E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 No. 161 House of Representatives HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAN) will lead the House in the Pledge pressed to find an elected official in THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 of Allegiance. South Carolina who has not sat down The House met at 9 a.m. and was Mr. NORMAN led the Pledge of Alle- with Quintin on camera. called to order by the Speaker pro tem- giance as follows: Mr. Speaker, Quintin doesn’t do this pore (Mr. CICILLINE). I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the for money or notoriety, but a genuine United States of America, and to the Repub- love for our community and a desire to f lic for which it stands, one nation under God, make sure that everyone is informed. DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. His interviews are invaluable to the PRO TEMPORE f Lowcountry, and we are incredibly grateful for his service. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO I know that I speak for everyone in fore the House the following commu- PRODUCE A DUPLICATE EN- the Lowcountry when I wish Quintin nication from the Speaker: GROSSMENT OF H.R. 1812 WASHINGTON, DC, Washington many more years of first- September 17, 2020. Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I class journalism. I hereby appoint the Honorable DAVID N. ask unanimous consent that the Clerk f CICILLINE to act as Speaker pro tempore on be authorized to produce a duplicate this day. engrossment of H.R. 1812. HONORING THE LIFE OF MARK NANCY PELOSI, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there SERTICH Speaker of the House of Representatives. objection to the request of the gen- (Mr. STAUBER asked and was given f tleman from South Carolina? permission to address the House for 1 PRAYER There was no objection. minute and to revise and extend his re- marks.) The Assistant Parliamentarian, Kyle f Mr. STAUBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise T. Jones, offered the following prayer: ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER today to honor the life of Mark O Father of mercies and God of all PRO TEMPORE Sertich. comfort, our only help in time of need; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The A hockey legend and leader in the we humbly beseech Thee to behold, Chair will entertain up to five requests Duluth community, Mark passed away visit, and relieve all Thy sick servants for 1-minute speeches on each side of last month at 99 years old. for whom our prayers are desired. the aisle. Look upon us all with the eyes of Upon graduation from Duluth’s Thy mercy; comfort us with a sense of f Denfeld High School in 1939, Mark served his country in World War II as a Thy goodness; preserve us from the QUINTIN WASHINGTON temptations of the enemy; and give us radio operator under General Patton. (Mr. CUNNINGHAM asked and was patience under our affliction. When he returned home from the war, In Thy good time, restore us to given permission to address the House Mark dedicated his time and efforts health and enable us to lead the res- for 1 minute and to revise and extend into growing the game of hockey in the idue of our lives in Thy fear and to Thy his remarks.) Duluth community because he knew glory, and grant that finally we may Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, the true power of hockey was its abil- dwell with Thee in life everlasting. good local journalism builds the foun- ity to bring people together. Amen. dation of a strong community. In the Mark helped build hockey rinks, Lowcountry, we are blessed with some coached youth teams, and served as the f fantastic journalists, and I would like head of the Duluth Amateur Hockey THE JOURNAL to highlight one of them today: Association—all helping to ensure his The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Quintin Washington. passion would pass down to the next ant to section 4(a) of House Resolution Through his independent web series, generation. 967, the Journal of the last day’s pro- called Quintin’s Close Ups, Quintin has Mark’s love for the game of hockey ceedings is approved. kept his finger on the pulse of our com- lasted his entire life. In fact, he holds f munity by doing literally thousands of the Guinness World Record as the old- interviews with the Lowcountry’s most est hockey player, and he continued to PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE influential people. From Presidential play with my former colleagues in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- candidates to Members of Congress to Duluth Fire Department for over 30 tleman from South Carolina (Mr. NOR- business officials, you would be hard years. I had the great honor of playing

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.000 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4494 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 with Mark during some of those games, Many return home. Far too many do Thanks to President Trump’s bold vi- and I am thankful to everyone at the not. We owe it to those individuals and sion for American foreign policy, we Fire Department who made those to the families of those individuals to have rebuilt trust with our regional games possible. continue the search. The pain that partners and show a united front Mr. Speaker, I know that Mark these families endure due to uncer- against the oppressive regime in Sertich is already missed by his family, tainty is unfathomable. Tehran. friends, and all of the Duluth commu- To ensure that these men and women After decades of division in the Mid- nity, but I hope they are comforted in are never forgotten, a flag, that I am dle East, the Abraham Accords will lay knowing that his life as a hockey leg- sure all of us recognize, was