Senate Vote on Lee Amendment No. 2255 and Wealth Gap, August 3, 2021 — Congressional Record
Summary
Page S5690 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for August 3, 2021, recording the vote on Lee amendment No. 2255 to the infrastructure bill, which was rejected on Rollcall Vote No. 295 by 20 yeas to 78 nays. One senator argues for his amendment on NEPA permitting timelines and repeal of Davis-Bacon wage requirements, while Mr. Carper and Mrs. Capito speak against it. Under the heading Wealth Gap, Mr. Sanders says the gap between the rich and everyone else is wider than in 100 years, and calls for affordable childcare and free pre-K. The page ends with S. Res. 310, a resolution on events in Cuba.
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“Senate Vote on Lee Amendment No. 2255 and Wealth Gap, August 3, 2021 — Congressional Record.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-08-03-crec-2021-08-03-pt1-pgs5690-2-0d92119c21/
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S5690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE August 3, 2021
as 20 percent, in many cases more like that I talked about yesterday would be the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr.
30 percent, and I am told, in some gone: the new bridge program—gone; INHOFE).
cases, even more than that. supplemental funding for the Appa- The result was announced—yeas 20,
Ultimately, we drive up infrastruc- lachian Development Highway Sys- nays 78, as follows:
ture costs when we make the projects tem—gone; broadband funding needed [Rollcall Vote No. 295 Leg.]
Federal. It doesn’t need to be this way, to help close the digital divide—gone. YEAS—20
because most of these are not Federal We have come too far to throw all of Barrasso Daines Lee
projects. That is why my amendment this bipartisan work away on this sub- Blackburn Ernst Lummis
also addresses two key regulatory chal- stitute. Time is of the essence. Let’s Boozman Grassley Paul
lenges in our infrastructure context. give our States the certainty that they Braun Hagerty Rubio
Cornyn Johnson Sasse
One, it reforms the NEPA process to need. Cotton Kennedy Scott (FL)
ensure projects are given certain By the way, there is permitting re- Cruz Lankford
timelines and not stalled out by frivo- form in this bill, right here, as we look NAYS—78
lous lawsuits. It reforms NEPA so that at it. Let’s get this across the finish
Baldwin Hickenlooper Romney
our infrastructure money actually goes line. So I would urge my colleagues to Bennet Hirono Rosen
to NEPA rather than resulting in end- vote no on this amendment. Blumenthal Hoeven Rounds
less delays brought about by NEPA and Thank you. Blunt Hyde-Smith Sanders
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Booker Kaine Schatz
NEPA-related litigation. Brown Kelly Schumer
Two, it repeals the Davis-Bacon wage ator from Delaware. Burr King Scott (SC)
requirements that artificially increase Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I, Cantwell Klobuchar Shaheen
the labor costs beyond what the mar- too, rise in opposition to Senator LEE’s Capito Leahy Shelby
Cardin Luján Sinema
ket demands—labor costs that are es- amendment. Carper Manchin Smith
pecially important and hard felt right This amendment does not reform the Casey Markey Stabenow
now given the labor shortage. Federal-aid highway system as we Cassidy Marshall Sullivan
The Senate has a choice today. You know it; it dismantles it. It eliminates Collins McConnell Tester
Coons Menendez Thune
can choose to pay less and build more. the Federal funding that each of our Cortez Masto Merkley Tillis
You can offer Americans a tax cut—a States relies on to build, repair, and to Cramer Moran Toomey
tax cut that will affect poor and mid- maintain our Federal highways. It Crapo Murkowski Tuberville
would strike the entire surface reau- Duckworth Murphy Van Hollen
dle-class Americans most acutely, Durbin Murray Warner
most immediately, most directly—and thorization in this bill before us and re- Feinstein Ossoff Warnock
it will also simultaneously provide place it with an interstate highway- Fischer Padilla Warren
long-term solvency to the highway only bill with top-line funding of less Gillibrand Peters Whitehouse
Hassan Portman Wicker
trust fund and lower the costs of our than $20 billion over 5 years. Hawley Reed Wyden
Nation’s infrastructure projects. At a time when we already have some Heinrich Risch Young
Or, alternatively, if you don’t want 45,000 structurally deficient bridges in
NOT VOTING—2
to vote for this, you can choose our our Nation, this amendment would
Graham Inhofe
current path, which is to continue to leave American travelers at risk due to
saddle the American people with debt, serious disinvestment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this
more inflation, financial insolvency, Senators have come together, Demo- vote, the yeas are 20, the nays are 78.
and more inevitable taxes. You can crats and Republicans, to bring this in- Under the previous order requiring 60
also vote against it and choose to con- frastructure bill to the floor because votes for adoption of this amendment,
tinue the current practice of allowing we recognize that States are in need of the amendment is not agreed to.
for endless, needless, pointless delays serious investment to rebuild our The amendment (No. 2255) was re-
in our infrastructure projects that crumbling infrastructure. jected.
really harm Americans. This is not a partisan issue. On the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Look, at the end of the day, we just Environment and Public Works Com- ator from Mississippi.
want more of our tax dollars going into mittee, where Senator CAPITO and I f
funding steel and concrete to go into lead, we voted unanimously to advance
the ground so that America’s moms a highway bill out of committee on a RECESS
and dads can spend less time stuck in unanimous vote—20 to nothing. That Mr. WICKER. Madam President, at
gridlock traffic and more time with bill increases the top-line funding for this time I ask unanimous consent that
their families. The choice seems very our highway Federal programs by 34 the Senate recess until 2:15 p.m.
clear to me. percent to a little over $300 billion—the There being no objection, the Senate,
I urge all of my colleagues to vote for highest amount of highway funding at 1:12 p.m., recessed until 2:15 p.m. and
this amendment to build more and pay ever authorized by this Congress—and reassembled when called to order by
less. it is much needed. the Presiding Officer (Mr. LUJÁN).
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senator LEE’s amendment would go
ator from West Virginia. in the exact opposite direction, unfor- f
Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I tunately. It would reduce the funding INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR
ask unanimous consent to address the in our bill to less than $20 billion. That THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUR-
Senate for 2 minutes. is a cut of about 95 percent. FACE TRANSPORTATION IN
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- AMERICA ACT—Continued
objection? ator’s time has expired.
Without objection, it is so ordered. VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2255
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Mrs. CAPITO. Madam President, I The question is on agreeing to Lee ator from Vermont.
have great respect for my colleague amendment No. 2255. WEALTH GAP
from Utah, but I am in firm opposition Mr. LEE. Madam President, I ask for Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, as a
to his amendment. the yeas and nays. former mayor, I have a sense as to how
It would completely undo months of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a important physical infrastructure—
hard work, bipartisan hard work. The sufficient second? roads, bridges, water systems, waste-
two major bipartisan infrastructure There appears to be a sufficient sec- water plants—are, and I am delighted
bills that Chairman CARPER and I and ond. that we are finally beginning to ad-
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the EPW Committee passed unani- The clerk will call the roll. dress our long-neglected physical infra-
mously would be totally undone here. The senior assistant legislative clerk structure. That is enormously impor-
The bipartisan gang spent months called the roll. tant.
carefully and considerably negotiating Mr. THUNE. The following Senators But I will tell you what is even more
this agreement with the White House. are necessarily absent: the Senator important, and that is to address the
All of these meaningful investments from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and human infrastructure, the needs of the
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August 3, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5691
working class of this country, the mid- a real crime against future generations hood poverty of almost any major
dle class of this country, the low-in- if we did not finally address, in a sig- country on Earth. That is a disgrace,
come people of our country, whether nificant way, the existential threat not and it should be unacceptable to every
they are Black or White or Latino or only to our country but to the world in Member of the Senate. Well, we are
Native American, Asian American— terms of climate. going to end that.
needs that have been neglected for dec- And I wanted to talk a little bit I am very proud to say, Mr. Presi-
ades. about some of the work that the Budg- dent, as I know you know, that as a re-
It is no secret to the American people et Committee has done and what is sult of the 1-year child tax credit ex-
that, for a very long time, the U.S. going to be in that reconciliation pack- tension, $300 per child, we have reduced
Congress has paid keen attention to age because my friends here in the childhood poverty in America by 61
the needs of the people on top. Yet we media are very concerned about proc- percent. Parents all over—in Vermont,
have turned our backs on millions of ess, which is fine, but the American California—now have the ability to
people who are struggling to put food people want to know: Hey, what is the start taking care of their children. Our
on the table, to take care of their kids, Congress going to do for me? What is it job in reconciliation is either to make
to take care of their parents. And on going to do to improve my life, my that $300 a month permanent, which I
top of that, obviously, we have ignored children’s lives, my parents’ lives? would like to see, or at the very least
the great existential crisis of our time, What are we going to do to save the extend it for a number of years.
