Congressional Record, December 31, 2020 — Senate
Summary
This is S7987 of the Congressional Record, Senate, December 31, 2020, with interleaved columns. A Senator from Vermont asks unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to H.R. 9051, a bill to increase recovery rebate amounts to $2,000 for individuals, and Mr. McConnell objects. The same request is repeated under the heading Unanimous Consent Request on H.R. 9051, with consideration of the veto message on H.R. 6395 to follow, and Mr. McConnell again objects. The speakers argue over tax breaks and over who would benefit from the $2,000 checks, and Mr. Durbin thanks Senator Sanders and Senator Schumer and says the Senate voted on amendments 29 times this year, with the views attributed to the speakers.
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“Congressional Record, December 31, 2020 — Senate.”
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December 31, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7987
thing standing in the way is the Repub- provide corporate welfare to corpora- SCHUMER’s State. It is taking place in
lican Senate majority. In a moment, I tions that don’t need it. That is social- Kentucky. In fact, the State of Ken-
will, once again, ask consent that the ism for the rich. The majority leader is tucky—a very beautiful State; I have
Senate set a time for a vote on the right, but let’s talk about, in fact, had the pleasure of being there a num-
House bill to provide $2,000 checks to what is in this bill. ber of times—a beautiful State—is the
the American people. Remember, the According to the Tax Policy Center, State in which 10 out of the 25 poorest
Democrats are willing to vote on all of fewer than 1 percent of the benefits of counties in America exist. I am sure
the other issues that the Republicans the direct payments—that is the $2,000 Senator MCCONNELL is aware that,
say the President supposedly cares per working-class adult that Senator throughout his State, you have thou-
about. Just let us vote on a clean bill SCHUMER and I are talking about— sands and tens of thousands of people
with the $2,000 checks. would go to the top 5 percent of Ameri- living in economic desperation. I am
Madam President, I ask unanimous cans. Virtually nothing would go to the talking about counties where 30 to 40
consent that the Senate proceed to the very, very rich. The overwhelming ma- percent of people are living in poverty
immediate consideration of Calendar jority of those funds would go to the and where many thousands of residents
No. 645, H.R. 9051, a bill to increase the middle class, the working class, low-in- are trying to survive on less than
recovery rebate amounts to $2,000 for come people, who in the midst of this $20,000 a year.
individuals; that the bill be read a pandemic are in desperate economic I am just using Kentucky as an ex-
third time and the Senate vote on pas- condition. ample because that is the State Sen-
sage; and that if passed, the motion to Again, I am delighted to hear the ma- ator MCCONNELL represents, but it is
reconsider be considered made and laid jority leader talking about socialism true all over this country.
upon the table with no intervening ac- for the rich, and I hope we will con- In Kentucky, over 22 percent of the
tion or debate. tinue that discussion in the next ses- children are living in poverty. Do you
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- sion. Let me talk about the socialism think they might need a little bit of
pore. Is there objection? for the rich that the majority leader is help?
Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, enthusiastically supportive of as the In the State of Kentucky, more than
I object. majority leader helped to lead this 190,000 workers are making extremely
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- body to pass Trump’s tax bill. low wages, and over a half a million
pore. Objection is heard. Now, do you want to talk about so- people earn less than $15 an hour.
f cialism for the rich, Mr. Majority Somebody might want to ask those
Leader? people what a $2,000 check per adult
CONCLUSION OF MORNING Under that bill, Charles Koch—one of would mean. I am talking about Ken-
BUSINESS the very richest people in America, tucky, and I will never forget this be-
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- who has a net worth of $113 billion—re- cause I visited Kentucky and talked to
pore. Morning business is closed. ceived a $1.4 billion tax break. some of the people there. Kentucky has
f
Mr. Majority Leader, that sounds, to suffered from a particular opioid crisis.
me, like socialism for the rich. Ah, but I will never forget talking to a football
LEGISLATIVE SESSION that is not all. coach who told me that a bunch of the
In Nevada, you have a gentleman kids on his football team were living
named Sheldon Adelson, who is a major with their grandparents or on couches
WILLIAM M. (MAC) THORNBERRY contributor to the Republican Party because of the opioid epidemic.
