Presidential Address to a Joint Session of Congress, April 28, 2021 — Congressional Record, Senate
Summary
Page S2287 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for April 28, 2021, with a correction notice, from the print of the President's address to a joint session of Congress and other items. In the address text the speaker says he is one day shy of his 100th day in office and reports that America is on the move again, which is his statement. Mr. Wicker pays tribute to Brian Cuccias, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. The page also lists Postal Service Governor nominations, including Amber Faye McReynolds, and bills S. 1407 from Mr. Markey and Mr. Blumenthal on early warning reporting and S. 1417 from Mr. Cruz and Mr. Rubio on a Venezuela fund.
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“Presidential Address to a Joint Session of Congress, April 28, 2021 — Congressional Record, Senate.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-04-28-crec-2021-04-28-pt1-pgs2287-3-9d394859d1/
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April 28, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE CORRECTION S2287
mentally controlled facilities to pro- Tonight, I come to talk about crisis—
TRIBUTE TO BRIAN CUCCIAS
tect workers from the elements—again and opportunity. About rebuilding our
∑ Mr. WICKER. Madam President, prioritizing the health of the Ingalls Nation—and revitalizing our democ-
today I honor a visionary leader whose workforce. racy. And winning the future. For
years at the helm of Ingalls Ship- Always active in his community, Mr. America.
building have left a profound impact on Cuccias served on the executive com- As I stand here tonight—just one day
the State of Mississippi and on the na- mittee and board of directors for the shy of the 100th day of my Administra-
tional security posture of the United Mississippi Gulf Coast Business Coun- tion. 100 days since I took the oath of
States. I have had the pleasure of asso- cil, as well as on the boards of directors office—lifted my hand off our family
ciating with Mr. Brian Cuccias both for the Mississippi Economic Council, Bible—and inherited a nation in crisis.
personally and professionally over the Mississippi Partnership for Eco- The worst pandemic in a century. The
many years. nomic Development, the Jackson worst economic crisis since the Great
As president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, County Economic Development Foun- Depression. The worst attack on our
Mr. Cuccias led the largest manufac- dation, and the Salvation Army of Mo- democracy since the Civil War.
turing employer in Mississippi. Lo- bile, AL. In 2018, he was honored as one Now—after just 100 days I can report
cated near Brian’s hometown of Biloxi, of the Top CEOs in Mississippi by the to the Nation: AMERICA IS ON THE
the Pascagoula shipyard sits on 800 Mississippi Business Journal. MOVE AGAIN.
acres of land along the Pascagoula I want to express my deep gratitude Turning peril into possibility. Crisis
River. With 11,500 employees, Ingalls is and appreciation to Brian Cuccias for into opportunity. Setback into
the largest supplier of U.S. Navy sur- strength. Life can knock us down. But
his outstanding leadership in Mis-
face combatants and has built nearly 70 in America—we never stay down. In
sissippi and for his unwavering support
percent of the current fleet of Navy America—we always get up.
for the missions of the U.S. Navy. As And today—that’s what we’re doing:
warships. he departs Ingalls for retirement, I
Mr. Cuccias began his career at America is rising anew.
wish him and his family ‘‘fair winds Choosing hope over fear. Truth over
Ingalls in 1979. when he joined Litton and following seas.’’∑
Data Systems, which was then a major lies. Light over darkness.
f After 100 days of rescue and renewal,
division of Litton Industries, then
owner of what is today Ingalls Ship- America is ready for takeoff.
MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT We are working again. Dreaming
yard. He served as a financial analyst Messages from the President of the again. Discovering again. Leading the
for several Navy programs, including United States were communicated to world again.
amphibious assault ships and Spruance the Senate by Ms. Roberts, one of his We have shown each other—and the
and Kidd-class destroyers. Since then, secretaries. world: There is no quit in America.
he has held a number of positions of in- 100 days ago, America’s house was on
creasing responsibility, including as- f
fire. We had to act.
sistant to the group vice president of EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED And thanks to the extraordinary
Avondale industries; sector vice presi- leadership of Speaker PELOSI and Ma-
In executive session the Presiding Of-
dent for material for Northrop Grum- jority Leader SCHUMER—
ficer laid before the Senate messages
man Ship Systems; program manger And with the overwhelming support
from the President of the United
and vice president for Northrop Grum- of the American people—Democrats,
States submitting sundry nominations
man’s DDG 1000 program; and vice Independents, and Republicans—we did
which were referred to the appropriate
president for surface combatants for act.
committees. Together—we passed the American
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.
(The messages received today are Rescue Plan. One of the most con-
Mr. Cuccias left his mark on both the
printed at the end of the Senate pro- sequential rescue packages in Amer-
shipbuilding industry and Navy surface
ceedings.) ican history.
combatant programs. Universally rec-
ognized for his superb leadership, busi- f We’re already seeing the results.
ness acumen, and commitment to mar- After I promised 100 million COVID–
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE
itime security, his 2014 appointment as 19 vaccine shots in 100 days—we will
president of Ingalls Shipbuilding came have provided over 220 million COVID
as no surprise to those of us who knew ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT DE- shots in 100 days. We’re marshalling
him. During his tenure, Ingalls has LIVERED TO A JOINT SESSION every Federal resource. We’ve gotten
continued to set the standard for ship- OF CONGRESS ON APRIL 28, 2021— the vaccine to nearly 40,000 pharmacies
building excellence, delivering five na- PM 8 and over 700 community health cen-
tional security cutters to the Coast ters.