and that is climate change. planet? Furthermore, in the United States of
And the result of all of that is that, For a start, we understand that it is America, every person in this Chamber
today, the gap between the very, very absolutely imperative to end the ob- should be disgusted by the
rich and everybody else is wider than it scenity of some of the wealthiest peo- dysfunctionality of our childcare sys-
has been in 100 years. Today, you have ple in this country and the largest cor- tem. This is not 1950. Mom is going out
two people—two people—who have porations, in a given year, not paying a to work. Dad is going out to work. And
more wealth than the bottom 40 per- nickel in Federal income taxes. they demand quality, affordable
cent. And for many of our billionaire So what we have seen in the pan- childcare, which does not exist today.
friends, apparently they are increas- demic, what we have seen in recent What we say and what our goal is, is
ingly unconcerned about what happens years is the very, very wealthiest peo- that no working family in this country
here on Earth because they are off in ple becoming phenomenally richer. should be paying more than 7 percent
outer space. But some of us who go And then there are studies that are of their income for childcare. On top of
home every weekend to our States and coming out that show that, in a given that, we are going to make pre-K edu-
our districts, we kind of are worried year, some of the very wealthiest peo- cation for 3- and 4-year-olds free. Yes,
ple in this country—multi, multi- that is right—free. We are going to do
about what is going on down on Earth
what other industrialized countries do
and the needs of working families. billionaires—are not paying a nickel in
So, Mr. President, as you know, as and understand that the most impor-
Federal income tax.
soon as we address this bipartisan At a time when corporate profits are tant investment we can make is in the
physical infrastructure bill, we are soaring, we are seeing many major cor- little children.
By the way, when we do that, we are
going to move toward what I consider porations, making billions a year, also
going to allow well over a million
to be one of the most consequential not paying a nickel in Federal income
women to go back to work because
pieces of legislation for working fami- tax. And we are also seeing the phar- they no longer have to stay home be-
lies since FDR, the New Deal, and the maceutical industry, which is enor- cause of lack of affordable childcare.
Great Depression. And we are going mously profitable, which charges our It is a bit embarrassing that our
there and addressing the needs of work- people the highest prices in the world great country is the only major coun-
ing families because we understand for the prescription drugs that we des- try on Earth not to guarantee paid
that real wages for workers have not perately need—we are seeing a situa- family and medical leave. Imagine
gone up in 50 years. An explosion of tion where they can charge us any- that. Every other country in the world,
technology, an explosion of worker pro- thing they want because of the power virtually, does that. In America, I have
ductivity, and yet, in real inflation ac- of their lobbyists and their campaign met with women, low-income women,
counted-for dollars, many workers contributions. And we are going to put who give birth, and then they have to
today are not making a nickel more an end to that as well because we are go back to work in a week or two be-
than they did 50 years ago. going to demand that Medicare start cause they don’t have the money to
We are going forward on the rec- negotiating prescription drug costs stay home. We are going to end that.
onciliation bill to address the needs of with the pharmaceutical industry. We are going to have, as a nation,
the working class because, in the rich- So my Republican colleagues say: guaranteed paid family and medical
est country in the history of the world, Well, they are going to be raising leave.
it is unacceptable that half of our peo- taxes. We are going to address the reality
ple are living paycheck to paycheck. Yes, we are going to be raising taxes that many of our younger people are
They go to work, and at the end of the on billionaires and on large, profitable unable to obtain the good-paying jobs
week they have got nothing in the corporations, and we are going to de- that are out there because they lack
bank, and maybe they are even further mand that the pharmaceutical indus- the higher education.
behind because they can’t afford their try stop ripping us off. But we are ad- Now, I myself will go further than
healthcare needs, the rent, and the hering to President Biden’s belief, this bill is going to go. I think time is
educational costs of their children. which I share, that nobody earning less long overdue to make public colleges
We are going to go forward and pass than $400,000 a year should pay a nickel and universities tuition-free and cancel
this legislation because the time is more in taxes. We are going to do ex- all student debt. That is not what is in
long overdue for the U.S. Congress to actly what the American people want this bill. But what is in this bill says
begin to make sure the American peo- us to do and tell the billionaire class that, at the very least, every American
ple understand that our job is not just that they are going to have to start will have the right to get 2 years of
to represent the corporate elites and paying their fair share of taxes. community college, and they can use
wealthy campaign contributors but to What else are we going to do, and that to get the training they need, to
address the needs of the struggling men what are we going to use that money get the good jobs. Maybe it is nursing.
and women of our country. for? We are going to use that money to Maybe it is something else. But they
On top of all of that, it would be in- start protecting the needs of our chil- will also get the credits they need so
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
comprehensible to the people of our dren, working families, and the elderly. they can transfer into a 4-year school,
country who turn on the TV and they I think many Americans now see making a big step forward in getting
see the west coast burning; they see what public policy can mean in their young people the ability to get the
the drought in the Midwest; they see lives because we are providing a $300-a- training they need and the education
the floods all over Europe; Australia on month check per child. The United they need to obtain the good-paying
fire—it would be incomprehensible and States has the highest rate of child- jobs that are out there.
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S5692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE August 3, 2021
Mr. President, I know that you are Democratic support, for the enor- practice for the comments that they
aware that right here in this country, mously important goal of giving mas- have been making. Back in May, the
right here on Capitol Hill, Washington, sive tax breaks to billionaires and Centers for Disease Control said, and
DC, you have people sleeping out on large corporations. That is how they the President repeated it at the White
the street, and they are sleeping out on used the reconciliation process. House, that if you have been vac-
the street in every State in this coun- Well, we have a little different idea. cinated, if you have been fully vac-
try. In fact, we have almost 600,000 peo- We are going to use the reconciliation cinated, you don’t need to wear a mask
ple sleeping out on the streets of the process and the 50 votes we have with either indoors or outdoors. Now they
wealthiest country in the history of the Vice President to protect the work- are saying that even if you have been
the world. Well, this legislation will ing families of this country, not the fully vaccinated, you need to wear a
create millions of jobs in housing and billionaire class. mask again indoors.
in other areas because we are going to The other effort that they made in At a time when we are trying to en-
build the lower income and affordable terms of reconciliation was to try—and courage people to get vaccinated, I ask,
housing that we need. they came within one vote of doing it; how is this going to help someone who
It is not only homelessness. You have the late John McCain—they would hasn’t been vaccinated, encourage
18 million households spending 50 per- have thrown up to 30 million Ameri- them to get vaccinated if you are tell-
cent of their limited incomes on hous- cans off of healthcare by ending the Af- ing them that even if you get vac-
ing. We need to build low-income and fordable Care Act. cinated, you still have to wear a mask?
affordable housing, and when we do So they have used reconciliation, and This flip-flopping in policy is why
that, we will create a heck of a lot of we will use it, except we are going to Americans, I think, are very worried
good-paying jobs. use it to protect ordinary Americans— and concerned and somewhat anxious
Just today, I talked to a gentleman the children, the elderly, the sick, and about the activities of this administra-
whose wife is very, very ill and who is the poor—rather than just the very tion. They are wondering: What comes
having a hard time affording the home wealthy or the pharmaceutical indus- next—flip-flop on masks? Is this ad-
healthcare that he is paying for. try. ministration going to flip-flop on
We are an aging society, and whether We are now in the midst of a debate
lockdowns, on shutdowns, on closing
people have severe disabilities or over the physical infrastructure, the
schools?
whether they are just getting old, peo- bipartisan bill—very important. We People say: Oh no, don’t worry about
ple would rather stay at home in many need to rebuild our roads and bridges, that.
cases rather than be forced into nurs- but more important is the need to ad- Well, Mr. President, let me tell you,
ing homes. What our legislation will do dress the crises facing working families just this past weekend, Randi
is significantly improve home all over this country. When we go for- Weingarten—she is the head of one of
healthcare in this country and make ward and do that, when we protect our America’s biggest teachers unions, the
sure that those people who provide children and the elderly and the envi- American Federation of Teachers—she
that important service, difficult serv- ronment, we are going to create mil- refused to commit to in-person learn-
ice, are adequately compensated. lions of good-paying jobs, put people to ing this fall, this coming school year.
