House Session of February 26, 2021, Page H762 — Congressional Record
Summary
Page H762 of the House section of the Congressional Record for February 26, 2021, showing the House called to order at 8:35 p.m. after a recess with Ms. Jacobs of California as Speaker pro tempore. Mr. McGovern, from the Committee on Rules, submits Rept. No. 117-8 on H. Res. 166, a closed rule for H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, providing 1 hour of debate and one motion to recommit. A speaker says nearly 7 in 10 Americans support the plan and cites 500,000 lives lost, which is that speaker's view, and the page ends with the start of the bill text and a roll call list.
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“House Session of February 26, 2021, Page H762 — Congressional Record.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-02-26-crec-2021-02-26-pt1-pgh762-3-a3ffd7b53a/
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H762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
b 2035 over 10 hours and reported a rule, scale of the problem that we face.
AFTER RECESS House Resolution 166, providing for Nearly 7 in 10 Americans support this
consideration of H.R. 1319, the Amer- plan. More than 150 leaders of our Na-
The recess having expired, the House ican Rescue Plan Act of 2021, under a tion’s top businesses came out this
was called to order by the Speaker pro closed rule. week in support of this plan.
tempore (Ms. JACOBS of California) at 8 The rule provides 1 hour of debate Republican officeholders like the
o’clock and 35 minutes p.m. equally divided among and controlled Governor of West Virginia have encour-
f by the chairs and ranking minority aged Congress to go big here. And local
members, or their designees, of the Republican leaders, like the mayor of
REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO-
Committee on the Budget and the Com- Miami, and so many other Republican
VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF
mittee on Ways and Means. mayors across this country from red
H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE
The rule self-executes a manager’s States, support our President’s pro-
PLAN ACT OF 2021 posal. This is a bipartisan response to
amendment by Chairman YARMUTH and
Mr. MCGOVERN, from the Com- provides one motion to recommit. the coronavirus crisis.
mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- Madam Speaker, since the emergence We all joined together on the Capitol
leged report (Rept. No. 117–8) on the of the coronavirus, our Nation has been steps on Tuesday to mark the 500,000
resolution (H. Res. 166) providing for in a perpetual state of mourning. The lives lost to the coronavirus in this
consideration of the bill (H.R. 1319) to number of Americans killed by this country. We didn’t stand as Democrats
provide for reconciliation pursuant to pandemic is nearly equal to one death or Republicans, but as one Congress.
title II of S. Con. Res. 5, which was re- a minute every minute for a year. We mourn the empty seats at dinner
ferred to the House Calendar and or- Every corner of society has been im- tables, and the missed graduations, and
dered to be printed. pacted: More than 18 million Ameri- weddings the same way, not from our
f cans are receiving unemployment bene- partisan corners, but as one American
family.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION fits; nearly 24 million Americans are
Through our grief, we should respond
OF H.R. 1319, AMERICAN RESCUE going hungry with roughly 12 million here the same way. United in our pur-
PLAN ACT OF 2021 children living in households with food pose to defeat this pandemic and re-
insecurity; up to 40 million Americans build our Nation.
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, by cannot afford to pay rent; 8 of 10 mi-
direction of the Committee on Rules, I Madam Speaker, I urge all my col-
nority-owned businesses are on the leagues to stand together and with the
call up House Resolution 166 and ask brink of closure; and I could go on and
for its immediate consideration. American people in support of this
on and on, Madam Speaker. This is a plan. Let’s act big. Let’s act bold. Let’s
The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- time to act and to act boldly.
lows: crush this virus.
That is why we began work on the Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal-
H. RES. 166 American Rescue Plan nearly 1 month ance of my time.
Resolved, That immediately upon adoption ago. Nine committees have now Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I
of this resolution, the House shall proceed to marked up portions of the bill, spend- thank the gentleman from Massachu-
the consideration in the House of the bill ing more than 100 hours debating more setts for yielding me the customary 30
(H.R. 1319) to provide for reconciliation pur-
than 400 amendments. We have acted minutes, and I yield myself such time
suant to title II of S. Con. Res. 5. All points
of order against consideration of the bill are swiftly, Madam Speaker, but we have as I may consume.
waived. The amendment printed in the re- also acted deliberately, guided by the Madam Speaker, just before I begin, I
port of the Committee on Rules accom- reality that the American people need also want to acknowledge that I had
panying this resolution shall be considered us to act urgently. sent the chairman of the Rules Com-
as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be More vaccines need to get to more mittee a letter earlier in the week, to
considered as read. All points of order people, so this plan will set up commu- which he today kindly responded, and I
against provisions in the bill, as amended, nity vaccination sites nationwide. Our appreciate the prompt response to my
are waived. The previous question shall be concerns about Capitol security.
schools need to safely reopen, so this
considered as ordered on the bill, as amend- Madam Speaker, today’s rule pro-
ed, and on any further amendment thereto, bill will deliver new resources to help
them do so. Working families need vides for consideration of H.R. 1319, the
to final passage without intervening motion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided more immediate relief, so the Amer-
among and controlled by the chair and rank- ican Rescue Plan also provides an addi- Throughout this process, Republicans
ing minority member of the Committee on tional $1,400 per person and direct as- have been completely excluded. I sit on
the Budget or their respective designees and sistance. That will bring the total the Committee on Energy and Com-
the chair and ranking minority member of amount of direct assistance recently merce, I sit on the Budget Committee,
the Committee on Ways and Means or their
provided to $2,000 per person. and I sit on the Rules Committee, and
respective designees; and (2) one motion to throughout the markups in each of
recommit.
This bill also extends unemployment
benefits and boosts the Federal min- these committees Republicans offered
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- imum wage so that 27 million workers sincere amendments to improve the
tleman from Massachusetts is recog- get a raise. Sadly, the Senate rules will bill for the American people.
nized for 1 hour. While only 2 of the 245 Republican
cause this provision to be removed
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, for amendments offered were adopted, the
when it is considered there.
the purpose of debate only, I yield the rule before us today strips out the one
But I want the American people to
customary 30 minutes to the gen- amendment adopted by a rollcall vote.
know this, we, on the Democratic side, Earlier today in the Rules Com-
tleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS), we will not stop fighting to make a
pending which I yield myself such time mittee, over 200 amendments were of-
minimum wage increase a reality. No fered and debated, not a single one was
as I may consume. During consider- one, and I mean no one, who works full
ation of this resolution, all time yield- made in order. The American people at
time in the richest nation on this plan- least deserve to have the suggestions of
ed is for the purpose of debate only. et should have to live in poverty. Members that they elected to be de-
GENERAL LEAVE There is also nutrition assistance in- bated on the House floor. They don’t
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I cluded to combat the growing hunger have to be adopted, but they should at
ask unanimous consent that all Mem- crisis. And support for local commu- least be heard on the House floor. It
bers have 5 legislative days in which to nities on the frontlines of this health seems that the Democrats are unwill-
revise and extend their remarks. emergency. There is aid here for small ing to allow elected Members of Con-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there businesses, expanded PPP eligibility,
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
gress to do their job and represent
objection to the request of the gen- and resources for our first responders, their constituents.
tleman from Massachusetts? for our teachers, for our transit work-
There was no objection. ers, and so much more. b 2045
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, This is what it looks like when Con- With $1 trillion of funding left
today the Rules Committee met for gress acts in a way that matches the unspent from the previous—from the
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H763
previous—coronavirus response bills, it calendar year, there remains $1 trillion with the ongoing pandemic. This bill,
does seem that we do have some time in unspent funding. which is the most expensive single bill
to do our work, but, instead, we didn’t Why is it so urgent to pass another $2 in history, only allocates 9 percent of
even hold markups on this portion of trillion now? the $1.9 trillion price tag to actually
the bill. It is reminiscent of our former col- defeating COVID.
While the Energy and Commerce league, Rahm Emanuel, who said: So what are the Democrats spending
Committee did hold a markup, all Re- Never let a crisis go to waste. the rest of the money on?
publican amendments were defeated. Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to Corrupt pet projects, of course, and
This portion of the bill includes the rule, and I reserve the balance of also payoffs to Progressive liberal spe-
changes that will take months to im- my time. cial interest groups.
plement, if indeed they happen at all. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Just look at it: $100 million for a Sil-
Perhaps the most startling figure is yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from icon Valley rail project near Speaker
less than 10 percent of these dollars are Colorado (Mr. PERLMUTTER), who is a PELOSI’s district. Totally coinciden-
actually spent on combating the distinguished member of the Rules tally, I am sure. Taxpayer funded
coronavirus. Committee. healthcare subsidies for illegal immi-
Despite spending over $14 billion on Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, grants. Fifty million dollars for
vaccines and therapeutics, after $28 bil- I rise today to support the rule and the Planned Parenthood. Hundreds of bil-
lion was just recently provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. lions in bailouts to blue State Gov-
fiscal year 2021 omnibus, this package The COVID–19 pandemic has cost the ernors, who crush small businesses
does not contain any funding—zero lives of over 500,000 Americans—more with their draconian lockdown meas-
funding—for the National Institutes of than all the casualties of World War I, ures. And a minimum wage mandate
Health. The National Institutes of World War II, and the Vietnam war that, right off the bat, would kill 1.4
Health has been a critical partner in combined. Millions more have been in- million American jobs. The list goes on
Operation Warp Speed and getting the fected and are recovering from the and on.
vaccine through the approval process virus. Our economy has lost more than But do you know what Democrats
in literally warp speed time and help- 10 million jobs. Countless businesses aren’t putting in this bill?
ing the vaccine manufacturers in de- have failed or are at risk of failing. So They aren’t reopening our schools. In
veloping the coronavirus vaccine that our job today in Congress is to move fact, this bill spends 95 percent of the
we are now so urgently needing. quickly to address the physical, emo- education funding after the school
This legislation includes many provi- tional, and financial health of all year.
sions that really should be addressed Americans. We can accomplish all Democrats also aren’t reopening our
outside of a coronavirus relief package, three of these priorities through pas- economy with this bill. In fact, this bill
like providing a State option for sage of the American Rescue Plan. spends $471 billion on policies that ac-
postpartum Medicaid coverage for I want to touch on a few of the provi- tually reduce employment.
women. While this is a policy I have sions included in this package. First, And they aren’t targeting relief to
long advocated for, it should not be our State and local governments, fire- where it is actually needed. In fact,
temporary, as this legislation directs it fighters, police, transportation work- this bill gives checks to individuals
to sunset after 7 years. Let’s bring that ers, and healthcare providers have been who have not lost any income and
bill separately to the floor and get this on the front lines of the pandemic, sup- gives taxpayer-funded healthcare to
policy right, just as we did in the last porting their communities by devel- millionaires.
