Congressional Record, Senate — November 12, 2020, S6662
Summary
This is page S6662 of the Congressional Record, Senate, November 12, 2020, continuing onto S6663, with interleaved columns. It opens with the end of a Senator's remarks, whose name is not printed in the text read, on vaccine effectiveness. Under Coronavirus, Mr. Portman says he has come to the floor 17 times to urge a bipartisan response to the pandemic, that the country is averaging over 100,000 new cases per day, and that Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reported nearly 6,000 new cases in 24 hours. He urges Congress to pass targeted proposals, including the PPP for small businesses, funding for vaccine development, a payroll tax credit for businesses, and $16 billion for testing and tracing. Under Veterans Day, Mrs. Blackburn honors veterans and describes bills on veterans' health care. The views are attributed to the speakers.
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“Congressional Record, Senate — November 12, 2020, S6662.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-11-12-crec-2020-11-12-pt1-pgs6662-2-3f9863eb05/
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S6662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 12, 2020
Now, I am not an expert in vaccines, They have made those sacrifices, and These brave men and women rep-
so my first thought would be, well, I they have made those choices knowing resent the hope of a nation and our
want a vaccine that is 100 percent ef- that it wouldn’t be easy and knowing promise to the rest of the world that,
fective. As it turns out, no vaccine is that they may not come home, but, no matter what, the United States
100 percent effective. The measles vac- when they do come home, that some- stands ready and willing to answer the
cine that schoolkids took for years and times it is tough. It is tough to get call.
that most still take is 90 percent effec- back in that groove of where you were, I yield the floor.
tive. It was 9 months ago that to rekindle those relationships. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
healthcare experts said, if we could Our younger veterans, in particular, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.
have a vaccine that was 50 percent ef- were painfully aware of this when they SASSE). The clerk will call the roll.
fective, we should approve that vaccine put on the uniform. But do you know The senior assistant legislative clerk
and every other one that was at least what? They still made that choice to proceeded to call the roll.
50 percent effective. serve. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask
We are looking at vaccines that are Here in the Senate, we have backed unanimous consent that the order for
going to help us move beyond this as legislation that really has made things the quorum call be rescinded.
we look at tests that help us move be- easier for so many of our veterans. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
yond this, but the fundamental founda- When I was in the House, I was hon- objection, it is so ordered.
tion of all of that is in the healthcare ored to help shepherd passage of the CORONAVIRUS
framework that we maintain. You VA MISSION Act, and I was grateful to Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I have
can’t look at a pandemic and say that see that receive bipartisan support come to the floor again today to talk
now it is time to think about how we here in the Senate. It has, indeed, about the need for us, as a Congress, to
do important health research. You streamlined many of the processes in come together to address this
can’t look at a pandemic and say that the VA healthcare system. coronavirus pandemic. We have an un-
Last month, I introduced a bill to precedented healthcare and economic
now it is time to think about having
provide doula services to improve ma- crisis right now, and it is important for
care providers in underserved areas.
ternal health outcomes for our female us to figure out what we can do, what
You can’t look at a pandemic and say
veterans, a population that every sin- we can agree on, and then move for-
that now it is time to begin to think
gle month continues to increase. ward.
about how you connect childcare and Back in August, I introduced a bill
work and school altogether. This bill Since this pandemic began back in
that will allow our K2 veterans to ob-
does as much of that as we could figure March, I am told I have come to the
tain the special health screenings they
out how to do in the best way we could floor now 17 separate times to urge my
need to check for cancer and other ill-
figure out how to do it. colleagues to work together on a bipar-
nesses caused by exposure to toxic sub-
I hope Congress can pass it. It would tisan basis to try to put together legis-
stances in Uzbekistan.
be a great gift to the next Congress and In fact, this has been a great year for lation that will enable us to respond ef-
administration after January 20 to be veteran support. We have passed—or fectively and in a focused way to the
able to start next year with next year’s are very close to passing—legislation COVID–19 crisis.
work rather than having to start next We had some early successes. Re-
that will improve and simplify doctor-
year with this year’s work. Let’s get member the CARES Act that was
patient relationships, recordkeeping,
this year’s work done. Let’s get it done passed back in March. That was 8
and mental health services, and will
now. Let’s send the bill to the Presi- months ago—8 months ago. Really, for
make those and other important bene-
dent that the House and Senate have the last 6 months, we haven’t passed
fits more accessible to our veterans
agreed on, and let’s get back to looking anything to address this crisis. Yet the
and their families.
