Congressional Record, Senate, December 21, 2020, Page S7900
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Senate, dated December 21, 2020, at page S7900. Mr. Cornyn asks unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded and then speaks under the heading Coronavirus on December 21, saying Congress is finally getting around to COVID-19 relief and the Omnibus appropriations bill. He calls the process terrible, saying a Member of the Texas delegation had been expected to review thousands of pages in a couple of hours. He says Democrats wanted a $3 trillion bill they called the Heroes Act, that Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer turned down a $1.8 trillion offer from Secretary of the Treasury Mnuchin, and that the stalemate has broken with a bipartisan package that includes support for vaccine distribution.
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“Congressional Record, Senate, December 21, 2020, Page S7900.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-12-21-crec-2020-12-21-pt1-pgs7900-855f6d2f37/
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S7900 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 21, 2020
The legislative clerk proceeded to PELOSI and the Democratic leader in but it is not a silver bullet. We are still
call the roll. the Senate, Senator SCHUMER, turned battling this pandemic, and it is likely
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask down a $1.8 trillion offer from Sec- to be with us for the foreseeable future.
unanimous consent that the order for retary of the Treasury Mnuchin. So, But the good news is, people who are
the quorum call be rescinded. rather than accept twice as much ear- particularly vulnerable because of
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lier because it didn’t fit their political their age or underlying chronic ill-
objection, it is so ordered. playbook, now they are accepting half nesses will likely be able to get the
f when they realized they have run out vaccine no later than March. Dr. Fauci
CORONAVIRUS of runway. said that by June, anybody in America
Well, the monthslong stalemate has who wants the vaccine can get it.
Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, here we finally broken. Yesterday evening, the This next phase of our fight will de-
are, the 21st of December, 4 days till so-called ‘‘four corners’’—the Speaker, termine how quickly we are able to de-
Christmas, and Congress is finally get- the Republican leader in the House, the feat COVID–19 and regrow our econ-
ting around to doing its duty on Democratic minority leader here in the omy. This legislation will clearly help
COVID–19 relief, as well as the Omni- Senate, and Senator MCCONNELL—they us get there.
bus appropriations bill, which will keep reached agreement on a bipartisan First, it will provide the needed sup-
the government open and keep the package of bills to support the Amer- port for vaccine distribution. Not only
lights on through the end of the fiscal ican people through the continued has there been a modern-day medical
year next September. fight against COVID–19. And despite miracle in developing these safe and ef-
I have to editorialize here that I my comments about the process and fective vaccines, but now the logistics
think this is a terrible process. It is a what brings us here with so little time of getting it to 330 million people in
terrible process. I just saw one of the and ability to affect some of the con- America are completely daunting, but
Texas delegation House Members say- tent, I hope this legislation will pass it is happening. Millions of doses have
ing: I am expected to review thousands and reach the President’s desk in a already been delivered to hospitals
of pages of an appropriations bill and matter of hours. across the country, and in the coming
COVID–19 relief bill in the next couple I think we could all agree that this months, tens of millions more will be
of hours and then vote on it this bill could not have come soon enough. distributed as we launch this massive
evening? Since this summer, Republicans and vaccination campaign.
Well, we will be in the same posture. Democrats have been miles apart on While the cost of the vaccine has al-
As terrible as this process is, it was in- the size and shape of the next COVID– ready been covered, the range of associ-
tentionally created. I am sure that the 19 bill. Democrats, as I indicated, want- ated expenses that come with it has
Appropriations chairman, RICHARD ed a $3 trillion bill they called the He- not been. For everything from trans-
SHELBY, and Leader MCCONNELL would roes Act, while we supported a more portation infrastructure to deliver the
have loved to have had a regular appro- targeted approach. That is when vaccines to ultra-low temperature
priations process to vote out each of Speaker PELOSI uttered those now fa- freezers to store them, to personal pro-
the subcommittee appropriations and mous words: Nothing is better than tective equipment for our healthcare
pass them using regular order, giving something. heroes to safely administer them, those
the Members of the Congress a chance Well, I have always believed that costs have added up and need to be pro-
to offer amendments and maybe im- something is better than nothing. But vided for in this legislation. This legis-
prove the bill, but we weren’t provided the big-picture disagreements pre- lation will, in fact, provide billions of
that opportunity because, essentially, vented any progress from being made, dollars to help cover these kinds of
the Democratic leader and the Speaker even though we, by and large, agreed costs and to ensure the race to dis-
of the House of Representatives under- on about 80 percent of what needed to tribute these vaccines is as successful
stand that this kind of broken process be done, and that is included in the bill as the race to develop them.
