Congressional Record — Senate, September 9, 2020
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated September 9, 2020, beginning at page S5482, in a long document. A Senator urges passage of the Save Our Stages Act, with a $10-billion SBA program of grants to live venue operators, saying these venues are major employers and part of American culture. Under the heading Coronavirus, Mr. Durbin says the United States has 4 percent of the world's population but 20 percent of its COVID-19 deaths, that the pandemic has claimed over 180,000 American lives, and that the Republican leader has refused to attend negotiations and will offer a proposal that is a fraction of what was offered. The page ends with a roll call in which the yeas are 80 and the nays are 16.
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“Congressional Record — Senate, September 9, 2020.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-09-09-crec-2020-09-09-pt1-pgs5482-2c6558a91c/
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S5482 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 9, 2020
$10-billion SBA program to provide a challenge—a terrible challenge that the challenges they face, and to put
Federal grants to live-venue operators has claimed over 180,000 American lives money in the hands of hospitals and
so that when, God willing, these live to date. providers that in some cases are just
stages can reopen safely, these venues I could speak for a few minutes here hanging by a thread because of the
can come back bigger and better than about our response as a nation to this state of the economy and this medical
ever. Those grants would go for 6 pandemic and talk about the lack of challenge. That is what Speaker
months, giving the venues enough time leadership from the very top in Wash- PELOSI did almost 4 months ago.
and breathing room to recuperate, and, ington when it came to dealing with In the meantime, in that 4-month pe-
God willing, if there is a vaccine in 6 this public health crisis, but suffice it riod, the Republican leader of the Sen-
months, they will be able, God willing, to say for the moment that two num- ate has done nothing—nothing. He
to open again. bers tell the story. The United States didn’t bring a bill to the floor. He
One of the most difficult parts of this has 4 percent of the world’s population. didn’t pass a bill and call for a con-
pandemic has been the effect on Amer- Sadly, we have 20 percent of the ference committee. In fact, during this
ican society, arts, and culture. These COVID–19 deaths in the world. entire period of time, the Republican
are the things we live for: sports, com- The United States has not responded leader in the Senate has refused to per-
edy, theater, and music. When the day as expected. Innocent people have died. sonally attend the negotiations be-
finally comes that the pandemic is be- The situation was chaotic in the White tween the White House and congres-
hind us, we will want to celebrate once House. The leadership we needed sional leaders. Both he and House Re-
again with friends and family at these wasn’t there. publican Leader MCCARTHY have boy-
venues now in danger of closing. Where are we today? Here we are in cotted any negotiation sessions. Any
I hope we can come together in the the second week of September. Where persuasion they want to bring to the
future to pass the Save Our Stages Act are we now as we reflect on the situa- issue, they bring to the floor of the
and save this essential part of Amer- tion? Many of us believe we still face a Senate in speeches, not behind closed
ican culture. grievous, serious challenge and need to doors, where compromise is reached
I yield the floor. respond accordingly, but others see it and where, in fact, we were successful
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The differently. last March, passing the CARES Act.
Democratic whip. Senator MCCONNELL, the leader on So now we face a challenge as a na-
CORONAVIRUS the Republican side, is going to offer a tion. Which party will stand up for
Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I proposal tomorrow that is a fraction— America to weather this crisis and
want to thank my colleague from New a fraction—of what was offered on come out strong? The Democrats have
York. Many of the things he has said March 26 to deal with this crisis. Many a proposal. We have had it for 4
on the floor this morning reflect what people, obviously on the Republican months.
I have seen back in Illinois in the last side, feel that America is headed in the The Republicans, tomorrow, will
5 or 6 weeks that we have been home, right direction and therefore we don’t offer a skinny—some say emaciated—
people I have spoken to who are genu- need to make a substantial investment version of that proposal. They want to
inely suffering because of the in people, in businesses, and in the take the assistance to unemployed
coronavirus pandemic and the state of health and resources of this country. Americans—800,000 of them in my home
the American economy. For those who come to the floor and State, millions across the Nation—and
There was a moment here on the argue that America is headed in the cut it in half. Did Senator MCCONNELL
floor of the Senate earlier this year right direction, three-fourths of the get a news flash that I missed that
when the gravity of the situation American people disagree with them. mortgage payments will be cut in half
brought us together. It was March 26— You see, in a survey taken just 2 weeks as of tomorrow, that rental payments
almost 6 months ago—when we voted 96 ago, 75 percent of the American people will be cut in half as of tomorrow, that
to 0 to pass the CARES Act, the $3 tril- said America is headed in the wrong di- car payments will be cut in half, that
lion effort to try to keep America’s rection. So when the Republicans come the cost of food will be cut in half? Not
economy alive and breathing during up with a modest—almost immodest— at all.
