Congressional Record, S. 3166, S. 3177 and S. 3178 Introduced — Senate, November 4, 2021
Summary
Page S7793 of the Senate section of the Congressional Record for November 4, 2021, in interleaved columns, with a heading on S. 3166, S. 3177 and S. 3178 introduced. Amendment text is shown for H.R. 4350, the bill authorizing fiscal year 2022 appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense, including Amendment No. 4097 at the request of Mr. Lankford. A speaker says there is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make major reforms to the Medicare benefit and recalls reintroducing the Medicare Dental Benefit Act, and another speaker thanks a society for its support on defeating the virus.
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“Congressional Record, S. 3166, S. 3177 and S. 3178 Introduced — Senate, November 4, 2021.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-11-04-crec-2021-11-04-pt1-pgs7793-e12f1d411c/
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November 4, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7793
military activities of the Department posed to H.R. 4350, to authorize appro- forts to address the longstanding gaps
of Defense, for military construction, priations for fiscal year 2022 for mili- in healthcare access. For instance, we
and for defense activities of the De- tary activities of the Department of have a once-in-a-generation oppor-
partment of Energy, to prescribe mili- Defense, for military construction, and tunity to make major reforms to the
tary personnel strengths for such fiscal for defense activities of the Depart- Medicare benefit.
year, and for other purposes. ment of Energy, to prescribe military Earlier this year, I reintroduced the
AMENDMENT NO. 4097 personnel strengths for such fiscal Medicare Dental Benefit Act, which
At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the year, and for other purposes. would add dental benefits to Medicare.
names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. f It would help more than 56 million sen-
MORAN) and the Senator from Mis- iors and people with disabilities afford
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED
sissippi (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) were added much-needed dental care.
BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
as cosponsors of amendment No. 4097 According to the Wisdom Tooth
intended to be proposed to H.R. 4350, to By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Project of Oral Health America, nearly
authorize appropriations for fiscal year Ms. STABENOW): 70 percent of seniors lack or have lim-
2022 for military activities of the De- S. 3166. A bill to amend title XIX of ited access to dental insurance, and
partment of Defense, for military con- the Social Security Act to improve fewer than half have access to dental
struction, and for defense activities of coverage of dental and oral health serv- care each year. Those numbers are in-
the Department of Energy, to prescribe ices for adults under Medicaid, and for excusable. We should be working to
military personnel strengths for such other purposes; to the Committee on strengthen and expand access to qual-
fiscal year, and for other purposes. Finance. ity, affordable dental care for all
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, the Americans, regardless of age or in-
AMENDMENT NO. 4112
COVID–19 pandemic continues to take come.
At the request of Mr. KING, the name a tremendous toll on our Nation.
of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. That is why, today, I am introducing,
Healthcare workers have valiantly along with Senator STABENOW, the
OSSOFF) was added as a cosponsor of served our communities throughout
amendment No. 4112 intended to be pro- Medicaid Dental Benefit Act, which
the crisis. Still, we face unprecedented would extend comprehensive dental
posed to H.R. 4350, to authorize appro- challenges, and this moment calls for
priations for fiscal year 2022 for mili- health benefits to tens of millions of
historic action. low-income Americans.
tary activities of the Department of The pandemic laid bare the gaps in
Defense, for military construction, and Currently, States have flexibility to
our healthcare system and magnified determine whether to provide dental
for defense activities of the Depart- longstanding inequities. Health inequi-
ment of Energy, to prescribe military benefits to adult Medicaid enrollees.
ties have been eating away at our com-
personnel strengths for such fiscal Although most States, including my
munities for many years, which is why
year, and for other purposes. State, provide at least emergency den-
I have fought for policies to reduce eco-
AMENDMENT NO. 4133
tal services for adults, fewer than half
nomic and social inequalities overall—
of the States provide comprehensive
At the request of Mr. KAINE, the in short, access to nutrition, edu-
dental care.
name of the Senator from Hawaii (Ms. cation, and housing, and increased
The consequences of such haphazard
HIRONO) was added as a cosponsor of funding for social and mental health
access could not be clearer: higher
amendment No. 4133 intended to be pro- services.
