be 100 percent imme- in first-class and marketing mail reve-
According to the Employee Benefits diately vested in all employer con- nues and increased costs, as the Postal
Research Institute, American house- tributions. Service has taken additional steps to
holds face a retirement savings gap of Military spouses are the unsung he- protect its employees and the public
$3.7 trillion. The Center for Retirement roes of our country’s national defense. from the virus.
Research estimates an even larger gap They often put their professional lives Even with substantial increases in
of $7.1 trillion. When asked about their on hold, threatening their long-term package volumes during the first phase
retirement preparedness, only 57 per- retirement security. The Military of the pandemic, USPS estimates that
cent of Americans believe they will be Spouses Retirement Security Act COVID–19 will increase net losses and
able to live comfortably in retirement. would help by encouraging small em- accelerate its cash crisis. If Congress
There are many reasons why Amer- ployers to provide military spouses does not act, the Postal Service warns
ican households struggle to save for re- with accelerated access to retirement it could run out of money for payroll
tirement, including the shift away plans and employer contributions. I within the next year. This would
from employer-based ‘‘defined benefit’’ urge my colleagues to support this bill. threaten its ability to continue pro-
plans and rising health care and long- Thank you, Mr. President. viding essential services to the public,
term care costs. Longer life spans in- as well as support its 630,000 employees,
crease the risk of outliving retirement By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, including 3,300 in Maine.
savings. The economic and health im- Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. DAINES, I am committed to ensuring this
pacts of the COVID–19 crisis are also Mr. JONES, and Mr. TESTER): vital institution survives the COVID–19
posing a threat to retirement security. S. 4174. A bill to provide emergency crisis and is positioned to support eco-
Spouses of active duty service mem- appropriations to the United States nomic recovery. The legislation we are
bers face an additional hurdle to saving Postal Service to cover losses related introducing today would provide the
for retirement. According to the De- to the COVID–19 crisis and to direct Postal Service with up to $25 billion in
partment of Defense, about one-third of the Board of Governors of the United emergency funding to cover COVID–19-
military service members experience a States Postal Service to develop a plan related losses and other operational ex-
permanent change of station move for ensuring the long term solvency of penses.
every year. When a service member the Postal Service; to the Committee The legislation also includes several
moves, their spouse often relocates on Homeland Security and Govern- safeguards to ensure these funds are
with them, putting their own career on mental Affairs. used only for their intended purpose.
hold. Mr. President, I rise to introduce the The funds would be appropriated to a
Following a move, a military spouse Postal Service Emergency Assistance separate ‘‘Postal Service COVID–19
may face periods of unemployment, Act. I am pleased to be joined by my Emergency Fund’’ rather than the gen-
where they are not able to participate colleague, Senator FEINSTEIN, in spon- eral Postal Service Fund, and these
in an employer-sponsored retirement soring this legislation that would en- funds would only be available until
plan. A 2017 survey found that the un- sure the United States Postal Service September 30, 2022. Prior to accessing
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employment rate for active duty mili- survives the COVID–19 pandemic and these funds, the Postal Service would
tary spouses was 24 percent, more than advance the conversation needed to put be required to certify in its quarterly
five times the rate for the U.S. popu- it on a path to long-term solvency. I and annual reports to the Postal Regu-
lation as a whole at that time. would also like to recognize Senators latory Commission that the expendi-
When military spouses find a new DAINES, JONES, and TESTER, who have ture of any such funds is necessary to
job, they often work part-time, despite joined as original cosponsors. cover losses or expenses resulting from
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July 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4227
the COVID–19 pandemic. The Postal ies, which anchor our local commu- tional Humanities Alliance; National
Service would also be required to nities, are no exception. Local budget League of Cities; Reach Out and Read;
prioritize the purchase of personal pro- shortfalls have left libraries to grapple Reading Is Fundamental; and Urban
tective equipment for its employees with severe cuts, furloughs of staff, and Libraries Council. Companion legisla-
and conduct additional cleaning and reduced operations just when commu- tion is being introduced on a bipartisan
sanitizing of its facilities and delivery nities need their services the most. In basis in the other body by Congress-
vehicles. addition to providing additional re- man ANDY LEVIN.
