Congressional Record, September 15, 2020, from Page S5584 — United States Senate
Summary
This is the Congressional Record, Senate, September 15, 2020, covering pages S5584 and S5585, with interleaved columns. Most of the page is a floor exchange on changing Senate rules and the filibuster, in which Mr. Durbin says the status quo is not acceptable and Ms. Murkowski and Mr. Thune warn against eliminating the filibuster, with Mr. Thune citing the Green New Deal. Under the heading Coronavirus, a speaker not named in the text says nearly 200,000 Americans have died of the virus and the United States is approaching 7 million cases. That speaker says Senate Republicans have dragged their feet and offered only a few weak measures, and recalls how the debate over the March 26 relief bill ended. The views are those of the speakers.
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“Congressional Record, September 15, 2020, from Page S5584 — United States Senate.”
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S5584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 15, 2020
that bill. And I am glad we do, but that self when he gets his chance on the Presidential election that is as volatile
is it. End of story. The rest of the time, floor. as we have seen, if there is some level
what do we spend our days doing? Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, of comfort and security that they
Watching the clock go by for 30 hours will the Senator yield for one last ques- might have, they might think that just
so we can have a vote on the next nom- tion? maybe the Congress, maybe the Sen-
ination. Is that the Senate you ran for? Mr. DURBIN. Happy to yield. ate, can get its act together and be
Is that why you went through the sac- Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, to working together.
rifice and asked your family to join follow the Senator from South Dako- So I hear you. The status quo is not
you in that sacrifice to be in public ta’s comments about using the tool acceptable. I am not one who is going
life? No. Not for me, it isn’t. I am here that would effectively blow up the Sen- to say we can’t change any of the rules,
to do something. I think we can do ate, if you will—these are not words but we have to do better. Whether it is
something. We have proven it in the that we use freely, but I think it is fair behavioral attitudes that need to
past. to suggest that utilizing this tool that change or whether we need to work to-
The Affordable Care Act. Books will would eliminate the filibuster, that gether to change the rules, that is
be written—they have already been would eliminate, really, the strongest where we should be, not unilaterally
written about what it took to finally tool for a minority party, is akin to bomb-throwing, not unilaterally mak-
pass it, but eventually it was enacted the nuclear option. We use that term ing the decision that is going to benefit
into law and signed by the President around here in legislative prose. our party today, and then when we lose
and changed the lives of millions of I would agree with much of what you the majority, we will deal with it later.
Americans. I am glad I voted for it. It have said. You and I have served on the We owe it to the Senate and we owe it
was not a bipartisan effort at any Appropriations Committee now for to the country to do better.
stage. I wish it were. years. We have had an opportunity to I appreciate this back-and-forth
The point I am getting to is this: I be engaged in good, substantive de- today. I would welcome other col-
don’t know what the answer is in terms bates that have yielded good, sub- leagues to join us. I would hope that we
of changing the rules, but I am not stantive, enduring laws. look very, very closely at where we are
going to stand in defense of the status As I think about our role around right now because we are using our own
quo. I do not believe the notion that we here, it is not just to engage in the par- rules to do damage to the institution of
cannot touch the Senate and its tradi- tisan message of the day; it is actually the Senate.
tions really is defensible in light of to enact laws. But when we enact laws So let’s not take the last tool that
what we have seen on the Senate floor that are good for just one party, that holds us in check—this filibuster—and
for the last several years—years. are wholly partisan, you can kind of throw it away as well because we will
I just have to tell you, I am surprised predict the direction that will be taken regret it. In the meantime, let’s figure
now that the Republican position ar- when that minority party that voted out what we can be doing as Democrats
ticulated by your leader and by the against that particular policy then re- and Republicans to do better for the in-
whip is status quo: Leave it as is. It is gains power and takes the majority stitution of the Senate and do better
fine. It is just great. Don’t you change and then attempts to overturn what- for the American people.
the Senate. ever that policy may be. I apologize. That wasn’t by way of a
Well, I think the Senate needs to When we think about ways that we question; it was occupying the time of
change. can help an economy that is struggling the Senator from Illinois. But I think
Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I have right now, one of the things that I am we have a lot of work to do here, and I
one last question for the Senator from hearing from businesses is this: The hope we are able to do it together.
Illinois. one thing we would really like out of I yield the floor.