Earlier this year, Congress enacted costs and worse outcomes.
posed to H.R. 4350, to authorize appro-
A recent report by the Agency for
priations for fiscal year 2022 for mili- some of those reforms in the American
Rescue Plan Act, which is bringing Healthcare Research and Quality found
tary activities of the Department of
much-needed help to Marylanders and that Black, Hispanic, and low-income
Defense, for military construction, and
Americans across the country. It was a adults visited the emergency room for
for defense activities of the Depart-
strong investment to complement on- dental care at the highest rates of any
ment of Energy, to prescribe military
going efforts to curtail the rapid spread group in 2018.
personnel strengths for such fiscal Many of you have heard me speak be-
year, and for other purposes. of the virus, particularly as we grapple
with more contagious variants, such as fore of the tragic loss of Deamonte
AMENDMENT NO. 4148
the Delta variant. Now, we have the Driver, a 12-year-old Prince George’s
At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the County resident, in 2007. Deamonte’s
name of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. opportunity to enhance that effort
through the Build Back Better Act. death was particularly heartbreaking
ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of because it was entirely preventable.
amendment No. 4148 intended to be pro- Even with the significant invest-
ments in healthcare over the last year What started out as a toothache turned
posed to H.R. 4350, to authorize appro- into a severe brain infection that could
priations for fiscal year 2022 for mili- and a half, Americans are struggling to
pay for their basic healthcare needs, have been prevented by an $80 extrac-
tary activities of the Department of tion. After multiple surgeries and a
Defense, for military construction, and like prescription medications and men-
tal healthcare. Waiting lists for home- lengthy hospital stay, Deamonte
for defense activities of the Depart- passed away nearly 15 years ago, just a
and community-based services so indi-
ment of Energy, to prescribe military few miles from this building.
viduals can age in place with dignity
personnel strengths for such fiscal It is imperative that we use this
are in the thousands or tens of thou-
year, and for other purposes. once-in-a-generation opportunity to in-
sands in States around the country. In
AMENDMENT NO. 4211 crease access to dental care, which will
my State of Maryland, over 30,000 sen-
At the request of Mr. PADILLA, the iors and individuals are waiting to get improve the overall health of millions.
name of the Senator from West Vir- access to home- and community-based To echo former U.S. Surgeon General
ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- services. C. Everett Koop, ‘‘there is no health
sponsor of amendment No. 4211 in- Now, we have the opportunity to without oral health.’’
tended to be proposed to H.R. 4350, to make prescription drugs more afford- Adequate access to oral health is es-
authorize appropriations for fiscal year able, expand access to home- and com- sential to preventing tragedies like the
2022 for military activities of the De- munity-based services, extend en- death of Deamonte Driver from ever
partment of Defense, for military con- hanced financial support to individuals happening again. Let us continue to
struction, and for defense activities of in the individual market, and perma- build upon the progress made today in
the Department of Energy, to prescribe nently fund the Children’s Health In- advancing access to oral health to pro-
military personnel strengths for such surance Program—CHIP. tect individuals around the country.
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fiscal year, and for other purposes. We have been working on these prob- As we work to pass this legislation,
AMENDMENT NO. 4218 lems for years and, in some cases, for let us not lose sight of what is at stake.
At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the over a decade. Congress is long overdue Just in the last few days, we have seen
name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. in acting to remedy them. some of the best that American
RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of As we make these historic invest- healthcare can provide, but also some
amendment No. 4218 intended to be pro- ments, we must also redouble our ef- of the worst.
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S7794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 4, 2021
Vaccines are making a critical dif- disabilities, who often live on fixed in- ‘‘(d) Subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of sec-
ference in the fight against COVID–19, comes. More and more seniors and peo- tion 3716(c)(3) of title 31, United States Code,
and just this Wednesday, they will be ple with disabilities are having their as such subparagraphs were in effect on the
date before the date of enactment of the Pro-
available to all ages 5 and older. It is a Social Security and other lifeline bene-
tection of Social Security Benefits Restora-
momentous achievement and a great fits taken away to pay Federal debts. tion Act, shall be null and void and of no ef-
relief to families and communities For example, according to recent data fect.’’.
around the Nation. from the U.S. Bureau of Fiscal Service, (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—
At the same time, women in Texas over 167,000 Americans had their bene- (A) Section 14(a) of the Railroad Retire-
are being denied access to reproductive fits garnished for student loan debt. ment Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231m(a)) is
healthcare while, on Monday, the Su- While 167,000 seems small compared to amended by adding at the end the following:
preme Court heard oral arguments on a nation of over 320 million, those ‘‘. The provisions of section 207(d) of the So-
167,000 had nearly $200 million gar- cial Security Act shall apply with respect to
two cases challenging the Texas anti-
this title to the same extent as they apply in
abortion law S.B. 8. Roe v. Wade has nished from their earned benefits. This
the case of title II of such Act.’’.