Congress. oping testing capabilities, supporting President Biden and congressional
Furthermore, although there are bil- vulnerable populations, and now de- Democrats had a chance to make good
lions of dollars directed to public ploying the vaccines as quickly as pos- on their empty promises to show unity
health, the Provider Relief Fund is cu- sible. and bipartisanship. They could have
riously not replenished. I am glad this bill includes $350 bil- worked with Republicans on a targeted
Again, why are we not supporting lion for State and local governments relief bill that sends money to where it
programs which we know work and we all across the country. actually needs to go and effectively
know provide direct, targeted relief? We also need to work quickly to ex- spends $1 trillion in the remaining
The Provider Relief Fund is a pro- tend expiring unemployment programs, funds that have already been allocated.
gram that works, and that is why I of- which expire on March 14. We saw what Instead, they are using this pandemic
fered an amendment to add $35 billion happened when Senator MCCONNELL as pretext to force through a corrupt
to the Provider Relief Fund. paused last year, and Coloradans are bill filled with Progressive payoffs.
Adding to the partisan nature of this still struggling to receive the benefits Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
legislation is the lack of any Hyde pro- they are owed. leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 1319.
tections ensuring that none of this This legislation will invest $130 bil- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
funding is used to subsidize abortion. lion to support K–12 schools as they include in the RECORD an article from
The Hyde amendment is a long- work to return to in-person learning The Washington Post, titled ‘‘Biden is
standing, bipartisan agreement. In- and help students catch up. It will also winning Republican support for his $1.9
stead, there is $50 million included for include $40 billion in rental and hous- trillion coronavirus relief plan. Just
Title X Family Planning, which likely ing assistance. In the last month, Colo- not in Washington.’’
is going to go to Planned Parenthood rado has seen a record amount of re- [From the Washington Post, Feb. 14, 2021]
and has nothing to do with coronavirus quests for rental assistance. BIDEN IS WINNING REPUBLICAN SUPPORT FOR
relief. The time for action is now. President HIS $1.9 TRILLION CORONAVIRUS RELIEF
This is a $1.9 trillion partisan wish Biden is laser focused on delivering re- PLAN—JUST NOT IN WASHINGTON
list that could ultimately increase the lief to all Americans, and I am proud of (By Griff Witte)
Federal deficit to between $2 trillion to his leadership so we can provide this The pandemic has not been kind to Fresno,
$3 trillion without addressing the im- needed assistance as we vaccinate more the poorest major city in California. The un-
mediate needs of Americans simply people each day. America needs this, employment rate spiked above 10 percent
trying to survive this pandemic. America wants this, and they are going and has stubbornly remained there. Violent
So I would suggest that now is not to get it. crime has surged, as has homelessness. Tax
the time to push through partisan pri- Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I revenue has plummeted as businesses have
orities. Barely a month ago, Congress yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from shuttered. Lines at food banks are filled with
passed, and President Trump signed Pennsylvania (Mr. RESCHENTHALER), first-timers.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
But as bad as it’s been, things could soon
into law, a $900 billion coronavirus re- who is a valuable member of the Rules get worse: Having frozen hundreds of jobs
lief package. Combined with previous Committee. last year, the city is now being forced to con-
relief packages, which were bipartisan Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam sider laying off 250 people, including police
and which were worked on by both Speaker, the payoff to progressives and firefighters, to close a $31 million budget
Democrats and Republicans in the last package before us today has little to do shortfall.
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H764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
‘‘That,’’ said Jerry Dyer, mayor of the When 10 Republican senators visited the the past decade, ‘‘a fiscally conservative
half-million-strong city in the Central Val- White House this month to lay out their city.’’ But the Republican said the pandemic
ley, ‘‘is going to be devastating.’’ slimmed-down $618 billion counterproposal has forced the city government to spend
The looming cuts explain why Dyer’s eyes to the president’s plan, Mitt Romney (Utah) more just to keep people afloat, doling out
are fixed on Washington, where President came brandishing details from a J.P. Morgan small-business support, rental assistance and
Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan analysis showing that most states had seen help with utility bills.
dangles the tantalizing prospect of a re- only modest revenue declines. Price joined more than 400 fellow mayors
prieve. Though Dyer is a Republican, he’s Romney later told reporters that Biden’s late last month—including many Repub-
rooting for the president to successfully push insistence on $350 billion in state and local licans—in signing a U.S. Conference of May-
through federal aid that, after a nightmarish aid was the biggest stumbling block in nego- ors letter that called on Congress to quickly
year for Fresno, will ‘‘help get us to the tiations. pass Biden’s coronavirus relief plan. She said
end.’’ ‘‘That kind of number just makes no sense she had spoken with both of Texas’s sen-
The first-term mayor’s stance reflects a at all,’’ he said. The Republican plan pro- ators—Republicans Ted Cruz and John Cor-
broader split, one that gives Biden and his posed to cut it entirely. nyn—and made the same case.
fellow Democrats a key tactical advantage Yet as the J.P. Morgan analysis shows, the ‘‘We’re not asking the Democrats or the
as negotiations near an expected climax impact of the pandemic has been unevenly Republicans to put money into city coffers,’’
early next month. felt, with some states—especially those she said. ‘‘We’re asking them to put it into
Republicans in Congress overwhelmingly whose economies are heavily dependent on the community to help people get back on
oppose the relief bill, casting it as bloated tourism or oil and gas extraction—suffering their feet.’’
and budget-busting, with some heaping par- dramatic declines. The National Governors Association has
ticular scorn on a measure to send $350 bil- A Brookings Institution analysis in Sep- not released a letter similar to the one en-
lion in assistance to states and cities. Should tember found that although income tax rev- dorsed by the mayors. But the group did call
Biden go ahead without their approval, GOP enue had proved resilient during the pan- for $500 billion in relief for states last spring.
leaders say, it will prove that his mantra of demic, sales tax and transportation-related And individual Republican governors have
bipartisanship rings hollow. revenue had been hit especially hard. As a spoken up to back Biden’s relief plan, which
But to many Republicans at city halls and can be enacted without GOP support. That
result, states and cities were projected to
statehouses across the country, the relief includes moderates such as Maryland’s Larry
lose out on more than $450 billion over three
package looks very different. Instead of the Hogan, as well as Trump-aligned conserv-
years.
‘‘blue-state bailout’’ derided by GOP law-
And the pain hasn’t only been on the rev- atives such as West Virginia’s Jim Justice,
makers, Republican mayors and governors
enue side. New needs arising from the pan- who has urged Congress to ‘‘go big.’’
say they see badly needed federal aid to keep Suarez, the Miami mayor, has pushed the
demic have created new costs.
police on the beat, to prevent battered Main same message and has put pressure on Flor-
‘‘Cities were confronting some really big
Street businesses from going under and to ida’s two Republican senators, Marco Rubio
challenges even before this crisis—income
help care for the growing ranks of the home- and Rick Scott, to follow through.
inequality, homelessness, housing afford-
less and the hungry. The Republican recently co-wrote an op-ed
ability,’’ said Tracy Gordon, acting director
‘‘It’s not a Republican issue or a Democrat with St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, a
of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.
issue,’’ said Dyer, who became mayor last Democrat, in which they addressed the sen-
All have been exacerbated by the
month following a long career as the city’s ators directly and enumerated the problems
coronavirus pandemic, she said. But many
police chief. ‘‘It’s a public health issue. It’s facing their cities, including unemployment,
cities now have fewer resources with which
an economic issue. And it’s a public safety bankrupt business and lines at food pantries
to address them.
issue.’’ that look like ‘‘gridlocked freeways.’’
In Oklahoma City, Holt said, revenue has
Surveys show that a broad majority of ‘‘Florida’s cities are in agony and are cry-
been down by about 5 percent, a sharp depar-
Americans support the assistance, including ing out for help,’’ they wrote. ‘‘This is not
ture from the robust growth the city had be-
large numbers of Republicans. Only a minor- sustainable.’’
come accustomed to before the pandemic. To
ity among Republican voters agree with GOP In an interview, Suarez said both senators
compensate, he said, the city has had to
lawmakers that the aid package is too large, have been receptive to his message in pri-
leave jobs unfilled and cut funding for parks
polls have found. vate, though they also expressed concerns
Biden on Friday highlighted the rift, invit- and recreation, even as the overall needs of
citizens and businesses have grown. about the price tag—concerns that Suarez
ing a bipartisan group of mayors and gov-
‘‘We don’t do much fluff here,’’ he said. ‘‘So said he could understand, to a point.
ernors to the White House to discuss the spe-
whatever we’ve had to cut, residents have ex- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
cifics of the bill.
You folks are all on the front lines and perienced it.’’ yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
dealing with the crisis since day one,’’ he Republican lawmakers in Washington have California (Mr. TAKANO), who is the dis-
told the group, which included the Repub- dismissed aid to cities as a bailout for gov- tinguished chairman of the Committee
lican governors of Maryland and Arkansas, ernments that have long spent beyond their
on Veterans’ Affairs.
as well as Republican mayors. means.
But Holt called that ‘‘a red herring.’’ Most
Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (R) later told thank Chairman MCGOVERN for yield-
reporters from the podium in the White state and city governments—unlike the fed-
eral government—have to balance their ing.
House briefing room that he had spoken with
Biden and Vice President Harris more in the budgets, just as a business would. Madam Speaker, as of this week, over
first several weeks of their administration But unlike businesses large and small that 10,000 veterans and 130 VHA employees
‘‘than I had spoken to the prior administra- have received grants or loans to make up for have lost their lives to COVID–19. Over
tion in the entirety.’’ the damage done by the coronavirus, cities 226,000 veterans and 18,000 VA employ-
Biden said he brought the group to the have been left out. ees have tested positive.
White House to ask ‘‘what do they think ‘‘In a sense, we’re the only employer that
It is clear: We must act now.
they need most.’’ hasn’t been able to make an application to
anyone to save our jobs and save our serv-
This bill would provide funding to in-
To many mayors and governors, it’s a long
ices,’’ said Holt, who noted that the city gov- crease VA’s claims and appeals proc-
list.
‘‘I don’t know of any city that hasn’t been ernment is one of his metro area’s biggest essing to reduce the backlog caused by
affected negatively,’’ Oklahoma City Mayor employers. ‘‘Support for cities and states is COVID–19. It would deliver critical
David Holt (R) said. ‘‘Some may be worse off way overdue.’’ funding for the Veterans Health Ad-
than others. But we have all had to make There has been some relief. The Cares Act, ministration, bolster VA’s supply chain
cuts.’’ signed into law by President Donald Trump modernization, and support State vet-
The impact has not been as severe as some last March, included $150 billion for states
erans homes to upgrade and enhance
economists initially projected, however. and for the nation’s 38 largest cities. But
When the pandemic first struck American money had to be spent directly on their safety operations. It would also
shores and much of the U.S. economy shut coronavirus expenses, creating logistical fund stronger oversight through the
down last spring, the prognosis for states and hurdles in getting it out the door. Nearly a VA’s Office of Inspector General, se-
cities looked dire. Analysts warned that cit- year later, some of it remains unspent, a cure assistance for unemployed vet-
ies—some of which had still not fully recov- point Republicans make in arguing for why erans, and prohibit copayments for vet-
ered from the Great Recession more than a additional taxpayer dollars should not be al- erans during the pandemic.
decade ago—could be forced into bankruptcy. located. This bill is critical to ensure the
But some of the worst consequences have The aid proposed by Biden would not have
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
health system that veterans rely on
already been blunted by previous rounds of the same restrictions. Mayors say that will
federal aid, as well as by the nature of the make it easier to quickly get it into the
can continue to meet their needs and
economic recovery, with high-income indi- hands of those who need it and to stimulate serve as a backup to America’s over-
viduals—who contribute much of the state economic growth. whelmed healthcare systems.
and local tax base—bouncing back relatively Betsy Price proudly calls Fort Worth, the While a return to handshakes, hugs,
quickly, even as poorer families languish. metropolis of nearly 900,000 she has led for and visible smiles is on the horizon, the
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H765
path to get there requires this Con- challenges our Nation is facing, and it sections in the Manager’s Amendment were to
gress to do quick and thorough work to deserves strong bipartisan support. ensure that these sections would meet the re-
ensure we all get there together. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I quirements of section 313 of the Congres-
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from sional Budget Act of 1974 for consideration in
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. PFLUGER), who is another the United States Senate.