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- and a big funder for Donald Trump. In other words, the people in Ken-
TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR Under that same tax bill led by the ma- tucky, the people in New York, and the
2021—VETO—MOTION TO PRO- jority leader, Sheldon Adelson received people in Vermont are hurting. They
CEED—Resumed a $560 million tax break. A guy who is need help.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- worth $34 billion desperately needed So I say today to Senator MCCON-
pore. Under the previous order, the that tax break of $560 million. NELL, the leader here, let us address
Senate will resume consideration of Do you want more tax breaks for the the horrendous economic crisis facing
the veto message on H.R. 6395, which rich? Do you want to talk about social- tens of millions of Americans.
the clerk will report. ism for the rich? The pandemic today is worse than it
The senior assistant legislative clerk Senator MCCONNELL had no problem has ever been. Hopefully, hopefully, the
read as follows: giving a $104 million tax refund to vaccine will make a profound dif-
Veto message, a bill (H.R. 6395) to author- Amazon over the past 3 years despite ference, but, right now, people are
ize appropriations for fiscal year 2021 for the fact that the company made $30 bil- hurting, and they are looking to this
military activities of the Department of De- lion in profits. So the argument that institution. They are looking to Con-
fense, for military construction, and for de- this bill, in any significant way, bene- gress. The House did the right thing.
fense activities of the Department of Energy, fits the rich is just not accurate, but They are now looking to the Senate.
to prescribe military personnel strengths for let us talk about whom this bill does They are looking to Senator MCCON-
such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
benefit. NELL.
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- This bill benefits tens of millions of After all is said and done and after
pore. The Senator from Vermont. Americans who, as a result of this pan- all of the legalese—and I am going to
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 9051 AND demic, have lost their jobs and have be introducing some legalese in a mo-
H.R. 6395 lost their incomes. Some, in fact, have ment—it comes down to one thing:
Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, let lost their lives. These are people who Senator MCCONNELL disagrees with the
me briefly respond to some of the are going hungry today. We are seeing proposal that Senator SCHUMER and I
points that Majority Leader MCCON- today a recordbreaking level of hunger are making. I got it. That is fine. This
NELL has made, to his inaccurate state- in America—the richest country in the is a democracy. He has the right to his
ments. history of the world. All over this point of view. I would love to have the
Now, I am delighted that, after years country—and I receive emails from debate on the floor with Senator
of talking on the floor of the Senate people all over this country—people are MCCONNELL about this legislation. All
about socialism for the rich, appar- frightened to death that they are going that we are asking is to give us the op-
ently, that has gotten across to my Re- to be evicted from their homes. Think portunity to vote up or down on wheth-
publican friends. Of course, that is about what a $4,000 check or a $5,000 er or not working families in this coun-
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what we do every single day. That is check would mean to those struggling try should be able to receive a $2,000
why we have the incredible level of in- families—husband, wife, kids. In fact, check. Senator MCCONNELL disagrees.
come and wealth inequality that exists let me give you an example. Come to the floor. Tell us why you
in this country, because, decade after This is a problem taking place all disagree. Then we will do what this in-
decade, we have used this body to pro- over this country. It is taking place in stitution is supposed to do. We will
vide massive tax breaks to the rich and Vermont. It is taking place in Senator have a vote.
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S7988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 31, 2020
The truth is, in the House, Senator and that if passed, the motion to recon- It isn’t a lock; it isn’t guaranteed
MCCONNELL knows that 44 Republicans sider be considered made and laid upon that we are going to win and prevail
voted for the House bill, which won, by the table; further, that following the with that vote. There are 48 Demo-
the way, by a 2-to-1 majority. Two- vote on H.R. 9051, the Senate resume cratic Senators, and you need 60 votes.
thirds of the House voted to make sure consideration of the veto message on We need help from the other side. Four
that working Americans would get a H.R. 6395, the National Defense Author- or five Republican Senators say they
$2,000 check. Right here in the Senate, ization Act, and the Senate vote on the support it as well, but we don’t know if
there are a number of Republicans—it passage of the bill, the objections of we have the 12, if all of our Members
is not clear how many—who have al- the President to the contrary notwith- can be here. In this era of COVID–19,
ready gone public in saying they think standing, all with no intervening ac- sadly, even some of our Senators have
it is a good idea that we go forward tion or debate. illnesses in the family, which may
with the House bill. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- make it impossible for them to be here.
