Coronavirus (Cong. Rec., Dec. 15, 2020)
Summary
This is S7475 of the Congressional Record, Senate, December 15, 2020, with interleaved columns. A Senator whose name is not printed in the text read, speaking about the electoral college and attempts to overturn the 2020 election, says only 27 Congressional Republicans had publicly acknowledged the President-elect and that silence is unacceptable. Under the heading Coronavirus, the same speaker describes a bipartisan group of 10 Senators, 5 Democrats and 5 Republicans, working on a COVID relief package aimed at a spending target of $908 billion. He says the group produced a bill that spent $748 billion, including unemployment benefits, funds for SNAP, vaccination logistics, and broadband, and says two items were left out. The views are attributed to the speaker.
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“Coronavirus (Cong. Rec., Dec. 15, 2020).”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-12-15-crec-2020-12-15-pt1-pgs7475-9a890bb1f0/
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December 15, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7475
buildings in Michigan to the public the blatant and shameful attempt to ever. My State of Illinois, despite the
and, according to press reports, cred- use the power of the Presidency to heroic efforts of my Governor and
ible threats of violence. In Arizona, overturn a free and fair election, an many others, is suffering with infec-
electors met in an undisclosed location election which is the foundation of our tions, hospitalizations, and, sadly, too
to safely cast their votes. These meas- democracy. Senator MURPHY reminded many deaths. That is the reality of
ures followed a last-ditch effort by 17 us about the fragility of our democracy where we are today.
Republican attorneys general and more and how it should never ever be taken So this group of 10—5 Democrats, 5
than half of the House Republican cau- for granted. He warned about collabo- Republicans—has been meeting for 3
cus joining in a lawsuit and accom- rating in silence as these efforts are weeks. We even met on Thanksgiving
panying an amicus brief before the Su- made to destroy it. ‘‘How Democracies Day. We did a Zoom call and had some
preme Court, which incredibly argued Die.’’ The poignant remarks and the conversation about a phase of this that
that the Court should nullify the votes outrageous actions of recent weeks re- might be important for us to consider.
of more than 20 million Americans. minded me of a dinner I hosted with I tell you that because we did produce
These ludicrous arguments couldn’t the authors of a powerful book, ‘‘How a work product—one that I think is
hide the true justification for joining Democracies Die.’’ The authors, Steven worthy of consideration immediately
this effort to undermine our democ- Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, detail ex- on the floor of the Senate. It was an ef-
racy. The people who were protesting amples in which democracies are weak- fort to reach a spending target of $908
simply don’t like the results of the 2020 ened, collapsed, and even destroyed. I billion to provide immediate assistance
election, and they don’t want to turn recommend it as urgent reading to my across the board in the United States,
their backs on President Trump. colleagues in the Senate at this mo- to extend unemployment benefits
The conservative-leaning Supreme ment in our history. They highlighted where they are desperately needed; to
Court summarily dismissed this effort the critical role of established political give help to businesses—some $300 bil-
outright, rejecting the lawsuit in an leaders in standing up, or failing to lion in new lending authority; to pro-
order on Friday evening, wasting no stand up, in key moments when events vide additional funds for SNAP, the
time in doing it. Despite repeated and or persons threaten their democracies. food stamp program, which many des-
Venezuela, in the early 1990s—the perate families turn to in order to feed
forceful judicial rejections of their
key establishment party leader their children; help to our farmers;
baseless allegations of fraud at at-
opportunistically sided with Hugo Cha- help to the renters who would be facing
tempts to nullify the votes of Ameri-
vez after a coup attempt, devastat- eviction under their leases if we were
cans, only 27 Congressional Repub-
ingly, giving Chavez critical legit- to do nothing; help to hospitals and
licans would publicly acknowledge the
imacy he then used to gain power and nursing homes and clinics, for we all
obvious President-elect of the United
bring his country to its current state of know they are on the frontline of this
States, Joe Biden, as of last week.
Now that the electoral college has decline. I believe we have such a mo- battle; money for the testing of those
ment here that demands leaders of who suspect they are infected with
spoken, more Congressional Repub-
both parties to carry out their oaths of COVID–19; and more resources for the
licans are finally stepping up. The fact
office and defend our treasured democ- logistics of vaccinations.
that it took 6 weeks for my colleagues The CDFI Program is an effort to ex-
to recognize reality and stop under- racy. Quite simply, silence is unaccept-
tend lending authority, particularly in
mining our Democratic process is sad able.
desperate communities that are bat-
and disappointing. When we were sworn I am glad for what Senator MCCON-
tling both poverty as well as this pan-
in as Members of Congress, we took a NELL said this morning on the floor of
demic. There is $5 billion for mental
simple oath: support and defend the the Senate. Perhaps Chaplain Black in-
health, and we certainly know we need
Constitution of the United States spired him and will inspire others to
it, for the psychological pressure that
against all enemies, foreign and domes- step up and speak the truth.