this pandemic and the impact it has proposal that they are going to bring We know these families will face the
had on all of our lives. That is $3 tril- to the floor tomorrow, they disagree same obligations and, under the Repub-
lion—money for the unemployed, sub- with three-fourths of the American lican proposal, receive a fraction of
stantial sums for those who are about people. what they were given and have re-
to see their lives transformed over- Many of them obviously believe that ceived between March and the end of
night. Laid off and fired from jobs that we don’t have to make a massive in- July. That is unfair to these families.
may never return, they tried to keep vestment in helping families who are I know what is happening in food
their families together with mortgage fighting unemployment, helping busi- banks across Illinois, and I am sure it
payments, rent payments, automobile nesses to survive. They must believe is the same case in Kentucky, perhaps
loans, the credit responsibilities they that the worst is behind us. Well, it in Georgia, perhaps in New York. Peo-
faced, and just putting food on the turns out that two out of three of the ple are flooding these food banks ask-
table. American people disagree with them. ing for help. Some of them are embar-
It was a wrenching, disquieting situa- That is right—two out of three in a re- rassed by their situation. They
tion for so many of those families, and cent survey in America said the worst shouldn’t be, but they are. Many people
we said that we should give them $600 is still ahead. Wrong direction, 75 per- who used to volunteer at these same
a week—$600 a week—in Federal assist- cent; the worst is still ahead, two- food banks are now standing in line,
ance to get through this period. What thirds. looking at their shoes, hoping to take
we did not only helped those families, What is the response on the Repub- enough food home to make it through
but it helped the economy. The money lican side? First, it was silence. You a week.
those families received was spent al- see, it has been almost 4 months now That is the reality, but it is not the
most instantaneously. That is under- since the House of Representatives, reality that is reflected in the Senate
standable. They are struggling to sur- under the Democratic leadership of action this week. What we have from
vive. Speaker PELOSI, passed the Heroes Senator MCCONNELL is a small effort at
But we knew that the program we en- Act—a $3 trillion investment to make a time when America needs a substan-
acted on March 26 had a termination sure that we stood by the families who tial effort to deal with not only the sit-
date of July 31. We hoped that by then were unemployed, to make sure that uation facing our economy but also the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
the pandemic would be behind us, our we put money into the hands of busi- coronavirus.
economy would be recovering, and we nesses that needed to survive, to make I am troubled, too, because I rep-
wouldn’t need any further relief. We certain that we had adequate testing resent a State that is so diverse, with
were wrong—terribly wrong. We still across the United States, to give the great city of Chicago but all the
face this coronavirus in a way that we money to schools so that they could way downstate—my roots—smalltown
never expected 6 months ago. It is still weather this crisis as they readjust to America, rural America. Many of the
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September 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5483
hospitals and healthcare providers in the months that we have faced it this make them more workable, and that is
those areas are literally struggling to year. what has led to the discussion we are
survive. They are looking to Wash- I yield the floor. having now and the bill that we will
ington for a helping hand. Do you know The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- vote on tomorrow.
what it means to smalltown America jority whip is recognized. What the Democrats, in their bill—
to lose a hospital? It is devastating, Mr. THUNE. Madam President, start- the $31⁄2 trillion bill—did was they just
not only from the viewpoint of ing this week and tomorrow, there will decided that money is no object and
healthcare and emergency care, which be a vote on a coronavirus relief bill, evidently without, again, much consid-
is unavailable on a timely basis in and it is a bill that is targeted to the eration about how those dollars are
many places, but also because it is areas that really need it, it is fiscally spent or in any way making sure that
hard to keep a business or attract a responsible, and it is rooted in reality. they are targeted to the right area, to
business if you don’t have quality In other words, it is a realistic ap- those areas of greatest need, just basi-
healthcare nearby. Many of those hos- proach to dealing with the coronavirus cally decided to kind of throw caution
pitals are struggling to keep the lights challenges that we, as a nation, are to the wind and throw $31⁄2 trillion out
on and survive, and they will not make facing. there at the economy.