The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- We’re setting up community vaccina-
Guard, along with two America-class
fore the Senate the following message tion sites and are deploying mobile
amphibious assault ships and two San
from the President of the United units into hard-to-reach areas.
Antonio-class amphibious transport
States which was which was ordered to Today, 90% of Americans now live
docks to the Navy. Additionally, Mr.
lie on the table: within 5 miles of a vaccination site.
Cuccias oversaw the reactivation of the
Everyone—over the age of 16—every-
Arleigh Burke-class production line, de- To the Congress of the United States:
one—is now eligible and can get vac-
livering four guided missile destroyers Madam Speaker. Madam Vice Presi-
cinated right away.
to the Navy after a 5-year hiatus. As he dent. No President has ever said those So, get vaccinated now.
departs, he leaves the shipyard in per- words from this podium, and it’s about When I was sworn in, less than 1% of
haps its strongest position ever, with 13 time. The First Lady. The Second Gen- seniors were fully vaccinated against
ships in various stages of production. tleman. Mr. Chief Justice. Members of COVID–19.
Mr. Cuccias has left an indelible im- the United States Congress and the 100 days later, nearly 70% of seniors
pact on the Ingalls workforce. He Cabinet. My fellow Americans. are fully protected.
spearheaded numerous investments in While the setting tonight is familiar,
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Senior deaths from COVID–19 are
the health and safety of shipyard em- this gathering is very different—a re- down 80% since January. Down 80%.
ployees and their families. In 2015, minder of the extraordinary times we And, more than half of all adults in
Ingalls dedicated a Family Health Cen- are in. America have gotten at least one shot.
ter in Gautier, MS a full-service health Throughout our history, Presidents At a mass vaccination center in
care facility for employees, depend- have come to this chamber to speak to Glendale, Arizona, I asked a nurse
ents, and retirees covered by the ship- the Congress, to the Nation, and to the what it’s like. She looked and said
yard’s health care plans. As part of a world. every shot feels like a dose of hope.
$600 million 4-year upgrade to build the To declare war. To celebrate peace. A dose of hope for the educator in
Shipyard of the Future, he supervised To announce new plans and possibili- Florida who has a child who suffers
the installation of covered, environ- ties. from an auto-immune disease. She
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S2288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2021
wrote to me that she was worried about The International Monetary Fund is care they need for their family, their
bringing the virus home. When she got now estimating our economy will grow children.
vaccinated, she sat in her car and just at a rate of more than 6% this year. 800,000 families are on a Medicaid
cried. Cried out of joy, Cried out of re- That will be the fastest pace of eco- waiting list right now to get homecare
lief. nomic growth in this country in nearly for their aging parent or loved one with
Parents are seeing smiles on their four decades. a disability.
kids’ faces—as they go back to school— America is moving. Moving forward. This plan will help these families and
because teachers and school bus driv- And we can’t stop now. create jobs for our caregivers with bet-
ers, cafeteria workers have been vac- We’re in a competition with China ter wages and better benefits.
cinated. and other countries to win the 21st For too long, we have failed to use
Grandparents—hugging their chil- Century. the most important word when it
dren and grandchildren instead of We have to do more than just build comes to meeting the climate crisis.
pressing their hands against a window back. We have to build back better. Jobs. Jobs. For me, when I think about
to say goodbye. It means everything to Throughout our history, public in- climate change, I think jobs.
both of them. vestments and infrastructure have The American Jobs Plan will put en-
There’s still more work to do—to transformed America. gineers and construction workers to
beat this virus. We can’t let our guard The transcontinental railroad and work building more energy efficient
down now. interstate highways united two oceans buildings and homes.
But tonight—I can say because of and brought us into a totally new age Electrical workers—installing 500,000
you—the American people—our of progress. charging stations along our highways.
progress these past 100 days against Universal public school and college Farmers planting cover crops, so
one of the worst pandemics in history aid opened wide the doors of oppor- they can reduce carbon dioxide in the
is one of the greatest logistical tunity. air and get paid for doing it.
achievements our country has ever Scientific breakthroughs took us to There’s no reason the blades for wind
seen. the Moon and now to Mars, discovered turbines—can’t be built in Pittsburgh
What else have we done these first vaccines, and gave us the Internet and instead of Beijing. No reason why
100 days? so much more. American workers can’t lead the world
We kept our commitment and we are These are the investments we make in the production of electric vehicles
sending $1,400 rescue checks to 85% of together, as one country, and that only and batteries.
all American households. government can make. The American Jobs Plan will create
We’ve already sent more than 160 Time and again—they propel us into millions of good paying jobs—jobs
million checks out the door. the future. Americans can raise their families on.
It’s making a difference. And all the investments in the Amer-
That’s why I proposed the American
For many people, it’s making all the ican Jobs Plan will be guided by one
Jobs Plan—a once-in-a-generation in-
difference in the world. principle: ‘‘Buy American.’’
vestment in America itself. The largest
A single mom in Texas wrote to me. American tax dollars are going to be
jobs plan since World War II.