I know that many of my Republican work rebuilding this country in a way The president of America’s biggest
colleagues don’t believe that climate that is long, long overdue. teachers union refused to commit to
I yield the floor. in-person learning this fall. So the
change is real, don’t believe that we
I suggest the absence of a quorum.
should do anything about it, but they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The American people have every right to be
are dead wrong. And we cannot go clerk will call the roll. concerned and anxious and angry with
home and look our children and grand- The legislative clerk proceeded to the communications coming out of this
children in the eye knowing what we call the roll. administration and the directives this
know, knowing that in many ways, the Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask week. Parents are angry that kids have
climate crisis turns out to be worse unanimous consent that the order for already lost too much.
than what scientists predicted it would the quorum call be rescinded. And think about this: Now NANCY
be. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without PELOSI is requiring fully vaccinated
Climate ordinarily changes over objection, it is so ordered. Members of the House of Representa-
thousands of years, hundreds of years. CORONAVIRUS tives to wear masks or they will be
We are seeing the change in climate Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I charged a fine. She has even threat-
with our own eyes year by year. It is come to the floor today to talk about ened—threatened—to tell the Capitol
frightening. And if people think that where our country is in the fight Police to arrest staff members—fully
the forest fires in Oregon, California, against coronavirus. vaccinated staff members—who aren’t
Montana, and elsewhere are an aberra- The simple message on the wearing masks. These are people who
tion, that they are once-in-a-lifetime, coronavirus is this: Vaccines work. The have been vaccinated.
you are wrong. Everything being equal, single most important thing you want At the same time, the Biden adminis-
we will see worse in years to come. to do to protect yourself and to protect tration is throwing our southern border
The truth is, what makes this crisis your family is to get vaccinated. That wide open to 180,000 illegal immigrants
so difficult, we can’t solve it alone. We is the only message we ought to be a month, with almost every disease
are going to have to work with China sending out. known to man. We are talking about
and India and Europe. We have to bring I am a doctor. I have been vac- people who are undocumented and
the world together to save this planet cinated. My wife has been vaccinated. unvaccinated.
for our kids and future generations. Our kids have been vaccinated. There When I went to the border earlier
This legislation takes an important is overwhelming evidence that vaccines this spring, our border agents told me
step forward. It doesn’t go as far as it are highly effective against serious ill- that they had arrested people from 50
should, but it is a major step forward ness. different countries. Of course, these
in transforming our energy system Yet we are talking about this issue people are all coming from places
away from fossil fuel to energy effi- today because of the chaos and the con- where vaccination rates are much
ciency and sustainable energy. fusion that have come about due to lower than they are in our country.
I know we will be hearing from my messaging coming out of the White Since the start of the pandemic,
Republican colleagues who are very House and the Centers for Disease Con- more than 8,000 Border Patrol officers
upset that this will be a partisan bill, trol and Prevention. That is why, with have tested positive for coronavirus.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
which it will be, but let me remind limited floor time during this impor- Thirty-two of these agents have died.
them that they use the so-called rec- tant debate on spending, I come to the When I visited the border, roughly 1 in
onciliation process recently in two floor today to discuss this specific 10 of the unaccompanied children in
areas—two areas. issue. custody had tested positive, and they
No. 1, they thought it important to President Biden and the CDC ought were intermingled with others who had
go forward in a partisan way, without to be found guilty of medical mal- tested positive and those not tested
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August 3, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5693
positive. They were all crammed in pessimistic about our future in just 3 Worst of all, David Chipman does not
like sardines, and the testing occurred months. have the character and integrity to
only when they were getting ready to Fully, one in five Americans flipped lead the ATF. He has repeatedly
be released and then sent all around on their thoughts on the direction of mocked gun owners and impugned peo-
America, spreading the coronavirus the country, and it is easy to see why. ple’s motives for owning a gun.
wherever they went. They see inflation eating away at their David Chipman said: Gun ownership
And it is interesting to listen to paychecks. They see Democrats piling ‘‘is a way you can act patriotic without
Democrats in the national media and up debt on our kids and grandkids. having to’’ serve in the military.
on the Hill who want to blame Repub- They see their taxes are about to go up He said: ‘‘I [would] compare gun own-
licans for any vaccine hesitancy that is again. They see an open southern bor- ership . . . to the same reason Ameri-
out there. Well, let me set the record der. They see rising crime in Democrat cans might want a muscle car.’’
straight on that. cities. And independent voters are run- This is not why people buy guns. The
Republican elected officials have ning away from Democrats as fast as American people buy guns to protect
gone out of our way to encourage vac- they can. themselves and to keep their families
cinations. It is the responsible thing to It is time for Democrats to get the safe.
do. I have traveled from one vaccina- message. We want to get the virus be- The American people are buying guns
tion site to another all around the hind us. The answer is not open bor- by the millions right now because they
State of Wyoming; made public service ders. The answer is not more flip-flops, are afraid of Democrats’ gun control
announcements with other doctors and and it is not more mandates on the policies, and they are afraid of crime in
doctors who are members of the Doc- American people. Democrat cities.
tors Caucus in Congress, in the House It is time for the Democrats to stop Last year, Democrats cut $1 billion
and the Senate; made public service pointing fingers. The school year re- in police funding across America, and
announcements; put them out on vid- turns in just a matter of weeks. Every as a result, we saw the largest increase
eos and sent them around the country. school in America must be open. It is in murder in 60 years. In response, the
The truth is that there are a large time for Democrats to follow the American people bought more than 20
number of Democrats who are still science. No more flip-flops, no more million guns, including 8 million guns
unvaccinated. Forty percent—forty mandates, no more lockdowns—no by first-time gun owners—first-time
percent—as of today, of New York City more excuses. gun owners—because they realized they
public school employees have not been NOMINATION OF DAVID CHIPMAN
weren’t able to be protected when
vaccinated, and it is ready for the Madam President, I come to the those are trying to defund the police.
school year to start. And yet we don’t floor, at this point, to oppose the nomi- Gun ownership is still going up because
have a commitment from the head of nation of David Chipman as Director of the Democrats are still defunding po-
the teachers union to have in-person the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fire- lice, and Democrat cities are in chaos.
learning this year. Forty percent of the We don’t need an ATF Director who
arms and Explosives.
public hospital workers in New York David Chipman is an anti-gun ex- mocks nearly half of the country.
Recently, we found out another seri-
City are unvaccinated. Forty-one per- tremist who would politicize one of the
ous concern about Mr. Chipman’s char-
cent of Chicago residents are not vac- world’s greatest law enforcement Agen-
acter. According to media reports, mul-
cinated. If you take a look, city by cies, the ATF. If confirmed, he would
tiple ATF agents say David Chipman
city—Democrat-run cities—a high per- be the most radically anti-gun Director
was accused of making racist com-
centage of people are not vaccinated, in ATF history.
ments about African Americans. I
and yet President Biden and the Senate David Chipman’s views are com-
won’t repeat them here. The comments
majority leader continue to point fin- pletely out of touch with those of the
are of great concern. According to the
gers. American people. He opposed the Su-
It does seem to me that Democrats reports, the racist comments were re-
preme Court case that struck down
have utterly failed to communicate a ported to the Equal Employment Op-
Washington, DC’s ban on handguns, the
clear message to get the American peo- portunity Commission, and a com-
Heller case. He was party to a legal
ple vaccinated. In fact, I think Demo- plaint was filed against him.
brief in the case which said the Second
Republicans on the Senate Judiciary
crat politicians have been a big part of Amendment, he said, only protects mi-
Committee have called for another
the problem from the beginning. litias. He supports bringing back the
Early on, when the vaccine was cur- hearing in light of this new informa-
1994 assault weapons ban, which Presi-
rently being developed, people were tion that has come out. I commend my
dent Biden often brags that he wrote.
hoping for a vaccine. We saw the Vice colleagues for their due diligence.
Congress let that ban expire because Yet I don’t think another hearing is
Presidential debate—57 million people there was never any proof that it necessary. What is necessary is for
watching—and then, at the time, Vice brought down crime. President Biden to withdraw this nomi-
Presidential candidate, at the time During his hearing with the Judici- nation. There are plenty of qualified
Senator HARRIS, now Vice President ary Committee, Senator COTTON spe- Democrats out there who could be
HARRIS, said she would not get a vac- cifically asked Mr. Chipman to define nominated to do this job.
cine developed under the Trump ad- what an ‘‘assault weapon’’ is. The men and women of the ATF de-
ministration. Mr. Chipman said: ‘‘An assault weap- serve a leader with integrity and with
She said: ‘‘If Donald Trump tells us on would be whatever Congress defines respect for the Second Amendment to
we should take it, I’m not going to it as.’’ our Constitution. More than 100 mil-
take it.’’ Senator COTTON went on to ask Mr. lion legal gun owners in this country
Before Democrats point the finger at Chipman for his own definition of an deserve it, too.
Republicans, they should get their own ‘‘assault weapon.’’ I yield the floor.
cities vaccinated. He said: ‘‘Any semi-automatic rifle I suggest the absence of a quorum.
There is much more to talk about. capable of accepting a detachable mag- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms.
There have been many mistakes azine above a 22.’’ SINEMA). The clerk will call the roll.
made by this administration and Well, as Senator COTTON rightly The legislative clerk proceeded to
Democrats over the last 6 months, but pointed out, this would ban most sport- call the roll.
it is no coincidence that, over the last ing rifles in America. If David Chipman Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I
3 months, we have seen a historic drop made our gun laws, most sporting rifles ask unanimous consent that the order
in national optimism. A majority of would be banned. States could ban for the quorum call be rescinded.