In addition to providing emergency sources to enable schools to reopen I urge our colleagues to join us in
relief, this legislation would clarify the safely, close the homework gap, and pressing for the inclusion of the Li-
terms and conditions of the $10 billion strengthen the social safety net, we brary Stabilization Fund Act in the
loan that Congress provided to the need to invest in libraries to help our next COVID–19 response package.
Postal Service as part of the communities recover.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Libraries are a critical piece of our By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and
Security or CARES Act. education, economic development, and Mr. MERKLEY):
social infrastructure. Although many S. 4189. A bill to provide for drought
Although the COVID–19 emergency is
libraries remain closed or have limited preparedness and improved water sup-
contributing to the Postal Service’s fi-
hours, libraries are meeting urgent ply reliability; to the Committee on
nancing challenges, it did not cause all
community needs by increasing tech- Energy and Natural Resources.
of its financial problems. According to Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I
the Government Accountability Office, nology access (including boosting WIFI
am introducing the Water for Agri-
USPS lost about $78 billion from fiscal and lending hotspots, tablets, and com-
culture and Conservation Act to help
year 2007 through 2019. This is why the puters), offering digital content, pro-
expand critical water conservation in-
legislation we are introducing today viding books and materials for delivery
frastructure that helps improve water
would also require the new Postmaster or pick-up, and hosting online story
use efficiency, fish and wildlife habitat,
General and the Board of Governors to times, classes, and discussion groups. and agriculture productivity.
present to Congress a plan to ensure In this way, libraries are providing en- Throughout the West, communities
the long-term solvency of the Postal richment to our young people, ensuring are experiencing high levels of drought
Service. students can connect to remote and that are hurting agriculture and con-
Growing up in Aroostook County, I summer learning, enabling those with servation efforts. The Water for Con-
experienced the essential nature of the jobs to telework, helping job seekers servation and Farming Act aims to
United States Postal Service every find employment and receive training, help communities better plan and pre-
day. As Chairman of the Senate Aging and offering a lifeline to vulnerable pare for the increased demand for clean
Committee, I’ve also seen the indispen- adults and seniors who need health in- water by funding projects that improve
sable role that the Postal Service plays formation, a portal to government dam safety, create more resilient wa-
for our nation’s seniors. The Postal services, and ways to avoid social isola- tersheds, and benefit agricultural and
Service Emergency Assistance Act tion. urban water users.
would ensure the Postal Service is able To strengthen the ability of libraries States, Tribes, and local commu-
to continue fulfilling its essential mis- to serve communities affected by nities are working diligently to up-
sion, while also providing for respon- COVID–19, our bill would provide fund- grade crumbling water infrastructure
sible stewardship of taxpayer funds and ing to states on a formula basis, with a but have lacked the critical resources
laying the groundwork to put the Post- minimum allotment of $10 million; to to make meaningful improvements
al Service on a path to long-term via- tribes; and on a competitive basis. The that last. The Water for Conservation
bility. I urge my colleagues to support funding could be used to support gen- and Farming Act would provide
this bill. eral operations, including paying staff $120,000,000 over three years for dis-
Thank you, Mr. President. and ensuring the safe handling of li- advantaged communities to increase
brary materials; to offer greater access environmental protections, support ag-
By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. to technology, including expanding riculture, and make significant steps
BROWN, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. digital networks and enabling the pur- to improve the water supply for their
BLUMENTHAL, Mr. UDALL, Mr. chase and lending of hotspots, laptops, communities.
CARDIN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. and digital resources; to strengthen The Water for Conservation and
WHITEHOUSE, Mr. HEINRICH, Mr. services and resources, including those Farming Act would create a Bureau of
VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MENENDEZ, relating to literacy, distance learning, Reclamation fund of $300 million to
Mr. WYDEN, Ms. HIRONO, and adult education, workforce and eco- support water recycling projects,
Mr. MARKEY): nomic development, and health infor- water-use efficiency projects and dam
S. 4181. A bill to establish a Library mation; and to link patrons to govern- safety projects, as well as expanding
Stabilization Fund to respond to and ment, community, and cultural re- existing programs, like WaterSMART,
accelerate the recovery from sources. to get more bang for the conservation
coronavirus; to the Committee on This legislation will help ensure li- buck.
Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- braries can continue to find new ways The bill would establish several new
sions. to bridge the digital divide and safely programs at the Bureau of Reclama-
Mr. REED. Mr. President, to help li- provide information, programming, tion, which are designed to help dis-
braries respond to and recover from the and services that people of all ages advantaged communities plan and im-
COVID–19 pandemic and continue pro- need to stay engaged and informed. plement water conservation projects, a
viding communities with needed serv- This smart investment in our libraries program to help farmers improve mi-
ices, resources, technology, and will keep people and communities con- gratory bird habitat, and programs to
broadband access, I am introducing the nected and contribute to our economic implement aquatic ecosystem restora-
Library Stabilization Fund Act along recovery. tion projects.
with Senators BROWN, BOOKER, I thank the supporters of the bill, in- At a time when the nation is suf-
BLUMENTHAL, UDALL, CARDIN, WARREN, cluding the American Library Associa- fering increased droughts, when farm-
WHITEHOUSE, HEINRICH, VAN HOLLEN, tion; Association for Rural & Small Li- ers and ranchers are asked to do more
MENENDEZ, WYDEN, HIRANO, and MAR- braries; Association of Research Li- with less, and critical habitats are suf-
KEY. Our bill would provide the $2 bil- braries; Chief Officers of State Library fering from less and less water, this bill
lion the American Library Association Agencies; Common Sense Media: Inter- will make needed investments in water
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
has estimated is necessary for a library national Dyslexia Association; Na- conservation infrastructure that re-
stabilization fund under the Institute tional Association of Elementary duces demand for water, improves bio-
of Museum and Library Services School Principals; National Associa- diversity, and helps farmers and ranch-
(IMLS). tion of Secondary School Principals; ers plan and prepare for droughts. I
COVID–19 has wreaked havoc on National Coalition for Literacy; Na- look forward to getting this bill across
every aspect of our daily lives. Librar- tional Digital Inclusion Alliance; Na- the finish line.
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S4228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 2, 2020
By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, The reason, unfortunately, is that Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask
Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. the Democrats recently walked away unanimous consent that the text of the
DAINES, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. from the bill. They walked away from bill be printed in the RECORD.
ERNST, Ms. MCSALLY, Mr. the good faith negotiations that pro- There being no objection, the text of
BRAUN, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, and duced this bipartisan product. They did the bill was ordered to be printed in
Ms. MURKOWSKI): so for political reasons. They put poli- the RECORD, as follows:
S. 4199. A bill to amend titles XI, tics, and their drive for power, ahead of S. 4202
XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security patients. From conversations I have
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
Act to lower prescription drug prices in had with colleagues on the other side
resentatives of the United States of America in
the Medicare and Medicaid programs, of the aisle, this was a leadership-driv- Congress assembled,
to improve transparency related to en decision. Maybe the thinking is that SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
pharmaceutical prices and trans- they’ll block Senate Republicans from
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Expanding
actions, to lower patients’ out-of-pock- securing a win, or that they’ll be able SNAP Options Act of 2020’’.
et costs, and to ensure accountability to say that President Trump hasn’t fol-
SEC. 2. ONLINE PORTAL FOR SNAP BENEFIT RE-
to taxpayers, and for other purposes; to lowed through. DEMPTION.
the Committee on Finance. They can say that, but it doesn’t
Section 7(h)(14) of the Food and Nutrition
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise make it true. The introduction of this Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(h)(14)) is amended—
today to introduce the Prescription bill, with a number of my Republican (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘Sub-
Drug Pricing Reduction Act of 2020. colleagues, shows that Republicans are ject to subparagraph (B), the’’ and inserting
This is a bill that I have been working the ones on the side of patients. And to ‘‘The’’; and
on for the past 18 months. I made low- question the commitment of President (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and insert-
ering prescription drug costs one of my Trump to lowering prescription drug ing the following:
top priorities as I resumed the role of prices is outlandish. ‘‘(B) EBT ONLINE REDEMPTION PORTAL.—
Chairman of the Finance Committee at President Trump campaigned on ex- ‘‘(i) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this sub-
panding prescription drug affordability paragraph is to expand options for and access
the beginning of this Congress.
to food for eligible households by making the
I made it my priority as it’s a top and fairness. He released a comprehen- online redemption of program benefits, in-
concern for Iowans and all Americans. sive plan that included numerous pol- cluding the acceptance of EBT cards, more
My constituents throughout the state icy ideas. He and his Administration widely available to grocery stores, small re-
voice concern about being able to af- have taken bold regulatory action. tailers, and farmers who face barriers in im-
ford their prescription medications. I Some of those actions are being fought plementing their own online payment por-
hear about this issue as much as any in the courts by stakeholders that sup- tals.