Pennsylvania (Mr. MEUSER). valuable member of the Texas delega- The systemic discrimination against Black
Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I tion. farmers and other farmers of color by USDA
thank the gentleman from Texas for Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker, I is longstanding and well-documented and con-
yielding. rise today in complete opposition to tinues to present barriers for these producers
Madam Speaker, over the past year, the Democrats’ blue State bailout bill. to participate in the agricultural economy. It is
Congress has allocated nearly $4 tril- This bill will cost the American tax- important that we document this history and
lion to respond to the COVID–19 pan- payer nearly $2 trillion—let that sit for the continuing challenges for these farmers of
demic. Now Democrat leadership is fol- a second—$2 trillion when our Nation color in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.
lowing through on a campaign promise is already $27 trillion in debt. A 1965 report by the United States Commis-
made by President Biden to spend an- Where does this money go? sion on Civil Rights found that Federal, state,
other $2 trillion. Surely it will be spent towards fight- and local officials discriminated against Black
Madam Speaker, further assistance is ing the pandemic and COVID. Wrong. farmers in agricultural programs and that this
appropriate for those individuals, fami- Only 9 percent of this money will go to- discrimination actively contributed to the de-
lies, and businesses who have been hit wards fighting COVID–19. The rest of cline in the Black ownership of farmland.
the hardest, including restaurants; but the funding is going towards Democrat In 1968, a follow up report from the United
this bill fails to recognize the improv- pet projects, like a subway in Silicon States Commission on Civil Rights found that
ing economic conditions, as well as the Valley and a bridge in New York. Tax- Black farmers continued to face discrimination
fact that more than $1 trillion from payers in Texas should absolutely not when seeking farm loans and other forms of
previous relief packages remains be rewarding States who have kept assistance.
unspent. their economies shuttered and pre- In 1970, the United States Commission on
Just 9 percent of this bill goes to- Civil Rights again found that discrimination
vented workers from earning a living.
wards combating the virus, and just 1 continued in USDA program administration.
Madam Speaker, for these reasons
percent is directed for vaccines. In- The 1970 report indicated that prior to 1968,
and more, I urge my colleagues to vote
stead, the apparent priorities for Dem- no Black farmer had ever been elected to any
‘‘no.’’
ocrat leadership include a bailout for former Agricultural Stabilization and Conserva-
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
mismanaged States, pension funds, an
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from tion Service committee at the county level in
increase in the minimum wage, and
Georgia (Mr. DAVID SCOTT), who is the the South. In 1970, two out of more than
half a billion dollars for the arts and
distinguished chairman of the Com- 4,100 committee members in the South were
humanities.
Madam Speaker, Congress has al- mittee on Agriculture. Black farmers, even though there were 58
ready provided $68 billion for our Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. counties in the South, where Black farmers
schools, more than double the CDC’s Madam Speaker, let’s face facts. Let comprised a majority of the farm operator pop-
highest estimate of what it would take me tell my Republican friends: We ulation.
for our schools to open safely. We have a terrible hunger crisis going on In 1982, the United States Commission on
should be able to unite in supporting in this country right now. Fourteen Civil Rights issued another report on the rapid
an economic recovery, open our million of our children are going to bed decline of Black-operated farms. The report
schools, increase testing, and ensure hungry this night. noted that between 1970 and 1980, the Black
the efficient distribution of vaccines. The American people are crying out: farm population declined 65 percent, com-
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Congress, help us. pared to a 22 percent decline in the white
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from We have support of our measure from farm population. The report also documented
New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE), who is the the American Farm Federation and numerous discrimination complaints filed
distinguished chairman of the Energy from Cargill, and we have support of against USDA field offices regarding the ad-
and Commerce Committee. our legislation from God Almighty ministration of farm loan programs and noted
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, Himself. that for many of these complaints, USDA’s Of-
President Biden has set forth a na- What did He tell you and me? fice of Equal Opportunity investigated and
tional plan to crush the virus. With He said: Feed the hungry and heal found equal opportunity violations at those
this bill, Congress is providing the the sick. field offices. The report concluded that racial
President with the resources and tools America is hungry, America is sick, discrimination was continuing within the
to implement a national plan that was and America is calling on you Repub- USDA, at USDA headquarters, and in the net-
sorely lacking under President Trump. licans to love your people and take work of field offices that implement USDA pro-
States competed against each other care of your people at this critical time grams.
during the Trump administration for of need. In 1988, Congress passed section 617 of
personal protection equipment, ven- Madam Speaker, as the first African Amer- the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 requiring
tilators, and testing supplies. That now ican Chairman of the House Agriculture Com- the USDA to establish annual target participa-
ends. mittee, I am proud that the American Rescue tion rates, on a county-wide basis, that would
This legislation provides $20 billion Plan Act provides support for all sectors of ag- ensure that members of socially disadvan-
to speed up the distribution and admin- ricultural production, including farmers, ranch- taged groups receive direct or guaranteed
istration of COVID–19 vaccines. It in- ers, and private forest land owners of color. farm ownership loans. Congress amended this
vests over $47 billion in a national test- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirement in 1996, to ensure that USDA’s
ing strategy. It invests $7 billion to spends billions of dollars annually in providing implementation was consistent with the hold-
hire 100,000 new full-time public health much needed support to American producers. ing of the Supreme Court in Adarand Con-
workers to perform vital tasks, like Sadly, Black farmers and other farmers of structors, Inc. v. Federico Pena, Secretary of
vaccine outreach and contact tracing. color have received a small share of the Transportation, 515 U.S. 200 (1995), which
It invests more than $25 billion to ad- USDA farm loans and payments as a result of held that race-based actions by the govern-
dress health disparities. discrimination. When these producers did re- ment is within constitutional constraints when
We also include assistance for strug- ceive loans or payments, many of them were it is necessary to further a compelling interest
gling families to help keep their lights not provided timely or proper loan servicing such as the ‘‘unhappy persistence of both the
on, the heat working, and the water options due to discrimination, which led to pro- practice and lingering effects of racial discrimi-
ducers of color losing their land and oper-
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running. We included $7.6 billion to ex- nation against minority groups.’’
pand internet connectivity to help stu- ations. A 1995 U.S. Government Accountability Of-
dents and teachers without home inter- Sections 1005 and 1006 of the American fice (GAO) report found that socially disadvan-
net access. Rescue Plan Act provide targeted and tailored taged producers were significantly underrep-
Madam Speaker, the American Res- support for these farmers and ranchers. I note resented on the county and community com-
cue Plan meets the unprecedented for the record that changes made to these mittees of the former Agricultural Stabilization
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H766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
and Conservation Service. Specifically, the re- plaints persisted and that the USDA had not against funding for abortion by saying
port found that while minority producers ac- achieved its goal of preventing future backlogs ‘‘it would protect both the woman and
counted for nearly 5 percent of the producers of discrimination complaints. her unborn child.’’
eligible to vote for committee members, minor- Recent studies and reports continue to doc- Mr. Biden went on to say ‘‘that those
ity producers only represented 2.1 percent of ument the challenges and barriers faced by of us who are opposed to abortion
county committee members in the United farmers of color due to race or ethnic discrimi- should not be compelled to pay for
States. nation or the legacy of such discrimination. A them.’’ I agree. Most Americans agree;
In 1997, the USDA formed a Civil Rights September 20, 2017, study in the Agriculture 58 percent, according to the recent
Action Team to hold nationwide listening ses- and Human Values journal described the chal- Marist poll. Unborn babies, Madam
sions to hear from socially disadvantaged and lenges faced by Latinx farmers due to failure Speaker, need the President of the
minority farmers. A report published after the of agricultural agencies to engage in appro- United States and Members of Congress
listening sessions documented Black, His- priate outreach or account for language bar- to be their friend and advocate, not
panic, Asian-American, and American Indian riers. their adversary.
farmers who told stories of USDA hurting mi- In 2019, a GAO report observed that so- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
nority farmers more than helping them. Minor- cially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers had yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
ity farmers described how their discrimination proportionately less agricultural credit than Pennsylvania (Mr. EVANS).
complaints were caught in the backlog of ap- non-socially disadvantaged farmers and ranch- Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise
peals or if successfully appealed, were given ers. This report found that farmers and ranch- in support of the American Relief Plan
findings of discrimination that were not en- ers of color continued to face more difficulties desperately needed by Philadelphia
forced. The report acknowledged that discrimi- in obtaining farm loans and highlighted the constituents. This plan extends the
nation in USDA program delivery continued to historic, systemic discrimination against such poverty-busting earned income tax
exist to a large degree unabated. farmers. credits and provides billions for small
Also in 1997, the USDA Office of the In- The Market Facilitation Program and businesses. It expands vaccine access,
spector General (OIG) issued a report to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program are re- addresses health disparities, and helps
USDA Secretary that noted ‘‘a climate of dis- cent USDA programs designed to bolster the schools open safely. The American peo-
order within the civil rights staff at [the Farm farm economy; in both programs the majority ple are counting on us to crush the
Service Agency].’’ It was difficult for the OIG to of funds went to non-minority farmers. For ex- virus. Let’s do the right thing and pass
even determine the number and status of civil ample, the Environmental Working Group re- this very critical bill.
rights complaints at the agency and depart- ported that nonminority farmers received near- Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I
ment because of that climate. As the OIG later ly 97 percent of the $9.2 billion provided by yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
summarized in a 2005 audit, ‘‘it took 12 days the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Pro- Oklahoma (Mr. COLE), the ranking
longer to complete minority applications, delin- gram. Additionally, the Farm Bill Law Enter- member of the House Committee on
quencies were higher for minority borrowers prise reported that 99 percent of Market Facili- Rules.
than nonminority borrowers, and minority bor- tation Payments went to non-minority farmers. Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I thank
rowers were reluctant to enter into FSA offices The systemic discrimination of farmers, my good friend from Texas for yielding.
to apply for loans.’’ ranchers, and other producers of color by the Today, the House is considering a
In 1998, the USDA National Commission on USDA is longstanding and well-documented. I massive budget reconciliation package
Small Farms further described and docu- urge my colleagues to support me and the that the majority claims to be using
mented the longstanding discrimination of Committee on Agriculture as we work to en- for additional coronavirus relief funds.