been the established legal precedent in is just the tip of the iceberg as more (B) Section 2(e) of the Railroad Unemploy-
this country for more than half a cen- Americans start receiving benefits. Be- ment Insurance Act (45 U.S.C. 352(e)) is
tury, but anti-choice activists continue tween 2008 and 2018, the number of indi- amended by adding at the end the following:
to push policies like S.B. 8 that are viduals whose Social Security benefits ‘‘The provisions of section 207(d) of the So-
sending this country and women’s were offset to pay student loans debt cial Security Act shall apply with respect to
health and well-being in the wrong di- increased by 133 percent, from about this title to the same extent as they apply in
72,000 to 169,000. Over that same period, the case of title II of such Act.’’
rection. Women and their healthcare
should not be under constant threat. If the amount collected from Social Secu- (b) REPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET AU-
rity benefits ballooned from almost $63 THORITY.—
we fail the women of America, we fail
million to nearly $200 million, a 217- (1) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (3) of section
our Nation. 3716(c) of title 31, United States Code, is
Right now, we have a choice on how percent increase.
amended—
we as a nation want to emerge from Social Security plays a critical role (A) by striking ‘‘(3)(A)(i) Notwithstanding’’
the pandemic. We can continue on the in keeping seniors and people with dis- and all that follows through ‘‘any overpay-
same course, leaving millions of fami- abilities out of poverty. In Oregon ment under such program).’’;
lies behind, or we can answer the call alone, Social Security cuts the poverty (B) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
of the American people and invest in rate of the elderly from about 35 per- and
high-quality, equitable healthcare. cent to 5 percent. However, despite So- (C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
cial Security’s critical role in the safe- paragraph (3).
Let us answer the call.
ty net, close to 1 out of every 10 seniors (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Paragraph
(5) of such section is amended by striking
By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. over age 65 and 1 in 5 disabled workers ‘‘the Commissioner of Social Security and’’.
WHITEHOUSE, Mr. PADILLA, Ms. still live in poverty and that is simply
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments
WARREN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. unacceptable. made by this section shall apply to any col-
MURRAY, Mr. BROWN, Mr. SAND- I, along with Senators BROWN, WHITE- lection by administrative offset occurring on
ERS, Ms. HIRONO, and Mr. HOUSE, LEAHY, WARREN, HIRONO. SAND- or after the date of enactment of this Act of
LEAHY): ERS, PADILLA, VAN HOLLEN, and MUR- a claim arising before, on, or after the date
S. 3177. A bill to restore protections RAY am reintroducing the Protection of of enactment of this Act.
for Social Security, Railroad retire- Social Security Benefits Restoration
ment, and Black Lung benefits from Act. The bill would restore the strong By Mr. CORNYN (for himself and
administrative offset; to the Com- protections in the law that prevented Mr. KING):
mittee on Finance. the government from taking away S. 3178. A bill to express the sense of
Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, Social earned benefits to pay Federal debts, Congress on interoperability with Tai-
Security provides vital benefits mil- and guarantee beneficiaries will be able wan; to the Committee on Foreign Re-
lions of Americans who work and pay to maintain a basic standard of living lations.
into the system with each paycheck. by receiving the benefits they have
Because Social Security is funda- earned. The bill is supported by the Mr. CORNYN, Mr. President, I ask
mental to workers’ retirement secu- Strengthen Social Security Coalition, unanimous consent to have my bill
rity, the law protected benefits from Social Security Works, National Asso- printed in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.
creditors. The only exceptions were un- ciation of Disability Representatives, The bill expresses the sense of Congress
paid Federal taxes, child support or ali- AFL-CIO, the American Federation of on interoperability with Taiwan.
mony payments, and court-ordered vic- Government Employees, National Or- There being no objection, the text of
tim restitution. These protections en- ganization of Social Security Claim- the bill was ordered to be printed in
sured that the social safety net pro- ants’ Representatives, Justice in the RECORD, as follows:
grams would be there for basic needs. Aging, American Federation of Teach- S. 3178
That protection was weakened over 20 ers, Alliance for Retired Americans,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
years ago when the law was changed. and the National Committee to Pre- resentatives of the United States of America in
Now, more and more seniors face cuts serve Social Security & Medicare. Congress assembled,
in their Social Security benefits be- I ask unanimous consent that the bill
SECTION 1. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON INTER-
cause of student loan debts. While Con- be printed in the RECORD following this OPERABILITY WITH TAIWAN.
gress and the Biden-Harris Administra- statement.
