Nomination of Xavier Becerra (Cong. Rec., March 17, 2021)
Summary
This is S1581 of the Congressional Record, Senate, March 17, 2021, with interleaved columns. A Senator from Michigan, whose name is not printed in the text read, pays tribute to a departing staff member who guided the office through crises including the Flint water crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic and helped enact 10 bills into law. Under the heading Nomination of Xavier Becerra, another speaker supports his nomination to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, saying COVID-19 has killed over a half a million people and that uninsured rates, drug prices, and health care costs have skyrocketed, with the views and figures attributed to the speakers.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Nomination of Xavier Becerra (Cong. Rec., March 17, 2021).”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-03-17-crec-2021-03-17-pt1-pgs1581-2-e804897005/
, SHA-256 340c36efaf9d5ff24b3231b7cacd715ffa6f8da48551398719dd67dac07c1a5d.Full text
March 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1581
sure that we were on the leading edge the private sector. But I am grateful after a year of this pandemic ravaging
of issues critical to Michigan. for what you have built, and I know our Nation, the challenges that lie
He has guided my office through that it will endure—a culture of team- ahead of us, especially when it comes
countless high-profile events and cri- work, hard work, productivity, and a to healthcare, are numerous; they are
ses: the great recession and auto crisis, commitment to what is best for enormous; and they are absolutely ur-
the Flint water crisis, several govern- Michiganders. gent.
ment shutdowns, the COVID–19 pan- Eric, Colleen and I know that you The uninsured rate, the drug prices,
demic, the January 6 attack on the have devoted countless hours to a job and healthcare costs have all sky-
U.S. Capitol, and two impeachment that you love while balancing the two rocketed. Confidence in our public
trials. Through it all, Eric has provided most important roles in your life: health agencies have plummeted. Al-
stability and focus—a focus on working being a loving husband and a father. I ready painful health inequities have
in a bipartisan manner to pass impor- have been proud to watch you celebrate grown deeper. And this pandemic has
tant legislation and to make progress many of life’s milestones over the absolutely devastated communities
for Michigan and for our entire coun- years, including the birth of your two and pushed our healthcare system to
try. beloved sons, and I will certainly never the brink.
Last week, I was humbled to be rec- forget your eldest son Avi’s birthday COVID–19 has killed over a half a
ognized by the Center for Effective on November 4, 2014, the day million people, and that number con-
Lawmaking as the most effective Sen- Michiganders elected me to the U.S. tinues to rise. When it comes to the
ator in the 116th Congress. Recognition Senate. hard work ahead to not only end this
of this sort does not happen without Eric, Colleen and I wish you much pandemic but rebuild a stronger and
having an incredible team. Eric played success, and we hope you enjoy this fairer country, it is clear we need an
a critical role in helping me enact 10 next chapter with Dena, Avi, and experienced leader at the Department
bills into law—the most of any Senator Ethan. Know that Colleen and I will al- of Health and Human Services. It is
from either party over the last 2 years. ways be thankful beyond measure for clear we don’t have a second to waste,
And I know that Eric will tell you, your service and for your leadership and it is clear Attorney General
without a doubt, that there is no ‘‘I’’ in and that you will forever be part of Becerra is the right pick for this job.
team. As a leader, Eric has focused on Team PETERS. His track record shows he has the
hiring talented staff, both in DC and I yield the floor. convictions and the qualifications for
across Michigan, staff that humbly, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the task at hand. As a Member of Con-
selflessly, and effectively serve the ator from South Dakota. gress for over two decades, he has prov-
people of Michigan each and every day. Mr. THUNE. Madam President, I ask en himself a skilled legislator who un-
With Eric’s laser focus on what is best unanimous consent that I be able to derstands healthcare policy. As attor-
for Michigan, together with our team, complete my remarks before the vote. ney general of one of the Nation’s larg-
we have secured record funding to pro- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without est justice departments, he has proven
tect the Great Lakes, worked to in- objection, it is so ordered. himself as a leader capable of heading
crease security at our Nation’s borders, (The remarks of Mr. THUNE per- a complex Department like HHS. And
expanded apprenticeships and skills taining to the introduction of S. 797 are throughout all of his work, he has
training, saved taxpayer dollars, and printed in today’s RECORD under proven himself as a champion for pa-
made the Federal Government more ef- ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and tients and public health.