The Democratic leader and the The ironic thing about it, in many
it unless we step up.
So what is included in the Repub- Democratic assistant leader have been respects, is that, without having feed-
lican proposal when it comes to these down here just now talking about the back or input, for example, from State
Democratic bill, a bill which passed the and local governments about how much
healthcare providers, to increasing
House of Representatives and a bill they needed, they put another $1 tril-
Medicaid assistance to them, for exam-
that was $31⁄2 trillion in terms of its lion into that bill—$1 trillion for State
ple? Virtually nothing. I can’t under-
pricetag and a bill that was filled with and local governments—at a time when
stand this. I have to believe that the
goodies for special-interest groups and very little of the $150 billion that we
Republican leadership representing
lots of leftwing priorities, many of had already done in direct assistance,
States with small towns and rural pop-
which have nothing to do at all with not to mention the additional assist-
ulations are hearing exactly what I am
the coronavirus. ance to States, to education, to col-
hearing in downstate Illinois. Yet, leges and universities, elementary and
when it comes to a proposal on the In fact, $31⁄2 trillion is a number that
I think was pulled out of thin air. I secondary education, healthcare pro-
floor, they are doing nothing—nothing. viders—a lot of additional dollars have
Let me just add, in closing here, if we have no idea how they came up with it.
I don’t think it was based on any feed- gone through the States, to the tune of
don’t take testing seriously in Amer-
back or input that they got from about a half a trillion dollars already,
ica, we cannot be serious about reopen-
States or businesses around the coun- much of which hasn’t been spent. In
ing the economy, reopening schools,
try. I think it was let’s just make up as fact, of the $150 billion in direct assist-
from colleges to kindergartens. That is ance that went out to State and local
the reality, to be able to test in an ef- many things as we can and let’s just
governments—the latest numbers I had
fective, cost-effective way people who throw a lot of money out there and see
as recently as about a week ago—only
are positive for this virus so that they what it does.
Well, unfortunately, I think people about a quarter of that, about 25 per-
are notified and stop from circulating cent of that money had been spent. Yet
among those who are, at that point, have come to the realization—people
around the country, at least—that they were asking for another trillion
healthy. dollars, every single dollar of which is
The testing investment by this bill every dollar that we spend now is a
borrowed.
on the Republican side doesn’t meet borrowed dollar. So the $31⁄2 trillion
It was just reported recently that, in
the challenge at all. They can’t call for that was allocated by the House Demo- 2021, the United States will exceed 100
opening the economy on one hand and crats and which has been supported percent debt to GDP. That puts us in
ignore the responsibility for testing on just in the last few minutes here by the the elite and rare company of Italy,
another. Democratic leader and the Democratic Greece, Japan, countries around the
So where do we go from here? Well, whip is borrowed money. It should world that have gotten dramatically
tomorrow is a symbolic, partisan vote come as no surprise to anybody in this overextended when it comes to their
on the Republican side when it should country that our country already is sovereign debt. When you get to the
be much more. After it is finished and deeply in debt. We added about $3 tril- debt to GDP which is in excess of 100
we know the outcome, perhaps then lion earlier this year when we passed percent, that is pretty dangerous terri-
the Republican leader in the Senate the CARES package—at the time, tory.
will be willing to sit down and nego- something that was needed. We needed Everybody says we are the best econ-
tiate. Will he be willing to occupy that to be big and bold and move quickly, omy in the world, we are the world’s
empty chair in that negotiating room which we did. reserve currency, and people are going
with the White House and Democratic We have a much better sense now, I to continue to want to invest here in
congressional leaders? Will he be will- think, about this disease, what the the United States. Well, at some point
ing to sit down and actually work on a needs are, and we ought to be targeting there are consequences. The chickens
compromise comparable to the CARES our assistance to those areas of great- do come home to roost. You cannot
Act that passed here in March, earlier est need, whether it is small businesses continue to borrow without eventual
this year? that need assistance, that haven’t been consequence. At some point, interest
That is what it takes—not a speech able to reopen; whether it is in the area rates will start to normalize, at which
on the floor, not a press release, not a of healthcare, our hospitals and nurs- time these countries that invest in the
symbolic vote but something much ing homes, the provider community; or United States are going to demand a
more significant: the willingness to sit whether it is supporting the efforts higher return. Interest rates—when
down and acknowledge the obvious; that are being made to come up with they go up, it means the amount we
that America is heading in the wrong vaccines and therapeutics, the money have to pay to borrow money goes up,
direction, and we should be heading in that is going into testing. Those are all and when our interest gets north of $1
the right direction. things I think that there was pretty trillion, it will exceed every other item
Many people worry that the worst is broad agreement on at the time. We in our budget, including the amount
yet to come. We want them to be more still believe those are things that are that we spend for national security.