She said when she couldn’t work—this used to buy American products made in
It creates jobs to upgrade our trans-
relief check put food on the table and America that create American jobs.
portation infrastructure. Jobs modern-
saved her and her son from eviction. The way it should be.
izing roads, bridges and highways. Jobs Now, I know some of you at home are
A grandmother in Virginia told me
building ports and airports, rail cor- wondering whether these jobs are for
she immediately took her grand-
ridors and transit lines. you. You feel left behind and forgotten
daughter to the eye doctor—something
It’s clean water. in an economy that’s rapidly changing.
she put off for months because she Today—up to 10 million homes—and
didn’t have the money. Let me speak directly to you.
more than 400,000 schools and child Independent experts estimate the
One of the defining images of this cri-
care centers—have pipes with lead in American Jobs Plan will add millions
sis—has been cars lined up for miles—
them, including for drinking water. of jobs and trillions of dollars in eco-
waiting for a box of food to be put in
A clear and present danger to our nomic growth for years to come. These
the trunk.
children’s health. are good-paying jobs that can’t be
Did you ever think you’d see that in
The American Jobs Plan creates jobs outsourced.
America?
That’s why the American Rescue replacing 100% of the Nation’s lead Nearly 90% of the infrastructure jobs
Plan is delivering food and nutrition pipes and service lines—so every Amer- created in the American Jobs Plan do
assistance to millions of Americans ican—so every child—can turn on the not require a college degree. 75% do not
facing hunger—and hunger is down faucet and be certain to drink clean require an associate’s degree.
sharply already. water. The American Jobs Plan is a blue-
We’re also providing: Rental assist- It creates jobs connecting every collar blueprint to build America. And,
ance to keep people from being evicted American with high-speed internet, in- it recognizes something I’ve always
from their homes. cluding 35% of rural Americans who said. Wall Street didn’t build this coun-
Providing loans to keep small busi- still don’t have it. try. The middle class built this coun-
nesses open and their employees on the This will help our kids and businesses try. And unions build the middle class.
job. succeed in a 21st Century economy. And that’s why I’m calling on Con-
During these 100 days an additional And I am asking the Vice President to gress to pass the Protecting the Right
800,000 Americans enrolled in the Af- help lead this effort. to Organize Act—the PRO Act—and
fordable Care Act because I established It creates jobs by building a modern send it to my desk to support the right
a special sign up period to do that. power grid. Our grids are vulnerable to to unionize.
We’re making one of the largest one- storms, hacks, and catastrophic fail- By the way, let’s also pass the $15
time investments EVER in improving ures—with tragic results as we saw in minimum wage. No one should work 40
health care for veterans. Texas and elsewhere during winter hours a week and still live below the
Critical investments to address the storms. poverty line.
opioid crisis. The American Jobs Plan will create And we need to ensure greater equity
And, maybe most importantly— jobs to lay thousands of miles of trans- and opportunity for women. Let’s get
mission lines needed to build a resil-
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thanks to the American Rescue Plan— the Paycheck Fairness Act to my desk
we are on track to cut child poverty in ient and fully clean grid. for equal pay. It’s long past time.
America in half this year. The American Jobs Plan will help Finally, the American Jobs Plan will
In the process the economy created millions of people get back to their be the biggest increase in non-defense
more than 1.3 million new jobs in 100 jobs and their careers. research and development on record.
days. 2 million women have dropped out of We will see more technological
More new jobs in the first 100 days— the workforce during this pandemic— change in the next 10 years than we
than any President on record. too often because they couldn’t get the saw in the last 50 years.
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April 28, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2289
And we’re falling behind in that com- leges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, can do it without increasing deficits.
petition. and Minority-Serving Institutions. Let’s start with what I will not do. I
Decades ago, we used to invest 2% of Jill is a community college professor will not impose any tax increases on
our GDP on research and development. who teaches today as First Lady. She people making less than $400,000 a year.
Today, we spend less than 1%. China has long said any country that out-edu- It’s time for corporate America and
and other countries are closing in fast. cates us is going to outcompete us—
We have to develop and dominate the the wealthiest 1% of Americans to pay
and she’ll be leading this effort. their fair share. Just pay their fair
products and technologies of the fu- Second, the American Families plan
ture—advanced batteries, bio- share.
will provide access to quality, afford-
technology, computer chips, and clean able child care. We guarantee that low- A recent study shows that 55 of the
energy. The Defense Department has to middle-income families will pay no nation’s biggest corporations paid zero
an agency called DARPA—the Defense more than 7% of their income for high- in Federal income tax last year. No
Advanced Research Projects Agency— quality care for children up to the age Federal taxes on more than $40 billion
that’s there to develop breakthroughs of 5. The most hard-pressed working in profits. A lot of companies evade
to enhance our national security— families won’t have to spend a dime. taxes through tax havens from Switzer-
which led to the internet and GPS and Third, the American Families Plan land to Bermuda to the Cayman Is-
so much more. will finally provide up to 12 weeks of lands. And they benefit from tax loop-
The National Institutes of Health, paid family and medical leave. No one holes and deductions that allow for
the NIH, should create a similar Ad- should have to choose between a job offshoring jobs and shifting profits
vanced Research Projects Agency—for and paycheck or taking care of them- overseas. That’s not right. We’re going
Health. selves and a loved one—a parent, to reform corporate taxes so they pay
To develop breakthroughs to prevent, spouse, or child. their fair—share and help pay for the
detect, and treat diseases like Alz- And fourth, the American Families public investments their businesses
heimer’s, diabetes, and cancer. Plan puts money directly into the will benefit from.