America is facing is obvious in so many
tic. It is not an oath to one person, nor CORONAVIRUS
ways. There is over $80 billion in edu-
one President; it is not conditional if Madam President, on a separate cation and $10 billion in childcare. We
one receives enough angry phone calls; issue, I have given a big part of my life can’t overlook the fact that many
it is not dependent on whether the re- to this institution, the Senate, and I can’t return to work because there is
sponsibilities are difficult; and it is respect what we have been able to do no childcare that they trust with their
certainly not optional if one has to on many occasions. Through honest kids. There is help, as well, for expand-
face a more challenging electorate. give-and-take and compromise, we ing broadband. As our kids have to
And yet, with the exception of only a have been able to bring legislation to turn to remote learning in many places
few in this Senate Chamber, the silence this floor to debate it, to consider in America, broadband has to become a
in upholding this oath in the face of amendments, to pass the legislation, fact of life across this Nation. There is
President Trump’s blatant attempts to and, ultimately, not only make a law $45 billion in the whole transportation
undermine our democracy has been but change the lives of Americans. We system network that has been dev-
overwhelming. are at that moment where we need it astated by this economic downturn.
Just compare it to the courage shown again. And 10 of us—5 Democrats, 5 Re- There is $10 billion for those in our
by State and local election officials publicans, as well as House Members— Postal Service. They are working hard-
across the United States, including decided 3 weeks ago that enough was er than ever, and we want to make sure
many Republicans, who always hasten enough; we needed to show some lead- that the men and women of the Postal
to add that they had voted for Presi- ership and try to work out a com- Service, who do such a remarkable job,
dent Trump; they were disappointed in promise between us for another COVID know that we have their backs. There
the election of Joe Biden; but the elec- relief package. You see, it has been 9 are also extensions of spending author-
tion in their State, by their measure, months since we passed what was ity for the CARES Act.
was honest and fair. They don’t enjoy known as the CARES Act on the floor These are just a few of the things
the perks or protections we have here of the Senate, 96 to 0—overwhelming, that we considered over the 3-week pe-
in Congress, but they stepped up and unanimous, bipartisan decision—to riod, and we came up with a bill that
spoke up, and I respect them for it— spend about $3 trillion not only to fight spent $748 billion. There were two
proud Americans of both parties under the pandemic but to restore our econ- items that were not included in the
personal threat for their integrity and omy. base consensus bill because we couldn’t
defending an American election that Thank goodness we did. It really gave reach a consensus on them.
the President of the United States us an opportunity to do something for State and local government assist-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
wants overturned. America when it desperately needed it. ance I support completely. I know what
Senator MURPHY, the junior Senator We thought that the threat of the pan- my cities and my counties and what
from Connecticut, came to the floor on demic would soon ebb away, but it did my State have gone through. They
Friday and spoke eloquently about this not. It was not gone in 6 months, and it need help. We couldn’t agree on includ-
threat to American democracy that isn’t gone today. In fact, in some ing that in the package at this mo-
has been playing out in plain sight— places in America, it is worse now than ment. I hope this changes even today.
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S7476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 15, 2020
Finally, on the issue of liability and and dignity—qualities that his prede- Mr. THUNE. Madam President, it
immunity from liability, this has been cessors took great pains to display dur- was a hopeful day yesterday as the
one that has been raised by Senator ing our grand tradition of a peaceful first COVID vaccines in the United
MCCONNELL for months. He has basi- transfer of power. States were distributed to healthcare
cally said that nothing will move until Enough is enough. Our Republican workers on the frontlines of the COVID
he gets a provision, which I find objec- colleagues, for the sake of our democ- battle, and later this week, the FDA
tionable, that was originally offered by racy and for the sake of the peaceful will hold a meeting on an emergency
Senator CORNYN. transition of power, should stop the use authorization for Moderna’s COVID
Here is what it comes down to: shenanigans, stop the misrepresenta- vaccine, meaning that we could have a
Should people be able to go to court if tions, and acknowledge that Joe Biden second coronavirus vaccine authorized
they believe that they have been will be our next President. Enough is before Christmas.
harmed or that members of their fam- enough. Republican Senators and Re- If all goes well, we expect to have 100
ily have died as a result of the wrong- publicans throughout the country million Americans vaccinated by
doing of people during this COVID–19 should follow Leader MCCONNELL’s lead March. That is a pretty amazing sta-
pandemic? Some argue that businesses and acknowledge now that Joe Biden tistic when you consider that just a
should not have that possibility hang- will be the next President of the United year ago, we didn’t even know about
ing over their heads, and that is what States. the virus, and it is a tribute to the in-
Senator CORNYN used as a basis for his CORONAVIRUS novative power of the private sector
provision, which makes it almost im- Madam President, now on COVID–19, and the efforts of Congress and the
possible for anyone to recover for any in a year full of grim milestones, yes- Trump administration to expedite vac-
losses during COVID–19. Others believe terday delivered the grimmest yet— cine development. It has been a long,
that we need to show an even-handed that more than 300,000 Americans have hard year, but the light at the end of
approach to this on both sides: If we now died from COVID–19. This is great- the tunnel is coming.
are going to be fair to businesses that er than the number of American sol- But, while yesterday was an encour-
are legitimately, in good faith, trying diers who died during the entirety of aging day, we have more work to do on
to protect their employees and cus- World War II—a population the size of the COVID front.