at these bills in the right way at the If you are not already supporting crisis has ebbed and flowed, and, right
right time. these efforts, I encourage my col- now, unfortunately, it is at an all-time
I yield the floor. leagues to support this legislation. high in my State of Ohio.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- As the week draws to a close, I would I have been frustrated that we can’t
ator from Tennessee. encourage everyone to seek out vet- have that same sense of urgency and
VETERANS DAY
erans’ stories and to internalize the willingness to work together as we had
Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Presi- knowledge that the sacrifices they during those first couple of months of
dent, when most Americans think of made were for us. There is so much we the coronavirus pandemic. It seemed to
the sacrifices that our veterans made can learn from those who have served. have disappeared as we entered elec-
in the name of defending freedom, they There is so much that they have done tion season; didn’t it? So, as we got
think of those brave men and women to help preserve our way of life and our closer and closer to the election, there
running toward the danger. We are freedoms. It is so much that they have was more and more divide and inability
grateful that, in their hearts, they done for the values and the institu- to come together. Now we need to get
have that desire, but as anyone who tions—things that really do transcend back to that sense of bipartisanship—I
knows or has worked with veterans politics. would even say nonpartisanship in so
knows, they also make sacrifices that I reached out to many of our vet- much of this—and cooperation for the
really never bubble to the surface or erans this week and had great con- good of our country.
come to our attention. Not only do versations and heard from veterans on- It is getting worse, as I said, in my
they sacrifice their own safety, they line. State of Ohio and around the country,
give up their personal independence, I heard from William, a Tennessean and I believe we can make a difference,
the comforts of home, their relation- who proudly served in the Air Force. and that is important. There are things
ships with friends and family, their He said his service was ‘‘the best deci- we can do at the Federal level that
spouses, and their children. sion of his entire life.’’ would help.
Think about what an extraordinary I also heard from Greg, who served as Right now, we are averaging in this
decision they have made—that the a C–130 crew chief in theatre during country over 100,000 new cases per day.
safety and security of their fellow Desert Storm. He put off his college That is double the rate from just 1
countrymen is worth more than losing education when he was asked to serve. month ago—double the rate from 1
those precious days. They have made And I would be remiss if I did not rec- month ago. It was predicted as it got
colder and people were inside more.
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that choice. They put that service and ognize the veterans who are currently
that sacrifice in front of their desires, serving in our office: Dana Magneson, The third wave has arrived.
in front of the desires of their family. John Clement, Jay Strobino, Dr. Karen In Ohio, the number of daily new
They are, indeed, called to serve. Summar, and Paris Cervantes. cases has risen every day for the past
These are the people whom we should I thank each and every one of them month. Just last night, Ohio Governor
be looking to for comfort and inspira- for their service and for the continued Mike DeWine reported nearly 6,000 new
tion during difficult times. They really work that they do on behalf of all Ten- cases in the last 24-hour period, com-
do have experience in that category. nesseans. pared to 1,000 cases per day that the
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November 12, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6663
State experienced just at the beginning I believe the best path forward is vent the spread of COVID, this payroll
of October. very close to what has been embodied tax credit that is in this legislation
Unfortunately, it is not just about in some of these more targeted pro- would help offset those costs and help
new cases. We are seeing increases in posals, including ones that we have put businesses stay open. It is just what we
hospitalizations. We are seeing in- on the floor repeatedly here since way need to help keep our economy afloat.
creases in patients that are in the ICU back in August. These bills are inclu- This is, I think, the sweet spot. I
units. We are seeing increases, sadly, in sive of some of the most important bi- think everyone agrees, I hope, that we
fatalities. We need to do more to help partisan priorities, like providing need- should go back to work, go back to
this economy, too, because the econ- ed funding for vaccine and therapy de- school, go back to the hospitals, and so
omy, as the pandemic has worsened, velopment and like replenishing the on, but we need to do it safely. That is
has begun to slow. successful PPP program for small busi- what this does. Shouldn’t that be bi-
Initially, we had impressive eco- nesses. It was included in the CARES partisan? Even nonpartisan?