This is personal to so many of us. I pockets of millions of families. In And, we’re going to reward work, not
can think of no more worthy invest- March we expanded a tax credit for wealth. We take the top tax bracket for
ment. And I know of nothing that is every child in a family. Up to a $3,000 the wealthiest 1% of Americans—those
more bipartisan. Child Tax Credit for children over 6 making $400,000 or more—back up to
Let’s end cancer as we know it. It’s —and $3,600 for children under 6. With 39.6%. That’s where it was when George
within our power. two parents, two kids, that’s up to
Investments in jobs and infrastruc- W. Bush became President.
$7,200 in your pocket to help take care
ture like the ones we’re talking about We’re going to get rid of the loop-
of your family. This will help more
have often had bipartisan support. holes that allow Americans who make
than 65 million children and help cut
Vice President HARRIS and I meet more than $1 million a year pay a
child poverty in half this year. To-
regularly in the Oval Office with Demo- lower rate on their capital gains than
gether, let’s extend the Child Tax Cred-
crats and Republicans to discuss the working Americans pay on their work.
it at least through the end of 2025.
American Jobs Plan. The American Rescue Plan lowered This will only affect three tenths of 1%
And I applaud a group of Republican health care premiums for 9 million of all Americans.
Senators who just put forward their Americans who buy their coverage And the IRS will crack down on mil-
proposal. under the Affordable Care Act. Let’s lionaires and billionaires who cheat on
So, let’s get to work. We welcome their taxes. That’s estimated to be bil-
make that provision permanent so
ideas. But, the rest of the world isn’t lions of dollars.
their premiums don’t go back up.
waiting for us. Doing nothing is not an In addition to my Families Plan, I
option. Look, I’m not out to punish anyone.
will work with Congress to address— But I will NOT add to the tax burden of
We can’t be so busy competing with
this year—other critical priorities for the middle class of this country.
each other that we forget the competi-
America’s families. They’re already paying enough. What
tion is with the rest of the world to win
The Affordable Care Act has been a I’ve proposed is fair. It’s fiscally re-
the 21st Century.
lifeline for millions of Americans—pro- sponsible. It raises the revenue to pay
To win that competition for the fu-
tecting people with pre-existing condi- for the plans I’ve proposed that will
ture, we also need to make a once-in-a-
tions, protecting women’s health. And create millions of jobs and grow the
generation investment in our fami-
the pandemic has demonstrated how economy.
lies—in our children.
That’s why I’m introducing the badly it is needed. Let’s lower
deductibles for working families on the When you hear someone say that
American Families Plan tonight, which they don’t want to raise taxes on the
addresses four of the biggest challenges Affordable Care Act.
And let’s lower prescription drug wealthiest 1% and on corporate Amer-
facing American families today. ica ask them: whose taxes are you
First, access to a good education. costs. We all know how outrageously
expensive they are. In fact, we pay the going to raise instead, and whose are
When this Nation made 12 years of you going to cut?
public education universal in the last highest prescription drug prices in the
century, it made us the best-educated world right here in America—nearly Look at the big tax cut in 2017. It was
and best-prepared nation in the world. three times as much as other coun- supposed to pay for itself and generate
But the world is catching up. They tries. We can change that. vast economic growth. Instead it added
are not waiting. Let’s do what we’ve always talked $2 trillion to the deficit. It was a huge
12 years is no longer enough today to about. Let’s give Medicare the power to windfall for corporate America and
compete in the 21st Century. save hundreds of billions of dollars by those at the very top.
That’s why the American Families negotiating lower prices for prescrip- Instead of using the tax savings to
Plan guarantees four additional years tion drugs. That won’t just help people raise wages and invest in research and
of public education for every person in on Medicare—it will lower prescription development, it poured billions of dol-
America—starting as early as we can. drug costs for everyone. The money we lars into the pockets of CEOs. In fact,
We add two years of universal high- save can go to strengthen the Afford- the pay gap between CEOs and their
quality pre-school for every 3- and 4- able Care Act—expand Medicare cov- workers is now among the largest in
year-old in America. erage and benefits without costing tax- history.
The research shows that when a payers one additional penny. We’ve
According to one study, CEOs make
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young child goes to school—not day talked about it long enough—Demo-
care—they are far more likely to grad- crats and Republicans. Let’s get it 320 times what their average workers
uate from high school and go on to col- done this year. make. The pandemic has only made
lege. This is all about a simple premise: things worse. 20 million Americans lost
And then we add two years of free Health care should be a right, not a their jobs in the pandemic—working
community college. privilege in America. and middle-class Americans.