So all that I am asking Senator pore. Is there objection? So there is no guarantee we win, but
MCCONNELL is to give us a vote. What Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, there will be a guarantee that we are
is the problem? You can vote no. By I object. recorded and our positions are known
the way, we need 60 votes—a majority. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- to the voters across America. That is a
There is no question in my mind that a pore. Objection is heard. simple request. Yet, time and again,
majority of the Senators will vote yes, Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I the Republican leader, Senator MCCON-
but because of house rules, we need 60 suggest the absence of a quorum. NELL, has said no.
votes. So we are going to have to get 48 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I am worried about what is hap-
Democrats—that is what we have—plus pore. The clerk will call the roll. pening to this institution, not just in
12 Republicans. Can we get 12 Repub- The senior assistant legislative clerk this instance but with what we have
licans? I don’t know—maybe we can; proceeded to call the roll. seen over the past several years.
maybe we can’t—but give us a vote. Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask We will conclude this calendar year
What is the problem? What is the prob- unanimous consent that the order for having voted on the floor of this U.S.
lem with having the American people the quorum call be rescinded. Senate 29 times on amendments—29 in
see how their Senators vote on this The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the course of a year in what is sup-
issue of such enormous importance? pore. Without objection, it is so or- posedly the world’s greatest delibera-
As Senator SCHUMER indicated, Sen- dered. tive body. I guess I shouldn’t com-
ator MCCONNELL has some other con- Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I plain—it is a 30-percent increase over
cerns. would like to for a moment just reflect last year, when we voted on 22 amend-
He is concerned about section 230 of on where we are at this session of the ments in the entire calendar year. The
the 1996 Federal Telecommunications U.S. Senate and the choices that have Senate is out of business and out to
Act. I am sure that this is absolutely been made. lunch when it comes to legislating, and
on the minds of everybody in Vermont, I want to thank Senator SANDERS that is a fact.
in New York, and in Kentucky. It is and Senator SCHUMER for bringing this, All we are asking for is the chance to
probably all that they are talking with clarity, to the floor of the Senate. legislate a $2,000 helping hand to fami-
about, the 1996 Telecommunications We support $2,000 as a helping hand lies across America. I have heard over
Act. Fine. If he wants a vote on that, to people across the United States. and over again that we are just trying
bring it to the floor. Let’s vote on it as There is a limitation on the amount to featherbed the rich, that we are try-
a separate bill. that individuals receive if they make ing to give big checks to rich people.
Do you want to talk about election more than $75,000 or if their family Well, Senator SANDERS made a point on
security? Senator SCHUMER is right. makes more than $150,000, but we are that earlier. Less than 1 percent of the
There are a lot of issues out there. I am following the template that has been money we are asking for is going to go
concerned about voter suppression. I employed both with the CARES Act to the top 5 percent.
am concerned about people waiting on- and with our own COVID relief act of When it came time for tax policy and
line for 5 hours to cast a vote. I am just a few days ago. tax breaks, many of the people com-
concerned about voter intimidation. We have been told by the Department plaining the loudest about $2,000 were
Senator MCCONNELL has different of the Treasury that if you want to put giving away millions of dollars to the
points of view. Let’s have that discus- money into the hands of Americans richest people in America without any
sion. Put together a commission. No who desperately need it, this is the hesitation. Well, today is another day,
problem. Bring that bill to the floor. best way to do it, the quickest way to and today is a different America.