other. Poll after poll shows that the port the status quo. Some have been ‘‘(ii) CONTRACTS.—Not later than 180 days
concern I hear in Iowa is shared across opposed by Congressional Democrats. after the date of enactment of the Expanding
the Nation. The need for Congress to As the Administration’s ability to SNAP Options Act of 2020, the Secretary
act through regulation can only take shall award on a competitive basis 1 or more
act to provide patients with much-
contracts to 1 or more eligible entities de-
needed relief is also a common us so far, President Trump called on scribed in clause (iii) to develop an online
takeaway from these polls and from Congress to pass an overhaul of the portal, to be known as the ‘EBT Online Re-
talking to my colleagues. Iowans want drug pricing system. In fact, he men- demption Portal’—
action. Americans want action. tioned my work on this specific bill in ‘‘(I) to allow program participants to use
Lowering prescription drug costs and his State of the Union address earlier online or mobile electronic benefits trans-
providing relief to patients is actually this year, and he called on Congress to actions, including through the acceptance of
what this bill does. send a bipartisan bill to his desk. EBT cards, to purchase program foods from,
For the vast majority of my time We should be celebrating the intro- and make online payments to, authorized
working on the bill, the Senator from duction of this bill today as another program retailers under the supplemental
Oregon, Ranking Member WYDEN, has nutrition assistance program; and
key step closer to responding to Presi-
‘‘(II) to facilitate food purchase delivery
been my partner. All of the policies in dent Trump’s call for bipartisan action. for program participants using the trans-
this bill, which improve Medicare and While it remains the most prominent actions described in subclause (I).
Medicaid and bring much needed trans- reform bill that contains bipartisan ‘‘(iii) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—An eligible entity
parency across the supply chain, were policy solutions, today’s introduction referred to in clause (ii) is any for-profit or
co-authored by the Ranking Member. reveals that Democrats are more inter- nonprofit entity with demonstrable expertise
The Finance Committee reported the ested in positioning for elections than in the development, operation, or mainte-
initial version of this robust bill in producing results. This is disappointing nance of electronic payment systems (in-
July 2019 by a vote of 19–9. I worked to me. But it makes clear to the Amer- cluding systems with advanced security pro-
tocols), which may include expertise in bene-
with Ranking Member WYDEN and oth- ican people that they can count on Re-
fits management or administration of State
ers to make bipartisan improvements publicans to take action on the issues systems, as determined by the Secretary.
to the bill. These improvements have that are important to them. ‘‘(iv) APPLICATION; PORTAL FEATURES.—
made an already good bill better. I’m President Trump has worked harder ‘‘(I) APPLICATION.—An eligible entity shall
introducing this updated version today. to lower prescription drug prices than submit to the Secretary an application at
It remains a truly bipartisan bill. any President in memory. He has stood such time, in such manner, and containing
It’s a bipartisan bill that helps pa- up to special interests. I, along with such information as the Secretary may re-
tients and reduces government spend- my colleagues cosponsoring this bill, quire, including—
ing. According to the nonpartisan Con- and other Republicans, stand with him. ‘‘(aa) a description of how the eligible enti-
gressional Budget Office, the bill would ty plans to implement the requirements de-
I only wish my colleagues on the other
scribed in clause (v); and
save seniors and Americans with dis- side of the aisle were as committed. I ‘‘(bb) a beta plan that has been user-tested.
abilities $72 billion in out-of-pocket urge that they stop the political pos- ‘‘(II) PORTAL FEATURES.—In awarding a
costs in Medicare Part D and reduce turing and work in a bipartisan way to contract to an eligible entity under clause
premiums by $1 billion. The entire bill deliver the relief that Iowans and all (ii), the Secretary shall give preference to an
would save taxpayers nearly $100 bil- Americans deserve. eligible entity that demonstrates an ability
lion—a rare source of bipartisan budget I yield the floor. to implement the following features of an
savings in an era of trillion dollar defi- EBT Online Redemption Portal:
cits. Even Americans in the commer- By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and ‘‘(aa) Client-facing technology with a pri-
cial market would see savings. Ms. DUCKWORTH): mary preference for mobile device or
It’s a bipartisan bill that helps pa- S. 4202. A bill to amend the Food and smartphone application.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
Nutrition Act of 2008 to expand online ‘‘(bb) Fail-safe systems to maintain pri-
tients, reduces Federal spending, and vacy and online security of data.
lowers commercial costs. That’s a rare benefit redemption options under the
‘‘(cc) Ability to redirect a consumer to an
feat. It’s something of which we should supplemental nutrition assistance pro- existing online platform of a vendor, if appli-
all be proud. gram, and for other purposes; to the cable.