hopeful and optimistic because we essential, in addition to supporting our So that is the other part of the de-
care, and if both parties do care to help schools as they try to safely reopen. bate which the other side never ref-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
the unemployed, to help businesses, to There are a number of priorities out erences; that is, what are we doing to
make sure that our healthcare pro- there that I do think we have learned, the long-term future of this country, to
viders have the resources that they gotten more information about, and de- our children and grandchildren, all of
need, then we can start to address this termined where the dollars made the whom are going to be responsible for
coronavirus, this pandemic, with the most difference, what could be changed this debt? We are essentially doing ev-
leadership that has been so lacking in and modified in these programs to erything we do right now—putting it
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S5484 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 9, 2020
on the credit card and handing the bill ed, where are those greatest needs, sideration and an eye toward ensuring
to our children and grandchildren— where can we make the biggest dif- that the taxpayers are getting the best
which is to say that the Republicans ference. return on their dollars and that we are
believe that we ought to do This is, again, the focus of the Re- being good stewards of the American
coronavirus relief and help those who publican bill that we will be voting on tax dollars and spending in a way that
need it. I am going to talk in just a tomorrow, which, contrary to the as- makes sense and doesn’t just throw
moment about all the things that this sertions that were made by the Demo- money out there, which, again, is what
bill does to help those who really need cratic leader, does include a lot of bi- I would argue the $3.5 trillion bill pro-
the help, but it ought to be targeted. It partisan policy and bipartisan coopera- posed by the House Democrats did—a
ought to be with some thought toward tion. Many of the provisions in the bill bill which, again, was roundly de-
what is the greatest need? where can are provisions that share Democratic nounced not just by Republicans or
we make the biggest difference? where cosponsorship. In fact, I would point conservatives but by entities like the
can we help the people who are really out that the changes we made to the New York Times.
struggling and really hurting as a re- PPP program—the PPP program, I want to speak very briefly about
sult of the virus, the pandemic? And we which is an acronym for the Paycheck what is happening out there—why I
ought to do it in a fiscally responsible Protection Program, is one of the most think this bill and this vote is impor-
way. We ought to do it in a realistic successful of all the programs in the tant and why I believe it addresses the
way. We ought to have a bill that is, CARES Act that passed earlier this real needs, based on the input that we
frankly, rooted in reality. year. It was a very bipartisan effort have received from the people out
The reason I say that the Democratic shared with people like MARCO RUBIO there who have been adversely im-
bill isn’t rooted in reality is because of and SUSAN COLLINS on our side and BEN pacted by this.
many of the things that it contained. CARDIN and JEANNE SHAHEEN on the The good news is we are hearing con-
In fact, there were more mentions of Democratic side and others involved in tinually improving numbers on the
the word ‘‘cannabis’’ in the Democratic shaping that program, making it effec- economy—as recently as last Friday.
bill than there were mentions of the tive. Subsequent to that, changes made The economy added 1.4 million jobs in
word ‘‘jobs’’—more mentions of the it work even better, and this will in- August, and the unemployment rate
word ‘‘cannabis,’’ a synonym for mari- clude some changes that we think will fell again to 8.4 percent.
juana, than mentions of the word make it work even better. Let me just be clear: 8.4 percent is
‘‘jobs.’’ There are some in here that I, frank- not where we want to be. But it is a
So if you think about that, the 58 ly, was very supportive of because they tremendous improvement from where
mentions in the Democratic $31⁄2 tril- will help people who, under the last we were just 4 months ago, near the be-
lion bill had to do, for example, with Paycheck Protection Program, didn’t ginning of the pandemic when the un-
diversity training. This was a study receive help because, for one reason or employment rate was at 14.7 percent. It
that was requested—I shouldn’t say another, they were excluded from the is very encouraging to see the economy
‘‘diversity training’’ but a diversity qualifications to make them eligible rebounding so quickly.