empowers them to the detriment of in- that we will vote on here in the next Part of that is through relief for air-
dividual Members of the Congress and few hours. lines, which will transport the vaccines
to the detriment of the people we rep- Well, after the election, the Speaker to communities across the country.
resent. It empowers them, not the and Democratic leader here in the Sen- This assistance will enable our airlines
rank-and-file Members. ate, I guess, decided that they no to carry out their important role in the
So, I believe this is a—and the same longer needed to hold the American vaccine relay race, all while keeping
thing is true on COVID–19, of course. people hostage because the election their employees on payroll and pre-
We passed the CARES Act in March. had now come and gone. So there were paring for a strong postpandemic re-
We tried to come back and replenish bipartisan negotiations that broke out, covery.
some of those funds. We were success- which have led to targeted package These two successful vaccines so far
ful in doing so, for example, in the Pay- bills—to a targeted package that could are moving us closer and closer to the
check Protection Program, but it was earn the support of both parties and end of this crisis, but we still have a
obvious there was more need, and on at the signature of President Trump. It is ways to go, and the American people
least three occasions—maybe four, but safe to say there could not be a more need and deserve our support in getting
at least three—we offered another half urgent need for action from Congress. there.
trillion dollars in relief, only to be The last several days have proven Millions of workers have no way to
blocked by Democrats here in the Sen- that we are, indeed, at an inflection earn a paycheck. Food banks are expe-
ate. point—turning point—in our ongoing riencing Depression-era lines each
Speaker PELOSI was candid. She basi- fight against the virus. One successful week. Farmers and ranchers have lost
cally said: Well, this is about politics. vaccine has already been administered their traditional markets. Small busi-
We don’t want President Trump to get to thousands of healthcare workers nesses are sinking, and parents and
credit for Congress stepping up in a bi- across the country. In my State alone, teachers are still worried about a safe
partisan way to provide relief to the the Governor estimates that a million return to in-person learning for our
American people in the runup to the people will be vaccinated by the end of students.
election. this month. That is something we This targeted relief package will send
So this is where we are. We know should all be thankful for and applaud. desperately needed support to each of
what we have to do. We have to prevent On Friday evening, the FDA author- these groups for each of those causes.
the government from shutting down. ized a second safe and effective vaccine The workers who had the rug pulled
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
We know that there is genuine need made by Moderna, meaning that mil- out from them earlier this year will
across the country for more COVID–19 lions more doses will be reaching continue to receive the federally en-
relief, so we need to do that. But I Americans—in particular, our frontline hanced unemployment benefits under
would also point out, we are going to heroes—in the coming days. These are the CARES Act that would otherwise
do roughly $900 billion of an additional developments that we have been wait- expire the day after Christmas. And
COVID–19 relief bill when Speaker ing, hoping, investing, and praying for, State unemployment benefits will be
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December 21, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7901
bolstered, as I said, by $300 a week in and grant would face a $36,000 tax li- and it will break the stalemate which
Federal benefits through March 14 of ability. has paralyzed Congress for months
next year. That would start to show up in Janu- now.
We will also provide a second, more ary with the estimated taxes being The American people are suffering. It
targeted direct payment to the hardest paid by many small businesses that is not time for politics as usual. It is a
hit Americans, with up to $600 per indi- pay on a quarterly basis. That sort of time to come together to compromise
vidual. That means that a family of unexpected tax liability would be a and to make good on our commitment
four making up to $150,000 will receive slap in the face for those businesses to support them.
$2,400 in the coming days. This bill will that saw this life ring and decided to I appreciate the work of our col-
ensure that the basic needs of low-in- grab a hold of it. This change will en- leagues who fought for a deal that will
come households, schoolchildren, and sure loan recipients aren’t saddled with give our country added strength during
those in long lines at food banks will an unexpected tax liability that could this next critical phase of our fight,
be met. absolutely sink their struggling busi- and I look forward to voting for this
It also provides $13 billion for a time- nesses that have been hanging on by a legislation.
limited Federal nutrition benefit in- thread. I yield the floor.
crease, as well as at least $1.9 billion I appreciate Chairman GRASSLEY of I suggest the absence of a quorum.
for the Coronavirus Food Assistance the Finance Committee, Ranking The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
Program at food banks. Member WYDEN, and their staffs for clerk will call the roll.