I don’t disagree that, again, we can Washington, DC, the one thing we Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, with her
do a better job—both sides—of making would really like is some level of cer- permission, I will add a question mark
the Senate a more open place where we tainty with policies, that it is not kind to the end of that statement to the
have an opportunity to debate, which I of this whiplash, back and forth from Senator from Alaska, to thank her and
think is the history and tradition of one administration to the next. warn her that we are coming dan-
the Senate, but I don’t think blowing Well, the way you do that is through gerously close to debating on the floor
up the Senate rules accomplishes that. a level of consensus. As we know, on of the Senate. It almost never happens,
I just want to read for you from this this floor right now, where it is still and we are coming close to it.
morning—I was on the floor here, but pretty quiet, consensus has been harder We are actually asking one another:
in an interview on NPR, the junior and harder to achieve on a bipartisan Do we have to change the rules to fi-
Senator from Massachusetts was asked basis. Maybe this is a place in time nally make the Senate work, or is
if there are parts of the Green New where we are, and it is just dark. As there another way? I am open to other
Deal that might attract bipartisan sup- our friend John McCain would say: It is ways. I am open to demonstrations of
port. How did he reply? He replied that always darkest before it goes pitch- that. But I will tell you, it is a frustra-
we need to enact the whole thing, and black. Well, maybe we are getting close tion. It is the determination to make
if Republicans disagree, Democrats to the pitch-black. One can only hope. certain that, for the people of Illinois
should eliminate the filibuster. But I do hear your words that the who returned me to the Senate, we ac-
Now, wanting to preserve the fili- status quo is not acceptable. I agree tually do something, achieve some-
buster doesn’t mean we can’t reform with you, my friend. It is not accept- thing; that we go home, win or lose,
the Senate, but it does mean that we able. It is not acceptable that we are in with the feeling that we have been en-
shouldn’t allow a majority to steamroll that place where we can’t get votes on gaged in a process that respected our
a minority. That is what the filibuster amendments that are legitimate and rights as individual Senators and ended
and the rules of the Senate were de- pertinent to the legislation that we in a vote up or down and a measure
signed to protect. have. passed or failed. That, to me, is why I
What your Members are talking I am trying to advance an energy bill ran for this job, and I think probably
openly about doing—including your right now, to get to final passage, and for yourself as well. We are not there,
leader—is nuking the filibuster, blow- we are going through the procedural and we are not close to being there.
ing up the Senate, and changing and hurdles. I will work through those. But CORONAVIRUS
transforming it in a way that will we are at a point where, as an institu- Mr. President, to date, we have lost
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transform not only the Senate and the tion, I believe we are failing. We are nearly 200,000 Americans to the
way the government, I think, was de- failing the American public. We are coronavirus, and we are quickly ap-
signed to work by our Founders but failing our constituents. We are failing proaching 7 million cases in the United
also transform the country. in our role in governing. States.
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I would I do think that when people look to This virus has changed life as we
love the junior Senator from Massa- the anxiety that is at play right now know it, and Americans are in need of
chusetts to address that question him- with our national elections, with a help from Congress. However, despite
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September 15, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5585
the urgent needs of families, busi- to pass a relief measure that meets the floor and said ‘‘Here is our package;
nesses, workers, and unemployed severity of this crisis. History will take it or leave it,’’ that is not how
Americans across the country, Senate judge us on how we responded to the this can possibly end. That is not the
Republicans have dragged their feet worst pandemic in a century and the way the debate ended on March 26. It
and offered up only a few weak meas- deepest recession in 75 years. In re- ended when Senator MCCONNELL and
ures that barely address the needs of sponse to this crisis, did we help pre- his House Republican counterpart,
the Nation. vent millions from slipping into pov- Congressman MCCARTHY, met with
The majority leader knows what erty through another round of eco- Speaker PELOSI, Leader SCHUMER, and
needs to be done. The playbook is right nomic impact payments and extending Treasury Secretary Mnuchin in a room
in front of us. We did it back in March enhanced unemployment benefits? Did and worked it out. That is what it
with the CARES Act, which passed 96– we give schools and teachers the appro- takes.