study in the access to financing for for it. The last time America went through
people who are in the marijuana busi- It makes changes in the Paycheck a really tough time economically—dur-
ness. That was something that was de- Protection Program, many of which— ing the first few years of the Obama-
termined a priority and funded in the again, this is a bipartisan program— Biden administration—unemployment
Democratic-passed bill. will be bipartisan in nature. There stayed high for years. In fact, during
Now, that is just one of many exam- were a number of things that the lead- the Obama-Biden administration,
ples of why that bill wasn’t taken seri- er mentioned over here this morning America went through 2 solid years of
ously by anyone. When I say ‘‘anyone,’’ earlier when he was on the floor in unemployment that was above 9 per-
I am talking about the New York which he talked about some of the pro- cent.
Times. The New York Times called it a visions that Senator ALEXANDER had It has been great to see the economy
messaging document and not a viable added. There are things in that space rebounding at a rapid pace. Again, we
piece of legislation. The New York that, again, share bipartisan support. are still a long way from where we need
Times called it a messaging document So if you look at this bill, in many re- to be and where we want to be; 8.4 per-
and not a viable piece of legislation. spects the Democrats are also saying cent is not an acceptable unemploy-
National Public Radio said that it was that we need to do more to help our ment rate. But we are definitely on the
a wish list—a Democratic wish list—of schools open safely, and this legisla- right track.
favored policies. POLITICO called it a tion does that. There is significant One of the reasons our economy is re-
long wish list of Democratic policies. funding in here that actually helps bounding quickly is that the economy
Nobody—nobody took the Democratic out—makes sure that our schools, our was thriving before COVID came along.
bill seriously. When you can’t get the administrators, our school boards, our Republican tax reform and pro-growth
New York Times to speak favorably students, our parents are assisted in a policies had driven unemployment
about a Democratic coronavirus relief way that would see that our schools below 4 percent and created jobs and
bill, it tells me that it was completely open safely and get our children back opportunities for millions of Ameri-
out of step and out of touch with what to where they can be learning again at cans. Having the economy in a healthy
is really needed in this country and, the fastest rate possible. position pre-COVID laid the ground-
certainly, by the people in this country Those are, again, some of the prior- work for a strong recovery. The poli-
who do want to see us respond but re- ities that were in this legislation. I cies we put in place during the early
spond in a way—again, as I said—that would add, because I think it is really years in the pandemic to help busi-
is targeted and is fiscally responsible worthwhile noting, that one of the pro- nesses—particularly small businesses—
and doesn’t throw any kind of fiscal visions in this bill does take dollars survive the pandemic and keep workers
caution to the wind, that just throws from the CARES Act that have not on the payroll have gone a long way to-
money out there at a lot of favored pet been spent and, frankly, may not be ward helping our economy rebound.
causes and ideological agenda items on spent and repurposes them so that the Republicans are committed to build-
the Democratic wish list. That is es- cost of this particular piece of legisla- ing on those policies, but as everyone
sentially what that bill did. tion is reduced—something, again, that knows, Democrats have so far blocked
So as we decided to put together a I think is important. I think it is im- our efforts. Despite weeks of negoti-
bill, we listened carefully. We listened portant to the American people and it ating efforts from Republicans, Demo-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
to small businesses. We listened to is important to our kids and grandkids crats refused to budge from their de-
healthcare providers. We listened to as we look at the pricetags we have mands for a giant bill that would spend
schools, to school administrators. We been talking about—the $3 trillion that an irresponsible amount of taxpayer
listened to those folks who are im- was done earlier this year, and what we money and include a bunch of measures
pacted on a daily basis by the effects of might do here—that we do it in a way with no relation to the coronavirus cri-
this pandemic and what is really need- that is fiscally responsible, with con- sis.