And we will increase Pell Grants and So how do we pay for my Jobs and At the same time, the roughly 650
investment in Historically Black Col- Family Plans? I’ve made clear that we billionaires in America saw their net
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S2290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2021
worth increase by more than $1 tril- tion and that we are not looking for But make no mistake—the terrorist
lion. conflict. threat has evolved beyond Afghanistan
Let me say that again. But I made absolutely clear that I since 2001 and we will remain vigilant
Just 650 people increased their will defend American interests across against threats to the United States,
wealth by more than $1 trillion during the board. wherever they come from.
this pandemic. America will stand up to unfair trade Al Qaeda and ISIS are in Yemen,
They are now worth more than $4 practices that undercut American Syria, Somalia, and other places in Af-
trillion. workers and industries, like subsidies rica and the Middle East and beyond.
My fellow Americans, trickle-down for state-owned enterprises and the And, we won’t ignore what our own
economics has never worked. theft of American technologies and in- intelligence agencies have deter-
It’s time to grow the economy from tellectual property. mined—the most lethal terrorist threat
the bottom up and middle-out. I also told President Xi that we will to the homeland today is from white
A broad consensus of economists— maintain a strong military presence in supremacist terrorism.
left, right, center—agree that what I’m the Indo-Pacific just as we do with And my fellow Americans, we must
proposing will help create millions of NATO in Europe not to start conflict— come together to heal the soul of this
jobs and generate historic economic but to prevent conflict. Nation.
growth. These are among the highest And, I told him what I’ve said to It was nearly a year ago before her
value investments we can make as a many world leaders—that America father’s funeral, when I spoke with
nation. won’t back away from our commitment Gianna Floyd, George Floyd’s young
I’ve often said that our greatest to human rights and fundamental free- daughter. As I knelt down to talk to
strength is the power of our example— doms. her so we could talk eye-to-eye, she
not just the example of our power. No responsible American President said to me, ‘‘Daddy changed the
And in my conversations with world can remain silent when basic human world.’’
leaders—many I’ve known for a long rights are violated. After the conviction of George
time—the comment I hear most often A President has to represent the es- Floyd’s murderer, we can see how right
is: we see that America is back—but sence of our country. she was—if we have the courage to act.
for how long? America is an idea—unique in the We have all seen the knee of injustice
My fellow Americans, we have to world. We are all created equal. It’s on the neck of Black America.
show not just that we are back, but who we are. We cannot walk away from Now is our opportunity to make real
that we are here to stay. that principle. progress.
And that we aren’t going it alone— With regard to Russia, I made very Most men and women in uniform
we’re going to be leading with our al- clear to President Putin that while we wear their badge and serve their com-
lies. don’t seek escalation, their actions munities honorably.
No one nation can deal with all the have consequences. I know them. I know they want to
I responded in a direct and propor- help meet this moment as well.
crises of our time alone—from ter-
tionate way to Russia’s interference in My fellow Americans, we have to
rorism to nuclear proliferation to mass
our elections and cyber-attacks on our come together. To rebuild trust be-
migration, cybersecurity, climate
government and businesses—and they tween law enforcement and the people
change and as we’re experiencing now,
did both of those things and I did re- they serve. To root out systemic rac-
pandemics.
There’s no wall high enough to keep spond. ism in our criminal justice system.
But we can also cooperate when it’s
any virus away. And to enact police reform in George
in our mutual interests.
As our own vaccine supply grows to As we did when we extended the New Floyd’s name that passed the House al-
meet our needs—and we are meeting START Treaty on nuclear arms—and ready.
them—we will become an arsenal of I know the Republicans have their
as we’re working to do on the climate
vaccines for other countries—just as own ideas and are engaged in produc-
crisis.
America was the arsenal of democracy On Iran and North Korea’s nuclear tive discussions with Democrats. We
in World War II. programs that present a serious threat need to work together to find a con-
The climate crisis is not our fight to America’s security and world secu- sensus. Let’s get it done next month,
alone, either. It’s a global fight. rity—we will be working closely with by the first anniversary of George
The United States accounts for less our allies to address the threats posed Floyd’s death. The country supports
than 15% of carbon emissi ons. by both of these countries through di- this reform. Congress should act.
The rest of the world accounts for plomacy and stern deterrence. We have a giant opportunity to bend
85%. And American leadership means end- to the arc of the moral universe toward
That’s why I kept my commitment ing the forever war in Afghanistan. justice. Real justice.
to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement We have the greatest fighting force And with the plans I outlined to-
on my first day in office. in the history of the world. night, we have a real chance to root
And I kept my commitment to con- And I’m the first President in 40 out systemic racism that plagues
vene a climate summit right here in years who knows what it means to American life in many other ways. A
America, with all of the major econo- have had a child serving in a warzone. chance to deliver real equity. Good jobs
mies of the world from——China and Today we have service members serv- and good schools. Affordable housing.
Russia to India and the European ing in the same war as their parents Clean air and clean water.