nomic growth—no question about it— Act, by the way, but it expired back in Second, we should invest heavily in
but it has begun to slow at a time when August. So, on August 9, the Paycheck testing and contact tracing so that
the economy is still down 10 million Protection Program, or PPP, actually States are better equipped to respond
jobs since February. Think about that. expired. So for these struggling small to the surge of outbreaks. Republicans
We are still 10 million jobs short from businesses, they have nowhere to turn. and Democrats alike know that fast
where we were in February. What we How about providing funding to the and accurate tests are critical to stop-
really don’t want is for those 10 million schools? That is bipartisan. How about ping the spread of this disease and get-
people to become long-term unem- making sure that we have folks who ting people more comfortable going
ployed, who may never reenter the are able to come together to help en- back to shopping, going back to work,
workforce. That is why it is important sure that we have adequate funding for going back to school, and going back to
to act and act now. this exciting new vaccine development a more normal life.
Unemployment claims, which were that we are hearing about? Anyway, The targeted bill, again, that we in-
going down, by the way, seem to have when we have tried to bring these to troduced last month that Democrats
more or less flattened in most States, the floor, the other side has blocked blocked had $16 billion set aside for
including Ohio. Ohio’s unemployment even entering into a debate about it. testing and tracing. We could use those
rate, we are told, for the most recent Instead, Democrats have insisted on resources right now in Ohio. I spoke to
month we have data for, which is Sep- the House-passed Heroes Act, which Governor DeWine earlier this week. We
tember, was still above 8 percent. I passed in May, with almost no Repub- want the money for testing. We need it.
think it is better now, but it is still lican support, which makes a bunch of Let’s pass it now.
way too high. controversial changes to policy unre- Third, we also need help to continue
And, of course, certain sectors of the lated to coronavirus—repealing State the development of these treatments
economy, like hospitality, travel, and and local tax deductions to benefit and these vaccines as quickly as pos-
entertainment, are really struggling mostly wealthy Americans and making sible. The recent news of a potential
badly, with no end in sight, as some unprecedented changes to immigration vaccine by Pfizer with a 90-percent effi-
States begin to reimplement these laws. What do these policies have to do cacy is really promising, but we can’t
stricter social distancing measures, with coronavirus? Nothing. take our foot off the gas on this. If we
and some States are even putting back At a time of unprecedented deficits cannot address the underlying
in place closures. So, if you are in the and debt, it makes those changes with healthcare challenge with the
hospitality business, entertainment a pricetag of $3.5 trillion. And some coronavirus, we are going to be stuck
business, or travel business, you are say: Well, the Speaker is now down to playing defense against this disease for
concerned right now. To counter the $2.4 trillion. Folks, whatever that num- a long time.
spread of the virus, these closures are ber is, it is going to be unprecedented. The targeted bill from last month in-
also going to have a terrible economic We never had anything that expensive cluded $37 billion for vaccine develop-
impact on businesses and on families. pass the Congress. It is at a time, ment and distribution and $20 billion
These dangerous trends are putting again, when we have the highest deficit for therapies, which I think are really
people’s lives and livelihoods at risk if we have ever had. And our debt, as a good starting points for us to at least
we can’t start to reverse them. And, percent of our GDP, sadly, is now 100 debate what the final number should
again, it has been 6 months since we percent of our GDP, which it hasn’t be. But let’s help right now to ensure
came together in any kind of a package been since World War II. we don’t slow down the vaccines and
and 8 months since the CARES pack- We are past the contentious election the therapies and be sure the distribu-
age. season now. So let’s put aside the poli- tion works.