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the country says America is now on the handguns. Private gun sales would be The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
wrong track. Just one in three Ameri- illegal. objection, it is so ordered.
cans is satisfied with the way things These views are completely out of AMENDMENT NOS. 2140 AND 2300 TO AMENDMENT
are going in this country. Fully, only touch with the views of more than 100 NO. 2137
one in five Americans has switched million Americans who are law-abiding Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I
from optimistic about our future to gun owners. also ask unanimous consent that the
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S5694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE August 3, 2021
following amendments be called up to Route 87 and then following United States cinity of Coffeeville, Water Valley, Oxford,
the substitute and be reported by num- Route 87 southeastward, passing in the vicin- and Abbeville, Mississippi, to its logical con-
ber: 1, Duckworth, No. 2140; 2, Cruz- ity of San Angelo, Texas, and connecting to nection with Interstate Route 22 in the vi-
United States Route 190 in the vicinity of cinity of Holly Springs, Mississippi.
Warnock, No. 2300; further, I ask unani- Brady, Texas; ‘‘(99) The Central Louisiana Corridor com-
mous consent that at 3:45 p.m., the ‘‘(B) commencing at the intersection of mencing at the logical terminus of Louisiana
Senate vote in relation to the amend- Interstate Route 10 and United States Route Highway 8 at the Sabine River Bridge at
ments with no amendments in order to 190 in Pecos County, Texas, and following Burrs Crossing and generally following por-
the amendments prior to a vote in rela- United States Route 190 to Brady, Texas; tions of Louisiana Highway 8 to Leesville,
tion to the amendments, with 60 af- ‘‘(C) following portions of United States Louisiana, and then eastward on Louisiana
firmative votes required for adoption, Route 190 eastward, passing in the vicinity of Highway 28, passing in the vicinity of Alex-
Fort Hood, Killeen, Belton, Temple, Bryan, andria, Pineville, Walters, and Archie, to the
and 2 minutes of debate equally divided College Station, Huntsville, Livingston, logical terminus of United States Route 84 at
prior to the votes. Woodville, and Jasper, to the logical ter- the Mississippi River Bridge at Vidalia, Lou-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there minus of Texas Highway 63 at the Sabine isiana.
objection? River Bridge at Burrs Crossing and including ‘‘(100) The Central Mississippi Corridor, in-
Without objection, it is so ordered. a loop generally encircling Bryan/College cluding the route—
AMENDMENT NO. 2140 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2137 Station, Texas; ‘‘(A) commencing at the logical terminus
‘‘(D) following United States Route 83 of United States Route 84 at the Mississippi
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The southward from the vicinity of Eden, Texas, River and then generally following portions
clerk will report. to a logical connection to Interstate Route of United States Route 84 passing in the vi-
The legislative clerk read as follows: 10 at Junction, Texas; cinity of Natchez, Brookhaven, Monticello,
The Senator from Delaware [Mr. CARPER], ‘‘(E) following United States Route 69 from Prentiss, and Collins, to Interstate Route 59
for Ms. DUCKWORTH, proposes an amendment Interstate Route 10 in Beaumont, Texas, in the vicinity of Laurel, Mississippi, and
numbered 2140 to amendment No. 2137. north to United States Route 190 in the vi- continuing on Interstate Route 59 north to
The amendment is as follows: cinity of Woodville, Texas; Interstate Route 20 and on Interstate Route
‘‘(F) following United States Route 96 from 20 to the Mississippi–Alabama State border;
(Purpose: To require recipients of all sta- Interstate Route 10 in Beaumont, Texas, and
tions accessibility grants to adopt plans to north to United States Route 190 in the vi- ‘‘(B) commencing in the vicinity of Laurel,
pursue public transportation accessibility cinity of Jasper, Texas; and Mississippi, running south on Interstate
projects that provide accessibility for indi- ‘‘(G) following United States Route 190, Route 59 to United States Route 98 in the vi-
viduals with disabilities) State Highway 305, and United States Route cinity of Hattiesburg, connecting to United
On page 2690, line 11, insert after ‘‘et seq.):’’ 385 from Interstate Route 10 in Pecos Coun- States Route 49 south then following United
the following: ‘‘Provided further, That an eli- ty, Texas, to Interstate 20 at Odessa, States Route 49 south to Interstate Route 10
gible entity that receives a grant under this Texas.’’; and in the vicinity of Gulfport and following Mis-
heading in this Act shall adopt a plan under (2) by adding at the end the following: sissippi Route 601 southerly terminating
which the entity commits to pursuing public ‘‘(92) United States Route 421 from the near the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport.
transportation accessibility projects that: (1) interchange with Interstate Route 85 in ‘‘(101) The Middle Alabama Corridor in-
enhance the customer experience and maxi- Greensboro, North Carolina, to the inter- cluding the route—
mize accessibility of rolling stock and sta- change with Interstate Route 95 in Dunn, ‘‘(A) beginning at the Alabama–Mississippi
tions or facilities for passenger use for indi- North Carolina. border generally following portions of I–20
viduals with disabilities, including accessi- ‘‘(93) The South Mississippi Corridor from until following a new interstate extension
bility for individuals with physical disabil- the Louisiana and Mississippi border near paralleling United States Highway 80, spe-
ities, including those who use wheelchairs, Natchez, Mississippi, to Gulfport, Mis- cifically—
accessibility for individuals with sensory sissippi, shall generally follow— ‘‘(B) crossing Alabama Route 28 near
disabilities, and accessibility for individuals ‘‘(A) United States Route 84 from the Lou- Coatopa, Alabama, traveling eastward cross-
with intellectual or developmental disabil- isiana border at the Mississippi River pass- ing United States Highway 43 and Alabama
ities; (2) improve the operations of, provide ing in the vicinity of Natchez, Brookhaven, Route 69 near Selma, Alabama, traveling
efficiencies of service to, and enhance the Monticello, Prentiss, and Collins, Mis- eastwards closely paralleling United States
public transportation system for individuals sissippi, to the logical terminus with Inter- Highway 80 to the south crossing over Ala-
with disabilities; and (3) address equity of state Route 59 in the vicinity of Laurel, Mis- bama Routes 22, 41, and 21, until its intersec-
service to all riders regardless of income, sissippi, and continuing on Interstate Route tion with I–65 near Hope Hull, Alabama;
age, race, or ability, taking into account his- 59 south to the vicinity of Hattiesburg, Mis- ‘‘(C) continuing east along the proposed
torical and current service gaps for low-in- sissippi; and Montgomery Outer Loop south of Mont-
come riders, older individuals, riders from ‘‘(B) United States Route 49 from the vicin- gomery, Alabama where it would next join
communities of color, and riders with dis- ity of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, south to with I–85 east of Montgomery, Alabama;
abilities:’’. Interstate Route 10 in the vicinity of Gulf- ‘‘(D) continuing along I–85 east bound until
port, Mississippi, following Mississippi Route its intersection with United States Highway
AMENDMENT NO. 2300 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2137
601 south and terminating near the Mis- 280 near Opelika, Alabama or United States
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sissippi State Port at Gulfport. Highway 80 near Tuskegee, Alabama;
clerk will report. ‘‘(94) The Kosciusko to Gulf Coast corridor ‘‘(E) generally following the most expe-
The legislative clerk read as follows: commencing at the logical terminus of Inter- dient route until intersecting with existing
The Senator from Delaware [Mr. CARPER], state Route 55 near Vaiden, Mississippi, run- United States Highway 80 (JR Allen Park-
for Mr. CRUZ, proposes an amendment num- ning south and passing east of the vicinity of way) through Phenix City until continuing
bered 2300 to amendment No. 2137. the Jackson Urbanized Area, connecting to into Columbus, Georgia.