USDA towards socially disadvantaged pro- able socially disadvantaged producers to suc- Having already passed five bipartisan
ducers. And, it observed that ‘‘discrimination ceed in the agricultural economy. Sections relief packages over the last year, to-
has been a contributing factor in the decline of 1005 and 1006 of the bill before the House taling almost $4 trillion in spending,
Black farmers over the last several decades.’’ today are critical to that work, and I urge my the majority is now seeking to spend
The Commission’s report also notes the ‘‘his- colleagues to support this measure. nearly $2 trillion more.
tory of under-allocation of resources to institu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- But unlike the past five measures,
tions that have served minority farmers,’’ the bers are reminded to address their re- which were bipartisan deals with both
‘‘disgraceful’’ ‘‘failure to elect minority farmers marks to the Chair. Republican and Democratic support,
to positions on FSA County Committees,’’ and today’s bill is strictly partisan, with
b 2100 only Democratic support and input.
more.
During the period between 1997 and 2000, Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I And with a glance at the bill, it is easy
Black farmers, Native American farmers, and thank the Chair for that reminder. to see why.
Latinx farmers filed lawsuits alleging USDA Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to First, the vast majority of this so-
discriminated against them on the basis of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. called rescue package has nothing to
race in processing their farm program applica- SMITH). do with the COVID–19 pandemic. The
tions and that USDA failed to investigate their Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam bill fails to keep a laser focus on pro-
complaints of discrimination. But settlements Speaker, in a radical departure from viding relief for Americans, ensuring
resulting from these lawsuits have not pro- all previous COVID–19 relief laws, the schools are open to educate our chil-
vided the relief necessary for these farmers of bill before us today mandates taxpayer dren, and moving to swiftly reopen the
color to participate fully in the American agri- funding for abortion on demand. economy.
cultural economy. Today, the Rules Committee refused to Instead, the majority has thrown in
For example, the Los Angeles Times re- even allow a pro-life amendment spon- completely unrelated items that just
ported in 2012 that payments made to Black sored by CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS, so happen to be at the top of their pro-
farmers under the Pigford settlements were VIRGINIA FOXX, and JACKIE WALORSKI, gressive wish list. This includes irre-
significantly eroded by state taxes, as well as cosponsored by 206 Members. sponsible policies like Federal bailouts
tax debt related to forgiven USDA farm loans. Madam Speaker, it is shocking to for certain pension funds, providing
In 2001, a report by the U.S. Commission learn that the methods of abortion in- bloated contributions to State and
on Civil Rights documented the continued dis- clude dismemberment of a child’s frag- local governments, and arbitrarily
criminatory lending practices against minority ile body, including decapitation, and raising the minimum wage, which will
farmers. The Commission found that Black that drugs like RU–486 starve the baby cost well more than a million people to
farmers waited four times longer than white to death. lose their jobs. Incidentally, the same
farmers for USDA farm loans. The Commis- Unborn babies killed by abortion at minimum wage provision is not going
sion recommended that USDA resolve the 20 weeks or later experience excru- to be considered in the Senate and will
backlog of civil rights complaints and docu- ciating suffering and physical pain. have to be stripped from the bill.
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ment and alleviate discriminatory lending prac- And until rendered unconscious or dead But perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised
tices. However, USDA continued to struggle by these hideous procedures, the baby by these misguided provisions, given
with resolving its backlog of civil rights com- feels every cut. how completely shut out of this proc-
plaints. In 2008, GAO reported that USDA’s Mr. Biden once wrote constituents, ess Republicans have been. During the
difficulties in resolving discrimination com- explaining that his support for laws markups across nine committees that
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H767
considered this package, Republicans than White Americans. So, this bill in- Ten million Americans are unem-
offered 245 amendments to help fix cludes over $20 billion to assist Native ployed right now. Nearly one in four
these and other problems. people, including their Tribal govern- households have experienced hunger
Republicans offered commonsense ments, health facilities, and education. this year. These are horrible statistics,
amendments to reopen schools, give ad- We need this package to end the Na- but there is good news building on this
ditional resources to the NIH, provide tion’s suffering. Let’s pass this bill, floor right now.
funding to make sure all teachers have save lives, save livelihoods, save com- President Biden promised help is on
the opportunity to receive a COVID munities. the way, and here it comes, the Amer-
vaccine, and many more. Yet, only two Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I ican Rescue Plan, a real plan to crush
of these amendments were accepted by yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the virus, put money into people’s
the Democrats in committee markups, Arkansas (Mr. WOMACK), a valuable pockets, allow our States and counties
and one of those two amendments is member of our Appropriations Com- and cities to continue to provide the
actually being stripped out of the bill mittee and a subcommittee ranking services that are necessary.
in the manager’s amendment today. member. No wonder up to 80 percent of Ameri-
A $1.9 trillion package that is being Mr. WOMACK. Madam Speaker, I cans want all of us—all of us—to vote
brought to the floor with next to no think a little honesty is in order to- ‘‘yes’’ tonight. Let’s give it to them.
Republican input? Simply astonishing. night. It is no secret that this so-called Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I
Madam Speaker, it is clear what we American Rescue Plan Act has little to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
need to do. Our entire Nation is suf- do with the hardships placed on Ameri- Kentucky (Mr. GUTHRIE), the ranking
fering as a result of this pandemic. cans by COVID. member of the Health Subcommittee
Every day, more businesses shutter. When 90 percent of a spending plan, on Energy and Commerce.
Every day, children are falling further rammed through on a sham of a budget Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I
behind. And every day, people fall resolution, gets spent years down the rise today due to my strong concerns
deeper and deeper into despair caused, road, with much of it having little to with the Democrats’ COVID–19 bill.
in part, by isolation. do with the coronavirus, we should at With a very small percentage of this
Instead of proceeding with this pro- least be honest with our constituents. massive package specifically directed
gressive wish list, we need to take real It is apparently Christmas again. at combating COVID–19, the $1.9 tril-
action to open the economy. Above all Here is an example. What does the lion COVID bill is more of a Demo-
else, we need to get children back in multiemployer pension issue have to do cratic wish list.
with the pandemic? Remember the I have tried to add relief for
school.
Prior to the pandemic, children had failed joint select committee that was healthcare providers, with funds spe-
access to in-person staff and services at supposed to solve that problem back in cifically for rural and Medicaid pro-
school. But now, with schools remain- 2018? That was long before COVID. But viders, but Democrats voted this down.
It is amazing how it is okay to have
ing closed, we see the results: more here we are, about to spend $85-plus bil-
the Silicon Valley subway, the Seaway
students falling behind, more students lion on this bailout. That is double the
bridge in New York, and a bailout of
contemplating suicide, more children amount of money we give to the Na-
multiemployer pension plans from
falling into despair. tional Institutes of Health. Look, be-
problems prior to COVID–19, but my
For millions of children, the ground fore we ask future generations to float
amendment to help healthcare pro-
lost during the pandemic may never be us another $2 trillion to pay off these
viders was not included.
recovered. We are failing an entire gen- liberal promises, let’s at least have the I was proud to support the last five
eration of our children, and we need to integrity to admit that this really isn’t COVID–19 relief packages to help Ken-
reverse course and get them back in about COVID. tuckians. I think we can all agree that
school. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I we need to boost vaccine distribution,
Madam Speaker, there was, and still yield myself such time as I may con- safely return all students back to in-
is, an opportunity to put together a bi- sume. Let me just remind my col- person learning, and help people return
partisan relief package. There is still leagues that 70 percent of the Amer- to work. Much of the funds in this par-
time to focus on policies that will re- ican people support this bill. Repub- tisan bill will not be used until next
open the economy and make sure kids lican governors and Republican mayors year or later.
can learn in person, but we cannot do from all across the country support Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
it if the majority insists on this bloat- this bill. The only place where it isn’t leagues to oppose this bill.
ed package with so many unrelated bipartisan is here in the Congress. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
policies. Republicans say, oh, the people can’t yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
So long as the majority insists that be trusted to know what is in the bill. Illinois (Mr. SCHNEIDER).
it is their way or the highway, true The fact of the matter is, people sup- Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I
help for the American people cannot be port this because they support more rise today to implore that my col-
achieved. Madam Speaker, I urge my money for vaccinations; more money in leagues pass this urgently needed
colleagues to reject this rule and the terms of direct payments to individuals COVID relief for millions of struggling
underlying legislation. and enhanced unemployment benefits; Americans.
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I and more money for our cities and Across the country, families and
yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman towns, our first responders, our police friends have had to say good-bye to
from New Mexico (Ms. LEGER and our fire departments, and so many more than 500,000 loved ones, too often
FERNANDEZ). other things. knowing that they have died alone.
Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam I know my Republican friends have In our communities, large and small,
Speaker, this pandemic’s tentacles developed this habit of trying to over- more than 18 million Americans are re-
have infiltrated every facet of our com- turn the will of the American people. ceiving unemployment benefits as
munities’ lives. The brilliance of this Well, enough. The American people their only lifeline. Millions of small
rescue package is that it understands want this, and we are going to deliver businesses are on the brink of perma-
those complexities and addresses those it for them. nent closure. Schools are struggling to
many needs. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to reopen.
For example, since the pandemic the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Meanwhile, the miraculous vaccines
began, we have seen increased reports SCHAKOWSKY). offer a light, but it is still at the end of
of abuse of women and children, so this Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, a long and steep tunnel.
bill helps fund shelters and refuge. over half a million Americans have President Biden’s American Rescue
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
The country has also seen the heart- been killed by a merciless virus. That Plan will get people back to work, help
breaking devastation in Tribal commu- is about the population of New Haven, parents safely send their children back
nities. Native Americans are four times Connecticut. Now, also picture wiping to school, assist our families in paying
more likely to be hospitalized and out Grand Rapids, Michigan; Toledo, their bills and our small businesses in
twice as likely to die from COVID–19 Ohio; or McAllen, Texas. building their future.
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H768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
This bill helps people and businesses vent domestic and gender-based vio- Mr. BURGESS. Madam speaker, I
in every community in Illinois and in lence, and protect older Americans dur- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
every State in America. That is why it ing this pandemic, you must vote for from Iowa (Mrs. HINSON).
has such bipartisan support across the this bill. Mrs. HINSON. Madam Speaker, I rise
country. It deserves the same support The American people need to know in opposition to the rule.
here in Congress. that help is on the way. I urge my col- It has been nearly a year now since
To truly heal our economy and our leagues to support the bill. the COVID–19 pandemic reached our
Nation, we must pass the American Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I am shores, and Iowans are still struggling.