It is the sense of Congress that, consistent
tion took significant steps to protect S. 3177
with the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law
Americans from facing crushing debt Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) and the Six Assur-
during a global pandemic, exempting resentatives of the United States of America in ances, the United States should seek to sup-
the economic impact payments from Congress assembled, port the goals of—
garnishment and extending the freeze SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
(1) improving asymmetric defense capabili-
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Protection ties of Taiwan;
on student loan payments through Jan-
of Social Security Benefits Restoration (2) bolstering deterrence to preserve peace,
uary 2022, seniors will still be on the Act’’.
hook for cosigning their child or grand- security, and stability across the Taiwan
SEC. 2. PROTECTING SOCIAL SECURITY, RAIL- Strait; and
child’s student loan debt when those ROAD RETIREMENT, AND BLACK
LUNG BENEFITS FROM ADMINISTRA-
(3) deepening interoperability with Taiwan
payments resume. We need to take ac-
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TIVE OFFSET. in defense capabilities, including in—
tion today to restore the strong protec- (A) maritime and air domain awareness;
(a) PROHIBITION ON ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET
tions to Social Security and other ben- AUTHORITY.— and
efit programs. (1) ASSIGNMENT UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY (B) integrated air and missile defense sys-
We now realize what a profound ef- ACT.—Section 207 of the Social Security Act tems.
fect the loss of these protections has (42 U.S.C. 407) is amended by adding at the
had on retirees and individuals with end the following new subsection: By Mr. VAN HOLLEN:
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November 4, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7795
S. 3179. A bill making appropriations spending levels, and these funds will munities with no healthy food alter-
for financial services and general gov- allow the IRS to bring taxpayer serv- natives to investing in low-income
ernment for the fiscal year ending Sep- ices into the 21st century by upgrading housing, and I am glad that we were
tember 30, 2022, and for other purposes; and replacing aging IRS infrastructure. able to include robust funding for
to the Committee on Appropriations. For working families, that means im- CDFIs in this year’s bill.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I proved service and shorter hold times On top of that, this bill provides ad-
rise today to introduce the Fiscal Year when they call the IRS with questions. ditional resources for communities and
2022 Financial Services and General That additional funding will also small businesses through $1 billion for
Government Appropriations Act, which allow the IRS to go after those ultra- the Small Business Administration, so
will help fund essential government wealthy tax cheats who have avoided we can make sure businesses continue
programs that invest in the success of paying what they owe to the govern- to recover from the pandemic—and can
everyday Americans and help build a ment. Now, let’s be clear: Each year, grow stronger into the future. Small
stronger, more resilient economy with millions of folks pay what they owe, businesses are the backbone of our
greater opportunity and more shared fill out their tax forms, and send them economy, and this spending bill puts
prosperity for all. in to the IRS honestly and on time, and that notion front-and-center in our
As chair of the Financial Services they trust that others do the same. But Federal budget. I am proud that this
and General Government Appropria- we know that while most people pay legislation also includes a $53 million
tions Subcommittee, I developed this what they are required to under the increase for Entrepreneurial Develop-
bill with the help of Ranking Member law, some do not. There is anywhere ment Grants that will encourage entre-
CINDY HYDE-SMITH from Mississippi, from $500 billion to $1 trillion in taxes preneurs to build businesses and create
and I want to begin by thanking her each year that are owed but not paid, good-paying jobs—including entre-
and the Appropriations Committee primarily by the wealthy. That is bil- preneurs from historically under-
staff on both sides that have helped as- lions of dollars that are overdue under served communities.