United States Route 49 north of Hattiesburg, ‘‘(102) The Middle Georgia Corridor includ-
The amendment is as follows: Mississippi, and generally following United ing the route—
(Purpose: To designate additional high pri- States Route 49 to a logical connection with ‘‘(A) beginning at the Alabama–Georgia
ority corridors on the National Highway Interstate Route 10 in the vicinity of Gulf- Border generally following the Fall Line
system) port, Mississippi. Freeway from Columbus, Georgia to Au-
Beginning on page 440, strike line 19 and ‘‘(95) The Interstate Route 22 spur from the gusta, Georgia, specifically—
all that follows through page 443, line 14, and vicinity of Tupelo, Mississippi, running ‘‘(B) travelling along United States Route
insert the following: south generally along United States Route 45 80 (JR Allen Parkway) through Columbus,
(a) HIGH PRIORITY CORRIDORS.—Section to the vicinity of Shannon, Mississippi. Georgia and near Fort Benning, Georgia,
1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transpor- ‘‘(96) The route that generally follows east to Talbot County, Georgia where it
tation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public Law 102– United States Route 412 from its intersection would follow Georgia Route 96, then com-
240; 105 Stat. 2032; 133 Stat. 3018) is amend- with Interstate Route 35 in Noble County, mencing on Georgia Route 49C (Fort Valley
ed— Oklahoma, passing through Tulsa, Okla- Bypass) to Georgia Route 49 (Peach Park-
(1) by striking paragraph (84) and inserting homa, to its intersection with Interstate way) to its intersection with Interstate
the following: Route 49 in Springdale, Arkansas. Route 75 in Byron, Georgia;
‘‘(84) The Central Texas Corridor, including ‘‘(97) The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Ex- ‘‘(C) continuing north along Interstate
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the route— pressway from the interchange with Inter- Route 75 through Warner Robins and Macon,
‘‘(A) commencing in the vicinity of Texas state Route 65 in Barren County, Kentucky, Georgia where it would meet Interstate
Highway 338 in Odessa, Texas, running east- east to the interchange with United States Route 16, then following Interstate Route 16
ward generally following Interstate Route 20, Highway 27 in Somerset, Kentucky. east it would next join United States Route
connecting to Texas Highway 158 in the vi- ‘‘(98) The route that generally follows 80 and then onto State Route 57;
cinity of Midland, Texas, then following State Route 7 from Grenada, Mississippi, to ‘‘(D) commencing with State Route 57
Texas Highway 158 eastward to United States Holly Springs, Mississippi, passing in the vi- which turns into State Route 24 near
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August 3, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5695
Milledgeville, Georgia would then bypass ly $2 billion funding request to the Sen- So I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote, and I want to
Wrens, Georgia with a newly constructed by- ator from Illinois—the junior Senator stress that the ‘‘no’’ vote on this
pass, and after the bypass it would join from Illinois—specifically for ADA up- amendment doesn’t reduce spending for
United States Route 1 near Fort Gordon into
grades at big city transit systems. ADA compliance by a dime. That is not
Augusta, Georgia where it will terminate at
To my knowledge, it is the first time what this is about. This is about avoid-
Interstate Route 520.’’.
(b) DESIGNATION AS FUTURE INTERSTATES.— that the Federal Government has ever ing a ‘‘woke’’ planning mandate.
Section 1105(e)(5)(A) of the Intermodal Sur- specifically appropriated substantial The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
face Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 sums of money—nearly $2 billion this the previous order, there will be 2 min-
(Public Law 102–240; 109 Stat. 597; 133 Stat. time—for the purpose of improving, up- utes of debate, equally divided, prior to
3018) is amended in the first sentence— grading big city transit systems, in the vote in relation to Duckworth
(1) by inserting ‘‘subsection (c)(84),’’ after part, perhaps, because, of course, tran-
‘‘subsection (c)(83),’’; and
amendment No. 2140.
sit systems have their own sources of The Senator from Illinois.
(2) by striking ‘‘and subsection (c)(91)’’ and
inserting ‘‘subsection (c)(91), subsection money, their own States that can pro- Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President,
(c)(92), subsection (c)(93)(A), subsection vide them. I have an amendment at the desk.
(c)(94), subsection (c)(95), subsection (c)(96), But, anyway, that was—this agree- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
subsection (c)(97), subsection (c)(99), sub- ment was struck. Now, in the course of amendment is pending.
section (c)(100), subsection (c)(101), and sub- working out the terms and the details Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President,
section (c)(102)’’. and negotiating over the language last week, our Nation marked the 31st
(c) NUMBERING OF PARKWAY.—Section which would accompany this unprece-
1105(e)(5)(C)(i) of the Intermodal Surface
anniversary of the Americans with Dis-
dented funding for ADA upgrades, you abilities Act. More than three decades
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (Public
Law 102–240; 109 Stat. 598; 133 Stat. 3018) is know, there were negotiations. That is have passed since President George H.
amended— the nature of this process. So we asked W. Bush signed the ADA into law and
(1) by striking the fifteenth sentence and for certain changes in the language proudly declared ‘‘[L]et the shameful
inserting the following: ‘‘The route referred that was initially proposed. Some of wall of exclusion finally come tum-
to in subsection (c)(84)(A) is designated as those requests were rejected, some bling down.’’
Interstate Route I–14 North. The route re- were adopted, and that is how we got to This past week was a time for cele-
ferred to in subsection (c)(84)(B) is des- a deal.
ignated as Interstate Route I–14 South. The
bration and reflection on the progress
And one of the changes that was we have made over the last 30 years.
Bryan/College Station, Texas loop referred adopted was an agreement that this
to in subsection (c)(84)(C) is designated as Yet, when it comes to the ADA’s guar-
Interstate Route I–214.’’; and
amendment—this planning mandate re- antee of equal access to public trans-
(2) by adding at the end the following: quirement that is contemplated in the portation for people with disabilities,
‘‘The route referred to in subsection (c)(97) is amendment from the Senator from Illi- many transit and commuter rail sys-
designated as Interstate Route I–365. The nois, that plan would be dropped. tems continue to fall short.
routes referred to in subsections (c)(84)(C), If we were to go ahead and now adopt
This amendment is not racist. This
(c)(99), (c)(100), (c)(101), and (c)(102) are des- this amendment, it would completely
ignated as Interstate Route I–14. The routes
amendment does not call any par-
violate the deal that was struck.
referred to in subparagraphs (D), (E), (F), and Now, let me just briefly explain why ticular Agency racist. In fact, what
(G) of subsection (c)(84) and subparagraph (B) we requested that that language be this amendment does—the substitute
of subsection (c)(100) shall each be given sep- dropped. The amendment stipulates, amendment includes $1.75 billion to ex-
arate Interstate route numbers.’’.
among other things, that as a condi- pedite accessibility upgrades at exist-
Mr. CARPER. Madam President, un- tion of receiving this nearly $2 billion ing legacy rail fixed guideway public
less someone else wishes to speak at that this agreement offers to transit transportation systems. My amend-
this time, I suggest the absence of a agencies for this specific purpose—as a ment simply ensures that recipients of
quorum. condition, it said a transit agency these critical Federal resources fully
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The must commit to a new Federal race, consider the goals and requirements of
clerk will call the roll. age, and income equity mandate. the ADA and develop a plan to maxi-
The legislative clerk proceeded to This is a quote: mize accessibility across their systems.
call the roll. . . . equity of service to all riders . . . tak- This is common sense and good gov-
Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I ing into account historical and current serv- ernment. It ensures accountability
ask unanimous consent that the order ice gaps . . . that taxpayer dollars are used to fulfill
for the quorum call be rescinded. promises made decades ago and are
This is politically correct virtue sig-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without used wisely, with maximum effective-
objection, it is so ordered. naling. This is people claiming that
transit agencies are somehow racist, ness.
Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I Thirty years after we committed to a
rise in opposition to the Duckworth and that we have got to—I don’t
know—we have got to make sure that goal of inclusive and equitable trans-
amendment, 2140, and I want to talk
escalators are not racist. portation, transit operators should be
about that briefly.
First of all, I think there is probably It doesn’t take a very fertile imagi- held accountable for meaningful acces-
very broad support in this Chamber, nation to think about how this lan- sibility upgrades. It is not enough for
and I certainly support the idea that guage could be used to impose a host of grant recipients to add cosmetic up-
local transit agencies meet ADA stand- new requirements on agencies. You grades and pat themselves on the back.
ards wherever it is possible to do so. could have bureaucracies here micro- Disabled commuters deserve the acces-
Of course, transit agencies got a managing who knows what—route sibility that others take for granted.
truly massive, staggering amount of planning, fair pricing, frequency of This is not a partisan issue. I call on
money over about a 12-month period service—out of some presumed sys- every Member in this Chamber to stand
ending in March—so much so that, cu- temic racism in transit agencies. with me in supporting equity for people
mulatively, they are sitting on some- If we adopted this, then decisions by with disabilities and supporting good
thing very close to $40 billion that they transit agencies that should be guided stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
just weren’t even able to spend. by cost and ridership issues would end The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
But despite all that, we dramatically up being influenced by wokeism. ator from Pennsylvania.
increased the annual run rate of the Now, I think the people who run Mr. TOOMEY. May I be recognized
Federal Government’s contribution to transit agencies are good and decent for 2 minutes in opposition?
transit agencies; and then on top of people who care about their commu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. One
that, the bipartisan negotiators agreed nities. They are trying to do the best minute.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
to a big, one-time plus-up above and they can. They have now got stag- Mr. TOOMEY. One minute.
beyond all the money that was sent to gering amounts of money with which Well, listen, I just want to stress to
these transit agencies over the last to do it, but they don’t need to be sec- my colleagues here that defeating this
year. ond-guessed by social engineers who amendment does not prevent one dime
In the course of these discussions, in- are insisting that their agency is rife from going to transit agencies for the
cluded for transit agencies was a near- with racism. purpose of upgrading their stations to
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S5696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE August 3, 2021
comply with the ADA. All it does is Sasse Sullivan Tuberville the future Interstate 14 corridor. The
Scott (FL) Thune Wicker
prevent a mandate for a ‘‘woke’’ plan- Scott (SC) Tillis Young
sponsors state that this would really be
ning provision that was dropped in the Shelby Toomey integral for economic development sup-
negotiations on this bill, so I urge a NOT VOTING—2
port, to support tourism and also pro-
‘‘no’’ vote. vide an important link to our military
Graham Inhofe
Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I facilities.
ask unanimous consent to speak for 1 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MUR- I encourage my colleagues to vote
minute in support of the Duckworth PHY). On this vote, the yeas are 48, the yes on the Cruz-Warnock amendment.
amendment. nays are 50. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Under the previous order requiring 60 ator from Delaware.
objection? Without objection, it is so votes for the adoption of this amend- Mr. CARPER. Could I have the atten-
ordered. ment, the amendment is not agreed to. tion of our colleagues. In addition to
Mr. CARPER. Madam President, I The amendment (No. 2140) was re- the meritorious points that have been
rise in support of Senator DUCKWORTH’s jected. made by the sponsors of this legisla-
amendment. This amendment will en- AMENDMENT NO. 2300 tion and the ranking member of the
sure that recipients of funding to make The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Environment and Public Works Com-
systems more accessible have a plan in the previous order, there will now be 2 mittee—Mr. President, I ask unani-
place to comply with the Americans minutes of debate equally divided prior mous consent to address the Senate
with Disabilities Act. to a vote in relation to the Cruz- out of order.