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September 9, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5485
This week, Republicans are trying therapies and vaccines we need to de- During August, I spent time hearing
again. We have introduced a targeted feat this virus. And it would focus on from my constituents, learning about
bill focused on a few key coronavirus building up State and national stock- their challenges and what they need in
priorities—like helping the hardest hit piles of the medical resources needed the way of additional help. I donned
small businesses, getting kids and col- for public health emergencies like the my mask—like we all have—to safely
lege students back to school, and pro- coronavirus. meet with city leaders, teachers,
viding additional healthcare resources I would like to think that Democrats healthcare heroes, food bank workers,
to fight the virus. would work with us to get a version of and others across the State. I contin-
As I mentioned earlier, the Paycheck our legislation passed this week. While ued to join telephone and video calls
Protection Program, a program Con- this bill may not address every current with Texans whose routines and liveli-
gress passed as part of the CARES Act or future coronavirus need, it would go hoods have been disrupted by the pan-
back in March, has played a key role in a long way toward helping with our demic.
helping small businesses survive the most pressing needs—supporting jobs, It actually was an exhilarating op-
pandemic. getting kids and teachers back to portunity to get out from behind my
The legislation we have introduced school, and ensuring that we have the computer screen and to share informa-
would authorize a second round of for- medical resources necessary to fight tion about the coronavirus relief bills
givable Paycheck Protection Program the virus. that we have passed thus far but to
loans for the hardest hit small busi- Unfortunately, it has become very learn also, just as significantly, where
nesses but would also simplify the loan clear that Democrats are more inter- those bills were working and where
forgiveness process for small businesses ested in keeping the coronavirus as a more needed to be done. As the Senate
with Paycheck Protection Program political issue than in actually fighting prepares to vote on a targeted relief
loans of $150,000 or less. Again, I would the virus. If Democrats were serious bill tomorrow, these discussions could
point out that this program, these about coronavirus relief, they would be not have been more timely.
changes, share bipartisan support. willing to negotiate with Republicans I also hosted recently four telephone
The virus has highlighted how much to arrive at a bill that both sides could townhalls with constituents across
we rely on our Nation’s farmers and agree to and that could actually pass Texas. This is amazing technology, as
ranchers, and I am pleased our legisla- Congress. But they have made it very the Presiding Officer knows, where you
tion includes an additional $20 billion clear that reasonable negotiations are can reach out to a quarter of a million
in funding to allow the Department of off the table. Instead, they are content people just in an hour-long phone call
Agriculture to continue to assist ag to see Americans suffer or our eco- and give them a chance to express their
producers—again, a bipartisan priority. nomic recovery slow in the hopes that views or ask questions.
Our legislation would also provide for they will be able to use the coronavirus I heard from parents who are con-
an additional $300 per week—over and as a political issue in the November cerned about the start of the school
above unemployment benefits—for elections. year; small business owners who are
those who have lost their jobs as a re- It is disappointing, but it is not going trying to stay afloat, not knowing
sult of the pandemic. to stop Republicans from continuing to when all of this will end; and a woman
Our bill contains another important try to pass coronavirus relief legisla- in rural Texas who is worried that if
measure to help keep our recovery tion. The American people are depend- the U.S. Postal Service goes under, she
going and to protect jobs, and that is ing on us, and we are going to do every- will not be able to receive her medica-
liability protection. thing we can not to let them down. tion in the mail.
No matter how many precautions I hope that at least some Democrats This is a difficult time for many of
schools, hospitals, and businesses take, will decide that they should join us. our neighbors, and I was glad to share
there is no way—no way—for them to I yield the floor. the information about the resources we
completely eliminate all risk of em- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. provided and to answer questions about
ployees, students, or customers con- SASSE). The Senator from Texas. what Texans might be able to expect in
tracting the virus. But that doesn’t Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, over the the next relief bill.
matter to the army of trial lawyers last several months, Texans have found One of the most commonly asked
itching to levy lawsuits against even new and creative ways to connect with questions was about unemployment in-
the most careful schools and busi- one another while following the nec- surance. Since March, more than 3.4
nesses. I don’t need to tell anybody essary COVID–19 precautions—things million Texans have filed for unem-
that saddling businesses large and like drive-through birthday parties, ployment compensation, and many
small with a bunch of frivolous law- live-streamed weddings, virtual family were able to take advantage of the
suits could seriously hamstring our reunions, and socially distanced bar- extra $600 a week in Federal benefits
economic recovery. becues. Life looks a lot different today provided by the CARES Act. But that
There is no question that schools and than it did at the start of the year, but extra funding expired at the end of
businesses should be liable for gross despite the challenges we face, we July, leaving many Texans who were
negligence or for intentional mis- know it is unrealistic to hit the pause still unable to return to work without
conduct. But businesses and schools button until the pandemic subsides. the income they need to support their
that are taking every reasonable pre- While COVID–19 continues to be ever families.