So why is the bill only being intro- Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, ‘‘(dd) Ability to update as technologies
duced with Republicans as co-sponsors? and Forestry. evolve.
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July 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4229
‘‘(ee) Ease of operation for program par- ‘‘(vii) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— By Mr. DURBIN:
ticipants, including multilingual There is appropriated to the Secretary, out S. 4205. A bill to establish the Home-
functionality. of funds of the Treasury not otherwise appro- land Security Higher Education Advi-
‘‘(ff) Interoperability with delivery tech- priated, $25,000,000 to provide under the con- sory Council; to the Committee on
nologies and interfaces. tract described in clause (ii).’’.
‘‘(gg) Identification of participating retail-
Homeland Security and Governmental
SEC. 3. BROAD ACCEPTANCE OF SNAP BENEFITS
ers within geographic proximity to the user. THROUGH ONLINE TRANSACTIONS.
Affairs.
‘‘(hh) Ability to perform single trans- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask
Section 7(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act
actions using mixed tender, including a sin- unanimous consent that the text of the
of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2016(k)) is amended—
gle transaction for eligible food items using (1) by striking ‘‘on-line’’ each place it ap- bill be printed in the RECORD.
an EBT card and noneligible items using an- pears and inserting ‘‘online’’; There being no objection, the text of
other form of payment. (2) in paragraph (1)— the bill was ordered to be printed in
‘‘(ii) Adherence to a comprehensive busi- (A) by striking ‘‘Subject to paragraph (4), the RECORD, as follows:
ness continuity and disaster recovery plan— the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’; and S. 4205
‘‘(AA) to allow the portal to recover from (B) by inserting ‘‘in any State’’ after
any interruption of service; and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
‘‘stores’’; and resentatives of the United States of America in
‘‘(BB) that includes sufficient back-up sys-
(3) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting Congress assembled,
tems, equipment, facilities, and trained per-
the following: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
sonnel to implement the plan.
‘‘(4) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Homeland
‘‘(v) REQUIREMENTS.—
‘‘(A) DEFINITIONS.—In this paragraph: Security Higher Education Advisory Council
‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—The Online EBT Redemp-
‘‘(i) COVERED ENTITY.—The term ‘covered Act’’.
tion Portal developed by the eligible entity
entity’ means a public or private nonprofit SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
awarded the contract under clause (ii)
entity. In this Act:
shall—
‘‘(ii) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT-
‘‘(aa) enable the integrated processing of
entity’ means a retail food store or whole- TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional
an online EBT transaction by providing a
platform and facilitating the purchasing sale food concern authorized under section 9 committees’’ means—
interaction between the consumer, retailer, to accept and redeem benefits under the sup- (A) the Committee on Homeland Security
third-party processors (for EBT card proc- plemental nutrition assistance program. and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on
essing and the secure online entry of a per- ‘‘(B) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER.—The the Judiciary, and the Committee on Com-
sonal identification number), and delivery Secretary, acting through the Administrator merce, Science, and Transportation of the
vendor, as applicable; of the Food and Nutrition Service, shall, on Senate; and
‘‘(bb) to deter fraud, have in place for pro- a competitive basis, award 1 or more grants (B) the Committee on Homeland Security,
gram participants privacy and security pro- to, or enter into 1 or more cooperative agree- the Committee on the Judiciary, and the
tections, similar to protections provided ments with, 1 or more covered entities to es- Committee on Science, Space, and Tech-
under existing electronic benefit transfer tablish a technical assistance center, to be nology of the House of Representatives.
methods, including entry of a personal iden- known as the ‘SNAP Online Purchasing (2) COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Council’’ means
tification number in a manner that complies Technical Assistance Center’, to provide— the Homeland Security Higher Education
with the guidelines of leading national con- ‘‘(i) to State agencies, eligible entities, and Advisory Council established under section 3.