Individuals with disabilities rely on Warnock amendment, No. 2300. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
public transit to get where they need The Senator from Texas. objection, it is so ordered.
to go, whether that is to go to work or Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I want to Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, anytime
to go to school or simply go about thank my colleague from Georgia, Sen- these two Members get together and
their daily lives. It is past time to up- ator WARNOCK, for leading this amend- offer legislation, how could any of us
grade all of our transit stations to pro- ment with me. say no? Maybe we could get a voice
vide access to everyone who needs a The amendment is simple and vote; I don’t know. We will see.
ride. straightforward: designating future Thanks very much. Congratulations.
I support this amendment by Senator Interstate 14 across Texas, Louisiana, You bring joy to this place.
Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. The Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
DUCKWORTH. I urge all of our colleagues
amendment does not have any cost as- sent for a voice vote. Does the gen-
to join me in voting yes.
sociated with it; rather, it is a first tleman from Texas mind getting a
I yield the floor.
step in the process of upgrading this voice vote?
VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2140 Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, a voice
system of roads to add freight capacity
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and connect strategic military instal- vote would be fine if it would be fine
question is on agreeing to amendment lations across our States. procedurally.
No. 2140. In Texas, our part of I–14 will be ex- Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask
Mr. CARPER. I ask for the yeas and panded to the west so that it will serve unanimous consent to withdraw the 60-
nays. San Angelo, Goodfellow Air Force vote hurdle.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Base, Midland-Odessa, and the Permian The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
sufficient second? Basin. It will connect with I–20 at Mid- objection, it is so ordered.
There appears to be a sufficient sec- land-Odessa, which runs westward to Mr. CARPER. There we go.
ond. connect with I–10 and leads to El Paso VOTE ON AMENDMENT NO. 2300
The clerk will call the roll. and Fort Bliss. This will complete the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
The bill clerk called the roll. linkage between six military facilities question is on agreeing to the amend-
Mr. THUNE. The following Senators across three States, which is critical ment, No. 2300.
are necessarily absent: the Senator for economic development and national The amendment (No. 2300) was agreed
from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and security. to.
the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. I would like to add that this amend- Mr. CARPER. I suggest the absence
INHOFE). ment has the support of the depart- of a quorum.
The result was announced—yeas 48, ments of transportation in Texas, in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The
nays 50, as follows: Louisiana, in Mississippi, in Alabama, clerk will call the roll.
[Rollcall Vote No. 296 Leg.] and in Georgia, as well as untold num- The senior assistant legislative clerk
bers of local leaders and coalitions of proceeded to call the roll.
YEAS—48
businesses and local governments. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask
Baldwin Heinrich Reed
Bennet Hickenlooper Rosen So, again, I want to thank my col- unanimous consent that the order for
Blumenthal Hirono Sanders league Senator WARNOCK for leading the quorum call be rescinded.
Booker Kaine Schatz this bipartisan amendment with me. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
Brown Kelly Schumer objection, it is so ordered.
Cantwell Klobuchar Shaheen The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
Cardin Leahy Sinema ator from Georgia. H.R. 3684
Carper Luján Smith Mr. WARNOCK. Mr. President, I am Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, as we
Casey Markey Stabenow all know by now, a bipartisan group of
Coons Menendez Tester
grateful for the opportunity to partner
Cortez Masto Merkley Van Hollen with my colleague from Texas on this Senators worked with the White House
Duckworth Murphy Warner infrastructure development, and I ask over the last several weeks to nego-
Durbin Murray Warnock for the support of all of my colleagues. tiate a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill,
Feinstein Ossoff Warren
Gillibrand Padilla Whitehouse
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and I know a lot of hard work went
Hassan Peters Wyden ator from West Virginia. into it, a lot of late nights, and I want
Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I ask to thank all of our colleagues who have
NAYS—50
unanimous consent to address the Sen- made a positive contribution in this de-
Barrasso Cruz Lee
Blackburn Daines Lummis
ate for 1 minute on this amendment. bate and discussion. It is particularly
Blunt Ernst Manchin The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without important at this time, I believe, that
Boozman Fischer Marshall objection, it is so ordered. we do these things on a bipartisan
Braun Grassley McConnell Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I rise in basis, if we can.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
Burr Hagerty Moran
Capito Hawley Murkowski support of this bipartisan amendment After much anticipation, we finally
Cassidy Hoeven Paul in the spirit in which it has been of- received the text Sunday night, and a
Collins Hyde-Smith Portman fered. lot of what we expected to see, we saw,
Cornyn Johnson Risch The amendment will designate five like funding for roads, bridges, ports,
Cotton Kennedy Romney
Cramer King Rounds different States—Texas, Louisiana, waterways, airports, and broadband.
Crapo Lankford Rubio Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia—as But what we didn’t see were adequate
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August 3, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5697
pay-fors for the bill. For example, we an interest in making sure that money ture projects. This does not touch the
learned after the bill was announced is spent well on long-term projects. negotiation between the White House
that it would be essentially a supple- What I just said is not necessarily a and so-called G–20, the bipartisan
mental to the current infrastructure criticism of the bills that we passed to- group of Senators who came up with
bill, which would require another $118 gether on a bipartisan basis. We were the substitute bill, which is the base
billion in general revenue to fill the in the midst of a pandemic, and we bill that we are now debating. This
gap left because of the inadequacy of were all operating in an emergency sit- would be in addition to it.
the highway trust fund funding. uation, trying to do the best we could. And, frankly, this would be the most
Now, we have all known that that is But we didn’t know how long this virus efficient way to fund many infrastruc-
a problem. We had to use general rev- would last, how long it would take to ture projects in our States and commu-
enue the last time we did a highway get a vaccine, and how long the nega- nities because, as we know, once Con-
bill. But that hasn’t really been part of tive impact on our economy would last. gress appropriates money, frequently,
the discussion, and I think, once people Frankly, we overshot the mark, I it takes years before that money
begin to see an additional $118 billion think, in some aspects of the bill, thus makes its way to the need. Well, this
in borrowed money in order to pass leading to the surplus of funds at many could mean widening a highway, mak-
this bill, it causes significant concern. of our State and local governments. ing safety improvements on a bridge,
I guess the other part of it is that Right now, there are limits on how expanding broadband access. Urban
this bill seems to be moving at warp that money could be spent. Qualifying areas could even use these funds for
speed. Under normal circumstances, an expenses include things related di- public transit improvement systems.
infrastructure bill would go through a rectly to the pandemic, like COVID–19 State and local leaders know the
long and arduous subcommittee proc- testing sites, vaccines, PSAs, and addi- needs of their communities best, and
ess. And I know that the Environment tional bed space for hospitals. they should have the flexibility to
and Public Works Committee has But this funding can’t currently be spend this money where it is needed
passed a highway bill reauthorization used for expenses unrelated to the pan- most. The key here is flexibility.
twice unanimously, once under Demo- demic or items that were previously in- Here is the other benefit. It doesn’t
cratic leadership and once under Re- cluded in a budget. They must be new, cost another dime. This is money that
publican leadership. So that is a posi- pandemic-related expenses. we have already spent and already sent
tive sign. But this is really a huge As I said, in theory, at the time we to the States, so the score is a big zero.
amalgam of legislation that, frankly, did this, it made a lot of sense. After How many times do we have the op-
only about 20 percent of the Senate is all, this funding was meant to bolster portunity here to do something big and
intimately familiar with. the fight against COVID–19 in commu- important that doesn’t run up the debt
Ordinarily, in a committee, both nities across our country. or deficit or cost us a lot more money?
sides would debate the bill in hearings, But not every community and not So the key here is flexibility. Our
markups, evaluate the cost, and offer every State has the need for these amendment doesn’t place a require-
amendments before we get to this proc- types of projects. In many places, the ment or mandate on State and local
ess, but now we know that has not hap- most urgent needs aren’t related to the governments to spend this funding on
pened. Frankly, I think that is unfor- pandemic, but, rather, the failing infra- anything.