ficient, all the while standing up for Joint Resolutions.’’) In Congress, he worked to help more
Michigan workers, including those Mr. THUNE. I yield the floor. people get quality, affordable
working in our auto industry. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- healthcare by passing the Children’s
Eric is always on the leading edge, ator from Washington. Health Insurance Program and the Af-
and he has distinguished himself Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I fordable Care Act. In California, he has
through his work with Michigan’s auto ask unanimous consent to complete my fought in court to defend the Afford-
manufacturers and automotive stake- remarks before the vote is called. able Care Act and time and time again
holders. In particular, Eric has helped The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without has gone to court to fight for patients,
drive policy efforts focused on innova- objection, it is so ordered. like when he won a $70 million settle-
tion and emerging technologies so that Mrs. MURRAY. And for the informa- ment from pharmaceutical companies
in the near future, self-driving vehicles tion of the Senators, I will speak for for blocking cheaper generic drugs
will not only be safely deployed and about 7 minutes. from market, when he won a settle-
save thousands of lives on our high- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Thank ment from opioid manufacturers be-
ways but also be developed and built in you. hind the addiction crisis and joined a
Michigan and in the United States, cre- GEORGIA SHOOTING bipartisan investigation into whether
ating good-paying jobs for the next Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I opioids were unlawfully marketed,
generation of workers. would like to start by taking a mo- when he sued e-cigarette companies
At every step of the way, through all ment to address the awful violence we from marketing tobacco products to
of his hard work, Eric has carried him- saw in Georgia yesterday. children and led a bipartisan effort
self with his characteristic enthusiasm Everyone, especially elected officials, with the Republican attorney general
and passion. It is only fitting, as an needs to not just speak out but to act of Nebraska to protect kids from to-
alum of the University of Michigan and against this deadly display of hate. bacco imagery, or when he worked to
a fervent—very fervent—Wolverine fan, To the victims and their families and investigate companies and hold them
he has, and I quote, an ‘‘enthusiasm to the Asian-American and Pacific-Is- accountable for putting workers at risk
unknown to mankind.’’ Whether it is lander community in Washington State by failing to follow COVID–19 safety
policy, politics, casework, or an issue and nationwide, my heart is with you measures.
important to constituents, there is no not just today but going forward. I will Attorney General Becerra has also
doubt that Eric approaches it with continue sending a strong message that worked to acknowledge and address
keen interest and with high energy and hate against you must stop, and I will issues driving inequities in healthcare.
that he will think through every single keep working to ensure your safety in As leader of California’s Department of
possible angle. light of the terrible surge in hate Justice, he fought in court against the
But Eric has been much more than crimes we have seen in our State and Trump administration rule that under-
across the country.
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
just a chief aide. Colleen and I feel in- mined care for the LGBTQ community,
credibly fortunate not only for all that NOMINATION OF XAVIER BECERRA against the administration’s constant
Eric has done to lead my office and de- Now, Madam President, I rise today efforts to undermine reproductive
liver for the people of Michigan; we to voice my strong support for Attor- healthcare and against its blatant dis-
count on him as a confidant and a dear ney General Becerra to serve as Sec- regard for the well-being of migrant
friend. retary of Health and Human Services. children.
Eric, you will be missed dearly as After 4 years of attacks on families’ Attorney General Becerra also estab-
you depart for your next endeavor in healthcare from President Trump, lished a new Bureau of Disability
VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:08 Mar 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.051 S17MRPT1
S1582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 17, 2021
Rights at his department, as well as a children with suitable sponsors quickly Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask
new office focused on environmental and safely. unanimous consent that the motion to
justice, including how pollution and We have our work cut out for us, but reconsider be considered made and laid
public health hazards disproportion- in Attorney General Becerra, we have a upon the table and the President be im-
ately hurt communities of color. Secretary of Health who is up to the mediately notified of the Senate’s ac-
Overall, his record tells a story that job. He has the support not only of tion.
is clear, compelling, and persuasive. He Democrats but of Republicans, as the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
has fought against pharmaceutical Republican attorneys general of both objection, it is so ordered.
companies, opioid manufacturers, to- Louisiana and Tennessee have spoken f
bacco companies and polluters and for highly of their experiences working
more affordable, quality healthcare for with him. CLOTURE MOTION
every patient. I urge every Senator who wants the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant
I have no doubt as Secretary that he Biden-Harris administration to succeed to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the
will put special interests on notice and at ending this pandemic quickly, keep- Senate the pending cloture motion,
put patients and public health first and ing our families safe, and ensuring ev- which the clerk will state.
put science, data, and experts back in eryone can get quality affordable The legislative clerk read as follows:
the driver’s seat. And he would also healthcare to join me in voting to con-
CLOTURE MOTION
bring an important perspective to this firm him.
role as a first-generation college stu- Thank you. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord-
I yield the floor. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the
dent and the first Latino Secretary of Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby
Health and Human Services. VOTE ON TAI NOMINATION
move to bring to a close debate on the nomi-
He is exactly the kind of leader we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The nation of Executive Calendar No. 37, Xavier
need to make sure we make good on question is, Will the Senate advise and Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of
the promise of the historic investments consent to the Tai nomination? Health and Human Services.
we made in the American Rescue Plan Mrs. MURRAY. I ask for the yeas and Charles E. Schumer, Chris Van Hollen,
to end this pandemic—investments to nays. Michael F. Bennet, Jack Reed, Tammy
rapidly scale up testing and tracing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Duckworth, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jeff
sufficient second? Merkley, Christopher A. Coons, Rich-
and sequencing so we can identify new
There appears to be a sufficient sec- ard Blumenthal, Patrick J. Leahy,
strains of COVID and slow the spread; Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, Brian
investments to quickly and equitably ond.