Union in my first 100 days. once did. Being able to generate wealth and
I wanted the world to see that there We have service members in Afghani- pass it down through generations. Real
is consensus that we are at an inflec- stan who were not yet born on 9/11. War opportunities in the lives of more
tion point in history. in Afghanistan was never meant to be Americans—Black, white, Latino,
And the consensus is if we act, we a multi-generational undertaking of Asian American, Native American.
can save the planet—and we can create nation-building. We went to Afghani- I also want to thank the Senate for
millions of jobs and economic growth stan to get the terrorists who attacked voting 94–1 to pass the COVID–19 Hate
and opportunity to raise the standard us on 9/11. We delivered justice to Crimes Act to protect Asian Americans
of living for everyone in the world. Osama Bin Laden and we degraded the and Pacific Islanders from the vicious
The investments I’ve proposed to- hate crimes we’ve seen this past year—
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
terrorist threat of al Qaeda in Afghani-
night also advance a foreign policy stan. and for too long.
that benefits the middle class. After 20 years of American valor and I urge the House to do the same and
That means making sure every na- sacrifice, it’s time to bring our troops send that legislation to my desk as
tion plays by the same rules in the home. soon as possible.
global economy, including China. Even as we do, we will maintain an I also hope Congress can get to my
In my discussion with President Xi, I over-the-horizon capability to suppress desk the Equality Act to protect the
told him that we welcome the competi- future threats to the homeland. rights of LGBTQ Americans.
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April 28, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2291
To all the transgender Americans These kinds of reasonable reforms As we gather here tonight, the im-
watching at home—especially the have the overwhelming support of the ages of a violent mob assaulting this
young people who are so brave—I want American people—including many gun Capitol—desecrating our democracy—
you to know that your President has owners. remain vivid in our minds.
your back. The country supports reform, and the Lives were put at risk. Lives were
And another thing. Let’s reauthorize Congress should act. lost. Extraordinary courage was sum-
the Violence Against Women Act, This shouldn’t be a Red vs. Blue moned.
which has been law in this country for issue. It’s an American issue. The insurrection was an existential
27 years since I first wrote it. And here’s what else we can do. crisis—a test of whether our democracy
It will close the so-called ‘‘boy- Immigration has always been essen- could survive.
friend’’ loophole to keep guns out of tial to America. Let’s end our exhaust- It did.
the hands of abusers. It’s estimated ing war over immigration. For more But the struggle is far from over. The
that more than 50 women are shot and than 30 years, politicians have talked question of whether our democracy will
killed by an intimate partner—every about immigration reform and done long endure is both ancient and urgent.
month in America. Pass it and save nothing about it. It’s time to fix it. As old as our Republic. Still vital
lives. On day one of my Presidency, I kept today. Can our democracy deliver on
And I need not tell anyone this, but my commitment and I sent a com- its promise that all of us—created
gun violence is an epidemic in Amer- prehensive immigration bill to Con- equal in the image of God—have a
ica. gress. chance to lead lives of dignity, respect,
Our flag at the White House was still If you believe we need a secure bor- and possibility?
flying at half-staff for the 8 victims of der—pass it. Can our democracy deliver on the
the mass shooting in Georgia, when 10 If you believe in a pathway to citi- most pressing needs of our people?
more lives were taken in a mass shoot- zenship—pass it. Can our democracy overcome the
ing in Colorado. If you actually want to solve the lies, anger, hate and fears that have
In the week between those mass pulled us apart?
problem—I have sent you a bill, now
shootings, more than 250 other Ameri- America’s adversaries—the autocrats
pass it.
cans were shot dead. 250 shot dead. of the world—are betting it can’t.
I know how hard it is to make We also have to get at the root of the
problem of why people are fleeing to They believe we are too full of anger
progress on this issue. and division and rage.
In the 1990s, we passed universal our southern border from Guatemala,
They look at the images of the mob
background checks and a ban on as- Honduras, El Salvador. The violence.
that assaulted this Capitol as proof
sault weapons and high-capacity maga- The corruption. The gangs. The polit-
that the sun is setting on American de-
zines that hold 100 rounds that can be ical instability. Hunger. Hurricanes.
mocracy.
fired in seconds. Earthquakes.
They are wrong.
We beat the NRA. Mass shootings and When I was Vice President, I focused
And we have to prove them wrong.
gun violence declined. on providing the help needed to address We have to prove democracy still
But in the early 2000s, that law ex- these root causes of migration. It works. That our government still
pired and we’ve seen the daily blood- helped keep people in their own coun- works—and can deliver for the people.
shed since. tries instead of being forced to leave. In our first 100 days together, we
More than two weeks ago in the Rose Our plan worked. But the last adminis- have acted to restore the people’s faith
Garden, surrounded by some of the tration shut it down. in our democracy to deliver.
bravest people I know—the survivors I’m restoring the program and asked We’re vaccinating the Nation. We’re
and families who lost loved ones to gun Vice President HARRIS to lead our dip- creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
violence—I laid out several steps the lomatic efforts. I have absolute con- We’re delivering real results people can
Department of Justice is taking to end fidence she will get the job done. see and feel in their own lives. Opening
this epidemic. Now, if Congress won’t pass my the doors of opportunity. Guaranteeing
One of them is banning so-called plan—let’s at least pass what we agree fairness and justice. That’s the essence
‘‘ghost guns.’’ They are homemade on. of America. That’s democracy in ac-
guns built from a kit that includes the Congress needs to pass legislation tion.
directions on how to finish the firearm. this year to finally secure protection Our Constitution opens with the
The parts have no serial numbers, so for the Dreamers—the young people words, ‘‘We the People’’.
when they show up at a crime scene, who have only known America as their It’s time we remembered that We the
they can’t be traced. home. People are the government. You and I.