tunate because I think our committees structure. Any place that has new COVID ex-
are not operating the way they should, The pandemic interrupted infrastruc- penses to cover can and should use this
which, in turn, I think helps us produce ture improvements across the country funding for that purpose, no questions
a better, more thoughtful product. and forced many officials to put these asked. This simply gives leaders at the
We simply skipped the normal steps projects on the back burner. Repairs, local and State level the option to
that would allow Members to raise con- maintenance, and construction spend those relief funds on urgent in-
cerns about the bill long before we got projects were put on hold until there frastructure projects that might other-
here and offer changes to improve it. was enough funding to get things back wise go unfunded or that might not be
So, as I have said before and I know on track. funded for years to come.
others have said as well, I hope the ma- I have heard from State and local I still remember President Obama, at
jority leader will offer ample time and leaders in my State who are frustrated one point after the Great Recession in
opportunities for Members on both by the lack of flexibility—by the hand- 2008 and the recovery, when he talked
sides of the aisle to debate and amend cuffs, frankly—on their use of the Fed- about shovel-ready projects. He said:
this legislation. A robust amendment eral funding they have already re- Well, I guess shovel-ready doesn’t real-
process is essential. ceived. They want the option, not the ly mean shovel-ready.
Over the last few days, I have been mandate. They want the option to use The truth is, we have seen it time
working with colleagues on both sides this money when and where it is need- and time again. Congress appropriates
of the aisle to identify new pay-fors ed most, but right now, as I said, their money to State and local governments,
that could be adopted as amendments. hands are tied. and it literally takes years before the
We have come up with some, I think, Many States and localities have re- money gets to the intended target.
promising ideas, and I hope these ideas lief funds on hand but no necessary, This short-circuits that project be-
can receive a vote on the Senate floor qualifying expenses. They have to look cause the States and local governments
this week. at this big balance in their accounts already have that money and they can
For example, I have worked with knowing they won’t be able to spend it spend it for this purpose if we will pass
Senator PADILLA, the Senator from on the greatest needs of their commu- this amendment.
California, to offer one bipartisan nities. Frankly, they are frustrated, I am not alone in thinking this is a
amendment to fund infrastructure because I heard from them. good idea. Back in March, nearly three
projects in communities across the That is especially the case in rural dozen organizations wrote a letter to
country without increasing the debt. America. In places where COVID–19 Secretary Yellen urging her to make
Our amendment would simply give the numbers are low, leaders don’t have transportation infrastructure an eligi-
State and local governments the flexi- the need or the opportunity to spend ble expense. They talked about the im-
bility to use unspent COVID–19 funding this money within the set timeline for pact of COVID–19 on transportation
on infrastructure projects. It would the purposes that Congress has dic- revenues and noted that, last year, 18
eliminate the sunset on the use of tated. They don’t need the full range of States and 24 localities announced
those funds, and it would take the pandemic-related resources that might delays or cancellations of transpor-
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guardrails off that say you can only be necessary in other high-density tation improvement projects totaling
use that money for COVID–19 because, urban areas with higher case counts. more than $12 billion.
to be honest, the States and counties The amendment Senator PADILLA These same three dozen organiza-
and cities have more money than they and I have offered would give leaders in tions noted the pandemic has impacted
know what to do with, at least con- rural areas alike the option of spending every State and community dif-
structively. I think we all would have the funding on necessary infrastruc- ferently, thus the key flexibility. They
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S5698 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE August 3, 2021
said flexibility will be critical to ensur- Senators representing our States, to days after President Trump was sworn
ing funds are used expeditiously and vote on policies that we think are best in and promised swift action to rebuild
with maximum impact. That is really for our States and for the country. our infrastructure, President Joe
what we are talking about here. Yes, the President has an important Biden, working with a hard-working
Secretary Biden’s own Transpor- role, but his role is to veto it if he group of Democrats and Republican
tation Secretary suggested as much. In doesn’t like it, not rewrite it, not to Members in the Senate, is leading us to
testimony before Congress, Secretary tell us what amendments we can vote get this done.
Buttigieg said the American Rescue on or not vote on. That is a perversion My colleagues on both sides of the
Plan ‘‘has some flexibility in it’’ that of the constitutional system. aisle and their hard-working staff
he thinks could be used ‘‘to support I think, for matters of institutional members deserve to take a bow. This
road budgets that have been im- integrity and pride, Senators would be legislation is chockful of bipartisan
pacted.’’ very jealous about guarding their au- wins that will strengthen our country
States and cities shouldn’t just be thorities under the Constitution rather from Seattle to Saginaw, to Sarasota,
able to spend this money. They should than delegating these to the adminis- and communities of every size in be-
be able to invest it in projects and re- tration. tween.
sources our communities need the I expect this is going to be a long This legislation isn’t just going to fi-
most. road. We have already heard Speaker nally fix our cracking roads and crum-
This is simply a commonsense PELOSI say she is not going to pass this bling bridges and spotty internet; it is
change both sides should be able to get bill once the Senate passes it until she going to create good jobs, tackle the
behind. It ensures money that has al- has a chance to pass the $3.5 trillion- climate crisis, help us remain competi-
ready gone out the door will be used plus reconciliation bill at the same tive with other countries around the
before it expires. It puts decision-mak- time. This is going to be a very bumpy world that aren’t sitting around wait-
ing at the local level and gives leaders process. ing for us to catch up.
more flexibility to decide how to use But the idea that we cut off access As a Michigan driver, one of the
this Federal funding on their most ur- that our States and local government parts I am most excited about is the
gent needs; and it does so, as I said, have to hundreds of billions of dollars money to fix our roads and bridges.
without increasing the national deficit of unused funds to do, in their discre- Hey, Governor Whitmer, now you can
at all. tion, what they think needs to be get some help to fix those roads.
This amendment has earned the sup- done—not a mandate, but, rather, a And because we are the Great Lakes
port of a broad range of organizations permission to do so. To turn down this State, transportation in Michigan
across the country, and I am proud to opportunity to get this money where it doesn’t just mean trucks and trains
have worked with Senator PADILLA to is needed most in these big impact in- and cars. This bill uses $11.7 billion to
craft this amendment in a way that frastructure projects makes no sense to modernize infrastructure, such as the
both sides can get behind it. In the me. I would encourage all our col- aging Soo Locks—so critical to our
coming days, I hope this will be one of leagues to support this amendment. economy, for the country, and for the
many amendments that will receive a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Great Lakes region.
vote on the Senate floor, perhaps as ator from Michigan. And it includes $1 billion for the
Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I
early as today. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to
rise to speak about the bill in front of
We have to ensure infrastructure in- clean up contamination, restore wet-
us.
vestments are made fairly and paid for For a long time, the people in Michi- lands, and fight invasive species.
reasonably, and a robust amendment I want to thank my partner and co-
gan have been waiting. For years, they
process is the only way to get there. chair of the Great Lakes Restoration
have been told it is ‘‘infrastructure
I would just add in closing, some of Caucus, Senator PORTMAN, for working
week.’’ Unfortunately, for all the talk,
my colleagues have said that they sup- on this. That is the single largest in-
Michigan’s infrastructure remains
port this amendment, but they would vestment ever made in the Great Lakes
weak.
be inclined to vote against it because This lack of investment has real cost Initiative.
they feel like this somehow violates for our businesses and our communities This will make a big dent in resolv-
the agreement that the bipartisan ne- and our families. I am thinking of the ing areas of concern, like the Detroit
gotiating group had with the White single mom who drives to work every River and the Rouge River, which were
House. But as I described it, it doesn’t day and can’t afford to keep making polluted decades ago.
touch—it does not touch that under- While we are on the subject of water,
car repairs caused by massive potholes,
lying substitute bill. it is way past time for Michigan fami-
an everyday occurrence.
What it does is it unleashes these I am thinking of the small business lies and families across the country to
funds in States like Connecticut, whose deliveries keep being delayed be- feel confident that the water coming
Michigan, West Virginia, Texas. And it cause of the weight limits on a nearby from their taps is safe to drink, and
lets our State and local leaders figure bridge. this bill takes critical steps toward
out, if they can’t use these funds, if I am thinking of the farmer who achieving just that. It includes $15 bil-
they don’t need these funds for COVID– wants to harness the power of precision lion to replace lead pipes, and another
19, how they can use them in a way agricultural to include his bottom line. $10 billion to tackle the PFAS con-
that will have the biggest, most signifi- Unfortunately, he can’t because his tamination that plagues our commu-
cant economic impact on the infra- internet is too slow. nities all over Michigan, as well as the
structure in their States. And I am thinking of that farmer’s country.