0. priate resources so they can help our We need to return to that now and
To negotiate a real package with real children learn in a safe environment? get it done before we leave for any rea-
solutions for the American people, he What steps did we take to preserve son—election or whatever it may be.
needs to show up at the negotiating one of our country’s greatest assets: There is no excuse. There are too many
table and give up these rogue attempts the health and safety of our workforce? unemployed people desperate to get by.
to pass empty, half-hearted measures. Did we throw caution to the wind by There are too many businesses des-
In the meantime, more data is com- prematurely reopening simply because perate to survive. There are too many
ing in every day, giving us a clearer it’s an election year? tests that we cannot take in America
picture of just how devastating this Our country needs help, and the pro- because we haven’t invested in the re-
pandemic has been to so many Ameri- posal that we voted on last week of- sources. There are too many school dis-
cans. A new report from the Robert fered little help to struggling Ameri- tricts telling me: Senator, reopening
John Wood Foundation found some cans. safely for these kids and teachers is
troubling outcomes that COVID has Our Nation is suffering right now, going to take some money. Can you
had on Chicago residents. Half of Chi- and there is a long road to recovery help?
cago households reported facing serious ahead of us. Unfortunately, Leader There is an election coming up No-
financial problems during the pan- MCCONNELL wasted precious time by vember 3, where election authorities—
demic and troubles caring for children, pitching a half-baked proposal that because people want to vote in the
with 35 percent reporting that they prioritized the needs of corporations safety of their homes—will receive a
used up all or most of their savings. over the needs of American families. dramatic increase in paper ballots cast,
As we know, the pandemic has dis- Let’s pass a bill that matches the and they need a helping hand in proc-
proportionately affected our minority gravity of this crisis, and let’s pass it essing them in an orderly, honest way.
communities, with nearly 70 percent of now. The demands are out there. State and
Black and 63 percent of Latinx house- I will close with a brief comment on local governments are in trouble.
holds in Chicago reported having seri- substance. On March 26 we shocked Small towns in Southern Illinois—I
ous financial problems. And I am sad to America in the Senate. I know it. I speak to their mayors, and I hear the
say that this study found half of Chi- went home, and they told me so. Do same things that I hear from the
cago households report having lost you know how we shocked them? By a mayor of Chicago: We have had a down-
their jobs, been furloughed, or seen re- vote of 96 to 0, we passed the CARES turn in revenues; we are going to have
ductions in wages or work hours since Act—96 to 0—with not a single dis- to lay off policemen and firefighters
the start of the pandemic. senting vote in the Senate—$3 trillion and healthcare workers if you don’t
We all know how important an inter- to address our economic problems and give us a helping hand.
net connection is during this pandemic. the coronavirus epidemic we were fac- We cannot walk away from this. Sen-
According to the report, 40 percent of ing. We did it on March 26—yes, in this ator MCCONNELL can’t take the posi-
Chicago households are either strug- calendar year—and we did it knowing tion of ‘‘my way or the highway.’’ We
gling with their internet connection or that the measures we were taking had have to work on a bipartisan basis to
lack access to high-speed internet in a life expectancy of just a few months negotiate an answer to this, and I hope
their home needed to complete school- because we thought that would be the we do soon.
work or their jobs. end of our challenge. It is not. I yield the floor.
While these statistics reflect the re- The challenges that we faced in pass- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
ality of many in Chicago, there is little ing the CARES Act in March still are ator from Massachusetts.
doubt that this is also the story in so challenges America faces. When it Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I ask
many cities and States across the Na- comes to COVID–19, the numbers are unanimous consent to be able to ad-
tion. This is why we need a substantial sobering. The infection rate of COVID– dress the Senate for 10 minutes.
federal response. We need to do what is 19 in the United States is double the in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
necessary to help struggling families, fection rate of the same virus in Can- objection, it is so ordered.
businesses, cities, and States get back ada—Canada. How can the United Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, we are
on their feet. States be in a position where twice as fast approaching nearly 200,000 deaths
Last week, Senate Republicans pro- many Americans are getting sick as from the coronavirus. But the moral
posed another inadequate, partisan those living just on the other side of and physical injury done to our coun-
coronavirus response bill that failed to the border? try during the pandemic will never be
prioritize the needs of struggling When you look at the overall num- contained in just one number. As that
Americans. The bill failed to provide bers, you have to shake your head. We number continues to climb, so too do
another round of economic impact pay- have 41⁄2 percent of the world’s popu- the frustration and the pain and the
ments for families or hazard pay for es- lation living in the United States—41⁄2 outrage of the American people.