I believe there are some in Congress, tics and let’s build a targeted, bipar- In the face of a virus that seems like
including, I believe, the Speaker of the tisan coronavirus bill based on what we it is getting more and more out of hand
House, who were not interested in see- all agree works and what we agree real- every day, these three proposals are ex-
ing a comprehensive package passed ly is needed in the face of a rapidly amples—the tax credit for safely re-
before the election. They thought it spreading virus. opening businesses, money for im-
would be good politics, I guess, for Here are a few examples of what we proved testing and tracing, and money
President Trump. I don’t know. Look- can do. First, our next coronavirus re- for vaccine and therapy development.
ing at the results of the election, I sponse package should have the These all seem like commonsense
think it might have been just the oppo- Healthy Workplace Tax Credit, which ideas. I don’t see any reason why a ma-
site. basically says: We all want people to jority in this Chamber can’t come to-
But the point is that the election is get back to work, back to school, and gether and build a bipartisan response
now behind us. So if that was the rea- back to the hospitals. But let’s do it based on these kind of simple policies.
son, let’s forget that. Let’s get some- safely. This would really help the bars, Whatever we do, we can’t afford to
thing done here. Let’s get this partisan the restaurants, the salons, the gyms, delay any longer. American lives are at
gridlock off the docket on this issue, the bowling alleys, and other busi- stake, and we are in danger of losing
and let’s focus on what is good for the nesses to reopen safely and stay open ground where we gained it on the
American people. This is what is called by basically compensating them for the coronavirus, as this third wave threat-
the lameduck session of Congress. So purchase of hand sanitizers, PPE like ens my home State of Ohio and our
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that is a good time to do it. We are face shields and gloves, and for the re- country. Let’s not wait any longer.
past the election, and the new Congress configuration of their workplaces with Let’s come together and once again get
hasn’t come on yet. Let’s work to- plexiglass, as we are seeing, and for something done that helps the people
gether in good faith toward a Federal other measures to allow for social whom we represent.
response that is focused and targeted, distancing. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs.
and we can find some common ground As businesses prepare to winterize HYDE-SMITH). The Senator from Penn-
here. their outdoor spaces in order to pre- sylvania.
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S6664 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 12, 2020
ROSIE THE RIVETER CONGRES- Mae is the embodiment of the ‘‘We I am proud to support her confirmation
SIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT OF Can Do It’’ spirit. For over 70 years, today.
2019 from the Boeing assembly line where Mr. CASEY. I yield the floor.
Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise she worked to her sewing machine I suggest the absence of a quorum.
today to urge this body to pass H.R. today, Mae has devoted herself to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
1773, the Rosie the Riveter Congres- betterment of the Nation. clerk will call the roll.
sional Gold Medal Act. This bill would She and her fellow Rosies have The legislative clerk proceeded to
honor the American women who joined earned this Congressional Gold Medal. call the roll.
the workforce in support of the war ef- Many of Mae’s friends—her fellow Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I
fort during World War II. Rosies—have passed away without the ask unanimous consent that the order
Millions of women dedicated them- recognition that they are worthy of. for the quorum call be rescinded.
selves to strengthening our Nation and Thousands more are eagerly awaiting The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
answered the call to action by joining the passage of this bill, in addition to objection, it is so ordered.
the workforce and learning new jobs. the families of the Rosies who have
f
Many of these women built the vehi- died.
cles, the weaponry, and the ammuni- This honor has already been delayed EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued
tion that were critical to the war ef- for far too long. I urge my colleagues
fort. Whether they worked on assembly Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I
to pass this important, time-sensitive
lines, addressed the troops’ medical ask unanimous consent that the vote
legislation.
needs, or tended to ships and farms, begin now.
So, Madam President, as if in legisla-
Rosies ensured the country continued The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there
tive session, I ask unanimous consent
functioning during the war while often objection?
that the Committee on Banking, Hous-
serving as the primary caretakers for Without objection, it is so ordered.
ing, and Urban Affairs be discharged,
their children. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
and the Senate proceed to the imme-
These Rosie the Riveters rose to the the previous order, all postcloture time
diate consideration of H.R. 1773.
challenge and set a powerful example has expired.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
both to working women and for all The question is, Will the Senate ad-
clerk will report the bill by title.
Americans. Rosies not only faced gen- vise and consent to the Cannon nomi-
The legislative clerk read as follows:
der-based discrimination, but Rosies of nation?
A bill (H.R. 1773) to award a Congressional
color fought racial discrimination, all Mr. TOOMEY. I ask for the yeas and
Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in
while manufacturing planes, ships, the United States who joined the workforce nays.
tanks, weapons, jeeps, and everything during World War II, providing the aircraft, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a
else that was needed to defeat the vehicles, weaponry, ammunition and other sufficient second?
enemy in World War II. material to win the war, that were referred There appears to be a sufficient sec-
Today, their example continues to in- to as ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’, in recognition of ond.
spire generations to embody the ‘‘We their contributions to the United States and The clerk will call the roll.
can do it’’ spirit. The Rosies are among the inspiration they have provided to ensu- The legislative clerk called the roll.
our Nation’s greatest living heroines. ing generations.