semble this legislation. Putting to- current law and which should be avail- Money that goes to the SBA will also
gether any one piece of the Federal able to help fund everything from edu- help make sure our small businesses
budget is beyond the power of any one cation to our national defense. Both have the support they need to get back
individual; it takes a dedicated team of my Republican and Democratic col- on their feet in the wake of devastating
public servants working shoulder-to- leagues know that doing nothing and natural disasters, which we all know
shoulder, day-in and day-out—and com- allowing this tax gap to grow on our have been on the rise due to the grow-
mitted to delivering real results for the watch just isn’t right. It flies in the ing and very real consequences of cli-
American people. I appreciate Senator face of basic fairness. While everyday mate change, an issue that demands
HYDE-SMITH’s partnership on our sub- Americans have their taxes withheld this government’s full and undivided
committee, and I also want to thank and follow the law, we cannot allow the attention. Extreme weather events get
Senator LEAHY and Ranking Member super wealthy to evade the system. Ev- worse and worse each year, and my
SHELBY for their leadership on the full eryone needs to pay what they owe. By State of Maryland is feeling the pain of
committee. enhancing the agility of the IRS to that trend right now in the aftermath
And in addition to my colleagues and crack down on individuals who sidestep of Tropical Depression Ida. I am glad
partners on Capitol Hill who have con- their current tax responsibilities, we that the Small Business Administra-
tributed to this legislation, our work can raise more revenue without raising tion approved Maryland’s request for a
has also been guided by the input of taxes by a single dime. Disaster Declaration for those im-
others, outside of the Senate, who have The investment in a robust IRS will pacted by Ida, which has unlocked ad-
offered their testimony and insight. In deliver additional monies to invest in ditional low-interest loans for busi-
order to craft this spending package, growing opportunity and wealth in all nesses and homeowners in affected
the Financial Services and General of our communities, including under- communities and emphasizes how just
Government Subcommittee held public served communities. And that mission important the SBA is in helping our
hearings with the Treasury Depart- has taken on an added measure of ur- fellow citizens endure the impacts of
ment and the IRS, a public hearing to gency as our country continues to re- climate change.
help understand Postal Service deliv- cover from the economic fallout of But if we want to tackle the climate
ery issues, and a public hearing to COVID–19. Our bill helps meet the full crisis head-on, it isn’t enough for us to
learn about the important role of Com- promise of that very mission by pro- support those who have already been
munity Development banks in eco- viding $360 million for the Community harmed by the devastating effects of
nomically challenged communities. We Development Financial Institutions global warming; we also need to cut
were briefed by an array of agencies Fund, a $90 million increase from last emissions. That is why this bill invests
under the bill’s jurisdictions and met year’s spending levels. CDFIs are key $200 million in transitioning the Fed-
with stakeholders who would be di- vehicles for funding businesses and eral fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
rectly affected by key elements of this projects in economically underserved There are currently around 655,000 gas-
legislation, including residents from communities. My State of Maryland is powered vehicles in the federal fleet
my home State of Maryland. proud to have 13 certified community- that spew more than 7 billion pounds of
The result of those combined efforts based lenders across our State that greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
can be seen in the substance of this benefit directly from the CDFI fund L, each year. With this bill, that will
year’s Financial Services and General and earlier this year, I chaired a sub- change. We need to take an all-of-gov-
Government spending bill, which pro- committee hearing that included testi- ernment approach to tackling the cli-
vides $29.4 billion to bring critical serv- mony from a Maryland constituent and mate crisis, and this provision within
ices to the American people by funding valued adviser, Mr. Joseph Haskins, our legislation helps us do just that.
a number of important Federal agen- Jr., who is the chairman of Harbor And as we invest in the health of our
cies and government bodies from the Bank in Baltimore, a certified CDFI planet, we also need to invest in the
Treasury Department to the Small that has helped create $3 billion in eco- health of our democracy and I am glad
Business Administration to the Federal nomic development in the Baltimore that this bill is a big win for increased
Judiciary to the D.C. courts—and much community since its founding in 2001. campaign finance transparency in two
more. Today, I would like to share with And just last month, I convened a major ways. First, this legislation
the American people exactly what is in roundtable with Shelly Gross-Wade, drops a long-standing rider that
this bill and how they stand to benefit the CEO of the only CDFI in Prince blocked the SEC from requiring public
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from the provisions within it. George’s County, MD, to discuss how companies to share their political
First and foremost, this bill arms the we can better support minority small spending with shareholders. Share-
IRS with the resources it needs to businesses across the region. Commu- holders and the public have a right to
ramp up customer service. This bill in- nity lenders support a wide range of know what political causes their
cludes $13.6 billion for the IRS, an in- local projects, including everything money is being used to support, deci-
crease of $1.6 billion over last year’s from bringing grocery stores to com- sions that can go against their values
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S7796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 4, 2021
or put their investments at risk. Our stance use disorders continue to tear at stormwater management practices at
legislation will enable the SEC to shine the fabric of our communities, includ- Department of Defense, DOD installa-
a light on that secret spending. And ing in my home State of Maryland, and tions across the country.
second, the bill drops a longstanding this vital funding is essential both to Climate related impacts, such as in-
rider that blocked the Treasury from stopping illegal drug trafficking and to creased rainfall intensity and sea level
clarifying the definition of ‘‘political healing my State and States across the rise, exacerbate the problem of
activity’’ for 501(c)(4) social welfare country that have been plagued by ad- stormwater runoff. Excess stormwater
group, which are major sources of se- diction. can threaten our military readiness
cret election spending. Finally, I would also like to note and pollute surrounding waterways and
More transparency in political fund- that this bill ends harmful riders that ecosystems.