sensus standards organizations, as deter- program participants information on and (3) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The
mined by the Secretary, for encrypting per- technical assistance with, as applicable— term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has
sonal identification number entry; ‘‘(I) accepting program benefits through the meaning given the term in section 101 of
‘‘(cc) be secure and operate in a manner online transactions; the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
that maintains program integrity, including ‘‘(II) using the EBT Online Redemption 1001).
food item eligibility; Portal described in subsection (h)(14)(B); (4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’
‘‘(dd) be available in an initial or beta ‘‘(III) in the case of State agencies, con- means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
version not later than 120 days after the date ducting outreach to eligible entities to en- SEC. 3. HOMELAND SECURITY HIGHER EDU-
on which the eligible entity is awarded the sure that those eligible entities are informed CATION ADVISORY COUNCIL.
contract; of the technical assistance provided by the (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall
‘‘(ee) be ready to be fully deployed in all center; establish a council to be known as the
States not later than 180 days after the date ‘‘(IV) research, training, and best practices ‘‘Homeland Security Higher Education Advi-
described in item (dd); relating to redeeming program benefits sory Council’’.
‘‘(ff) be available for use by any retail food through online transactions; and (b) DUTIES OF COUNCIL.—The Council shall
store or wholesale food concern authorized ‘‘(V) facilitating communication between provide advice and recommendations to the
under section 9 to accept and redeem bene- eligible entities, applicable State agencies, Secretary on matters concerning homeland
fits under the supplemental nutrition assist- and the Department of Agriculture; and security and the academic community relat-
ance program— ‘‘(ii) to eligible entities direct grants to de- ing to the following:
‘‘(AA) at no charge beyond a nominal fee fray the technological costs of carrying out (1) The threat of malign foreign influence
that is not more than reasonably necessary the activities described in subclauses (I) and and interference in the United States.
to support maintenance of the portal and (II) of clause (i). (2) Proposed regulatory changes impacting
subject to the approval of the Secretary; and ‘‘(C) QUALIFICATIONS.—At least 1 covered institutions of higher education.
‘‘(BB) on an application-based and browser- entity that receives a grant or enters into a (3) Promoting the openness of academic re-
based platform for smartphones and a brows- cooperative agreement under subparagraph search and the exchange of ideas between in-
er-based online platform for tablets and com- (B) shall have expertise in providing tech- stitutions of higher education and the Fed-
puters; nical assistance to food retailers operating eral Government.
‘‘(gg) adhere to commercial standards for under a Federal nutrition program. (4) Promoting campus resilience resources
service level availability to ensure the via- ‘‘(D) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PRIORITY.—In to address a range of threats or hazards af-
bility of the portal and the use of the portal providing technical assistance to eligible en- fecting institutions of higher education.
by retail food stores and wholesale food con- tities, the SNAP Online Purchasing Tech- (5) Homeland security academic and re-
cerns authorized under section 9 to accept nical Assistance Center shall give priority to search programs.
and redeem benefits under the supplemental eligible entities that are small and limited- (6) Student and recent graduate recruit-
nutrition assistance program; and resource retailers. ment to Federal Government employment.
‘‘(hh) perform ongoing maintenance serv- ‘‘(E) FUNDING.—There is appropriated to (7) Issues relating to international stu-
ices and retailer enrollment and termination the Secretary, out of funds of the Treasury dents, including—
of enrollment activities to ensure continuous not otherwise appropriated, $75,000,000 to (A) obtaining and maintaining a visa; and
operability of the portal. carry out this paragraph, to remain avail- (B) processing visas and Optional Practical
‘‘(II) EVALUATION OF BETA VERSION.—The able until expended, of which not more than Training.
Secretary shall conduct a review of the ini- 3 percent may be used by the Secretary for (8) Cybersecurity.
tial or beta version of the Online EBT Re- administrative expenses. (9) Any other matters the Secretary con-
demption Portal under subclause (I)(dd), in- ‘‘(5) PUBLICATION OF ONLINE VENDORS.—The siders appropriate.
cluding by soliciting feedback from program Secretary shall maintain on the website of (c) MEMBERSHIP.—
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
participants. the Department of Agriculture a publicly (1) IN GENERAL.—The Council shall be com-
‘‘(vi) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than available listing, organized and searchable posed of not fewer than 21 members ap-
240 days after the date of enactment of the by region, locality, and State, of all ap- pointed by the Secretary, of whom 9 shall be
Expanding SNAP Options Act of 2020, the proved retail food stores accepting benefits from governmental positions specified in
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report from recipients of supplemental nutrition as- paragraph (2), and not fewer than 12 mem-
on the status of activities carried out under sistance, including through online trans- bers shall be from non-governmental posi-
this subparagraph. actions.’’. tions specified in paragraph (3).