Our farmers and ranchers and pro- fighting to include this change, which The bill clerk proceeded to call the
ducers who have lost significant or all will clarify that these expenses should roll.
the value of their crops will also re- have been tax deductible all along. Mr. CORNYN. I ask unanimous con-
ceive $13 billion in agricultural assist- That is what Congress intended in sent that the order for the quorum call
ance to strengthen the farm safety net March when we passed the CARES Act. be rescinded.
which benefits us all. I am also glad the Omnibus that is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
This has been a difficult year for mil- paired with this package includes other objection, it is so ordered.
lions of families in Texas and across legislation that I introduced with our f
the country as parents have worried friend AMY KLOBUCHAR, the Senator
about how to pay bills and buy gro- from Minnesota, called the Save Our BUILDING UP INDEPENDENT LIVES
ceries, let alone Christmas gifts under Stages Act, designed to help our small AND DREAMS ACT
their tree for their children. independent entertainment venues Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask
I know this will not erase all of the across the country from closing their unanimous consent that the Com-
financial uncertainty, but it will go a doors for good. mittee on Banking, Housing, and
long way to provide some help to those These Main Street businesses were Urban Affairs be discharged from fur-
whose livelihoods have been thrown excluded from the original Paycheck ther consideration of S. 371 and the
into chaos, and I hope it will also pro- Protection Program, even though they Senate proceed to its immediate con-
vide reassurance for the parents and were among some of the hardest hit sideration.
teachers who have worried about a safe small businesses. Event venues were The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
return to in-person learning. the first to close when COVID–19 hit, clerk will report the bill by title.
This legislation provides $82 billion and they are likely to be the last to The bill clerk read as follows:
for education and will help our K–12 open once it is gone. This funding will A bill (S. 371) to provide regulatory relief
students, colleges, and universities get help them stay afloat until that long- to charitable organizations that provide
their education programs back on awaited day finally arrives. housing assistance, and for other purposes.
track. I thank Senator KLOBUCHAR, who has There being no objection, the com-
This relief bill will also extend addi- been my partner in this bipartisan ef- mittee was discharged, and the Senate
tional support to Texas small busi- fort, as well as Senator RUBIO, who has proceeded to consider the bill.
nesses. Our small businesses continue been a champion for these venues dur- Mr. CORNYN. I ask unanimous con-
to struggle with the arrival of winter ing the final critical stages of negotia- sent that the Fischer substitute at the
weather. That has been especially true tions. desk be considered and agreed to; that
for restaurants and other businesses The government funding legislation the bill, as amended, be considered
that have relied on outdoor seating. includes a number of other bipartisan read a third time and passed; and that
Many of these businesses utilized the bills which have had nearly unanimous the motion to reconsider be considered
Paycheck Protection Program to help support in both the House and the Sen- made and laid upon the table.
them cover payroll and other expenses ate, including a bill I introduced with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there
earlier this year, but the program ex- our colleague BOB MENENDEZ from New objection?
pired in August, and our hardest hit Jersey. Without objection, it is so ordered.
small businesses are in dire need of This legislation will finally, after 25 The amendment (No. 2729) in the na-
more support. years or more, establish a National ture of a substitute was agreed to, as
This legislation will provide another Museum of the American Latino, which follows:
$284 billion in the Paycheck Protection will improve Latino representation (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute)
Program. This has been an enormously within the Smithsonian Institution.
Strike all after the enacting clause and in-
successful program in my State, with This museum will honor the contribu- sert the following:
414,000 loans that are convertible into tions of Latinos throughout our Na-
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
grants under some circumstances tion’s history and give their stories a
worth some $41 billion. This has been a This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Building Up
brick-and-mortar home here in our Na-
Independent Lives and Dreams Act’’ or the
lifesaver for many of our small busi- tion’s Capital. I am thrilled that gen- ‘‘BUILD Act’’.
nesses and the workers they employ. erations of Americans will be able to SEC. 2. MORTGAGE LOAN TRANSACTION DISCLO-
The hardest hit businesses will be able get a more accurate view of our Na- SURE REQUIREMENTS.
to take a second draw of the PPP and tion’s history when they visit this new (a) TILA AMENDMENT.—Section 105 of the
provide for stability for their busi- Smithsonian museum, and I can’t wait Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1604) is
nesses and their employee until this to be among its first visitors. amended by inserting after subsection (d) the
crisis ends. There is no question that there are following:
I am glad this bill also includes lan- additional measures I would have liked ‘‘(e) DISCLOSURE FOR CHARITABLE MORT-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
GAGE LOAN TRANSACTIONS.—With respect to a
guage from a bill I introduced to clar- to have seen included in the
mortgage loan transaction involving a resi-
ify tax deductibility for business ex- coronavirus relief legislation, and I am
dential mortgage loan offered at 0 percent
penses paid with a forgiven PPP loan. sure that is true for every Member. But interest with only bonafide and reasonable
The average PPP loan in Texas was this targeted package includes critical fees and that is primarily for charitable pur-
$99,000, and without this change, those funding and support for Texans and poses by an organization described in section
businesses that received that PPP loan Americans at this watershed moment, 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
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