Yet everybody understands that, when do it. There are better ways, I am sure, Today, we are facing a country that is
you combine all three elements, this is but in a time of crisis, we need to re- in the depths of the crisis created by
a poison pill designed to kill that legis- spond and respond in a timely way. COVID–19. The numbers coming back
lation. So Senator SANDERS and Senator to us every night on the news are
After everything is said and done, all SCHUMER have brought to the floor for heartbreaking numbers.
of this comes down to one simple fact: consideration, we hope, a bill that has I understand—and most of us do—
Will Senator MCCONNELL, the Repub- already passed the House of Represent- that those wonderful women and men
lican leader of the U.S. Senate, allow atives. The significance of this is that who are in the healthcare business usu-
this body to vote on a bill which will the House is now in recess and not ally are very stoic and calm in report-
provide $2,000 per person to working- scheduled to return in this congres- ing the reality of their lives. Not so
class families all across this country? sional session. So whatever happens anymore. More and more doctors and
That is what this whole debate is over here cannot be a new bill—there is nurses are breaking down on television
about. It is not whether you like the no House to send it to and no time to as they describe the scenes in emer-
bill or you don’t like it. We can have pass it—but, rather, has to be an up-or- gency rooms across this country. They
that debate. We have 3 days left in this down vote on a bill that has passed the describe the reality of telling families
Congress. The House did the right House as is. That is what they have that they cannot be by the bedside of
thing. It is now time for the Senate to come to the floor now for 3 straight one of their loved ones who is about to
have that vote. days asking. die, and they break down in tears and
Madam President, I ask unanimous Senator SCHUMER has asked repeat- tell us they don’t know how much
consent that at 3 p.m. today, Thursday, edly of Senator MCCONNELL, the Repub- more of this they can take.
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December 31, the Senate proceed to the lican leader, a simple request: Whether That is the reality of America. It is
consideration of Calendar No. 645, H.R. you are for the House bill or against not an America of vastly rich people
9051, to provide a $2,000 direct payment the House bill, allow the Senate to be sitting by the swimming pool hoping
to the working class; that the bill be the Senate. Allow us to vote on the Congress sends them more money; it is
considered read a third time and the bill—for those of us who support it, to an America of those patients and their
Senate vote on the passage of the bill; vote on it. families and the people who are out of
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December 31, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7989
work and the business men and women hour. We could call the Members who But all of that $906 billion is only a
who have lost everything, who need a returned to Washington yesterday to- downpayment. It is a life raft, and it
hand from this government. gether, take a vote soon, in a matter of has to be followed by an even more ro-
If there is one thing about America, minutes, and know once and for all bust, bigger, bolder package to provide
I hope it is clear, no matter what your whether we have the 60 votes that are real relief and sustenance for the sur-
political persuasion, we are a caring necessary to pass this measure. Then vival of our economy and, literally, the
people. If a hurricane hits Florida, I we can pass the override of the Presi- survival of Americans who are strug-
care about it. If a tornado hits the dent’s veto of the Defense authoriza- gling to put food on the table and to
State of Nebraska, I care about it. And tion bill—a critical piece of legislation. buy medicine, pay rent and mortgages,
we come together on a bipartisan basis That would be the right way to end clothe their children.
to help those families. Now more than this year. Let us not end it in suspense We have all told our stories on the
ever, those families need us to do some- as to whether or not we are going to floor of the Senate during 2020 about
thing significant in their lives. How come to the aid and assistance of constituents waiting in food lines,
can you see the scenes on television American families who rely on us time hurting for the funds needed to stay in
every night of the parade of cars lined and again to be there when America their home or apartment and to pay for
up in Texas, in Kentucky, in Illinois, needs a helping hand. Let’s do our job. the medicine that is literally a matter
hoping they can get some food to give Let’s fill this Chamber with Senators of life and death.
to their families? Are those grifters who will actually vote on an issue that We have told those stories. We have
and chiselers who are just trying to get talked about Americans who are strug-
makes a difference in the lives of
a free meal? I don’t think so. Would gling. We have the opportunity now to
Americans. That is what we were elect-
do something about it, so I appeal to
you sit in your car for an hour or two ed to do. We have no excuse if we fail.