sential workers. percent—and over 20 percent of the We know that Donald Trump recog-
It failed to provide relief to States COVID–19 deaths in the world—41⁄2 per- nized the threat of the coronavirus and
and local governments so they can con- cent and 20 percent. What is going on deliberately downplayed it for his own
tinue to pay teachers, EMTs, and fire- here? political gain. He is in large part re-
fighters. And it failed to provide any In this Nation, this great Nation, sponsible for these deaths.
housing assistance or nutrition assist- with all of its wealth and all of its re- We now have 31 million workers who
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ance so struggling families can keep a sources and all of its talent and all of have either received or applied for un-
roof over their heads and food on the its great hospitals and doctors and employment benefits. Since March 15,
table. pharmaceutical companies, we have a Massachusetts alone has seen more
It has been 4 months since the House rate of COVID–19 deaths that is just in- than 2 million claims to our unemploy-
passed the HEROES Act, and week defensible. ment programs. In Massachusetts, we
after week Senate Republicans refuse So I would say to my colleagues: have the highest unemployment rate in
to make a good faith, bipartisan effort When Senator MCCONNELL came to the the United States.
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S5586 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 15, 2020
Families across the country are fac- efit, through January of 2021. This is have to say it: They want their chil-
ing devastating choices. Cities and not just a line in the budget; it is a dren to dream about the future instead
towns are struggling to keep programs lifeline for workers who cannot go to of fearing about the future.
running and employees at work. We work through no fault of their own. They need political leadership from
know the Republicans recognize these This crisis will be solved only by in- us right now—not political games, not
threats, and they are choosing to ig- vesting in workers. We cannot simply the political calculation of just 20
nore them. They are, in part, respon- cut them off when we know harder Members of the Senate Republican cau-
sible for the suffering. days lie ahead for those workers in our cus.
After 4 months of callous calcula- country. To my colleagues I say that the grav-
tions, when they chose to respond, the Fourth, we must continue a national ity of this crisis requires us to respond
Republicans put out on the floor a evictions moratorium and provide $100 right now. We know we have a Presi-
coronavirus package that was insulting billion in emergency rental assistance. dent in the White House who is irre-
to Americans who have been awaiting No one should have to suffer the indig- sponsible. The President knew. It turns
relief. The extent of the misery facing nity of being escorted out of their out he knew the virus was deadly. He
our families is unimaginable. Yet Re- home by the police. A country that al- knew it as well as we knew it, but he
publicans and Leader MCCONNELL re- lows evictions during a pandemic—be- lied to us. He told us it would magi-
sponded by designing a bill so inten- cause of a pandemic—has failed its peo- cally disappear. He said it was no worse
tionally weak and insufficient that it ple. than the flu while on tape we hear him
was destined to fail. The same goes for electricity and en- say that it is lethal. On February 10, he
It is all just a game to the Repub- ergy shutoffs. We need a national mor- said: You know, a lot of people think it
lican Party, but for Americans, this atorium that keeps the lights on, en- goes away in April with the heat, when
economic and public health crisis is a sures drinking water, ensures that the heat comes in. That is what the
matter of life and death. We need a ro- wastewater services aren’t discon- President said in February about the
bust, comprehensive response right nected or interrupted during the emer- coronavirus.
now that matches the scale of this cri- gency period due to nonpayment. We He also tells us that climate change
sis, and we have an opportunity to de- cannot cast families into the dark as is a myth. He tells us that our planet is
liver some real justice to working they are struggling to stay afloat. not in grave danger. He makes fun of
Americans and their families. It is wrong to allow a pandemic that the science of climate change the way
First, we need to give Americans a has not been created by these families he makes fun of wearing a mask.
monthly cash payment of $2,000 so that to result in catastrophic conditions Now the ‘‘Denier in Chief’’ says when
they have the funding to able to pay that will look like the Great Depres- it gets cooler it will go away, that the
their bills. A single check is not suffi- sion in terms of their impact on fami- fires in the west coast will just go
cient for households. Families need lies in the same way that it impacted away. His answer to coronavirus is that
more than just one payment. my family during the Great Depres- when it gets warmer, it will go away.