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S4230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 2, 2020
(2) GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS.—Govern- retary shall provide to the Council, on a re- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
mental positions specified in this paragraph imbursable basis, the administrative support
are the following: services necessary for the Council to carry
(A) The Bureau of Consular Affairs of the out its responsibilities under this Act.
Department of State. (g) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after
SENATE RESOLUTION 645—EX-
(B) The Bureau of Education and Cultural the date on which the Council holds its ini- PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE
Affairs of the Department of State. tial meeting under subsection (d) and annu- SENATE THAT MOB VIOLENCE
(C) U.S. Customs and Border Protection. ally thereafter, the Council shall submit to SHOULD BE CONDEMNED
(D) The Office for Civil Rights and Civil the appropriate congressional committees a Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. BRAUN, and
Liberties of the Department of Homeland Se- report containing a detailed statement of the
curity. advice and recommendations of the Council
Mr. JOHNSON) submitted the following
(E) The Science and Technology Direc- pursuant to subsection (b). resolution; which was referred to the
torate of the Department of Homeland Secu- (h) NONAPPLICABILITY OF FACA.—The Fed- Committee on the Judiciary.:
rity. eral Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) S. RES. 645
(F) The Office of Science and Technology shall not apply to the Council. Whereas the United States of America was
Cooperation of the Department of State. founded in 1776 on universal principles of
(G) The Student and Exchange Visitor Pro- By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina freedom, justice, and human equality;
gram of the Department of Homeland Secu- (for himself, Mr. BROWN, Mr. Whereas throughout our nation’s history,
rity. GRASSLEY, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. COR- Americans have struggled to realize those
(H) United States Citizenship and Immi-
NYN, Mr. CARPER, Mr. ideals, falling short, as imperfect human
gration Services.
LANKFORD, Mr. CASEY, Mr. beings always do, but nonetheless making
(I) Office of the Citizenship and Immigra-
PERDUE, Ms. HASSAN, Mrs. greater progress toward them than any na-
tion Services Ombudsman.
LOEFFLER, Mr. CARDIN, Ms. tion on earth;
(J) Homeland Security Investigations of
Whereas the United States is today, as
the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce- ERNST, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr.
ever, an ethnically, racially, religiously, and
ment. DAINES, Mr. KING, Mr. CRAMER,
(K) The Department of Justice. culturally diverse nation, morally com-
Mr. BOOKER, Mr. GRAHAM, Ms. mitted to cultivating respect, friendship, and
(L) The intelligence community, as defined
SMITH, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. justice across all such differences, and pro-
in section 3(4) of the National Security Act
of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)). BLUMENTHAL, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. tecting the God-given equal rights of all
(3) NON-GOVERNMENTAL POSITIONS.—Non- DURBIN, Mr. WARNER, Mr. REED, Americans under the law;
governmental positions specified in this and Ms. KLOBUCHAR): Whereas America’s law enforcement offi-
paragraph are the following: S. 4209. A bill to amend title IX of the cers do an extremely difficult job extremely
(A) Twelve presidents or chancellors of a Social Security Act to improve emer- well, and despite the inexcusable misconduct
university, with a distribution of such uni- of some, the overwhelming majority of such
gency unemployment relief for govern- officers are honest, courageous, patriotic,
versities being private, public, and region- mental entities and nonprofit organiza-
ally diverse. and rightfully honored public servants;
tions; considered and passed. Whereas in recent weeks, people across the
(B) Senior leaders of relevant higher edu-
cation associations. S. 4209 United States have organized legitimate,
(4) TIMING OF APPOINTMENTS.—Appoint- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- peaceful, constitutionally protected dem-
ments to the Council shall be made not later resentatives of the United States of America in onstrations against instances of police bru-
than 4 months after the date of enactment of Congress assembled, tality and racial inequality, serious prob-
this Act. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. lems meriting investigation and reform;
(5) TERMS.— This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Protecting Whereas some Americans, unsatisfied with
(A) IN GENERAL.—Each member of the Nonprofits from Catastrophic Cash Flow peaceful and positive demonstrations, have
Council shall be appointed for a term of 2 Strain Act of 2020’’. instigated and indulged in mob violence and