raising is part of the essential mission have interfered with the District of Co- This phenomenon is acutely present
to restore faith in government. Toward lumbia’s ability to spend its own tax- in the Chesapeake Bay watershed,
that same end, this bill also mandates payer dollars, an example of Congres- where DOD is the second largest Fed-
greater transparency in how the Office sional meddling in local affairs that no eral landholder, and stormwater is the
of Management and Budget manages Senator would tolerate toward their only pollutant in the watershed that
apportionments, which is the process of own State. And this bill includes $760 continues to increase. Therefore, it is
spending the money that Congress ap- million in special Federal payments for imperative that the DOD, as an official
propriates. And additionally, this bill over a dozen distinct purposes relating partner to the Chesapeake Bay Pro-
works to ensure that our government to DC, including $40 million for the DC gram, do all that it can to support re-
represents the full diversity of the Tuition Assistance Grant Program to duction in pollution runoff consistent
United States by expanding opportuni- expand higher education choices for with the State-based watershed imple-
ties for DREAMers so that DACA re- students of the District. And at a time mentation plans required by the Envi-
cipients can be employed by the Fed- when we see attacks on a women’s ronmental Protection Agency. Climate
eral Government. DREAMers should be right to choose across this country, I change has put numerous Virginia and
able to bring their skills, talents, and am proud to say this bill ends years of Maryland military bases at increased
unique perspectives to government restrictions to abortion care by drop- risk of flooding, including Naval Sta-
jobs, where decisions affecting their ping a rider that prohibited the Dis- tion Norfolk, Naval Air Station
communities are made every day, and trict of Columbia—and Federal health Oceana, Naval Support Activity Hamp-
our legislation allows them to partici- insurance systems—from providing ton Roads, Langley Air Force Base,
pate fully in public service. This legis- coverage for abortion services. This is Naval Support Activity Annapolis,
lation also includes an increase in sound policy that the majority of Naval Support Activity Bethesda,
funding to the White House that would Americans support, and this provision Naval Air Station Patuxent River,
allow for paid internships, and I urge is essential to protecting reproductive Joint Base Andrews, and Naval Sup-
the President to use these funds to freedoms in this country. port Activity South Potomac.
offer the opportunity to enter Federal In short, this legislation enhances While there are 137 DOD installa-
service to more young people. services that help everyday people, tions, sites, and facilities in the Chesa-
But while we work to recruit more of builds more economic opportunity, up- peake Bay watershed, this proposal
our fellow Americans to serve, we also lifts working families, delivers support will help ensure stormwater and nat-
need to ensure that those who are cur- directly to our communities, fights cli- ural resources beat management prac-
rently serving can work in offices that mate change, strengthens our democ- tices are constructed, maintained, and
meet their full needs. That is why I am racy, accelerates our work to mod- repaired at DOD facilities across the
particularly pleased to include lan- ernize the IRS, and does much, much Nation.
guage in this bill urging the General more, and we must get it to the Presi- The Federal Government provides
Service Administration and the Fed- dent’s desk. State and local governments with bil-
eral Bureau of Investigation to move While I wish we could consider this lions in financial assistance each year
forward on the proposed new, consoli- bill under regular order, have a con-
to invest in stormwater infrastructure
dated FBI headquarter, a process that ference with the House and sign it into
through the Clean Water State Revolv-
was abruptly halted by the last admin- law, we are quickly running out of
ing Fund. Very limited funding exists
istration. The FBI currently works in a time. It is imperative that we enact
for the financing of stormwater infra-
crumbling building that fails to meet this spending bill and the other 11 ap-
structure on military installations.
propriations bills by December 3 when
its operational and security needs, and The EMBRACE Act would make
the current continuing resolution runs
it is time to move forward on the proc- stormwater management projects eligi-
out to avoid a government shutdown,
ess of securing a new campus. I would ble for Federal funding under either
and in order to meet that deadline, we
be remiss if I did not note that Mary- military construction projects, mili-
will likely be negotiating an omnibus.
land, which is already home to many tary installation resilience projects,
I look forward to working with Rank-
FBI employees, has two fully vetted unspecified minor military construc-
ing Member HYDE-SMITH and our House
sites in this process. I am committed tion projects, defense access roads
colleagues to move this process for-
to getting this new campus, which is projects, the Defense Community Infra-
ward immediately because we have no
over a decade in the making, finally structure Program DCIP, and the En-
time to waste. So let’s now push ahead
completed to meet the needs of the ergy Resilience and Conservation In-
with our work, finish these bills, and
FBI’ s mission. vestment Program ERCIP.