Rescue Plan. Madam Speaker, I urge pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentle- Iowans need targeted pandemic relief.
my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’ woman from New York (Ms. I would have been the first to cross
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I MALLIOTAKIS). the aisle and compromise on legisla-
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Madam Speaker, tion that would help Iowans and Amer-
Minnesota (Mr. STAUBER). this bill is not tailored to the specific icans who are in need, but this behe-
Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, I am needs of our Nation or its citizens. I moth of a bill fails to provide targeted
disappointed because we are again on support helping the unemployed, strug- relief that my constituents asked for.
the floor in a closed rule, where zero gling businesses, and returning money It forces taxpayers to bail out States
Republican amendments were made in to taxpayers, but you give $1,400 with that have chronically mismanaged
order because, again, we are here vot- one hand and it costs $15,000 per Amer- their budgets. It includes a $15 min-
ing on a package that has hundreds of ican household to pay for it. imum wage hike, which would deci-
billions of dollars in non-COVID-re- Congress thinks it knows how to mate the rural economy in Iowa and
lated spending. spend hardworking taxpayers’ money destroy the very livelihoods this bill
Again, I am down here on the floor, better than they do, all while our Na- claims to be saving. It opens the door
disappointed that the majority dis- tion approaches $30 trillion in debt and for taxpayer funding for abortions.
allowed my amendments. $1 trillion from previous relief remains With $1 trillion from previous relief
One of my amendments would have unspent. packages still unspent, this legislation
reported on the impact the Biden job- Right now, vaccine production and contains no guardrails to ensure new
killing Keystone XL order would have distribution is a top priority, yet less money is used on pandemic relief this
on small businesses. than 1 percent of these funds go to it, year. This legislation abdicates our re-
My other amendment, which was de- showing how bloated this bill is. It sponsibility to those who need our sup-
nied, prevented taxpayer dollars from spends billions on unrelated projects, port and to taxpayers. Voting for this
funding child slave labor. No, you did from a San Francisco rail line to fam- rule is a slap in the face to taxpayers,
not hear that wrong. In fact, this is the ily planning; and a whopping $3.5 bil- and I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this rule.
fifth time the Democrats have blocked lion for The Global Fund, forcing Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
this type of amendment from me. What American taxpayers to pick up 88 per- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
is the issue with being anti-child slave cent of this international fund’s ex- from California (Ms. WATERS), the dis-
labor? penditures, all while our diplomats tinguished chair of the Committee on
Like I said, I am not sure how this is can’t even get the vaccine. Financial Services.
controversial, but when faced with the My amendment would have required Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I am
binary decision to source these min- States receiving billions to commit to so grateful that we have President
erals from human rights abusers in Af- not raising taxes on their citizens. The Biden’s leadership in the White House
rica and China or source them from CDC said it would cost $25 billion to re- to tackle the ongoing pandemic. H.R.
Minnesota under the best labor stand- open America’s schools safely. Only in 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of
ards and the best environmental stand- this mismanaged government would 2021, carries out this plan and delivers
ards in the world, I will take made in things end up costing eight times more the relief that communities across this
America 150 percent of the time. than originally estimated. This is an country need so very much.
I join my constituents’ disappoint- epic fail. Critically, the bill provides more
ment in this process. This is very con- Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I than $75 billion for programs in my
cerning. yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman committee’s jurisdiction, including $20
from New York (Ms. VELÁZQUEZ), the billion for emergency rental assist-
b 2115 distinguished chair of the Committee ance, $5 billion for 70,000 new housing
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I on Small Business. vouchers, $10 billion in homeowner as-
yield 1 minute to the distinguished Ms. VELÁZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, sistance, $10 billion to boost emergency
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), half a million lives lost, over 400,000 medical equipment production, $10 bil-
the chair of the Committee on Edu- small businesses closed for good, 700,000 lion for small businesses, and $15 bil-
cation and Labor. new unemployment claims filed last lion for airline workers.
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam week, 54 million are food insecure. This I am so pleased that we are increas-
Speaker, I rise in support of the legis- is a crisis the scope of which none of us ing the stimulus payments from $600 to
lation because there are many reasons have seen in our lifetimes in this coun- $2,000 for each of our constituents. I am
to vote for the American Rescue Plan. try. a happy camper tonight. This is what
If you want to ensure that schools The Federal Government has a re- America needs.
can reopen safely and make up for lost sponsibility to show up for the Amer- Republicans ought to be a part of
time in the classroom, vote for the bill. ican people, and that is exactly what this; but if they are not, then we are
If you want to provide relief for insti- President Joe Biden is doing, to assure going without them.
tutions of higher education and their them that their struggles aren’t theirs With hunger growing and millions
students, vote for the bill. alone, that this relief is coming, and out of work and at risk of eviction or
If you want to save our childcare sys- we will get through this together. foreclosure, America needs this bill
tem from collapse, vote for the bill. As chairwoman of the House Small passed into law. Vote ‘‘yes’’ on this
If you want to protect workers Business Committee, I am proud this bill.
against the virus and increase their bill includes $50 billion to get our small Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I
wages, vote for this bill. businesses back on their feet. We are yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
If you want to maintain access to af- providing targeted assistance for those from Arizona (Mrs. LESKO), a valuable
fordable healthcare for workers who hardest hit, including grants for small member of the Energy and Commerce
have lost their jobs, vote for the bill. entertainment businesses, cultural in-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
Committee.
If you want to prevent more than a stitutions, and independent res- Mrs. LESKO. Madam Speaker, I rise
million retirees from losing their hard- taurants, plus an additional $15 billion in opposition to the rule.
earned pensions, vote for this bill. for EIDL advances, and more for PPP. Only 9 percent of the underlying bill
Finally, if you want to keep children Let’s pass this rule and let’s move for- goes to combating COVID–19 through
and families from going hungry, pre- ward. public health spending. The other 91
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H769
percent is a partisan wish list being now. This American Rescue Plan Act Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, we
pushed by my colleagues on the other will crush the virus, return children have a choice tonight. Our American
side of the aisle. Union pensions, blue safely to school, support vaccinations, children are hungry, the recovery is
State bailouts, Planned Parenthood, put dollars in families’ pockets, and stalling, and a million new people file
and even a bridge and a tunnel. That is put people back to work. The plan will for unemployment every week.
what most of this bill is about, not mount a national vaccination program We can do our jobs, pass a national
COVID–19 relief. that sets up community vaccination vaccination plan, safely reopen our
We need targeted, tailored relief that sites nationwide. schools, send relief checks to those in
actually helps the American people, In the Virgin Islands, the loss of need, support the unemployed, and pro-
not this $2 trillion boondoggle. cruise ships, along with air travel tour- tect American jobs. Or we can let them
Madam Speaker, I urge my col- ists, have cut the heart of our econ- fend for themselves and slowly scratch
leagues to oppose the rule and the un- omy, causing loss of jobs, closure of their way back to health at great
derlying bill. businesses, and lost revenues for gov- human cost.
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I ernment operations. I choose relief, recovery, and
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Additionally, we have yet to under- progress.
New York (Mr. SUOZZI). stand the long-term impact the pan- Madam Speaker, my first job: In 1966,
Mr. SUOZZI. Madam Speaker, this demic will have on our children. In the $1.25 an hour, minimum wage.
pandemic has been cruelly uneven. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, our Sixteen times this Congress has cho-
Some people remain unscathed. Wall children are already overwhelmed and sen to increase the minimum wage, and
Street is booming, online retailers are severely compromised due to facilities every time there was a CBO score or a
surging, some work remotely with and the school year loss that they had chamber of commerce or a conserv-
their incomes intact, and some fami- from the 2017 hurricanes. ative economist who talked about the
lies remain healthy. Yet 17 percent of Lastly, I am proud to note provisions shrinkage of low-wage jobs. But if we
Americans go to food banks every in this bill for the U.S. territories that were persuaded by this job-loss mirage,
week. One in six people can’t pay their I have been fighting for. This plan cre- we would never raise the minimum
rent. Some people are enduring a long ates equality in the child tax credit wage. And I refuse to believe that this
winter in sub-zero temperatures, un- and earned income tax credit. is American exceptionalism.
able to pay their heating bill. Twenty- Madam Speaker, I urge my col-
five percent of the people who make b 2130
leagues to please support this bill.
under $40,000 a year are now unem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I
ployed. State and local governments time of the gentlewoman has expired. yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
crippled, businesses and restaurants Ms. PLASKETT. And for my col- Lubbock, Texas (Mr. ARRINGTON).
closed. Worst of all, we all know people leagues on the other side who have to Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker,
who have gotten sick and died. give divisive platitudes and non- there is an old country saying: You can
This legislation is not a blue State support, you are welcome. put all the perfume and lipstick you
bailout or liberal handout, it is how we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- want on a pig, and it is still pork, and
address the suffering that has crippled bers are reminded to heed the gavel. it still stinks.
our country, it is how we move forward Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I H.R. 1319 is filled to the brim with
and beat this pandemic. yield 1 minute to the gentleman from bad policies and partisan priorities
We have this great and awesome re- Virginia (Mr. CLINE). that is disguised as ‘‘COVID relief.’’
sponsibility, this great and awesome Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, we all This bill: Pays people more to be on
honor to try to help people facing some want to beat this virus, but you can’t unemployment than to go to work.
of the most desperate times they have beat a COVID pandemic with 91 percent Slaps small businesses with job-kill-
ever faced. Let’s pass this comprehen- pork barrel spending in the bill. Only 9 ing wage mandates.
sive plan. Let’s move our country for- percent of the funding in this bill is Gives a $350 billion windfall to States
ward, and let’s do it together. going to COVID programs. who were mismanaged and broke before
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I $1,400 checks at what cost? $13,000 per COVID.
yield 1 minute to the gentleman from taxpayer? Hands a blank check to union bosses
Florida (Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN). If we have any additional relief we and greedy corporate executives who
Mr. C. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. need to pass for addressing COVID, it ran their pensions into the ground and
Madam Speaker, I rise in strong oppo- must be targeted, temporary, and tied stuck taxpayers with the tab.
sition to the rule and to H.R. 1319. to the pandemic. It rewards temper tantrums from
We do need targeted relief for those What is not targeted? teacher unions by doling out billions of
hurt by this pandemic, but this is bad $350 billion in State and local bail- dollars to schools who refuse to open
legislation. Republicans introduced outs that reward States that continue their doors to their students.
over 250 amendments to this nearly $2 to shut down their economies. This bill is chock full of bad policies,
trillion bill, and Democrats only ulti- What is not temporary? barriers to recovery, and bailouts ga-
mately accepted one. That is not unity. A $1.5 million bridge to Canada or lore.