I yield the floor. my Republican colleague very bluntly
for food unless you really needed it? I
I suggest the absence of a quorum. and simply: Give us a vote on the
think those people really need it. Many
The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- CASH Act. Let us vote on a stand-
of them are heartbroken that they are
pore. The clerk will call the roll. alone $2,000 stimulus payment bill.
in this situation. Some are even embar-
The senior assistant legislative clerk Allow every one of us to go on record
rassed—and they shouldn’t be—that
proceeded to call the roll. on that $2,000 stimulus payment bill
they have been the victims of this
Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I that would add $1,400 to that $600 al-
economy.
ask unanimous consent that the order ready provided—not to minimize the
So all we are asking, Senator MCCON-
for the quorum call be rescinded. importance of $600, but it is inad-
NELL, is, give us a chance to vote. You
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. equate. It is insufficient. It is unac-
can vote no if you wish. Give us a
CRAMER). Without objection, it is so or- ceptable because it fails to provide the
chance to vote for the $2,000 that can
dered. basic needs to meet the desperate and
make a difference in a person’s life;
Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, dire straits of so many Americans.
$4,000 for a husband and wife who are We are talking about families who
struggling to get by—rent checks, we are here in the waning hours of 2020,
expectant and hopeful about the com- need that money to buy bread and
mortgage payments, car payments, milk, paper towels and toilet paper,
utility bills, things that really are ing year, and I want to wish all of my
colleagues a very healthy and happy goods and services that are necessary
basic to families’ survival. We are try- to the survival of their families. Six
ing to help, and I think we should be new year in the hope that we will ful-
fill the promise of our constituents, hundred dollars is simply not enough,
given that chance. and that is why I call on my fellow col-
We have tried time and again. We our country, our Constitution in mov-
leagues to persuade their leaders that
have the support of President Trump in ing forward to meet and conquer the
we should be permitted this vote, be-
this effort, and I am glad to have it. I pandemic that still ravages our Nation
cause I believe that if there is a vote,
think we have enough support in this and to renew our economy that still is
it will pass. Having spoken to Repub-
Chamber to come up with 60 votes. I failing.
lican colleagues here, I have no doubt—
pray that we will, if we are given that We are the greatest Nation in the
none—that the stand-alone $2,000 stim-
chance, and I hope the Senate Repub- history of the world, and Americans
ulus payment measure would pass over-
lican leader is not afraid of that out- are hurting. This body has taken posi-
whelmingly, just as did the $600 pay-
come. He shouldn’t be. tive and important steps toward meet-
ment as part of the larger bill.
He has two of his incumbent Repub- ing this public health and economic The simple fact is, that measure is
lican Senators in a runoff election who crisis, as well as the hurt and harm the only viable vehicle. Any other
have both publicly said they want to that continue to plague Americans. measure loaded with other provisions,
vote for this, and yet he stops them. He In a number of important relief pack- whether it is the section 230 reform or
is the one who has put an end to their ages, we have helped to meet those a commission to investigate the last
opportunity. Why? Shouldn’t he give needs and enabled the Nation to bridge election on fictitious fraud, is doomed.
them the opportunity to vote yes? He the gap created by this pandemic—an It is doomed logistically. It is doomed
even refuses, in this situation, with economic gap that has become a legally and physically. There is no way
this looming election, to bring this chasm, a cliff that seems without end for the House to pass it.