years. SEC. 2. IMPROVING EMERGENCY UNEMPLOY-
criminal property destruction, not in service
(B) VACANCIES.—Any member appointed to MENT RELIEF FOR GOVERNMENTAL of any just or coherent cause, but simply as
fill a vacancy occurring before the expira- ENTITIES AND NONPROFIT ORGANI- an arrogant, bullying tantrum of self-right-
tion of the term for which the member’s ZATIONS. eous illiberalism and rage; and
predecessor was appointed shall be appointed (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 903(i)(1) of the Whereas these mobs have demonstrated
only for the remainder of that term. A mem- Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1103(i)(1)) is not only contempt for public safety (as evi-
ber may serve after the expiration of that amended— denced, among other crimes, by an
term until a successor has been appointed. (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘dur- unprovoked physical assault on a Wisconsin
(6) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.— ing’’ and inserting ‘‘with respect to’’; State Senator and the shooting of a motorist
The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking in Provo, Utah) and common decency (as evi-
Council shall be designated by the Secretary ‘‘3309(a)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘3309(a)’’; and denced by their routine harassment and ob-
at the time of the appointment of the mem- (3) by striking subparagraph (C) and insert- scene berating of law enforcement officers
bers pursuant to paragraph (4), and when a ing the following new subparagraph: standing their posts to protect their commu-
vacancy of the Chairperson or Vice Chair- ‘‘(C) Notwithstanding any other provision nities), but also their manifest ignorance and
person occurs, as the case may be. of law, funds transferred to the account of a historical illiteracy (as evidenced by their
(d) MEETING.— State under subparagraph (A) shall be used destruction of public memorials to historical
(1) INITIAL MEETING.—The Council shall exclusively to reduce the amounts required heroes like Ulysses S. Grant, St. Junipero
hold its initial meeting not later than 30 to be paid in lieu of contributions into the Serra, Miguel Cervantes, George Wash-
days after the final appointment of all mem- State unemployment fund pursuant to such ington, Hans Christian Heg, and a reported
bers under subsection (c)(4). section by governmental entities and other plan to target a statue of Abraham Lincoln
(2) MEETINGS.—The Council shall meet not organizations described in section 3309(a) of financed in 1876 entirely by private dona-
fewer than 3 times each year at the call of such Code.’’. tions from freed African-American slaves):
the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.— Now, therefore, be it
(3) QUORUM.—Sixteen members of the (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate
Council, of whom 8 members shall be ap- the amendments made by subsection (a) that—
pointed from governmental positions and 8 shall take effect as if included in the enact- (1) the rising tide of vandalism, mob vio-
members shall be appointed from non-gov- ment of section 2103 of the Relief for Workers lence, and the mob mentality that feeds it—
ernmental positions, shall constitute a Affected by Coronavirus Act (contained in including its cruel and intolerant ‘‘cancel
quorum. subtitle A of title II of division A of the culture’’—should be condemned by all Amer-
(e) COMPENSATION.— CARES Act (Public Law 116–136)). icans;
(1) PROHIBITION OF COMPENSATION.—Except (2) APPLICATION TO WEEKS PRIOR TO ENACT- (2) peaceful demonstrations and mob vio-
as provided in paragraph (2), members of the MENT.—For weeks of unemployment that oc- lence are different in kind;
Council may not receive additional pay, al- curred after March 12, 2020, and prior to the (3) physical assault and property destruc-
lowances, or benefits by reason of their serv- date of enactment of this section, States tion are not forms of political speech but
ice on the Council. may— violent crimes whose perpetrators should be
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Each member shall (A) issue reimbursements in accordance prosecuted to the full extent of the law; and
receive travel expenses, including per diem with section 903(i)(1)(C) of the Social Secu- (4) the innocent law enforcement officers,
in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with ap- rity Act, as in effect prior to the date of en- public officials, and private citizens who suf-
plicable provisions under subchapter I of actment of this section; or fer the mob’s violence and endure its scorn
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (B) reduce the amounts required to be paid while protecting our communities from them
(f) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.— in accordance with such section 903(i)(1)(C), deserve the thanks and appreciation of every
Upon the request of the Council, the Sec- as amended by subsection (a). American.
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