This is merely socialism in sheep’s $112 million for an underground subway Madam Speaker, let’s open the coun-
clothing, redistribution of wealth to Silicon Valley. try up, get our kids back into the
through cash payouts to many who What is not tied to COVID? classroom, and get America back to
have had no financial impact whatso- $86 billion to bail out the multiem- work.
ever from COVID. It is also redistribu- ployer pension plans that were poorly Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
tion of wealth from future generations managed in Democrat-run States be- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman
who will be stuck with the tab. fore the pandemic even started, $50 from Texas (Ms. JOHNSON), the distin-
The CBO predicts our economy will million in taxpayer dollars for abortion guished chair of the Committee on
grow by 3.7 percent this year without on demand. Science, Space and Technology.
any further congressional action. With This liberal wish list masquerading Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam
over $1 trillion in unspent funds from as COVID relief will cripple our econ- Speaker, I rise in strong support of the
previous packages, we can’t afford to omy, harm our ability to reopen our American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and
jeopardize our children’s future with Nation, and burden our children and in strong support of this rule.
this socialist spending spree. I urge a grandchildren with unsustainable lev- Madam Speaker, when the COVID–19
‘‘no’’ vote. els of debt. pandemic hit our shores a year ago, re-
searchers across the Nation and across
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Madam Speaker, I strongly oppose
yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman this spending package, and I urge my many fields of science and engineering
from the U.S. Virgin Islands (Ms. colleagues to do the same. jumped into action. The Nation’s
PLASKETT). Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I STEM talent redirected brainpower
Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, yield 1 minute to the gentleman from and resources to combatting the pan-
the time for bold and decisive action is Virginia (Mr. BEYER). demic. And thanks in large part to
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H770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
these efforts, we now have some posi- policies that will hurt job creation, and food, clean water, basic medical care.
tive news about our fight against in the words of Larry Summers—who is Additionally, it provides COVID-re-
COVID. no Republican—is a ‘‘step into the un- lated relief for vulnerable refugees who
However, important scientific work known.’’ are already vulnerable.
remains to be done in this effort. The Madam Speaker, what the American Madam Speaker, this provision would
Committee on Science, Space, and people need is for us to put partisan- also provide flexible funding for eco-
Technology’s provisions included in ship aside and identify targeted fund- nomic support to help ensure that even
this package direct funding through ing prior to spending $2 trillion of tax- more need isn’t created as a result of
the National Science Foundation and payer dollars only weeks after this the economic impacts of COVID, which
the National Institute of Standards body enacted another nearly $1 trillion, are already severe.
and Technology for vital research re- much of which has yet to be spent. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, may
lated to prevention, response, and re- Madam Speaker, this is why the I inquire as to how much time is re-
covery from COVID–19. Problem Solvers Caucus came together maining.
Madam Speaker, I thank my col- earlier this year to identify, in a bipar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
leagues across the House for their work tisan way, the still outstanding fund- tleman from Texas has 5 minutes re-
on this important rescue package, and ing that is needed to defeat the virus. maining. The gentleman from Massa-
I urge its adoption. The bipartisan agreement is the basis chusetts has 8 minutes remaining.
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I for the legislation we will bring up if Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I re-
yield myself such time as I may con- we defeat the previous question here serve the balance of my time.
sume. before us. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
Madam Speaker, if we defeat the pre- My friend TOM REED’s bill, the Crush yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
vious question, Republicans will amend the Virus Act, will provide more than California (Mr. GOMEZ).
the rule to strike the consideration of $160 billion in targeted aid, including: Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, we
the Pelosi payoff bill, and instead, con- $11.5 billion for manufacturing and pro- don’t have any time to waste. By the
sider H.R. 1371, the Crush the Virus duction of vaccines; $35 billion for the time I am done with this 1-minute
Act, introduced by Representative TOM Provider Relief Fund; and $5 billion for speech, roughly 10 people in L.A. Coun-
REED, which is attached, and will pro- the use of the Defense Production Act. ty, home to my district, will have test-
vide over $160 billion to expand the ad- This proposal will speed up vaccine ed positive for COVID–19. And in an-
ministration of vaccines and provide distribution and administration in a other 5 minutes, someone in my county
direct relief for the coronavirus. timely manner and supports our brave will die of COVID–19.
Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous frontline healthcare workers. And while I am sure our healthcare
consent to insert the text of the I thank Mr. REED for his leadership heroes and frontline workers appre-
amendment in the record along with as co-chair of the Problem Solvers Cau- ciate our thanks, words alone are not
extraneous material immediately prior cus and for pushing this proposal. enough.
to the vote on the previous question. Madam Speaker, let me make a final Our gratitude needs to be expressed
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there point and a broader appeal to my col- with funding and resources. Our appre-
objection to the request of the gen- leagues on the other side of the aisle. ciation needs to be in the form of bene-
tleman from Texas? The American people sent to Wash- fits and assistance.
There was no objection. Our Black and Brown communities,
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I ington the slimmest House majority in
quite some time and an evenly split those being disproportionately im-
yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Senate. The message they sent was pacted by this pandemic, aren’t going
Ohio (Mr. GONZALEZ), who is here to ex-
clear: It was not that you have some to get through this crisis with plati-
plain the amendment.
Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio. Madam broad mandate to jam down a bunch of tudes. They need action. They need ac-
Speaker, I thank Mr. BURGESS for his progressive policies, it was that they cess to vaccines, money in their pock-
leadership. want us to actually work together, to ets to pay their bills, help getting their
Madam Speaker, if we defeat the pre- come together and solve the problems kids back in the classrooms, and sup-
vious question, we will call up H.R. in a bipartisan way. I think the mes- port putting food on their tables.
1371, the Crush the Virus Act of 2021, sage was clear. And the more the ma- Madam Speaker, that is why I am
introduced by my good friend, Mr. TOM jority ignores it, the shorter their ma- going to vote to pass the American
REED. jority will be. Rescue Plan, and I encourage my col-
This is legislation that is based off of Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I leagues to do the same.
the Problem Solvers Caucus-endorsed yield 1 minute to the gentleman from This is our chance to stop the spread
framework for additional funding in New York (Mr. MEEKS), the distin- of this virus, rebuild our economy, and
order to defeat the virus by making guished chair of the Committee on For- give every American, regardless of
further investments into testing, vac- eign Affairs. their background or ZIP Code, the op-
cine distribution, PPE, and utilizing Mr. MEEKS. Madam Speaker, as portunity to turn the page on this dark
the Defense Production Act. chair of the House Committee on For- chapter of our country’s history and
In other words, this is a targeted so- eign Affairs, I speak in strong support come out stronger in the end.
lution that can garner bipartisan sup- of the international provisions of the Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I re-
port—unlike what we are doing today— American Rescue package. With a total serve the balance of my time.
and show the American people that we of $10 billion, this is a relatively small Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I
are committed to working together to yet critical investment in fighting yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
defeat the virus. COVID and its effects around the California (Mr. PANETTA).
To date, while Congress may have world. Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker,
struggled at times to deliver timely re- Pandemics do not respect inter- after one long year of this pandemic,
sults, we have come together each time national borders. To control this pan- many of my constituents are anxious.
to pass needed legislation to help small demic, we need to mitigate its global And, yeah, they are angry. Their
businesses, hospitals, and Americans spread. This provision puts global health has been harmed, their busi-
impacted by the virus. This is the way health front and center, supporting ef- nesses have been shut down, and they
Congress is supposed to work. But in- forts to relieve overburdened health are absolutely frustrated waiting for
stead, House Democrats have embarked systems and medical workers and help their vaccines. They are not happy
upon a purely partisan approach, push- governments develop and distribute with our ex-President’s response, and
vaccines. they are not pleased with the local re-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
ing aside Republican lawmakers, like
myself, who actually want to find com- To address the humanitarian crises sponse. That is why now, more than
mon ground. that have been exacerbated by this ever, we in Congress need to continue
And for what? pandemic, this provision will provide our response to COVID–19.
A nearly $2 trillion bill that is not funding for the most immediate life- Madam Speaker, in the past year, we
targeted for the coronavirus, includes saving assistance, including shelter, passed five bipartisan bills that kept
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H771
the economy afloat and the poverty CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the distin- lican friends try to nickel-and-dime
rate flat. That is why on this night guished chair of the Committee on our response, they should talk to an
with this pandemic raging this year we Oversight and Reform. economist. If they did, they would dis-
must support this rule, which will put Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New cover what will happen if we don’t pass
shots in arms, checks in pockets, kids York. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong this package now.
in schools, food on tables, strike teams support of this bill and of the 1.4 mil- We could end up with 4 million fewer
in nursing homes, keep police and fire- lion first responders, teachers, transit jobs this year. That is according to
fighters on our street, keep pensions workers, sanitation workers, and other Moody’s.
secure, and provide vaccines for essen- public servants already laid off from It will take another 4 years of suf-
tial workers, including my farm- State and local governments across fering before the GDP returns to its
workers on the Central Coast of Cali- this Nation. We must act before more prepandemic levels. That is according
fornia, so that they can do their job for people lose their jobs, and before more to the nonpartisan CBO.
their families and for our food security. lifesaving programs are cut. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen
Madam Speaker, let’s do our job to- Madam Speaker, the State and local said: ‘‘The smartest thing we can do is
night for our constituents and for this funding included in this package will to act big. In the long run, the benefits
country and pass the American Rescue provide many local governments dedi- will far outweigh the costs.’’
Act. cated support for the first time since Mark Zandi, former adviser to John
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I this pandemic struck. It can be used to McCain, said: ‘‘You don’t need a text-
yield myself 2 minutes. administer vaccines, increase testing, book to know this is when you push on
Madam Speaker, I recognize the crit- and save countless jobs by replacing the fiscal accelerator.’’
ical work that was done by the Con- lost revenue. Now, let’s be clear what we cannot
gressional Doctors Caucus on this ef- For New York City, which last month afford. We cannot afford more delay
fort. The thesis was that we are going projected a $10.5 billion loss in ex- tactics, another lapse in unemploy-
to crush the coronavirus. pected tax revenue, this money would ment assistance, or another moment of
You think that you would want to in- mean it can continue to provide vac- inaction. This plan is what our econ-
volve the people who left the world of cines and food assistance and reopen omy needs, and it is what America
healthcare providing to come and serve schools safely. Hundreds of local offi- needs, bold, urgent action.
in the people’s House. cials told us the relief in this bill will So, let’s pass this rule and the under-
Unfortunately, those amendments lying legislation, and let’s let the Sen-
mean recovery instead of recession and
that were thoughtfully introduced were ate do its job and send this bill to the
cannot come fast enough. Taken to-
rejected at the Committee on Rules. President’s desk without delay. This
We had amendments, such as allow- gether, this could be the light this—
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time historic crisis deserves a historic re-
ing the FDA to use real-world evidence sponse. The American people are
in their evaluation of the emergency of the gentlewoman has expired.