Providing recurring monthly pay-
sion. We owe these people more. They When he deals with the science of cli-
ments is the most direct and efficient
have worked hard. They have worked mate change, he says: When it gets
mechanism for delivering economic re-
constantly throughout their lives. cooler, the fires will go away.
lief to those most vulnerable, for lower
Now, through no fault of their own, the The west coast of the United States
income families, immigrant families,
pandemic has hit them, and they are is on fire, and 10 percent of Oregon is
and our gig and service workers.
I see these families suffering today. unemployed. under evacuation order. A warning—
They are the same kinds of working Finally, we need $1 trillion in funding that is half a million people. We have
families I grew up with in Malden. I for State and local governments so dozens of wildfires burning right now
know that $2,000 each month would that our teachers, nurses, postal work- in California, including the largest in
mean the world to them—so that they ers, and other dedicated public serv- the history of that State. It has blotted
can sleep at night; they can pay the ants are not laid off—the essential out the sun for hundreds and hundreds
rent; they can pay the electricity bill; workers who drive the buses, pick up of miles. The Southwest is shrouded in
they can buy the medications they the garbage, fight the deadliest of fires, a horrifying, constant twilight.
need. educate our young people. Despite pro- We can keep looking at these things
A monthly payment is the kind of big viding the services we rely upon every in isolation, as if somehow or other
policy that provides relief on the scale day—including every single one of us in they are not connected. Each fiery con-
that is needed. Our government needs this Chamber—our municipalities are flagration, each hurricane, each dev-
to tell our families: We are here for aren’t getting any money because Re- astating flood, each ungodly windstorm
you. We will not let you down during publicans refuse to provide it. State that wipes out a whole year of crops—
this crisis. and local governments have been we can say they have nothing to do
Second, we need at least $4 billion for pushed to the brink to support their with each other or we can look at the
my E-rate Program to connect every residents and are in desperate need of truth and listen to the science and say
student to the internet at home. The relief. enough is enough.
pandemic has shown a bright light on To my Republican colleagues I say We can lie to ourselves and say, as
the homework gap being experienced that this funding isn’t blue or red; it is Trump does, that one day these things
by the 16 million students in this coun- green. And all of our mayors and Gov- will just ‘‘magically disappear,’’ de-
try who do not have internet access at ernors and city councilors—whether pending upon whether the heat or cool-
home and are unable to complete their Republican or Democrat—need that ing will solve the problem. But we all
homework. This is unconscionable and money right now. know better. We know that unless we
a threat to our country’s future. I have been traveling around my act now, the fires will happen annually
We cannot allow this homework gap home State of Massachusetts talking and burn hotter and larger each sum-
to become a larger learning gap, which to families. They tell me the same mer, each fall in our country. We know
ultimately is going to become an op- thing: They want a livable future for that the hurricanes will get worse and
portunity gap for these young people. their children. That means they need more frequent. Two made landfall at
Research shows that the homework gap the government to do its job effec- once this year. We know that they will
affects students in both rural and tively in managing this COVID–19 pan- disrupt and destroy the economies of
demic. Instead of making excuses, they the gulf and the eastern seaboard.
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urban areas and disproportionately af-
fects lower income students and stu- need a government that works on solu- How many times can we ask our peo-
dents of color. Trump and the Repub- tions, even if the problems are unprece- ple to rebuild? We know that mid-
licans are blocking this investment in dented, and they want that govern- western floods will grow each year,
education, but we can’t let them. We ment to recognize the rights and dig- drowning out a whole way of life and
will not leave these students behind. nity of everyone. making refugees of our farmers. We
Third, we need to extend unemploy- Our families want something so basic know that the windstorms like those
ment insurance, the weekly $600 ben- and so simple, they almost shouldn’t this year will continue to destroy
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September 15, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5587
crops. Iowa lost 43 percent of its corn from the Centers for Disease Control to the election. They pulled out the
and soybeans this year. has evolved over time. I went back and same playbook they used all summer.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- checked. My friend in Massachusetts Once again, they refused to engage in
ator has used his 10 minutes. says the President did this; he did that; any meaningful negotiations. They re-
Mr. MARKEY. No, it will not magi- he said this; he didn’t do this. I remem- sorted to name-calling and blocked the
cally disappear. We need a Green New ber going back and looking at the Cen- bill from even being debated. You can’t
Deal. We need a solution that matches ters for Disease Control guidance be- pass a bill unless you are willing to
the magnitude of the problem. fore April. They said masks were inef- start considering it, but they weren’t
I yield back to the Presiding Officer. fective; they didn’t do anything. They willing to even do that.