caution to protect employees and stu- present in our daily lives, folks across Despite our repeated efforts, Con-
dents should not have to worry about my State are safely adapting their rou- gress has been unable and unwilling to
facing lawsuits for virus transmission tines, and that certainly has been my come up with an agreement on unem-
that they could not have prevented. objective in the Senate. Over the past ployment benefits before the month of
In addition to providing schools with few months, I, like many of my col- August. As a gap-filler, the President
liability protections, our bill focuses leagues—maybe all of my colleagues— issued an Executive order to provide an
on providing schools with the resources have largely replaced in-person con- extra $300 a week in benefits, which
they need to get kids and teachers versations with virtual ones, through Texans have received. This is good
back in classrooms safely. Our bill more than 150 separate calls with news for those who came to rely on
would help expand the educational op- groups across the State of Texas. These these bolstered benefits, but, unfortu-
tions that parents have for their chil- virtual conversations continued over nately, it doesn’t help them with the
dren. And it would provide increased the month of August, along with a same level of certainty that congres-
funding for childcare during this crisis number of socially distanced events sional legislation would provide. The
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
so that parents who are trying to get complete with all of the CDC pre- next relief bill must provide those who
back to work have a safe place to send cautions. Close communication with are still without a way to earn a pay-
their kids. my constituents has always been im- check the additional benefits they need
Finally, our bill would provide more portant, and the COVID pandemic has to replace their income.
money for coronavirus testing and made these conversations even more It is important that we agree to an
tracing and for the development of the critical. amount or a formula that doesn’t
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S5486 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 9, 2020
hinder our economic recovery or per- viding relief for these venues is an im- Lankford Peters Sinema
Leahy Portman Smith
versely incentivize people not to go portant way to protect our local econo- Lee Reed Sullivan
back to work safely. Over the last mies, jobs, and beloved cultural insti- Loeffler Risch Tester
month, I have heard from a number of tutions. That is why I introduced the Manchin Roberts Thune
employers who had trouble rehiring Save our Stages Act with Senator KLO- McConnell Romney Tillis
McSally Rosen Toomey
workers because in some cases their BUCHAR, our colleague from Minnesota. Menendez Rounds Udall
workers were earning more with the It would establish a $10 billion grant Merkley Rubio
Van Hollen
additional $600 benefit than they would program to give independent venues Moran Sasse
Warner
Murkowski Schumer
from working. Well, it just doesn’t and their employees the funding they Murphy Scott (FL)
Whitehouse
make any sense to incentivize people need to survive this pandemic. We are Murray Scott (SC) Wicker
Young
not to go back to work when they can not talking about huge, publicly trad- Paul Shaheen
safely do so. We need to strike a deli- ed, multinational corporations here. In Perdue Shelby
cate balance that gives them the re- order to be eligible, recipients must NAYS—5
sources they need to support their fam- have fewer than 500 employees and Hirono Schatz Wyden
ily without incentivizing them to stay can’t be publicly traded. They can use Markey Warren
home. the money to cover payroll and bene-
NOT VOTING—4
As businesses have reopened and em- fits, as well as rent, utilities, and other
Harris Sanders
ployees returned to work, Texas has expenses to stay afloat. As the Senate Klobuchar Stabenow
made serious progress in getting more continues to work on our next
folks back on the payroll. The State coronavirus relief bill, I hope the Save The nomination was confirmed.
unemployment rate has steadily de- Our Stages provision will be included. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
clined from a peak of 13.5 percent to 8 Our economy in Texas, like the rest the previous order, the motion to re-
percent in July. Obviously, that is still of the country, is moving in a more consider is considered made and laid
way too high and a far cry from the 3.5 positive direction. We want to keep it upon the table, and the President will
percent we saw pre-COVID. If we are this way. We need to do everything we be immediately notified of the Senate’s
going to keep working and moving in can to ensure that once the pandemic action.
the right direction, we need to have is contained, our cultural institutions,
our workers return to work when that our businesses, and our jobs that we f
becomes an option. Obviously it goes rely on will be ready to bounce back. I
without saying that they would be able appreciate the countless Texans who CLOTURE MOTION
to safely return. shared with me their feedback and
Of course, it is not enough to just ideas on how Congress can do more to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant
give people the resources they need to support our State and our country to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the
support their families; we also need to through this crisis. I am going to do Senate the pending cloture motion,
ensure they have jobs to return to. my part to keep fighting to enact these which the clerk will state.