designed in the foundation for peace and prosperity end, community leader, World War II consultation with Evelyn Grubb, wife in the region for decades to come. Nor- veteran and a member of the greatest of an Air Force POW, and Mary Helen malized relations across the region will generation will be long remembered Hoff, wife of a Navy man deemed miss- accelerate growth by expanding diplo- and celebrated. ing in action. matic, economic, and financial ties. f Today, that flag is displayed in the Mr. Speaker, there is much to be op- U.S. Capitol rotunda, serving as a re- timistic about, these recent historic CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES minder that we must continue our Abraham Accords will bring a new (Ms. ESHOO asked and was given per- work on behalf of military families and wave of peace and prosperity in the mission to address the House for 1 continue the search for our POW/MIA Middle East. minute and to revise and extend her re- servicemembers. f marks.) f Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, it is won- HEROES ACT AND THE PEOPLE derful to see the gentleman in the HEROES ACT FOR THE PEOPLE (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given Chair. (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 Mr. Speaker and colleagues, a month mission to address the House for 1 minute.) ago yesterday, a siege of lightning minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, more strikes ignited the CZU Lightning marks.) than 4 months ago, the House passed Complex fire in my congressional dis- Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, nearly 200,000 the HEROES Act, legislation that pro- trict, and it is now the 10th most de- Americans have tragically died from tects our HEROES on the front line of structive wildlife in California’s his- COVID–19 in the United States. In Riv- this pandemic, our police officers, fire- tory. erside County, California, 1,136 have fighters, healthcare workers, sanita- Over the past month, the fire has de- died and 56,201 people have been in- tion workers, it provides stimulus pay- stroyed nearly a thousand homes in my fected. ments for up to $6,000 per family, ex- district and forced 77,000 of my con- We have record-breaking unemploy- tends unemployment benefits of $600 stituents to evacuate. Thanks to the ment in our Nation, with 13.7 percent per week through January, and gets extraordinary—and I mean, extraor- unemployment in Riverside County. hazard pay and much-needed resources dinary work—of thousands of first re- They are our family, our neighbors, to frontline workers. sponders, the fire is now over 90 per- our friends. My constituents are strug- This bill has sat on my MITCH cent contained. gling, and they urgently need relief. MCCONNELL’s desk since then. As we work toward recovery, much of The Senate must get their act to- In the meantime, tens of millions of the Bay Area and the entire western gether. Their delay in stalling is a Americans are out of work with unem- United States is still breathing the shame, and to make matters worse, ployment levels four times higher than toxic smoke from these fires, which their skinny-aid excuse of a proposal is they were before this pandemic. More can have lasting effects and worsen much worse than a day late and a dol- than a million layoffs and State and chronic heart and lung diseases and lar short. local budget cuts that are crippling have a terrible impact on children In fact, it has been 125 days since the services for those who need them the whose lungs are still developing. House passed the HEROES Act. They most. A total of 6.3 million Americans Congress should immediately pass must meet the HEROES Act at least have been infected and nearly 200,000 my legislation, the Smoke Planning halfway to provide another round of have died. and Research Act to help local govern- stimulus checks, extend unemploy- Mr. Speaker, instead of voting on the ments address this public health crisis. ment benefits, small business support, HEROES Act, the Senate Republicans I am also calling on Congress to pass and money for local and State govern- put forward their own bill that didn’t the WIRED Act to allow States to re- ments to pay for essential services, come close to addressing the problems quire wireless companies to deploy in- like for police, firefighters, and teach- we face: The economic catastrophe and frastructure that is resilient enough to ers. the public health crisis. support cell phone networks during dis- The Senate must act. The Senate The American people deserve better. asters. must step up and bring this legislation They need help. They deserve a Senate f for a vote. Meet us halfway to slow the and Republicans in the Senate that spread and save lives as quickly and work for them, and a President who NATIONAL POW/MIA RECOGNITION safely as possible. We need the HE- tells them the truth. DAY ROES Act for the people. Rest assured, Democrats are going to (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania f continue fighting for all those that our asked and was given permission to ad- Republican colleagues in the Senate ABRAHAM ACCORDS dress the House for 1 minute and to re- and that President Trump have left be- vise and extend his remarks.) (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given hind. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. permission to address the House for 1 f Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize minute and to revise and extend his re- tomorrow, September 18, as National marks.) WE THE PEOPLE POW/MIA Recognition Day. Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, for our (Mr. NORMAN asked and was given This important day of respect, reflec- friends and allies in Israel, the Abra- permission to address the House for 1 tion, and recognition was established ham Accords are the first agreement minute and to revise and extend his re- through a 1979 proclamation by Presi- with a neighboring Arab country since marks.) dent Jimmy Carter. To date, more than 1994. Peace agreements between Israel, Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, today is 83,000 Americans are still missing from Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates a special day in which we pause to World War II, the Korean war, the bring a significant shift in the balance cherish the bedrock of our union that Vietnam war, and more. of power in the Middle East, and is the Constitution. The brave Americans who rose to the strengthens the American position The great experiment that is this Na- occasion to protect and defend our against Iran, which is a leading sponsor tion rests upon the spirit that Madison country are the bravest among us. of terror in the world. enshrined in this document. It is the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.003 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4495 unwavering commitment to life, lib- Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. Mr. Whereas the increased use of anti-Asian erty, and the pursuit of happiness, the Speaker, I rise today to bring impor- rhetoric has resulted in Asian Americans American ethos that sustains us to this tance to a treatment issue that faces being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated our Nation’s veterans suffering from for the COVID–19 pandemic; day. Whereas in March 2020, anti-Asian violence The essence of our democratic repub- traumatic brain injury, TBI, and post- includes: a woman wearing a mask was lic lies in the words, ‘‘We the People.’’ traumatic stress disorder, PTSD. kicked and punched at a New York City sub- This creed is the glue that holds our In line with National Suicide Preven- way station; two children and two adults United States together, and it ought to tion Month, I am introducing the Vet- were stabbed at a wholesale grocery in Mid- be revered. When held close, our Nation erans National Traumatic Brain Injury land, Texas; a couple was assaulted and will continue to prosper through gen- Treatment Act today. This bill will robbed by a group of attackers in Philadel- erations to come. As Henry Clay once help so many of our veterans who are phia; and a 16-year-old boy was sent to the hospital after being attacked by bullies in said, ‘‘The Constitution of the United suffering from TBI and PTSD by cre- ating a pilot program, increasing their Los Angeles, California; States was made not merely for the Whereas the increased use of anti-Asian generation that then existed, but for access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, rhetoric has also resulted in Asian-American posterity-unlimited, undefined, end- HBOT. There are presently many treat- businesses being targeted for vandalism; less, perpetual posterity.’’ ments for PTSD and TBI, but they do Whereas there are approximately 2 million Unique to the world is our tireless not work for everyone. Asian American-owned businesses that gen- belief in a better tomorrow. If we are As a physician for over 30 years, I erate over $700 billion in annual revenue and to sustain this hope, we must maintain have long been a strong advocate for employ nearly 4.5 million workers; Whereas the World Health Organization an enduring commitment to the ideals HBOT, since I was in the North Caro- lina legislature. This type of treatment (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control of the Constitution. and Prevention (CDC) recognize that naming Mr. Speaker, I encourage every has restored the lives of so many of our veterans when all else failed. But the COVID–19 by its geographic location or link- American, young and old alike, to ing it to a specific ethnicity perpetuates study the framework and celebrate the Department of Veterans Affairs has re- stigma; greatest Nation that this world has fused to use this treatment despite Whereas in 2015, the WHO issued guidance many requests by Members of Con- ever known. Let this day serve as a re- calling on media outlets, scientists, and na- gress. minder of everything that was and ev- tional authorities to avoid naming infectious This is a bipartisan issue. It is time diseases for locations to avoid stigmatizing erything that can be so long as we re- for Congress to authorize this treat- groups of people; main united under the articles of the ment option by the Department of Vet- Whereas, on February 27, 2020, the Sec- Constitution. erans Affairs. Charitable organiza- retary of Health and Human Services stated f tions—donations, not taxpayer funds— ‘‘ethnicity is not what causes the novel coronavirus’’ and that it is inappropriate and b 0915 will pay for this program. My pilot pro- inaccurate to call COVID-19 the ‘‘Chinese gram should show how efficacious this virus’’; CONDEMNING ANTI-ASIAN treatment truly is. Whereas, on February 28, 2020, Dr. Mitch SENTIMENT I urge my colleagues to support this Wolfe, the Chief Medical Officer of the CDC (Ms. TLAIB asked and was given per- legislation, as we owe our veterans and said, ‘‘Stigma is the enemy of public mission to address the House for 1 their families this treatment option for health’’; minute and to revise and extend her re- those who have lost all hope to help Whereas, on March 10, 2020, Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the CDC, testified marks.) their lives return to some sense of nor- malcy. that use of the term ‘‘Chinese coronavirus’’ Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today is wrong and inappropriate; and in support of H. Res. 908, condemning f Whereas the Secretary General of the all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as re- CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF United Nations called for international soli- lated to COVID. ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RE- darity and an end to any ill-founded dis- I cast my ‘‘yes’’ vote today in mem- LATED TO COVID–19 crimination of the outbreak’s victims: Now, ory of Vincent Chin. The anti-Asian therefore, be it Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, pur- racism and hate that led to his murder Resolved, That the House of Representa- suant to House Resolution 1107, I call tives— in Highland Park, Michigan, in my dis- up the resolution (H. Res. 908) con- (1) calls on all public officials to condemn trict, is alive today, and it is what led demning all forms of anti-Asian senti- and denounce any and all anti-Asian senti- to the June 9 horrific attack in 1982. ment as related to COVID–19, and ask ment in any form; (2) recognizes that the health and safety of I am proud to stand with my sister in for its immediate consideration. service, the first Asian-American all Americans, no matter their background, The Clerk read the title of the resolu- must be of utmost priority; woman in the Michigan Legislature, tion. State Senator Stephanie Chang, to say (3) condemns all manifestations of expres- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. sions of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, that the disgusting wave of hate TLAIB). Pursuant to House Resolution anti-Asian sentiment, scapegoating, and eth- against our Asian-American friends 1107, the resolution is considered read. nic or religious intolerance; and neighbors we are witnessing in our The text of the resolution is as fol- (4) calls on Federal law enforcement offi- country will not stand. lows: cials, working with State and local offi- In this moment, I think of one of our H. RES. 908 cials— (A) to expeditiously investigate and docu- Nation’s greatest heroes, Detroiter Whereas 23,000,000 Asian Americans and ment all credible reports of hate crimes and Grace Lee Boggs. While she would be Pacific Islanders account for 7 percent of the incidents and threats against the Asian- proud of our vote here today, she would Nation’s population in the United States; American community in the United States; Whereas over 2,000,000 Asian Americans remind us that our work is not done. (B) to collect data to document the rise of and Pacific Islanders are working on the We must commit, as she did for over incidences of hate crimes due to COVID–19; frontlines of this COVID–19 pandemic in 100 years, to the revolutionary struggle and health care, law enforcement, first respond- to liberate our world from hate, em- (C) to hold the perpetrators of those ers, transportation, supermarkets, and other crimes, incidents, or threats accountable and brace all humankind with love, and service industries; bring such perpetrators to justice; and grow our own souls in the process. Whereas the use of anti-Asian terminology (5) recommits United States leadership in I thank so much Congresswoman and rhetoric related to COVID-19, such as the building more inclusive, diverse, and toler- MENG for her leadership, and I urge my ‘‘Chinese Virus’’, ‘‘Wuhan Virus’’, and ant societies— ‘‘Kung-flu’’ have perpetuated anti-Asian colleagues to please vote ‘‘yes.’’ (A) to prioritize language access and stigma; f inclusivity in communication practices; and Whereas since January 2020, there has been (B) to combat misinformation and dis- a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes SUPPORTING HYPERBARIC crimination that put Asian Americans at and incidents against those of Asian descent; OXYGEN THERAPY FOR VETERANS risk. Whereas according to a recent study, there (Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina were over 400 cases related to COVID-19 anti- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The res- asked and was given permission to ad- Asian discrimination between February 9, olution shall be debatable for 1 hour, dress the House for 1 minute.) 2020, and March 7, 2020; equally divided and controlled by the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.005 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4496 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 chair and ranking minority member of health. For this reason, Secretary of pandemic and blame it all on the Presi- the Committee on the Judiciary. Health and Human Services Alex Azar dent. The gentleman from New York (Mr. rightly condemned the use of the To be clear, Madam Speaker, all NADLER) and the gentleman from Ohio phrase ‘‘Chinese virus’’ in testimony forms of racism and discrimination are (Mr. JORDAN) each will control 30 min- before the Ways and Means Committee, abhorrent, including anti-Asian senti- utes. stating that: ‘‘Ethnicity it is not what ment. If that is what we were talking The Chair recognizes the gentleman causes the novel coronavirus.’’ about today, that would be even better. from New York. It is incumbent on all public figures, But this is not what we are talking GENERAL LEAVE including elected officials like us, to about today. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ask publicly condemn bigotry and the stig- The underlying tone, even from the unanimous consent that all Members matization of racial or ethnic groups chairman, is discussing how we deal may have 5 legislative days in which to unfairly targeted for blame. We must with this in words. I have stood on this revise and extend their remarks and in- speak out clearly against such atti- floor several times over the past year- clude extraneous material on H. Res. tudes and acts of hate whenever they and-a-half in denouncing all forms of 908. occur, but particularly in the face of hatred on both sides. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there public panic or fear during a national But let’s be honest. That is not what objection to the request of the gen- emergency, when society can be espe- this bill is really about. This bill is ex- tleman from New York? cially vulnerable to racist appeals and actly what this entire Congress has There was no objection. prejudices. been about the entire time: Democrats Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I While many public figures have ad- ignoring the real issues plaguing Amer- yield myself such time as I may con- mirably sought to end COVID–19-re- icans, just for the opportunity to criti- sume. lated animosity, some, unfortunately, cize President Trump. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- appear not to share the same sense of Despite their overwhelming failure port of H. Res. 908, a resolution con- moral duty. Rather than using their to undermine the Trump administra- demning all forms of anti-Asian senti- bully pulpits to confront prejudice and tion through the Russian collusion ment as related to COVID–19. racial hatred, they have instead chosen hoax and the sham impeachment, the Among other things, the resolution, repeatedly to use derogatory and preju- Democratic playbook has not changed introduced by my colleague from New dicial phrases and remarks, reinforcing at all. York, Representative GRACE MENG, the exclusion and stigmatization of Now, a little over 6 weeks from the calls upon all public officials to con- Asian Americans in the face of a na- election, Democrats are leaning on the demn and denounce anti-Asian senti- tional crisis, a tactic that sadly has a global crisis to continue their admoni- ment, and it calls on Federal law en- long and ugly history in our country. tions, all at the expense of American forcement officials to investigate and Left unchecked, this type of rhetoric families and businesses desperate for document all credible reports of hate has, in the past, led to grave injustices relief. crimes against Asian Americans, to like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Democrats have taken no issue in ig- collect data on the rise of hate crimes internment of Japanese Americans dur- noring the coronavirus’ effects on the incidents due to COVID–19, and to hold ing World War II. ground in favor of criticizing the Presi- perpetrators accountable. In the year 2020, condemning bigotry dent, and no criticism is more dynamic The COVID–19 pandemic is an ongo- and racial scapegoating should not be than their collective offense at Presi- ing crisis for our country. Over 6.6 mil- hard for any Member of this House to dent Trump calling the virus the lion Americans have been infected, and do. It is long past time to leave the ‘‘China virus’’ or the ‘‘Wuhan virus.’’ almost 200,000 have died from COVID– days of yellow peril hysteria and un- Democrats would love for the Amer- 19. It has upended the lives of almost justified blame of the other behind. ican people to forget the work that the every American in some way, and it The House can take an important administration has done to tackle the will continue to do so for some time as step in that direction by passing H. virus, including shutting down travel we brace for a potential second wave of Res. 908 unanimously. I urge strong for China in the early days of the virus. infections. support for this resolution, and I re- Instead of applauding the move, Demo- On top of bearing the burdens that serve the balance of my time. crats and Joe Biden accused the Trump the pandemic has imposed on all Amer- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, we administration and President Trump of icans, Asian Americans have been oppose this legislation. Everyone fanning the flames of hate, fear, and forced to carry the added anxiety of knows racism is wrong, but that is not xenophobia, when his actual actions confronting racial prejudice, including what this legislation is about. kept others from getting it and kept it racially motivated harassment and vio- I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from spreading because it was coming lence stemming from the stigma that from Georgia (Mr. COLLINS). from China. has unfairly associated them with Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam For the last 3 years, Democrats have COVID–19 because of the virus’ origin Speaker, let’s be clear. There is no de- repeatedly claimed that Russia must in China, a stigma that has been rein- nying where the virus originated. It have something on Donald Trump. The forced by rhetoric suggesting such a was China. real question is, frankly, during a pres- link. There is no denying the Chinese Com- idential election, what does the Chi- According to the Asian Pacific Policy munist Party has done everything in nese Communist Party have on Joe and Planning Council, since March 19, its power to cover up their role in the Biden? there have been almost 2,600 cases of ongoing pandemic, intentionally mis- Democrats would also love for the anti-Asian discrimination related to leading the global community and forc- American people to forget that many COVID–19. ing their friends in the World Health viruses are named for where they origi- According to the resolution, at the Organization to do their bidding. nated. Take the Spanish flu, the Middle pandemic’s earliest stage in this coun- That being said, how is that Demo- East Respiratory Syndrome, Ebola, and try, between February 9 and March 7, crats are still refusing to acknowledge German measles. Because the Demo- there were over 400 such incidents. China’s role in the coronavirus pan- crats seem to be so bankrupt on this These include the stabbings of an demic? Just recently, a Chinese virol- floor of bringing bills and real solu- Asian-American father and two young ogist acknowledged that the tions forward, maybe the next 2 weeks children, ages 2 and 6, in Texas. coronavirus was released from a Chi- we are up here, we are going to have Public health entities, including the nese lab in Wuhan. Are we just to pre- one on the German measles and the World Health Organization and the tend that didn’t exist or is not even a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Pre- possibility? That is all we are doing, wasting the vention, have recognized that labeling It seems like the route the Demo- people’s time with this right here. If a virus by geographic or ethnic terms crats would like us to take is to pre- you want to work on politics, go out- unfairly stigmatizes certain commu- tend that the Communists in China ab- side the Capitol, not here on the floor nities and ultimately harms public solutely played no role in the global of this House.