The buyers of ghost gun kits aren’t And, permanent protections for im- Not some force in a distant capital.
required to pass a background check. migrants on temporary protected sta- Not some powerful force we have no
Anyone from a criminal to a terrorist tus who come from countries beset by control over. It’s us. It’s ‘‘We the Peo-
could buy this kit and, in as little as 30 man-made and natural made violence ple.’’
minutes, put together a lethal weapon. and disaster. In another era when our democracy
But not anymore. As well as a pathway to citizenship
I will do everything in my power to was tested, Franklin Roosevelt re-
for farmworkers who put food on our minded us—in America: we do our part.
protect the American people from this tables.
epidemic of gun violence. That’s all I’m asking. That we all do
Immigrants have done so much for our part.
But it’s time for Congress to act as
America during the pandemic—as they And if we do, then we will meet the
well.
We need more Senate Republicans to have throughout our history. The coun- central challenge of the age by proving
join with the overwhelming majority of try supports immigration reform. Con- that democracy is durable and strong.
their Democratic colleagues, and close gress should act. The autocrats will not win the fu-
loopholes and require background And if we are to truly restore the ture. America will. The future will be-
checks to purchase a gun. soul of America—we need to protect long to America.
And we need a ban on assault weap- the sacred right to vote. I stand here tonight before you in a
ons and high-capacity magazines again. More people voted in the last Presi- new and vital hour in the life of our de-
Don’t tell me it can’t be done. We’ve dential election than ever before in our mocracy and our Nation.
history—in the middle of one of the And I can say with absolute con-
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
done it before . . . and it worked.
Talk to most responsible gun owners, worst pandemics ever. That should be fidence: I have never been more con-
most hunters—they’ll tell you there’s celebrated. fident or more optimistic about Amer-
no possible justification for having 100 Instead it’s being attacked. Congress ica.
rounds—100 bullets—in a weapon. should pass H.R. 1 and the John Lewis We have stared into an abyss of in-
They will tell you that there are too Voting Rights Act and send them to surrection and autocracy—of pandemic
many people today who are able to buy my desk right away. The country sup- and pain—and ‘‘We the People’’ did not
a gun, but who shouldn’t be able to. ports it. Congress should act. flinch.
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S2292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 28, 2021
At the very moment our adversaries *Anton George Hajjar, of Maryland, to be a the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
were certain we would pull apart and Governor of the United States Postal Service Transportation.
fail. for a term expiring December 8, 2023. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr.
*Nomination was reported with rec- BLUMENTHAL, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr.
We came together. United. With light
KING, Mr. WYDEN, Ms. DUCKWORTH,
and hope, we summoned new strength ommendation that it be confirmed sub-
Ms. WARREN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr.
and new resolve. To position us to win ject to the nominee’s commitment to HOEVEN, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. CASEY, Ms.
the competition for the 21st Century. respond to requests to appear and tes- KLOBUCHAR, Ms. COLLINS, Mrs. CAP-
On our way forward to a Union more tify before any duly constituted com- ITO, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. MURPHY, Mrs.
perfect. More prosperous. More just— mittee of the Senate. SHAHEEN, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. WARNER,
As one people. One Nation. One Amer- f Mr. COTTON, Mr. SCOTT of Florida,
ica. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. THUNE, Mr.
It’s never been a good bet to bet INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND VAN HOLLEN, Ms. SINEMA, Mr.
JOINT RESOLUTIONS CARDIN, Mr. INHOFE, and Mr.
against America. And it still isn’t. We LANKFORD):
are the United States of America. The following bills and joint resolu- S. 1408. A bill to posthumously award the
There is nothing—nothing—beyond tions were introduced, read the first Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to
our capacity—nothing we can’t do—if and second times by unanimous con- Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, J. Christopher
we do it together. sent, and referred as indicated: Stevens, and Sean Smith, in recognition of
May God bless you all. By Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. their contributions to the Nation; to the
May God protect our troops. MANCHIN, Mr. RISCH, Mr. KING, and Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR. Ms. ROSEN): Affairs.
THE WHITE HOUSE, April 28, 2021. S. 1400. A bill to amend the Federal Power By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and
Act to provide energy cybersecurity invest- Mr. WHITEHOUSE):
f S. 1409. A bill to designate any alien who is
ment incentives, to establish a grant and
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER technical assistance program for cybersecu- or has been engaged in economic espionage
COMMUNICATIONS rity investments, and for other purposes; to or the misappropriation of trade secrets in-
the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- admissible and deportable; to the Committee
The following communication was on the Judiciary.
sources.
laid before the Senate, together with By Mr. BROWN (for himself and Ms. By Mr. COTTON:
accompanying papers, reports, and doc- S. 1410. A bill to codify the temporary
COLLINS):
uments, and was referred as indicated: scheduling order for fentanyl-related sub-
S. 1401. A bill to amend the Richard B. Rus-
stances by adding fentanyl-related sub-
EC–837. A communication from the Chair- sell National School Lunch Act to improve
stances to schedule I of the Controlled Sub-
man and Vice Chairman of the Senate Select nutritional and other program requirements
stances Act; to the Committee on the Judici-
Committee on Ethics, transmitting, pursu- relating to purchases of locally produced
ary.
ant to law, a notification that Senator Coons food; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu-
By Ms. ROSEN (for herself and Ms.
and Senator Lankford disqualified them- trition, and Forestry.