That is why the Paycheck Protection ideas into law and give Texans the sup- The senior assistant bill clerk read as
Program has been so vital and has port they deserve. follows:
saved countless jobs since it was estab- I yield the floor. CLOTURE MOTION
lished in March through the CARES The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We, the undersigned Senators, in accord-
Act. So far, Congress has invested $670 question is, Will the Senate advise and ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the
billion in this job-saving program, and consent to the Ludwig nomination? Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby
I am glad to say that Texas has re- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask move to bring to a close debate on the nomi-
ceived more than $41 billion across for the yeas and nays. nation of Christy Criswell Wiegand, of Penn-
more than 417,000 individual loans. It sylvania, to be United States District Judge
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
has literally been a lifesaver for many sufficient second?
of these small businesses. I hope the Mitch McConnell, Joni Ernst, John Booz-
There appears to be a sufficient sec- man, James E. Risch, Mike Rounds,
next relief bill will provide an oppor- ond. Roger F. Wicker, Mike Crapo, Mitt
tunity for the hardest hit businesses to Romney, John Barrasso, Shelley Moore
The clerk will call the roll.
receive a second PPP loan and save Capito, Pat Roberts, Thom Tillis,
The senior assistant bill clerk called
even more jobs and small businesses in Cindy Hyde-Smith, David Perdue,
the roll.
communities not just across my State Lindsey Graham, Kevin Cramer, Tim
but across the United States. Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Scott.
Our State also has a vibrant arts and Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan-
culture scene, and some of the hardest the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. KLO- imous consent, the mandatory quorum
hit businesses are live-event venues. BUCHAR), the Senator from Vermont
call has been waived.
These were actually some of the first (Mr. SANDERS), and the Senator from
The question is, Is it the sense of the
to close when the pandemic hit, and Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) are nec-
Senate that debate on the nomination
they will be the last to reopen. Unlike essarily absent.
of Christy Criswell Wiegand, of Penn-
restaurants or retailers, which were The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. sylvania, to be United States District
able to switch to curbside or pickup de- LANKFORD). Are there any other Sen- Judge for the Western District of Penn-
livery, event venues don’t offer a serv- ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? sylvania, shall be brought to a close.
ice that can be tailored to meet the The result was announced—yeas 91,
The yeas and nays are mandatory
CDC guidelines. nays 5, as follows:
under the rule.
The experience of a concert at the [Rollcall Vote No. 159 Ex.]
The clerk will call the roll.
Lowbrow Palace in El Paso or a trip to YEAS—91
hear the symphony at the Meyerson in The legislative clerk called the roll.
Alexander Casey Fischer
Dallas isn’t the same through a com- Baldwin Cassidy Gardner
Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the
puter screen. That leaves no oppor- Barrasso Collins Gillibrand Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS),
tunity for live venue operators, pro- Bennet Coons Graham the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. KLO-
Blackburn Cornyn Grassley BUCHAR), the Senator from Vermont
moters, producers, and talent rep- Blumenthal Cortez Masto Hassan
resentatives to organize events and no Blunt Cotton Hawley (Mr. SANDERS), and the Senator from
chance for security guards, ticket tak- Booker Cramer Heinrich Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) are nec-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
Boozman Crapo Hoeven essarily absent.
ers, bartenders, or cleanup crews to Braun Cruz Hyde-Smith
earn a paycheck. Brown Daines Inhofe The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there
These venues are not only a special Burr Duckworth Johnson any other Senators in the Chamber de-
part of our culture and our commu- Cantwell Durbin Jones siring to vote?
Capito Enzi Kaine
nities, they are also major employers Cardin Ernst Kennedy The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 80,
and fuel our economic engine. Pro- Carper Feinstein King nays 16, as follows:
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