Schatz, Ron Wyden, Robert Menendez,
get vaccines into arms, an effort that The clerk will call the roll.
Richard J. Durbin, Martin Heinrich,
requires not just making vaccines The legislative clerk called the roll.
Maria Cantwell.
(Mr. KELLY assumed the Chair.)
available but breaking down barriers to (Ms. CORTEZ MASTO assumed the The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan-
access, promoting vaccine confidence, Chair.) imous consent, the mandatory quorum
fighting misinformation, and engaging Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the call has been waived.
community partners; investments to Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) and The question is, Is it the sense of the
build our public health infrastructure the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- Senate that debate on the nomination
and recruit and train 100,000 public ERS) are necessarily absent. of Xavier Becerra, of California, to be
healthcare workers. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Secretary of Health and Human Serv-
He will also be a valuable partner to HICKENLOOPER). Are there any other ices, shall be brought to a close?
Congress as we work to address chal- Senators in the Chamber desiring to The yeas and nays are mandatory
lenges that predate this pandemic but vote? under the rule.
have been made all the more urgent, The result was announced—yeas 98, The clerk will call the roll.
like rooting out systemic racism and nays 0, as follows: The senior assistant legislative clerk
addressing inequities in our healthcare [Rollcall Vote No. 123 Ex.] called the roll.
system, which have made this pan- YEAS—98 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the
demic so much more damaging and Senator from Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) is
Baldwin Grassley Peters
deadly for communities of color; like Barrasso Hagerty Portman necessarily absent.
addressing the mental healthcare cri- Bennet Hassan Reed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there
sis, which the trauma of this pandemic Blackburn Hawley Risch
Blumenthal Heinrich Romney
any other Senators in the Chamber de-
has made so much worse; like fighting Blunt Hickenlooper siring to vote?
Rosen
the opioid epidemic, a crisis which was Booker Hoeven Rounds The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 50,
deadlier than ever this past year; and Boozman Hyde-Smith Rubio nays 49, as follows:
like expanding access to quality afford- Braun Inhofe Sasse
Brown Johnson Schatz [Rollcall Vote No. 124 Ex.]
able childcare, which has become more Burr Kaine Schumer YEAS—50
difficult for families to get during this Cantwell Kelly
Scott (FL)
pandemic. Capito Kennedy Baldwin Heinrich Reed
Scott (SC) Bennet Hickenlooper
Cardin King Rosen
When this pandemic is over, we will Shaheen Blumenthal Kaine Sanders
Carper Klobuchar
need a strong leader at the Department Casey Lankford
Shelby Booker Kelly Schatz
Sinema
to deal with the aftermath and with so Cassidy Leahy Brown King Schumer
Collins Lee Smith Cantwell Klobuchar
many other outstanding issues: bring- Stabenow
Shaheen
Coons Luján Cardin Leahy Sinema
ing down prescription drugs prices; Cornyn Lummis Sullivan Carper Luján Smith
making sure healthcare in this country Cortez Masto Manchin Tester Casey Manchin
Stabenow
Thune Collins Markey
is truly a right, not a privilege; Cotton Markey Tester
Cramer Marshall Tillis Coons Menendez
undoing 4 years of attacks on reproduc- Toomey Cortez Masto Merkley
Van Hollen
Crapo McConnell
tive rights and ensuring every woman Tuberville Duckworth Murphy Warner
Cruz Menendez
Warnock
can get reproductive healthcare, re- Daines Merkley Van Hollen Durbin Murray
Duckworth Moran Warner Feinstein Ossoff Warren
gardless of their race or income or ZIP Whitehouse
Durbin Murkowski Warnock Gillibrand Padilla
Code or disability; lowering our uncon- Ernst Murphy Warren Hassan Peters Wyden
scionably high maternal mortality Feinstein Murray Whitehouse
NAYS—49
rate; reversing the alarming trend of Fischer Ossoff Wicker
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
Gillibrand Padilla Wyden Barrasso Cotton Hagerty
rising youth tobacco use; and ensuring
Graham Paul Young Blackburn Cramer Hawley
the Office of Refugee Resettlement is Blunt Crapo Hoeven
upholding its welfare mission by NOT VOTING—2 Boozman Cruz Hyde-Smith
prioritizing the well-being of every Hirono Sanders Braun Daines Inhofe
Burr Ernst Johnson
child in its care, ensuring they are The nomination was confirmed. Capito Fischer Kennedy
treated with decency and humanity The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Cassidy Graham Lankford
and kindness; and working to place ator from Oregon. Cornyn Grassley Lee
VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:44 Mar 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MR6.053 S17MRPT1
File and source
- File
- CREC_crec-2021-03-17_crec-2021-03-17-pt1-pgs1581-2.pdf
- Size
- 229,598 bytes
- SHA-256
- 340c36efaf9d5ff24b3231b7cacd715ffa6f8da48551398719dd67dac07c1a5d
- Original
- www.govinfo.gov