I hope my colleagues who somehow children, who need the internet to keep Healthy families and a healthy econ-
believe that they have sworn a blood up with their school work, but struggle omy also require high-speed internet.
oath with the White House not to sup- to find a good connection. We are in 2021. The past 18 months
port any amendments that change the I am thinking of all the folks who proved that as our whole lives moved
underlying substitute—I don’t know would love to choose electric the next online. We saw all of the gaps in high-
why we are voting on amendments, un- time they buy a car, but worry about speed internet services across the coun-
less it is to change the underlying sub- finding a charging station. try. So I am very pleased that this bill
stitute because that is our Constitu- And I am thinking of the kids in includes $65 billion to ensure that folks
tional function. It is somehow a par- Flint and families across the country, can get connected whether they live a
allel universe in which the White who should never have to worry that block from Gratiot Avenue or 25 miles
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
House—a different branch of govern- the water coming out of their kitchen from Highway 31.
ment—is telling the Senate what sink is unsafe after traveling through This bill also takes action to change
amendments we can and cannot pass. lead pipes or becoming contaminated the trajectory of the climate crisis and
As we all know, that is not the way by PFAS. invest in more resilient infrastructure.
the Constitution is written. The Con- All these folks want some investment It invests in charging infrastructure so
stitution said it is our prerogative, as in that infrastructure. And now, 1,656 that folks who have been thinking
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August 3, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5699
about buying that new F–150 Lightning On July 11, in an unprecedented wave pressing solidarity with Cuban citizens
or a Chevy Volt or a Jeep Wrangler can of demonstrations across the island, demonstrating peacefully for funda-
make the leap to electric with con- the Cuban people peacefully took to mental freedoms, condemning the
fidence. We can’t wait any longer be- the streets and raised their voices to Cuban regime’s acts of repression, and
cause China certainly isn’t waiting. call for freedom and an end to tyranny. calling for the immediate release of ar-
Because this legislation also includes We saw the courage of the Cuban peo- bitrarily detained Cuban citizens,
my Make It in America Act that I in- ple. Images of Cubans chanting ‘‘abajo which had been reported from the Com-
troduced with Senator BRAUN, the la dictadura,’’ which means ‘‘down mittee on Foreign Relations, with an
American taxpayer dollars we will be with the dictatorship,’’ and singing amendment to strike all after the re-
investing will go to American manu- ‘‘Patria y Vida,’’ or ‘‘Fatherland and solving clause and insert the part
facturers and American workers. It Life,’’ spread around the globe. Yet the printed in italic, as follows:
adds new guardrails so that Federal Diaz-Canel regime responded with an S. RES. 310
Agencies can’t buy products made in authoritarian crackdown and violent Whereas, on July 11, 2021, thousands of
Mumbai instead of Monroe, MI, when repression out of fear of losing its iron Cuban citizens took to the streets to peace-
those products are available in Michi- grip over the Cuban people. fully protest and to call for respect for basic
gan. It also calls for products pur- human rights and fundamental freedoms,
The regime cut the internet to stop
chased by Federal Agencies to be incor- and the end of the dictatorship in Cuba;
the Cuban people from accessing social Whereas the demonstrations were the larg-
porating more domestic content. It media—a tool they were bravely using est protests witnessed on the island in 25
makes the Made in America Director to open the eyes of the world. Who does years, with courageous Cuban men, women,
and the Made in America Office a per- that? Only a country that fears its peo- and youth taking to the streets in at least 50
manent part of the Office of Manage- ple shuts down the internet. But it was different cities and towns across every prov-
ment and Budget. That will ensure too late. The truth went viral. ince to affirm a deep aspiration for demo-
that American workers and American The regime has arrested more than cratic change and to denounce the regime’s
jobs receive preference regardless of corruption;
700 people, and most remain incommu- Whereas the nationwide protests represent
who sits in the Oval Office. nicado. Dozens more are already being
This legislation doesn’t just benefit the full diversity of Cuban society, with
subjected to summary trials, without demonstrators proudly proclaiming ‘‘Patria
big companies; it also calls for Agen- access to legal defense or even a veneer y Vida!’’ (Homeland and Life!) and calling for
cies to use the Manufacturing Exten- of due process. Human Rights Watch, ‘‘libertad’’ (liberty);
sion Partnership, which is extremely Amnesty International, and the U.N. Whereas the demonstrations in Cuba follow
effective in Michigan and across the High Commissioner for Human Rights months of severe shortages of food and basic
country. That means small- and me- have all spoken out against the Cuban medicine, frequent power outages, record
dium-sized manufacturers will have high rates of transmission of COVID–19, and
regime’s campaign of oppression. the Cuban regime’s ineffective response, in
more opportunities to sell their prod- President Biden rightfully and re-
ucts to the Federal Government and addition to the Cuban regime’s continued re-
peatedly denounced the regime’s ac- pression and arbitrary imprisonment of citi-
provide materials for federally funded tions and has announced two rounds of zens, peaceful activists, and artists;
infrastructure projects, including all Global Magnitsky sanctions on human Whereas, despite the authoritarian re-
those roads and bridges we will be re- rights abusers. The President has gime’s blocking of internet service to pre-
building. brought together allies of Cuban free- vent the spread of information about the
I have often said of the farm bill that demonstrations, Cubans witnessed examples
dom both at home and abroad. On Fri-
it has Michigan on every page. I have of their compatriots demanding change in
day, the President convened a meeting their country and courageously joined the
got to say this bill comes pretty darned
of Cuban-American leaders to discuss growing protests;
close.
I urge my colleagues to support this this crisis and hear our suggestions on Whereas, despite the peaceful nature of the
legislation, to invest in America, and how to best support the pro-democracy demonstrations, Miguel Dı́az-Canel incited
to finally get Infrastructure Week efforts underway in Cuba. violence among Cubans and encouraged his
Last week, Secretary of State supporters to attack peaceful protestors, de-
translated into action. claring in a televised address, ‘‘the order to
I yield the floor. Blinken led a coalition of 20 countries
in a joint statement to express inter- fight has been given—into the streets’’ and
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. MAR- pledged his supporters’ lives: ‘‘Over our dead
KEY). The Senator from New Jersey. national solidarity with the Cuban peo-
bodies. We are prepared to do anything’’;
f ple and their rights to freedom of ex- Whereas Dı́az-Canel has sought to
pression, freedom of assembly, freedom delegitimize peaceful protesters, crudely
EXPRESSING SOLIDARITY WITH to determine their own future. stating they constitute a small group of
CUBAN CITIZENS DEM- While important steps are being ‘‘vulgar criminals’’ that are ‘‘paid’’ to be dis-
ONSTRATING PEACEFULLY FOR taken, more needs to be done. The ruptive;
FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS, CON- Cuban people, in this unprecedented Whereas Dı́az-Canel sought to blame the
DEMNING THE CUBAN REGIME’S hour of uncertainty and need, cannot endemic problems causing so much human
ACTS OF REPRESSION, AND afford anything less than our full sup- suffering by the Cuban people on outside
CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE forces instead of on the Cuban regime’s long-
port. standing corruption, mismanagement, and
RELEASE OF ARBITRARILY DE- With this resolution, the Senate will theft of public resources;
TAINED CUBAN CITIZENS add its voice to the ongoing efforts and Whereas the Cuban regime’s domestic se-
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I am reinforce U.S. solidarity with the curity apparatus, including military and po-
proud to come to the floor today to ask Cuban people and their efforts to re- lice, were recorded on video violently re-
for unanimous consent on this bipar- store democracy and human rights in pressing peaceful Cuban citizens, including
tisan resolution expressing solidarity their country. It is the same resolution by using live ammunition and attacking
that is also being offered in the House journalists;
with the people of Cuba. This resolu-
Whereas numerous reports indicate deaths
tion passed out of the Foreign Rela- of Representatives on the same bipar-
of and injuries to Cuban protestors at the
tions Committee by a voice vote, with tisan basis. hands of the regime’s security forces, includ-
overwhelming bipartisan support. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent ing instances of police firing live ammuni-
I want to thank the senior Senator that the Senate proceed to the imme- tion into crowds and at least one docu-
from Florida for his partnership on this diate consideration of Calendar No. 111, mented police beating that led to a civilian
resolution, which has the support of S. Res. 310; further, that the com- death;
Senators DURBIN, KAINE; Senator mittee-reported substitute amendment Whereas independent Cuban civil society
RISCH, the ranking member on the For- to the resolution be agreed to; the reso- groups have reported that hundreds of indi-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE
lution, as amended, be agreed to; the viduals have been arrested, detained, or are
eign Relations Committee; as well as
missing;
many others on both sides of the aisle. preamble be agreed to; and that the Whereas defying regime repression, contin-
In passing this resolution today, the motions to reconsider be considered ued internet shutdowns, and illegal searches
U.S. Senate can send a powerful mes- made and laid upon the table. of the homes of activists and protestors,
sage about the truly historic events oc- Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to Cuban men, women, and youth continued to
curring in Cuba in recent weeks. consider the resolution (S. Res. 310) ex- peacefully protest throughout the island on
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