I appreciate his indulgence. came back after some additional inves- Here we are battling a pandemic,
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tigation and research and said: Well, which has claimed more than 190,000
ator from Texas. they can help. That is why we are all Americans, and Democrats blocked
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask
wearing masks, especially when we every attempt to pass a piece of legis-
unanimous consent that I be allowed to
can’t socially distance. lation since March. Rather than trying
complete my remarks before the lunch
Looking at this pandemic now in to negotiate or amend these bills or
recess.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without September as opposed to the way it reach a bipartisan compromise, they
objection, it is so ordered. looked in March, we have learned a lot, seem to be content with airing their
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, let me thank goodness. Our medical profes- grievances at press conferences.
say that I join my friend from Massa- sionals have saved a lot of lives. We I agree with one thing the Senator
chusetts in a desire to see us take up learned how to mitigate the risks. We from Massachusetts said: There are
and pass another COVID–19 relief bill. I learned how to live with the virus at people who are hurting and need help.
would say that so far, the House of the same time we are investing heavily We should not take some perverse de-
Representatives has taken a com- in therapies and a vaccine, which can’t light in exacerbating that pain or not-
pletely unrealistic approach, including come soon enough. ing that pain and being unwilling to do
many non-COVID–19 relief provisions Senate Republicans have made at- anything to relieve it.
in the bill, including tax cuts for mil- tempt after attempt to deliver another This may be a political game for
lionaires and billionaires. They lit- round of coronavirus relief to the some of our colleagues. It may be a
erally include, in the COVID–19 bill American people. In July, we proposed way to try to score points against the
they call the Heroes Act, a tax cut by the HEALS Act, which was a starting President or try to gain advantage in
removing the cap on deductibility on point for negotiations. We realized this the runup to the election on November
State and local taxes on your Federal wasn’t the end-all and be-all any more 3, but I assure you, it is not an honest
income tax. than the Democrats’ Heroes Act, this attempt to try to solve a problem; it is
When we did that in the Tax Cuts and $3 trillion hodgepodge of an ideological not a genuine attempt to try to provide
Jobs Act, we felt it was improper to wish list that we knew wasn’t going to relief to the American people who are
force States like the Presiding Officer’s pass, but we knew we needed to start hurting; and it is not moving us any
and mine to subsidize the irresponsible somewhere. closer to defeating this virus once and
spending practices in major cities like Speaker PELOSI didn’t help when she for all.
New York and San Francisco. quickly disparaged our starting pro- In the bills we passed so far—again,
If our Democratic friends are indeed posal as ‘‘pathetic.’’ And, of course, on a bipartisan basis, largely unani-
serious about wanting to get a deal, we Senator SCHUMER, the minority leader mously—we provided unprecedented
are open, certainly, to negotiating a in the Senate, called it ‘‘unworkable.’’ support for American families, includ-
deal, just as we did the first four bills I guess they thought they finished ing direct payments, bolstered unem-
that we passed, especially by unani- their job, and they dismissed it out- ployment benefits, and provided the
mous vote. right and did nothing to negotiate in ability to defer student loan payments.
It seems the closer we get to the elec- good faith toward a resolution. They We sent help to farmers, ranchers, and
tion, which is now 49 days out, that the simply have no interest in amending producers. We helped our schools pre-
old partisan dysfunction begins to the bill or trying to find a common pare for the new school year and gave
creep back in and you hear speeches ground. They just stiff-armed it. small businesses and their employees
like the Senator from Massachusetts This August, when we attempted to the resources to stay afloat. We have
just gave, advocating things like the narrow the scope of the negotiation to provided stability for families and
Green New Deal as a solution to all the the most urgent matters—things like communities across Texas and across
world’s problems. It is just completely continuing Federal unemployment ben- the Nation.
pie in the sky and a pipedream that is efits, which expired at the end of More help is needed, especially to
obviously not going anywhere. July—this time our Democratic col- bolster our response to the virus itself.