matter to the floor for an honest up-or- and, for many of our fellow citizens, a Only the House bill, if passed, can
down, bipartisan vote. time of unparalleled and unanticipated provide Americans with the $2,000 stim-
I listened to the stories that were pain. ulus payment that they so desperately
told by Senator SANDERS and others The relief package that we passed need. Only the House bill provides that
about the plight of people in this coun- most recently—I think we can be proud relief. Any other measure will be
try and how much they count on us to say—is the second largest in our Na- doomed because the House cannot
and, frankly, how many of them have tion’s history, and it will provide a sec- come back to pass it in the time we
given up on us. They just don’t believe ond round of paycheck protection have left in this session. So the major-
the Congress of the United States is in loans, forgivable, becoming grants, so ity leader is essentially blocking a step
touch with the reality of America. that small businesses can keep their that will literally save lives, supported
If we are in touch with the reality in doors open; more aid for our transpor- by the vast majority of the American
our home States, in our home towns, tation and education systems; money people, a significant part of his own
we should do something—something to distribute the vaccine that will be a conference, and every Democrat.
significant—to end this year on the lifesaver for so many Americans; and Have no doubt—every Democrat will
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right note. other important aid, including a $600 vote for it. We clamored for a higher
I plead with the Republican leader, stimulus payment for every American stimulus payment for months when the
who has the power. The sole Member of who is making less than $75,000. That is majority leader refused to come to the
Congress of 100 Members—he has the real assistance for a family of four— table and then when the President of
power to bring this matter to a vote $2,400—because every child, as well as the United States failed to lift a fin-
and to do it immediately, within the adult, will receive that money. ger—he was on the golf course—when it
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S7990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 31, 2020
might have made a difference in rais- will be fulfilled by another, more ro- sis has been one of physical health care
ing that $600 amount higher during the bust, bigger, bolder pandemic relief but also mental health care, and the
negotiating. program. I hope we will have the same emotional strains can be seen in the
Looking forward, there is a way to bipartisan support that we saw at the rising rates of domestic violence, sub-
provide this relief to Americans with- end of this year for the latest. I hope stance abuse disorder and addiction,
out leaving here in a contest of blame we will overcome the divisions that and so many other areas where mental
but in a new year of mutual congratu- prevented us from doing what is really and emotional stress and anxiety have
lation. Pass the $2,000 stimulus pay- necessary and adding $1,400 to the $600 taken a toll. The hopes of a fearful and
ment plan as a stand-alone, clean bill. already provided. grieving nation rests on our shoulders,
I just want to say that I am probably We need to do more for small busi- and we cannot let them down.
the only Senator who has supported nesses. Yes, there will be another I yield the floor.
two measures—one of them actually round of PPP payments, but this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
passed by the Congress and signed by chasm faced by restaurants, retailers, ator from Utah.
the President to reform section 230 and and small businesses struggling to keep f
the other unanimously voted out of the their doors open, keep their people on
Judiciary Committee. They reformed TRIBUTE TO GARY HERBERT
payroll during the holidays—we have
section 230, and I support reforming seen them all and talked to them. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I stand
section 230. I have hardly been uncriti- Their stories are riveting and heart- today to honor my friend Gary Herbert,
cal of section 230. There should be breaking. Businesspeople have poured Governor of the State of Utah for the
major reform of section 230, but it has their hearts and souls and lives into last 12 years, who, after a long career
to be done in a careful, deliberate, and these businesses, only to see them in public service, is now embarking on
considered way as a separate measure, threatened with extinction. a really well-deserved, hard-earned re-
not as a meat ax in a totally unrelated This crisis has a racial justice aspect tirement.
bill, the $2,000 payment bill that pro- that cannot be ignored because dis- He served the State of Utah and has
vides real relief for the country. proportionately, the businesses that done so with great enthusiasm and
Loading the CASH Act with poison have failed are Black- and Brown- dedication and spirit, and I am grateful
pills is obstruction. It is not construc- owned. Disproportionately, the lives to have worked alongside him through-
tive legislating, and it fails to meet the lost have been in Black and Brown out his tenure serving our great State.
test of this moment. It is vital that we communities. Disproportionately, the Gary Herbert was born in American
move forward to provide struggling jobs lost have been in those same com- Fork, UT, and grew up in Orem. He
Americans with this relief, and scut- munities—Black and Brown commu- served a 2-year mission for the Church
tling the $2,000 stimulus payment bill nities that have suffered more than of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on
with a half-baked, meat-ax eviscera- any other as a result of this pandemic. the east coast and later attended
tion of section 230 is cruel and down- So we need to make sure that they re- Brigham Young University, my alma
right stupid. It betrays the mission and ceive the vaccine as well as the thera- mater.