The Chair would again remind all counting on us.
use authorization that is currently Listening to the Republicans debate
pending. Members to heed the gavel.
on the floor and in the Rules Com-
We were going to reduce the Med- Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I am
mittee has been a disappointing experi-
icaid payment error rate, which seemed prepared to close, and I yield myself
ence. Barely, barely a word of empathy
like a good idea. the balance of my time.
or compassion for those who are suf-
Medicaid home- and community- Madam Speaker, in closing, it doesn’t
fering or for those who are struggling.
based services, substance use disorder look like this bill is going to open our
What we have heard are delay tac-
treatment, and mental health services economy. It is not going to open our
tics. What we have heard are distor-
were to be expanded. schools. It is not going to provide tar-
tions. What we have heard is divisive
The public health workforce allowing geted relief to those who need it most.
talk.
for loan repayment was rejected. I am willing to talk about nutritional My friends talk about bailouts. This
An amendment providing for assistance, but what I am not willing is not a bailout. It is a rescue package.
coronavirus testing at the southern to talk about is a gilded underground My friends are out of touch with the
border—we know we have got a prob- railway under Silicon Valley. American people.
lem with increased people coming Madam Speaker, this is one of the People are struggling. People right
across the southern border without au- most expensive bills in the history of now are trying to figure out how they
thorization. President Biden has indi- the people’s House. And it doesn’t are going to put food on the table to
cated that he is welcoming that, but as prioritize the immediate needs of the feed their families. Here on the House
a consequence, we need to be certain American people. Rather than work for floor, what we hear is indifference,
that we are protecting Americans from the American people, Democrats are what we hear is distraction.
the introduction of the coronavirus. working for their own future 2 years The good news is this. We are going
This was a measure to allow for in- from now. I think that is unacceptable. to pass this bill today. This is a big
creased testing on the southern border, Look, I recognize that President deal. We are going to send it over to
but we couldn’t accept that. Biden has worked hard to make vac- the United States Senate, and we have
Hyde protections, you have heard cines more available, but the very vac- a Senate that is not going to put this
many people talk about that. That was cines he’s making available are the in the trash can. It is going to debate
rejected at the Committee on Rules, ones that President Trump worked so it and vote on it, and then we are going
with a variety of amendments. hard to get developed and into produc- to send it to the President.
Dr. Miller-Meeks had an amendment tion. The good news to the American peo-
to allow for the standardized testing to b 2145 ple is: Help is on the way. We promised
go on in classrooms this next year, not you that we would step up to the plate
using it to reduce payments to schools Let’s acknowledge success where it
and that we would respond appro-
that don’t measure up but using it as a has occurred. I am going to urge a
priately to this crisis, and that is what
diagnostic test. Let’s find out how far ‘‘no’’ vote on the previous question so
we are going to do.
behind some of our classrooms are. we can offer the amendment. I am Madam Speaker, I urge all of my col-
All of these were thoughtful amend- going to urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the rule, leagues, Democrats and Republicans,
ments introduced by the GOP Doctors a ‘‘no’’ vote on the underlying meas- to support this rule and to support this
Caucus. Unfortunately, all were re- ures. package.
jected. You would think if you wanted Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- The material previously referred to
ance of my time.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
to crush the coronavirus, you would by Mr. BURGESS is as follows:
ask your doctor. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, we AMENDMENT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 166
Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- are in the midst of a pandemic, the Strike all after the resolving clause and in-
ance of my time. likes of which we haven’t seen in 100 sert the following:
Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield 1 minute to years. It is catastrophic in every way SEC. 1. That immediately upon adoption of
the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. imaginable. To hear some of my Repub- this resolution, the House shall resolve into
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H772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 26, 2021
the Committee of the Whole House on the Lamb Neguse Sewell Steel Timmons Weber (TX)
state of the Union for consideration of the Langevin Newman Sherman Stefanik Turner Webster (FL)
bill (H.R. 1371) making supplemental appro- Larsen (WA) Norcross Sherrill Steil Upton Wenstrup
Larson (CT) O’Halleran Sires Steube Valadao Westerman
priations for the fiscal year ending Sep- Lawrence Ocasio-Cortez Slotkin Stewart Van Drew Williams (TX)
tember 30, 2021, providing coronavirus emer- Lawson (FL) Omar Smith (WA) Stivers Van Duyne Wilson (SC)
gency response and relief, and for other pur- Lee (CA) Pallone Soto Taylor Wagner Wittman
poses. The first reading of the bill shall be Lee (NV) Panetta Spanberger Tenney Walberg Womack
dispensed with. All points of order against Leger Fernandez Pappas Speier Thompson (PA) Walorski Young
consideration of the bill are waived. General Levin (CA) Pascrell Stanton Tiffany Waltz Zeldin
debate shall be confined to the bill and shall Levin (MI) Payne Stevens
Lieu Perlmutter Strickland NOT VOTING—9
not exceed one hour equally divided and con- Lofgren Peters Suozzi Bilirakis Fulcher McClain
trolled by the chair and ranking minority Lowenthal Phillips Takano Bost Gallego Rogers (KY)
member of the Committee on Appropria- Luria Pingree Thompson (CA) Buck Horsford Swalwell
tions. After general debate the bill shall be Lynch Pocan Thompson (MS)
considered for amendment under the five- Malinowski Porter Titus PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES
minute rule. All points of order against pro- Maloney, Pressley Tlaib Mr. ROY (during the vote). Madam
visions in the bill are waived. When the com- Carolyn B. Price (NC) Tonko
Maloney, Sean Quigley Torres (CA)
Speaker, I have a parliamentary in-
mittee rises and reports the bill back to the Manning Raskin Torres (NY) quiry.
House with a recommendation that the bill Matsui Rice (NY) Trahan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
do pass, the previous question shall be con- McBath Ross Trone tleman will state his parliamentary in-
sidered as ordered on the bill and amend- McCollum Roybal-Allard Underwood
ments thereto to final passage without inter- McEachin Ruiz Vargas quiry.
vening motion except one motion to recom- McGovern Ruppersberger Veasey Mr. ROY. Does the rule regarding
mit. If the Committee of the Whole rises and McNerney Rush Vela proxy voting require a form be sub-
Meeks Ryan Velázquez
reports that it has come to no resolution on Meng Sánchez Wasserman
mitted and signed by Members of this
the bill, then on the next legislative day the Mfume Sarbanes Schultz body that they have a pandemic- or
House shall, immediately after the third Moore (WI) Scanlon Waters COVID-related reason for being unable
daily order of business under clause 1 of rule Morelle Schakowsky Watson Coleman to be physically present?
XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Moulton Schiff Welch
Mrvan Schneider Wexton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Whole for further consideration of the bill.
SEC. 2. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not Murphy (FL) Schrader Wild Chair would advise the gentleman that
Nadler Schrier Williams (GA) regulation A of the proxy voting regu-
apply to the consideration of H.R. 1371. Napolitano Scott (VA) Wilson (FL)
lations issued pursuant to section 3(s)
Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I Neal Scott, David Yarmuth
of House Resolution 8 requires any let-
yield back the balance of my time, and
NAYS—205 ter authorizing proxy voting to contain
I move the previous question on the
Aderholt Franklin, C. Long an affirmative statement that because
resolution.
Allen Scott Loudermilk of the public health emergency the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Amodei Gaetz Lucas Member is unable to physically attend
question is on ordering the previous Armstrong Gallagher Luetkemeyer
proceedings in the House Chamber.
question. Arrington Garbarino Mace
Babin Garcia (CA) Malliotakis Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I have a
The question was taken; and the Bacon Gibbs Mann parliamentary inquiry.
Speaker pro tempore announced that Baird Gimenez Massie The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
the ayes appeared to have it. Balderson Gohmert Mast
Banks Gonzales, Tony McCarthy tleman will state his parliamentary in-
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, on Gonzalez (OH) McCaul quiry.
Barr
that I demand the yeas and nays. Bentz Good (VA) McClintock Mr. ROY. Would the Chair consider it
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bergman Gooden (TX) McHenry
a violation of the rule for a Member to
Gosar McKinley
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Bice (OK)
Granger Meijer be present physically here in the
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Biggs
Bishop (NC) Graves (LA) Meuser Chamber and on the same day vote by
The vote was taken by electronic de- Boebert Graves (MO) Miller (IL) proxy having submitted said letter?
vice, and there were—yeas 217, nays Green (TN) Miller (WV)
Brady The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
Greene (GA) Miller-Meeks
205, not voting 9, as follows: Brooks
Griffith Moolenaar Chair does not look behind a Member’s
Buchanan
[Roll No. 46] Bucshon
Grothman Mooney submission of a letter under section
Guest Moore (AL)
YEAS—217 Budd
Guthrie Moore (UT)
3(s) of House Resolution 8.
Burchett Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I have a
Adams Clyburn Garcia (TX) Hagedorn Mullin
Burgess
Aguilar Cohen Golden
Calvert
Harris Murphy (NC) parliamentary inquiry.
Allred Connolly Gomez Harshbarger Nehls
Cammack
Hartzler
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Auchincloss Cooper Gonzalez, Newhouse
Axne Correa Vicente
Carl
Hern Norman tleman will state his parliamentary in-
Carter (GA)
Barragán Costa Gottheimer Herrell Nunes quiry.
Bass Courtney Green, Al (TX) Carter (TX) Herrera Beutler Obernolte
Cawthorn Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, does the
Beatty Craig Grijalva Hice (GA) Owens
Bera Crist Haaland Chabot Higgins (LA) Palazzo
Constitution of the United States re-
Beyer Crow Harder (CA) Cheney Hill Palmer quire a quorum to be present for votes
Cline
Bishop (GA) Cuellar Hastings
Cloud
Hinson Pence on the House floor?
Blumenauer Davids (KS) Hayes Hollingsworth Perry
Clyde Hudson
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Blunt Rochester Davis, Danny K. Higgins (NY) Pfluger
Bonamici Dean Himes Cole Huizenga Posey tleman is not stating a proper par-
Bourdeaux DeFazio Houlahan Comer Issa Reed liamentary inquiry. The Chair does not
Bowman DeGette Hoyer Crawford Jackson Reschenthaler
Crenshaw
interpret the constitutionality of a
Boyle, Brendan DeLauro Huffman Jacobs (NY) Rice (SC)
F. DelBene Jackson Lee Curtis Johnson (LA) Rodgers (WA)
proposition adopted by the House.
Brown Delgado Jacobs (CA) Davidson Johnson (OH) Rogers (AL)
Brownley Demings Jayapal Davis, Rodney Johnson (SD) Rose b 2233
Bush DeSaulnier Jeffries DesJarlais Jordan Rosendale
Bustos Deutch Johnson (GA) Diaz-Balart Joyce (OH) Rouzer Mr. PALMER changed his vote from
Butterfield Dingell Johnson (TX) Donalds Joyce (PA) Roy ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’
Carbajal Doggett Jones Duncan Katko Rutherford
Dunn Ms. SÁNCHEZ and Mrs. MURPHY of
Cárdenas Doyle, Michael Kahele Keller Salazar
Carson F. Kaptur Emmer Kelly (MS) Scalise Florida changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’
Cartwright Escobar Keating Estes Kelly (PA) Schweikert to ‘‘yea.’’
Case Eshoo Kelly (IL) Fallon Kim (CA) Scott, Austin So the previous question was ordered.
Casten Espaillat Khanna Feenstra Kinzinger Sessions
The result of the vote was announced
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
Castor (FL) Evans Kildee Ferguson Kustoff Simpson
Castro (TX) Fletcher Kilmer Fischbach LaHood Smith (MO) as above recorded.