do the job the American people sent us
And in addition to strengthening the The bill instructs the Defense De-
here to do.
core planks of government by expand- --- partment to give priority to projects
ing transparency, helping grow path- By Mr. KAINE (for himself, Mr. that retrofit buildings and grounds on
ways to service, and upgrading Federal WARNER, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and bases and improve access roads prone
buildings, the Financial Services and Mr. CARDIN): to flooding. It backs the building of
General Government bill also strength- S. 3183. A bill to amend title 10, stormwater ponds and other retention
ens the government’s ability to take on United States Code, to establish a pro- strategies. It also supports replacing
pressing crises facing our communities, gram of the Department of Defense to impermeable paving with materials
including our Nation’s ongoing chal- carry out stormwater management that let water seep into the soil rather
lenges with addiction. It provides a 9- projects on or related to military in- than run off. Projects such as rain gar-
percent increase in funding for the Of- stallations to improve the resilience of dens, cisterns, and planters also would
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
fice of National Drug Control Policy, military installations and defense ac- be eligible for funds.
including resources for the High-Inten- cess roads and protect waterways and I am proud to be joined in this effort
sity Drug Trafficking Areas program stormwater-stressed ecosystems; to the by Senators WARNER, CARDIN, and VAN
and the Drug-Free Communities pro- Committee on Armed Services. HOLLEN. The bill has also been en-
gram, which helps prevent drug addic- Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, today I dorsed by critical partners such as the
tion among our Nation’s youth. Sub- am introducing a bill to improve Chesapeake Bay Commission, the
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November 4, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S7797
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the nally have three FDA-approved port of our bill, and I look forward to
Chesapeake Conservancy, Choose Clean COVID–19 vaccines that are safe, effec- working with my colleagues to pass it.
Water Coalition, American Flood Coa- tive, and free for all Americans. While f
lition Action, the Nature Conservancy, getting as many people vaccinated as
SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
Southern Environmental Law Center, possible remains the only path out of
and Wetlands Watch. I was glad to see the pandemic, barriers to access and
that Representative BOBBY SCOTT suc- misunderstanding about the safety of SENATE RESOLUTION 440—RECOG-
cessful in including his bipartisan com- the vaccines have delayed too many NIZING NATIONAL NATIVE
panion EMRBACE Act as an amend- Americans from getting their vaccine. AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
ment to the House version of the Na- Disturbingly, throughout the pan- AND CELEBRATING THE HERIT-
tional Defense Authorization Act demic, we have seen an increase in hate AGES AND CULTURES OF NA-
NDAA for fiscal year 2022. It is my hope crimes against the Asian American and TIVE AMERICANS AND THE CON-
that this legislation will be included in Pacific Islander community due to ra- TRIBUTIONS OF NATIVE AMERI-
the NDAA upon its final’ passage in cially discriminatory language related CANS TO THE UNITED STATES
Congress. to COVID–19. Possible underreporting
means this problem may be even more Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Ms. MUR-
By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, prevalent than we know. KOWSKI, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BARRASSO,
Mr. MARSHALL, Mrs. GILLI- Finally, after examining all available Mr. BOOKER, Ms. CANTWELL, Ms. COR-
BRAND, and Ms. ERNST): intelligence reporting and information, TEZ MASTO, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. HEINRICH,
S. 3203. A bill to establish the Com- the intelligence community remains Mr. HOEVEN, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. KAINE,
mission on the COVID–19 Pandemic; to divided on the most likely origin of Mr. KING, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. LUJÁN,
the Committee on Health, Education, COVID–19. According to the latest de- Ms. LUMMIS, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. MORAN,
Labor, and Pensions. classified assessment on COVID–19 ori- Mr. PADILLA, Ms. ROSEN, Mrs. SHA-
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I gins, more information is needed to HEEN, Ms. SINEMA, Ms. SMITH, Mr.