CORTEZ MASTO):
selves from participating in Preliminary In- By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself and Ms.
S. 1411. A bill to provide for the convey-
quiry Case Numbers 30094 and 30226; ordered MURKOWSKI):
ance of certain Federal land to Lander Coun-
to lie on the table. S. 1402. A bill to amend the Native Amer-
ty, Nevada, to designate certain wilderness
f ican Languages Act to ensure the survival
areas in Lander County, Nevada, and for
and continuing vitality of Native American
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES other purposes; to the Committee on Energy
languages, and for other purposes; to the
and Natural Resources.
The following reports of committees Committee on Indian Affairs.
By Ms. ROSEN (for herself and Ms.
were submitted: By Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Mr.
CORTEZ MASTO):
WYDEN): S. 1412. A bill to provide for the convey-
By Mr. SCHATZ, from the Committee on S. 1403. A bill to amend the Internal Rev-
Indian Affairs, without amendment: ance of certain Federal land in Carson City,
enue Code of 1986 to provide for Move Amer- Nevada, and for other purposes; to the Com-
S. 421. A bill to amend the America’s Water ica bonds and Move America credits; to the
Infrastructure Act of 2018 to expand the In- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Committee on Finance. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr.
dian reservation drinking water program, By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr.
and for other purposes (Rept. No. 117–17). BLUMENTHAL):
BLUMENTHAL, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. S. 1413. A bill to require the Secretary of
S. 559. A bill to amend the Grand Ronde
KING, Ms. WARREN, Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. Transportation to issue a final rule revising
Reservation Act, and for other purposes
CASEY, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Ms. COLLINS, motor vehicle seat back safety standards; to
(Rept. No. 117–18).
Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. COTTON, Mr. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
S. 789. A bill to repeal certain obsolete
MENENDEZ, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. LEE, Transportation.
laws relating to Indians (Rept. No. 117–19).
Mrs. FEINSTEIN, and Mrs. GILLI- By Mr. MARKEY:
f BRAND): S. 1414. A bill to provide for the establish-
EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF S. 1404. A bill to award a Congressional ment of clean technology consortia to en-
Gold Medal to the 23d Headquarters Special hance the economic, environmental, and en-
COMMITTEES
Troops and the 3133d Signal Service Com- ergy security of the United States by pro-
The following executive reports of pany in recognition of their unique and dis- moting domestic development, manufacture,
nominations were submitted: tinguished service as a ‘‘Ghost Army’’ that and deployment of clean technologies, and
By Ms. CANTWELL for the Committee on conducted deception operations in Europe for other purposes; to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation. during World War II; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
*Donet Dominic Graves, Jr., of Ohio, to be Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce. By Mr. MARKEY: WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. SANDERS,
*Bill Nelson, of Florida, to be Adminis- S. 1405. A bill to authorize the imposition and Ms. WARREN):
trator of the National Aeronautics and Space of sanctions with respect to significant ac- S. 1415. A bill to amend the Energy Policy
Administration. tions that exacerbate climate change, to re- and Conservation Act to reinstate the ban on
By Mr. PETERS for the Committee on inforce comprehensive efforts to limit global the export of crude oil and natural gas pro-
Homeland Security and Governmental Af- average temperature rise, and for other pur- duced in the United States, and for other
fairs. poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- purposes; to the Committee on Banking,
*Kiran Arjandas Ahuja, of Massachusetts, ing, and Urban Affairs. Housing, and Urban Affairs.
to be Director of the Office of Personnel By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr.
Management for a term of four years. BLUMENTHAL, and Ms. KLOBUCHAR): BLUMENTHAL, and Ms. BALDWIN):
*Ronald Stroman, of the District of Colum- S. 1406. A bill to direct the Secretary of S. 1416. A bill to amend title 49, United
bia, to be a Governor of the United States Transportation to conduct research regard- States Code, to require the Secretary of
Postal Service for a term expiring December ing and require the use of driver monitoring Transportation to establish a motor vehicle
SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE
8, 2021. systems to minimize or eliminate motor ve- recall assistance program, and for other pur-
*Ronald Stroman, of the District of Colum- hicle driver distraction; to the Committee on poses; to the Committee on Commerce,
bia, to be a Governor of the United States Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Science, and Transportation.
Postal Service for a term expiring December By Mr. MARKEY (for himself and Mr. By Mr. CRUZ (for himself and Mr.
8, 2028. BLUMENTHAL): RUBIO):
*Amber Faye McReynolds, of Colorado, to S. 1407. A bill to enhance the early warning S. 1417. A bill to establish a Venezuela Re-
be a Governor of the United States Postal reporting requirements for motor vehicle construction Fund, and for other purposes;
Service for a term expiring December 8, 2026. manufacturers, and for other purposes; to to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
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