Chu Foster Kim (NJ) Fitzgerald LaMalfa Smith (NE) Stated for:
Cicilline Frankel, Lois Kind Fitzpatrick Lamborn Smith (NJ)
Fleischmann
Mr. SWALWELL. Madam Speaker, had I
Clark (MA) Fudge Kirkpatrick Latta Smucker
Clarke (NY) Garamendi Krishnamoorthi Fortenberry LaTurner Spartz been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on
Cleaver Garcı́a (IL) Kuster Foxx Lesko Stauber rollcall No. 46.
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February 26, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H773
MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Kuster Neguse Sherman Simpson Taylor Waltz
RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS Lamb Newman Sherrill Smith (MO) Tenney Weber (TX)
Langevin Norcross Sires Smith (NE) Thompson (PA) Webster (FL)
Allred (Davids Green (TN) Moulton Larsen (WA) O’Halleran Slotkin Smith (NJ) Tiffany Wenstrup
(KS)) (Timmons) (Trahan) Larson (CT) Ocasio-Cortez Smucker Timmons
Smith (WA) Westerman
Amodei Green, Al (TX) Mullin (Lucas) Lawrence Omar Spartz Turner
Soto Williams (TX)
(Balderson) (Perlmutter) Napolitano Lawson (FL) Pallone Stauber Upton
Spanberger Wilson (SC)
Banks (Walorski) Grijalva (Garcı́a (Correa) Lee (CA) Panetta Steel Valadao
Speier Wittman
Boebert (IL)) Norman (Rice Lee (NV) Pappas Stefanik Van Drew
Stanton Womack
(McHenry) Hastings (SC)) Leger Fernandez Pascrell Steil Van Duyne
(Cleaver) Stevens Young
Bowman (Clark Nunes (Garcia Levin (CA) Payne Strickland Steube Wagner
(MA)) Hern (Lucas) Stewart Zeldin
(CA)) Levin (MI) Perlmutter Suozzi Walberg
Brown (Mfume) Himes Lieu Peters Stivers Walorski
Palazzo Swalwell
Buchanan (Courtney) Lofgren Phillips
Issa (Valadao) (Fleischmann) Takano NOT VOTING—2
(Donalds) Payne (Pallone) Lowenthal Pingree Thompson (CA)
Budd (McHenry) Jackson (Nehls) Luria Pocan Bost Gallego
Jackson Lee Pingree (Kuster) Thompson (MS)
Calvert (Garcia Lynch Porter
(CA))
(Butterfield) Porter (Wexton)
Malinowski Pressley
Titus b 2318
Kelly (IL) Reed (Arrington) Tlaib
Cárdenas Maloney, Price (NC)
(Kuster) Rodgers (WA)
Carolyn B. Quigley
Tonko Mr. MCKINLEY changed his vote
(Gomez) Torres (CA)
Carter (TX)
Kelly (PA) (Herrera
Maloney, Sean Raskin from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’
(Keller) Beutler) Torres (NY)
(Nehls) Manning Rice (NY)
Trahan
So the resolution was agreed to.
Kirkpatrick Roybal-Allard Matsui Ross
Cawthorn
(Stanton) (Bass) Trone The result of the vote was announced
(McHenry) McBath Roybal-Allard
Krishnamoorthi Ruiz (Aguilar) McCollum Ruiz Underwood as above recorded.
DeSaulnier
(Matsui)
(Clark (MA)) Rush McEachin Ruppersberger Vargas A motion to reconsider was laid on
LaHood (Smith (Underwood) McGovern Rush Veasey the table.
DesJarlais (NE)) Vela
(Fleischmann) Steube McNerney Ryan
Langevin Velázquez MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE
Deutch (Rice (Franklin, C. Meeks Sánchez
(Lynch) Meng Sarbanes Wasserman RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS
(NY)) Scott)
Lawson (FL) Stewart (Curtis) Mfume Scanlon Schultz Allred (Davids Green (TN) Moulton
Fletcher (Kuster) (Evans) Waters
Vargas (Correa) Moore (WI) Schakowsky (KS)) (Timmons) (Trahan)
Frankel, Lois Lieu (Beyer) Watson Coleman
Vela (Gomez) Morelle Schiff Amodei Green, Al (TX) Mullin (Lucas)
(Clark (MA)) Lofgren (Jeffries) Welch
Waltz (Donalds) Moulton Schneider (Balderson) (Perlmutter) Napolitano
Gaetz (Franklin, Long (Wagner) Wexton
Wasserman Mrvan Schrader Banks (Walorski) Grijalva (Garcı́a (Correa)
C. Scott) Lowenthal Murphy (FL) Schrier Wild Boebert (IL)) Norman (Rice
Garcia (TX) (Beyer) Schultz (Soto)
Nadler Scott (VA) Williams (GA) (McHenry) Hastings (SC))
(Escobar) McNerney Watson Coleman
Napolitano Scott, David Wilson (FL) Bowman (Clark (Cleaver)
Gibbs (Bucshon) (Eshoo) (Pallone) Nunes (Garcia
Neal Sewell Yarmuth (MA)) Hern (Lucas)
Gonzalez, Meng (Clark Wilson (FL) (CA))
Brown (Mfume) Himes
Vincente (MA)) (Hayes) Palazzo
NAYS—210 Buchanan (Courtney)
(Gomez) Moore (WI) Young Issa (Valadao) (Fleischmann)
Gosar (Herrell) (Beyer) (Malliotakis) Aderholt Fortenberry Lamborn (Donalds) Payne (Pallone)
Budd (McHenry) Jackson (Nehls)
Allen Foxx Latta Jackson Lee Pingree (Kuster)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Amodei Franklin, C. LaTurner Calvert (Garcia Porter (Wexton)
(Butterfield)
question is on the resolution. Armstrong Scott Lesko (CA)) Reed (Arrington)
Kelly (IL)
Arrington Fulcher Long Cárdenas Rodgers (WA)
The question was taken; and the Babin Gaetz Loudermilk (Gomez)
(Kuster)
Kelly (PA) (Herrera
Speaker pro tempore announced that Bacon Gallagher Lucas Carter (TX)
(Keller) Beutler)
the ayes appeared to have it. Baird Garbarino Luetkemeyer (Nehls)
Kirkpatrick Roybal-Allard
Balderson Garcia (CA) Mace Cawthorn
Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, on (McHenry)
(Stanton) (Bass)
Banks Gibbs Malliotakis Krishnamoorthi
that I demand the yeas and nays. Barr Gimenez Mann DeSaulnier
Ruiz (Aguilar)
(Clark (MA)) Rush
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bentz Gohmert Massie (Matsui) LaHood (Smith (Underwood)
ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Bergman Gonzales, Tony Mast DesJarlais (NE))
Bice (OK) Gonzalez (OH) McCarthy (Fleischmann) Steube
8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Langevin (Franklin, C.
Biggs Good (VA) McCaul Deutch (Rice (Lynch)
The vote was taken by electronic de- Bilirakis Gooden (TX) McClain (NY)) Scott)
Lawson (FL) Stewart (Curtis)
vice, and there were—yeas 219, nays Bishop (NC) Gosar McClintock Fletcher (Kuster) (Evans)
Boebert Granger McHenry Frankel, Lois Vargas (Correa)
210, not voting 2, as follows: Brady Graves (LA) McKinley
Lieu (Beyer)
Vela (Gomez)
(Clark (MA)) Lofgren (Jeffries)
[Roll No. 47] Brooks Graves (MO) Meijer Gaetz (Franklin, Long (Wagner) Waltz (Donalds)
Buchanan Green (TN) Meuser C. Scott) Lowenthal Wasserman
YEAS—219 Buck Greene (GA) Miller (IL) Garcia (TX) (Beyer) Schultz (Soto)
Adams Clyburn Garcia (TX) Bucshon Griffith Miller (WV) (Escobar) McNerney Watson Coleman
Aguilar Cohen Golden Budd Grothman Miller-Meeks Gibbs (Bucshon) (Eshoo) (Pallone)
Allred Connolly Gomez Burchett Guest Moolenaar Gonzalez, Meng (Clark Wilson (FL)
Auchincloss Cooper Gonzalez, Burgess Guthrie Mooney Vincente (MA)) (Hayes)
Axne Correa Vicente Calvert Hagedorn Moore (AL) (Gomez) Moore (WI) Young
Barragán Costa Gottheimer Cammack Harris Moore (UT) Gosar (Herrell) (Beyer) (Malliotakis)
Bass Courtney Green, Al (TX) Carl Harshbarger Mullin
Beatty Craig Grijalva Carter (GA) Hartzler Murphy (NC) f
Bera Crist Haaland Carter (TX) Hern Nehls
Beyer Crow Harder (CA) Cawthorn Herrell Newhouse AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF
Bishop (GA) Cuellar Hastings Chabot Herrera Beutler Norman 2021
Blumenauer Davids (KS) Hayes Cheney Hice (GA) Nunes
Blunt Rochester Davis, Danny K. Higgins (NY) Cline Higgins (LA) Obernolte The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
Bonamici Dean Himes Cloud Hill Owens CUELLAR). Pursuant to House Resolu-
Bourdeaux DeFazio Horsford Clyde Hinson Palazzo tion 166, the House will proceed to the
Bowman DeGette Houlahan Cole Hollingsworth Palmer
Boyle, Brendan DeLauro Hoyer Comer Hudson Pence
immediate consideration of the bill
F. DelBene Huffman Crawford Huizenga Perry (H.R. 1319) to provide for reconciliation
Brown Delgado Jackson Lee Crenshaw Issa Pfluger pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 5.
Brownley Demings Jacobs (CA) Curtis Jackson Posey The Clerk read the title of the bill.
Bush DeSaulnier Jayapal Davidson Jacobs (NY) Reed
Bustos Deutch Jeffries Davis, Rodney Johnson (LA) Reschenthaler
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu-
Butterfield Dingell Johnson (GA) DesJarlais Johnson (OH) Rice (SC) ant to House Resolution 166, an amend-
Carbajal Doggett Johnson (TX) Diaz-Balart Johnson (SD) Rodgers (WA) ment printed in House Report 117–8 is
Cárdenas Doyle, Michael Jones Donalds Jordan Rogers (AL) adopted and the bill, as amended, is
Carson F. Kahele Duncan Joyce (OH) Rogers (KY)
Cartwright Escobar Kaptur Dunn Joyce (PA) Rose considered read.
Case Eshoo Keating Emmer Katko Rosendale The text of the bill, as amended, is as
Casten Espaillat Kelly (IL) Estes Keller Rouzer follows:
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with House
Castor (FL) Evans Khanna Fallon Kelly (MS) Roy
Castro (TX) Fletcher Kildee Feenstra Kelly (PA) Rutherford H.R. 1319
Chu Foster Kilmer Ferguson Kim (CA) Salazar f
Cicilline Frankel, Lois Kim (NJ) Fischbach Kinzinger Scalise
Clark (MA) Fudge Kind Fitzgerald Kustoff Schweikert Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
Clarke (NY) Garamendi Kirkpatrick Fitzpatrick LaHood Scott, Austin resentatives of the United States of America in
Cleaver Garcı́a (IL) Krishnamoorthi Fleischmann LaMalfa Sessions Congress assembled,
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