St. Louis or Pittsburgh wiped off the First, we all need to keep following
tomers, we should also leave the possi-
map—300,000 American souls. the CDC’s recommendations. The roll-
bility open that those who are respon-
As trucks bearing the first shipments out of Pfizer’s vaccine is wonderful
sible for their actions need to be held
of vaccines fan out across the Nation— news, but cases in the United States
accountable in court. I think it is a
the first best hope for defeating the are still surging. Until we can get a lot
simple and basic provision that there
pandemic in the new year—we cannot more people vaccinated, we need to do
be equity on both sides, not just for
lose sight of what we have lost this everything we can to slow the spread of
plaintiffs but also for defendants.
year. That is what the end of 2020 has the virus and avoid overwhelming our
We tried mightily during the last
brought—hope tinged by grief. It was hospitals.
several weeks, and I want to salute my
an amazing sight yesterday to see the Second, we need to pass another
colleagues who engaged directly in COVID bill here in Congress to provide
that effort: ANGUS KING, of Maine; TIM first American being inoculated
against the disease—a nurse at the additional funding for vaccines and de-
KAINE, of Virginia; CHRIS COONS, of liver other urgently needed relief to
Delaware; DICK BLUMENTHAL, of Con- Long Island Jewish Medical Center in
Queens, my home State of New York— our fellow Americans. Republicans, of
necticut; MAGGIE HASSAN, of New course, have been trying to pass addi-
Hampshire. We offered a variety of op- but for so many, the vaccine has not
come soon enough. tional COVID legislation literally for
tions that we thought were reasonable months, and I am encouraged that, in
Let it be our tribute to those Ameri-
and served the purpose of justice, but the past few weeks, a number of Demo-
cans we lost to do everything in our
we couldn’t reach an agreement. crats have stepped forward to work
The others on the Democratic side power to limit the losses in moving for-
ward—to produce and distribute as with the Republicans to develop bipar-
who were part of this overall effort de- tisan legislation. Just yesterday, a bi-
serve mention in the RECORD. I don’t many vaccines as are necessary and en-
courage every American—every Amer- partisan group of Senators released
want to miss anyone, but I want to in- legislation along the lines of what the
clude, certainly, JOE MANCHIN, of West ican—to take the vaccine when it is
available to him. There are 3 million majority leader has advocated—tar-
Virginia; MARK WARNER, of Virginia; geted relief that focuses on our most
doses of the vaccine that are already
and JEANNE SHAHEEN, of New Hamp- critical needs in the areas where Re-
out the door, and another vaccine is al-
shire. To all of them, I thank them for publicans and Democrats agree. This
ready in the emergency authorization
bringing forth this measure. includes important COVID priorities
Now it is going to be in the hands of process. Still another vaccine can-
didate may be ready early next year. like vaccine funding, money for
leadership. I hope we can call it up this schools, and help for the hardest hit
As I said yesterday, the discovery of
week. We should not go home without small businesses.
the coronavirus vaccine in the span of
it. The Republicans and Democrats’
I yield the floor. a calendar year is a crowning scientific
achievement of the 21st century. Our ideal COVID bills might look very dif-
RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER
job now is to ensure that the good work ferent, but there are a number of
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The things that all of us agree need to be
of America’s scientists, biochemists,
Democratic leader is recognized. addressed, and we should—in fact, we
and medical research is brought to bear
2020 ELECTIONS must—pass legislation to take care of
and that, given the tools, we finally
Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, as stamp out COVID–19 from our country those priorities. I am thinking about
the Republican leader rightly acknowl- and begin the road to recovery. We vaccine distribution especially. We
edged a few moments ago, Joe Biden need to fully fund not only the produc- have been blessed with not one but two
will be the next President of the United tion of the vaccine but its distribution viable vaccines, with more on the hori-
States, and our colleague KAMALA HAR- as well. The States need that money. zon. We can’t afford to undermine this
RIS will be the next Vice President of I yield the floor. success by failing to provide the re-
the United States. Leader MCCONNELL’s I suggest the absence of a quorum. sources that are necessary for wide-
Republican Senators ought to follow The PRESIDING OFFICER. The spread distribution.
suit. They ought to acknowledge that clerk will call the roll. The ball is in the Senate Democratic
Joe Biden will be the next President The senior assistant legislative clerk leader and Speaker PELOSI’s court. We
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
and that KAMALA HARRIS will be the proceeded to call the roll. have bipartisan support for targeted re-
next Vice President. Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask lief to address our most critical prior-
For the sake of the country, Presi- unanimous consent that the order for ities. In fact, the Democratic leader in
dent Trump should take his cue from the quorum call be rescinded. the House noted on Sunday:
Leader MCCONNELL that it is time to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without I think we need to get an agreement, and
end his term with a modicum of grace objection, it is so ordered. we need to get this bill passed. . . . Nobody
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