rise today to speak in support of my bi- provide a more definitive explanation TESTER, Ms. WARREN, Ms. HIRONO, and
partisan bill, the National Commission of how the virus emerged. Mr. SULLIVAN) submitted the following
on the COVID–19 Pandemic Act. This The Commission that would be estab- resolution; which was considered and
bill would establish a 9/11-style Com- lished by our bipartisan bill would con- agreed to:
mission to conduct an investigation on duct a comprehensive investigation of S. RES. 440
the COVID–19 outbreak and identify our government’s preparedness and re- Whereas, from November 1, 2021, through
lessons learned regarding preparedness, sponse to the COVID–19 pandemic and November 30, 2021, the United States cele-
response, and recovery. I would like to make recommendations on how we can brates National Native American Heritage
thank my cosponsors, Senators MAR- be better prepared in the future. Month;
SHALL, GILLIBRAND, and ERNST, for Modeled after the 9/11 Commission, Whereas National Native American Herit-
age Month is an opportunity to consider and
joining me in introducing this crucial this investigative body would com- recognize the contributions of Native Ameri-
bill. plement other oversight efforts in Con- cans to the history of the United States;
Like we did after the devastating gress and the administration. Whereas Native Americans are descendants
September 11 terrorist attacks, our bill The Commission would be composed of the original, Indigenous inhabitants of
would establish a bipartisan Commis- of 10 members who aren’t current Fed- what is now the United States;
sion on the COVID–19 pandemic to bet- eral officials, with the same partisan Whereas the Bureau of the Census esti-
ter understand the vulnerabilities it balance as the 9/11 Commissioners and mates that—
has revealed in our national security with a variety of backgrounds in rel- (1) in 2020, there were 9,666,058 individuals
and healthcare system and improve our of American Indian and Alaska Native de-
evant fields, including public health,
scent in the United States; and
preparedness for future crises. epidemiology, emergency preparedness, (2) in 2019, there were 607,010 individuals of
It is crucial to improve our under- medical intelligence, and others; pro- Native Hawaiian descent in the United
standing of pandemic threats and vide a full accounting to the President, States;
health issues that the United States Congress, and the American people of Whereas Native Americans maintain vi-
could face in the coming decades to the facts and circumstances related to brant cultures and traditions and hold a
better protect our population and miti- the outbreak in the United States as deeply rooted sense of community;
gate the risk of a similar human and well as abroad, including our prepared- Whereas Native Americans have moving
stories of tragedy, triumph, and persever-
economic catastrophe in the future. ness, the intelligence and information ance that need to be shared with future gen-
To date, COVID–19 has caused more we had available before the virus erations;
than 750,000 deaths in the United States reached the United States, and how Whereas Native Americans speak and pre-
and infected at least 46 million people. Federal, State, and local governments, serve Indigenous languages, which have con-
Beyond the devastating toll it has as well as the private sector, responded tributed to the English language by being
taken on human lives, the pandemic re- to the crisis; and gather information used as names of individuals and locations
vealed vulnerabilities in our prepared- and hold hearings to eventually publish throughout the United States;
ness for dealing with such a deadly public reports on the Commission’s Whereas Congress has consistently re-
virus. findings and recommendations. affirmed support for Tribal self-governance
At the beginning of the U.S. out- The global COVID–19 pandemic and self-determination policies for Native
break, hospitals struggled to secure American communities and the commitment
showed just how unprepared we were to of the United States to improving the lives
enough personal protective equipment respond to a major public health threat of all Native Americans by—
to keep health workers safe. As the that has continued for almost 2 years. (1) enhancing health care and law enforce-
pandemic worsened, we saw additional This lack of readiness caused wide- ment resources; and
shortages in critical medical equip- spread shutdowns of society in the (2) improving the housing and socio-
ment like ventilators and other med- United States and across the globe, re- economic status of Native Americans;
ical products that save lives, including Whereas the United States is committed to
sulting in a number of preventable
strengthening the government-to-govern-
testing supplies. deaths too high to comprehend. ment relationship that the United States has
As we waited for effective treatments As we mourn those we lost, we must maintained with the various Indian Tribes;
and vaccines to be developed and ap- acknowledge that this pandemic is still Whereas Congress has recognized the con-
proved, testing and mask wearing sup- not over and the threat of a new virus tributions of the Iroquois Confederacy and
plemented with physical distancing emerging that has greater pandemic the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on
and other nonpharmaceutical tools potential looms. This Commission will the Founding Fathers in the drafting of the
ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with SENATE
were our only weapons combating the ensure we learn from our achievements Constitution of the United States with the
spread of the virus. However, we knew as well as our tragedies during this concepts of—
(1) freedom of speech;
these tactics alone wouldn’t ultimately modem plague so that it may never (2) the separation of governmental powers;
defeat the virus. happen again. and
After unprecedented scientific col- I want to thank the Infectious Dis- (3) the system of checks and balances be-
laboration and innovation, we now fi- eases Society of America for their sup- tween the branches of government;
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