Mr. THUNE. The following Senators
They deserve recognition and formal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there are necessarily absent: the Senator
commendation for their service to our objection to proceeding? from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER), the
country while they are still with us. There being no objection, the com- Senator from Indiana (Mr. BRAUN), the
The Rosies who are still alive are in mittee was discharged, and the Senate Senator from North Carolina (Mr.
their nineties, and we need to honor proceeded to consider the bill. BURR), the Senator from Georgia (Mrs.
them now. The House version of the Mr. CASEY. I ask unanimous consent LOEFFLER), the Senator from Kansas
Rosie the Riveter Gold Medal Act that the bill be considered read a third (Mr. MORAN), the Senator from Ken-
passed a year ago on November 13, 2019, time and passed and that the motion to tucky (Mr. PAUL), the Senator from
by unanimous consent and with broad reconsider be considered made and laid Idaho (Mr. RISCH), the Senator from
bipartisan cosponsorship. The Senate upon the table. Alaska (Mr. SULLIVAN), and the Sen-
version, S. 892, which I introduced last The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ator from Indiana (Mr. YOUNG).
year, has 76 cosponsors, including 36 objection? Further, if present and voting, the
Republicans, as well as all 26 women Without objection, it is so ordered. Senator from Indiana (Mr. YOUNG)
serving in the Senate of both parties. The bill (H.R. 1773) was ordered to a
This body has already made clear its would have voted ‘‘yea’’ and the Sen-
third reading, was read the third time, ator from Tennessee (Mr. ALEXANDER)
overwhelming support for the bill. and passed.
Each State contributed to the war ef- would have voted ‘‘yea.’’
Mr. CASEY. Thank you. Mr. SCHUMER. I announce that the
fort, and each State has Rosies await-
ing this award. f Senator from Connecticut (Mr.
I would like to tell you about a Rosie BLUMENTHAL), the Senator from Wash-
NOMINATION OF AILEEN ington (Ms. CANTWELL), the Senator
the Riveter from my home State of MERCEDES CANNON
Pennsylvania. I will just put up a post- from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN), the Senator
er of a picture of her. As I said, she is Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam Presi- from California (Ms. HARRIS), the Sen-
a Pennsylvanian. Her name is Mae dent, I rise today to support the con- ator from New Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH),
Krier of Levittown, PA, Bucks County, firmation of Aileen Mercedes Cannon the Senator from New Jersey (Mr.
Southeastern Pennsylvania. Mae to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge MENENDEZ), the Senator from Wash-
worked in a Boeing factory where she for the Southern District of Florida. ington (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator
helped make B–17 and B–29 warplanes Ms. Cannon has a distinguished record from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Sen-
as a teenager during World War II. Mae of public service, during which she has ator from Hawaii (Mr. SCHATZ), the
is now 94 years old and has been work- demonstrated a firm commitment to Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs.
ing to recognize and honor her fellow upholding the United States Constitu- SHAHEEN), the Senator from Arizona
Rosies—not for years; she has been tion and respecting the rule of law. She (Ms. SINEMA), the Senator from Michi-
working on this for decades. began her legal career as a law clerk gan (Ms. STABENOW), the Senator from
for Judge Steven Colloton on the Montana (Mr. TESTER), and the Sen-
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Mae is a patriot. And Mae is now
serving her country yet again during Eighth Circuit United States Court of ator from Rhode Island (Mr. WHITE-
another crisis. She has spent the better Appeals and has served with the U.S. HOUSE) are necessarily absent.
part of this year making face masks for Attorney’s Office for the Southern Dis- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs.
those who need them. These polka-dot trict of Florida since 2013. I am con- FISCHER). Are there any other Senators
masks are reminiscent of the bandanna fident that she will continue to serve in the Chamber desiring to vote?
worn by the woman in the famous ‘‘We the Southern District of Florida well The result was announced—yeas 56,
Can Do It’’ poster. once she is confirmed to the bench, and nays 21, as follows:
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