obligation that we have in these wan- peutics and testing that are necessary He first began his public service in
ing days of 2020. to save lives. college, serving in the Utah Army Na-
Americans need more help, and they We are in the midst of a racial justice tional Guard for 6 years and eventually
need hope. Help and hope are embodied moment that affects policing and becoming a staff sergeant. After his
in the vaccine. Unfortunately, the roll- criminal justice, but it also affects our time in the National Guard, he set up a
out of this vaccine, despite the $8 bil- schools, where the ZIP Code of a child’s real estate firm and was very success-
lion contained in the latest pandemic residence can mean the difference be- ful, eventually becoming the president
relief bill, has been hopelessly behind tween a quality education or not; of the Utah Association of Realtors. He
schedule. The number of doses distrib- where Black and Brown communities also served as president of the Utah As-
uted is roughly one-tenth of what it suffer twice or three times the death sociation of Counties, by the way.
should be even under the scaled-back rate of others as a result of this pan- Starting in 1990, he served as a com-
schedule that this administration has demic; where job discrimination still missioner on the Utah County Commis-
adopted. Twenty million vaccinations exists and where, in housing, redlining sion. He served there for 14 years, and
were promised by the end of the year. still afflicts these communities; and it was at that point that he began his
That number was way below the initial where environmental quality—rivers, statewide service within Utah. You see,
promise, and only about one-tenth of lakes, air can still be disproportion- in 2004, when Jon Huntsman ran for the
them—probably 2 million—will actu- ately contaminated and polluted in Governor’s seat, Gary became his run-
ally be provided. communities inhabited by Black and ning mate, running alongside Hunts-
Instead of taking responsibility or Brown people. man as his Lieutenant Governor, with
taking control, President Trump is We are here in the last day of an un- the pair going on to win the race in No-
still tweeting; instead of action, more precedented and catastrophic year. vember.
talk. Only action will save lives, and More than 342,000 of our fellow Ameri- It was then that I first got to know
either he doesn’t care enough, or he cans are dead as a result of this insid- Gary Herbert personally, when I was
doesn’t really see what is necessary to ious virus—over 342,000 gifts un- hired to be Governor Huntsman’s gen-
do in order to save these lives, because wrapped, places at the table left open, eral counsel. One of my first memories
the distribution of this vaccine is a and many of them without a final of Gary Herbert—which, to me, seems
matter of life and death. goodbye. This past year will go down as like it was just the day before yester-
Using the Defense Production Act, one of the hardest in our history. day—occurred when we all began mov-
mobilizing America, making sure I think we all hope for a better year, ing into the Governor’s office suite,
States have the resources they need, but it will come only if we take the just the day before Herbert and Hunts-
providing money to hospitals, and kind of action that apparently my Re- man were sworn into office.
making sure there are the vials, sy- publican colleagues are failing to pro- Gary came in and provided us all
ringes, training for workers, as well as vide today, which is to meet the need with a warm welcome, but he didn’t
the facilities to transport, store, and to match the moment of the desperate stop at the welcome. He offered really
distribute this vaccine, are essential and dire straits of so many Americans. sound and heartfelt advice about the
now. They are missing at this moment, The failure to approve an additional importance of staying grounded as we
and the President is where the buck $1,400 and pass the CASH Act is a were entering the political fray. He ex-
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
stops. haunting omission. My hope is that the plained that long after our service and
Now I look forward to a 2021 when a hopes of a hurting nation will be met the Huntsman-Herbert administration
new President will expand the stimulus in this new year, that the calls for jus- expired, we want to be able to look
payments to individuals and when tice and relief will be heard, and that back and be pleased about the relation-
many of the other gaps left unfin- the ailing and sick—not just physically ships that we had formed with each
ished—action that still is necessary— but emotionally—will be met. This cri- other, but especially the relationships
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