That doesn’t stop our friends across leagues rejected what they called a We know we are in a global race to de-
the aisle blaming this side of the aisle ‘‘piecemeal’’ approach. Never mind the velop a vaccine and treatment. Our
or the President for everything that fact that the House returned to Wash- brightest scientific minds are working
happens in the world, including hurri- ington to pass a bill only to help the 24/7 to deliver those lifesaving drugs to
canes and forest fires, which are large- Postal Service, which was actually bi- the world as quickly as we can, safely
ly as a result of failing to undertake partisan. Apparently, that kind of and effectively, but they need more
proper forest management that we piecemeal is acceptable as long as it is money to succeed.
know can prevent fires. They blame it a Democratic-sponsored and authored At the same time, our communities
on climate change. It is an easy argu- bill. are trying to test as many people as
ment claiming science is on their side. That brings us to September. Last they can, whether it is people attend-
We need to be good stewards about week, we gave it another shot. The ma- ing college football games or surveil-
our environment, no doubt about it. I jority leader brought the bill to the lance testing in communities or at col-
have no doubt the climate is changing floor to address some of the most press- leges or grade schools. Our constitu-
and humans contribute to that, but ing challenges facing the American ents don’t care about our partisan dis-
there are smarter and better ways for people: funding schools, vaccine re- agreements. They just want us to do
us to approach it other than elimi- search, more testing, unemployment everything we can to help them and to
benefits, helping small businesses, help us defeat this virus.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
nating jobs and burdening people on
fixed incomes with higher electricity again, through the extension of the During the month of August, I was
and energy costs and just embracing an Paycheck Protection Program—all of able to travel around the State and to
ideological solution, which is no solu- which should be and I believe, in truth, listen to feedback from my constitu-
tion at all and will create more prob- are bipartisan goals. ents on how the funding we provided so
lems than it solves. Unfortunately, our Democratic col- far has aided in the fight against
I would just say, finally, on this leagues couldn’t resist that old tempta- COVID–19. Congress has provided more
point, that we know that the guidance tion of partisan dysfunction this close than $234 billion to support our
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S5588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 15, 2020
healthcare response. That includes $10 sured. Without legislation passed by distanced conversations about the
billion for research and development of Congress, who knows what these pa- challenges that had been brought on by
a vaccine through Operation Warp tients would have been able to afford or the start of the new school year. I held
Speed, $16 billion for personal protec- even get access to a COVID–19 test. a video call with restaurant owners
tive equipment, $26 billion for testing, This funding has also provided more about the ongoing impact of the pan-
and, of course, the $173 billion Provider than 187,000 pieces of PPE to the Fam- demic on their businesses. On tele-
Relief Fund to help our hospitals. ily Health Center’s doctors, nurses, phone townhalls, I heard from con-
More than 23,000 hospitals and dentists, social workers, and staff who stituents about their struggles to make
healthcare providers in my State alone are trying to stay safe and healthy ends meet after they lost their jobs and
have received more than $5.1 billion in while they continue to care for their then lost the extra $600 a week in Fed-
Federal funding, allowing them to pro- patients. eral unemployment benefits, which
cure critical resources like masks and On top of that, the funds have pro- lapsed because our colleagues wouldn’t
gloves and to cover mounting costs due vided the information technology in- allow us to take up and consider, at
to the deferral of elective procedures. frastructure to get telehealth services some level, a continuation of those en-
In August, I had a chance to person- started in record time and nearly 11,000 hanced benefits.
ally thank some of the healthcare hours of paid leave for healthcare As our Democratic colleagues have
workers in Abilene, Waco, Wichita workers and other staff members who continued to play games, these are the
Falls, Amarillo, Lubbock, and Corpus become ill or need to quarantine be- folks who have been hurt, and I am
Christi. I also had lunch and visited cause of the virus. sure there are similar situations in
with the children of healthcare work- The legislation we passed has also each of their States. For these Texans
ers in the Rio Grande Valley who, even helped community health centers, hos- whom I have described, COVID–19 isn’t
at such a young age, are amazed by the pitals, clinics, nursing homes, and about political points or sound bites—
heroic work of their parents. healthcare facilities throughout the it is about their health, their families’
As our war against this virus carries State continue to serve their commu- safety, and their livelihoods.
on, we need to ensure that our front- nities. While it seems like some have yield-
line workers and healthcare providers As we keep working to deliver the as- ed to the temptation of using this pan-
have the resources they need to sustain sistance for the American people, we demic for political gain, I am com-
this fight. need to continue to support our mitted to continuing to work with all
I also visited with the Family Health healthcare response. This means ensur- of our colleagues who are willing to en-
Center in Waco, which is 1 of 73 feder- ing that the providers continue to have sure that we don’t lose any of the
ally qualified health centers in Texas the resources needed to operate ground we have gained in the war
operating more than 500 sites. This is throughout this crisis. It means more against COVID–19. We are literally up
really a critical part of our healthcare resources for testing and contact trac- against the clock, and enough time has
safety net in my State and across the ing to stop the spread. It means an been wasted on name-calling, finger-
Nation. even greater investment in the race to pointing, and political posturing. It is
I have always been a strong sup- discover a vaccine and treatment so we time for the games to end so that we
porter of our community health cen- can finally bring this crisis to an end. can finally provide our constituents,
ters and cofounded the Senate Commu- It means continuing to provide including our frontline heroes, with the
nity Health Centers Caucus several healthcare coverage for those who are resources they need in order to sustain
years ago. As I said, these facilities laid off or furloughed or lost employer and win this fight.
make quality healthcare a reality for coverage. I yield the floor.
so many Texans, whether they have I recently introduced a bill with my f
Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, friend Senator MCSALLY from Arizona
to provide some degree of certainty for RECESS
or no insurance. Texans can go to these
health centers and receive the care folks who found themselves without a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
they need when they need it. job or health coverage through no fault the previous order, the Senate stands
The particular Family Health Center of their own. It is called the Contin- in recess until 2:15 p.m.
I visited in Waco was founded more uous Health Coverage for Workers Act, Thereupon, the Senate, at 1:01 p.m.,
than 50 years ago to address a shortage which would provide premium assist- recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem-
of doctors and primary care access for ance for COBRA coverage during the bled when called to order by the Pre-
low-income patients and has since rest of the year. As the coronavirus has siding Officer (Mr. KENNEDY).
grown to 15 clinics across McLennan wreaked havoc on our job market, it f
County, which provide not only pri- has filled countless Texans’ lives with EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued
mary and preventive care but dental uncertainty. By passing this legisla-
VOTE ON BLUMENFELD NOMINATION
and behavioral healthcare too. tion as part of the next relief bill, we
As Family Health Center CEO, Dr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
can ensure that those who previously
Jackson Griggs, said community-ori- the previous order, all postcloture time
maintained their health coverage
ented primary care is difficult in any has expired on the Blumenfeld nomina-
through their employer can continue
era, and it has been uniquely chal- tion.
to do so through the end of the year. The question is, Shall the Senate ad-
lenging during COVID–19. Unexpected Let me just say in conclusion that
vise and consent to the Blumenfeld
operating costs and lost revenue cre- COVID–19 is not a partisan issue. It
nomination?
ated serious financial hardship, but be- hasn’t been up until this point. Unfor- Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask for
cause of the $3 million in the CARES tunately, the wheels came off, at least the yeas and nays.
Act and other Federal funding they for the time being. We need to put The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a
got, they have continued to provide those wheels back on the car. We are sufficient second?
quality healthcare during this time of all on the same team fighting a com- There appears to be a sufficient sec-
critical need. Because of Federal fund- mon enemy. I hope we can rediscover ond.
ing, they have been able to test every the sense of bipartisanship and com- The clerk will call the roll.
person who comes in with symptoms. mon purpose that helped us pass four The senior assistant legislative clerk
They received the equipment, the kits, bills up through and including March. called the roll.
the mobile computer systems, tents, During August, I was able to spend
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is
and the air-conditioning units that al- time speaking with countless of my necessarily absent: the Senator from
lows staff to test patients outdoors, constituents about the bills we had West Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO).
even during a hot Texas summer. passed and discussing what more was Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the
During our visit, Dr. Griggs told me needed. In addition to hearing from the Senator from Delaware (Mr. COONS),
they conducted more than 7,400 tests, healthcare workers and providers who the Senator from California (Ms. HAR-
with over 1,500 patients testing posi- had been on the frontlines, I also joined RIS), and the Senator from Vermont
tive. Of those, 53 percent were unin- students and teachers for socially (Mr. SANDERS) are necessarily absent.
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