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.007 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4497 President Trump and Republicans I have restauranteurs in my district The third whereas in the resolution, have made it clear where the blame of who suffered from bullies because of the gentlemen just spoke about this. this virus begins. It begins and ends their heritage, so I asked my staff to The third whereas in the resolution with the Chinese Communist Party and prepare a resolution to echo the Presi- says you perpetuate anti-Asian bias if their refusal to acknowledge the prob- dent’s sentiments. My staff reported to you use the terms ‘‘Chinese virus’’ or lem they had and let it go into all the me that such a resolution already ex- ‘‘Wuhan virus.’’ Well, someone should world. Refusing to acknowledge that isted, H. Res. 908, ostensibly to protect have told the media this. fact is wrong, and failing to address it Asian Americans. CNN called it the Wuhan virus. in the House, in favor of political mes- On April 7, I signed onto what I con- MSNBC called it the Chinese saging bills like this, is nothing more sidered to be a good faith effort to pro- coronavirus. ABC and CBS called it than political attempts to take down tect Asian Americans. I am more than China’s coronavirus. CNBC called it the this President. saddened to see that this resolution China coronavirus. So someone should Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I and today’s debate is being used for have told the media that you couldn’t yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from nothing more than to malign and vilify use these terms. Rhode Island (Mr. CICILLINE). the President of the United States, just Frankly, someone should have told Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, last as the President and congressional Re- the Democrats a few months ago that a March, as the COVID–19 pandemic first publicans have been called domestic few months later the mob, the cancel began to affect our day-to-day lives, enemies in the last couple of days. I culture, would say this is a term you the FBI warned that we could soon see would hope for more, but, sadly, this can’t use, because the Democrats used a rise in hate crimes committed body has chosen to take the low road. it on their committee notice. against Asian Americans. This debate has devolved into finger- In the January 29, 2020, committee In this moment, President Trump pointing, name-calling, and scoring po- notice, House Foreign Affairs Sub- could have tried to bring Americans to- litical points. Rather than reaching a committee on Asia, the Pacific, and gether. That is not the path he chose. high watermark for bringing us all to- Nonproliferation, Congressman Instead, the President has poured gether, it has further ripped apart the BARRett, the chairman, says in the sub- gasoline on the fire, using terms like fabric of America. I am deeply dis- ject line of the hearing for the fol- ‘‘kung flu’’ and ‘‘China virus.’’ The appointed and will not be a party to to- lowing week: ‘‘Subject: The Wuhan White House has stoked racial tensions day’s partisan exercise that is more coronavirus.’’ and fed into our country’s worst about scoring political points than re- Someone should have told the Demo- xenophobic impulses. building America. crats you can’t use that term, but in From March until June of this year, We should be working together to the new woke world you can’t state the our country saw more than 2,100 re- help all Americans recover, to inves- truth. ported hate crimes targeting Asian tigate COVID–19, which has resulted in And as Mr. COLLINS pointed out: Americans. More than 3 in 10 Asian hundreds of thousands of deaths around Did the virus start in China? Yes. Did the virus start in Wuhan, China? Americans now say that they have the world, trillions lost and trillions Yes. been the subject of slurs or racist jokes more spent responding to COVID. Lives since the start of this pandemic. Did China lie to the United States and dreams have been shattered. about the severity and the origins of These slurs and jokes aren’t just We have a duty to all Americans to words. They are actions designed to this virus? Yes. find a cure, to get to the bottom of just Did China lie to the world about the make Asian Americans feel less than how this pandemic started, and to do equal, and they have no place in this virus? Yes, they did. what we can to prevent it from hap- Did the World Health Organization country. But that is the reality of life pening ever again in the future. in Donald Trump’s America. lie to the United States? Yes, they did. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I Did the World Health Organization This administration has tried to turn yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from back the clock on racial equality. This lie to the rest of the world? Illinois (Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI). The answer to every single one of administration has demeaned, belit- Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Madam those questions is yes. But you can’t tled, and ostracized nearly every mi- Speaker, today I rise in support of H. say that, not in this world, not in the nority community. Res. 908, condemning all forms of anti- Today, the House is saying no more. politically correct cancel culture. You Asian sentiment related to COVID–19. We will not stand by as this adminis- can’t state the truth. Since this pandemic began, there You can’t state that the Chinese tration attacks innocent men, women, have been thousands and thousands of Government launched a disinformation and children of Asian descent. reports of discrimination and I urge my colleagues to join me in campaign to cover up its role in exacer- xenophobic attacks against Asian supporting this excellent resolution. bating the spread of COVID–19. Americans in the United States, in- You can’t say the coverup included b 0930 cluding in my district, which has one punishing doctors, limiting the access Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I of the highest concentrations of Asian of journalists, censoring the internet, yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Americans in the country. spreading disinformation, and with- Florida (Mr. POSEY). As an Asian American myself, this is holding information from the entire Mr. POSEY. Madam Speaker, I was deeply personal and offensive to me. international community. You can’t hopeful that this resolution would lead When people, including those in the say that. us to common ground. None of us here White House, refer to COVID–19 as the You can’t say a Chinese Government believes in discriminating against our Chinese virus or the kung-flu, they en- official publicly and falsely claimed fellow Asian-American neighbors. courage bigotry or discrimination that the United States Army brought On March 23, President Trump said against Asian Americans. it to Wuhan, the Chinese Government the Asian-American community ought To put it simply, promoting anti- failed to institute a full-scale public re- to be ‘‘totally protected’’ in light of Asian-American sentiment or anti- sponse, and underreporting of COVID– the xenophobic attacks during the Asian sentiment as related to COVID– 19 cases and deaths propelled the virus coronavirus pandemic. ‘‘It is very im- 19 is un-American, which is why I am on the course that it has been on. You portant that we totally protect our proud to cosponsor this resolution and can’t say all that. You could a few Asian-American community in the encourage my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’ months ago. You could have a few United States and all around the Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I months ago, but you can’t today. That world,’’ President Trump tweeted. yield myself such time as I may con- is the cancel culture world. That is ‘‘They’re amazing people, and the sume. how the mob operates today. spreading of the virus is not their fault Madam Speaker, again, we all know You used to be able to say, as Mr. in any way, shape, or form,’’ he said. racism is wrong, but that is not what COLLINS pointed out, the West Nile ‘‘They’re working closely with us to this is about. This is just another ef- virus, the Zika virus, German measles, get rid of it,’’ the President added. ‘‘We fort of the Democrats to attack the Spanish flu. Not today. Not today. will prevail together.’’ President. They will attack you if you don’t say it

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.008 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4498 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 the way they want you to say it, and to do what—this resolution says you traveled extensively in Asia. This this is dangerous. You can’t say China have to do it the politically correct, doesn’t address that. What it does is virus today, and tomorrow who knows the woke way, the cancel culture way, says: You know what, we want to do what it will be. and that is why this is so darn wrong, something when we are about 6 weeks But, like I said, a few months ago, so darn wrong. out from an election. That is what this even the Democrat committee chair- I hope we don’t continue to travel resolution is about. You can’t tell the man used the very term that is in their down this road. This is scary where the truth here. resolution they are saying you can’t left wants to take the country, so dan- Let’s just recite some of the things use today because somehow it is anti- gerous for the First Amendment and we know: Asian bias. I think it has more to do free speech rights. The West Nile virus, that is because with the fact that we are 7 weeks be- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- that virus emerged from the West Nile fore an election, and this is one more ance of my time. district of Uganda, 1930. way to go after the President. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I The Saint Louis encephalitis virus But we should all remember, this is yield 1 minute to the gentleman from broke out around St. Louis in 1933. The Japanese encephalitis virus dangerous when you start saying cer- New Jersey (Mr. KIM). broke out in Japan in 1870. tain things can’t be said. If you don’t Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I rise say it the way we, the politically cor- today in strong support of this resolu- b 0945 rect, the cancel culture mob wants you tion and in strong opposition to the Coxsackie, New York State; Marburg, to say it, you have to be quiet. rise of hate crimes and acts of racism Germany; Hendra, Australia, all have Silence is the biggest threat to the toward Americans of Asian descent. viruses named after them. First Amendment, and that is what we We all know that these are divisive You will always have the ignorant are seeing. And they want to just say— times. They are tough times. Hateful who act out on racial animus. We con- this is broader, this is bigger. language, petty name-calling, and acts demn that. But let’s tell the truth. The I would say look at the sports world. of violence are not the way for us to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Look at the sports world. Drew Brees get through these tough times. This virus in 2012. We call that ‘‘MERS.’’ says you should stand for the national resolution allows Congress to come to- This week we learned from Chinese anthem; he gets attacked. gether to speak with one voice, that virologist Dr. Li-Meng Yan that not Mike Gundy, football coach at Okla- hate targeted at the Asian-American only did this virus originate in China, homa State, goes fishing with his kids community has no place in this coun- but it may have been manufactured and wears what the mob says is the try and must be condemned. and released intentionally by the Chi- wrong T-shirt; he almost loses his job. I am especially proud to speak here nese Communist Party. He wore a T-shirt that had a conserv- today with so many of my AAPI col- So when the media refers to this as ative news outlet on the T-shirt. Oh, leagues. Many of us have been the vic- the ‘‘Wuhan virus’’ or the ‘‘China my goodness. tims of these hateful and harmful ac- virus,’’ and other officials, including You can’t coach football if you wear tions. We have seen firsthand the vit- folks from this party over here, it is the wrong T-shirt with your kids, ac- riol of racism. We have felt the sting of not because they have an existing rac- cording to the mob. You can’t say a the distrustful look or a harsh word. ist sentiment, but it is rather to de- term today that just a few months ago I hope you will join me today in ac- scribe its origination as has been done they used on their committee notice. knowledging the impact of racism and historically. You can’t say it today because that is forcefully renouncing it. I hope you This resolution today is even more what the mob says. will join me here today in calling on than a measure to appease the woke James Harden says ‘‘Back the Blue’’ unity and calling out division. And I and tolerant and politically correct on a mask. He has to answer for that. hope you will join me here today in leftists. It is an attack on President Last week, two high school football passing a resolution that can remind us Trump and all who support President players—on 9/11—ran on the field with that even in the darkest times we are Trump. a Back the Blue flag and a flag sup- strongest when we reject hate and em- It is a crying shame that you can’t porting our firefighters, and they get brace America’s diversity. take the actual issue that you want to suspended because today the mob says Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I address and address it. You have to ex- that is not okay. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from pand it that way for political purposes. We need to understand the cancel Arizona (Mr. BIGGS), the chairman of I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ culture restricting, limiting, telling the Freedom Caucus. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished you what you can and can’t say is so Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I thank gentlewoman from California (Ms. darn dangerous, and it will never stop, the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I join in con- LEE). because the mob never—it never quits. Ms. LEE of California. Madam You don’t believe me? Two weeks demning racial discrimination of all Speaker, I thank the gentleman for ago—2 weeks ago—the mayor of this kinds. It should never be tolerated. I yielding and also for his tremendous wish we had the perfect society and ev- city, our Nation’s Capital, has a pro- leadership. And also, I acknowledge posal to remove and relocate the Wash- erybody recognized everybody in a col- Representative MENG for spearheading orblind way, but what this bill does ington Monument and the Jefferson this important resolution. Memorial. This is how ridiculous—this today is it doesn’t address that. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- is how ridiculous it gets. When I heard the chairman of the Ju- port of H. Res. 908 to condemn all And maybe I will just finish with diciary Committee just refer to calling forms of anti-Asian hate speech related this. Maybe the most ridiculous thing the virus that originated in China the to COVID–19. is the last clause, the last page of their Wuhan prefecture, when I heard him Now, this pandemic is leading to an resolution. The last page says: ‘‘recom- say that this is somehow equivalent to alarming rate of hateful speech di- mits United States leadership in build- the Chinese Immigration Exclusion Act rected at people of Asian and Pacific ing more inclusive, diverse, and toler- or somehow equivalent to the Japanese Islander descent in the United States. ant societies . . . to combat misin- internment camp experience that we And the truth is, as an African Amer- formation. . . .’’ had where over 100,000 Japanese were ican, I know what hate and racism is Now, think about this for a second. If removed from their homes and taken and I know the violence that results. you state the truth, the virus started to camps, I said: This really is the And the facts are: Since March, there in China, you are a bad guy. You are woke culture on steroids. This has gone have been over 2,500 reported cases of not allowed to state the truth. This beyond. anti-Asian discrimination related to resolution says that is misinformation. If this would have been a condemna- COVID–19, including over 1,100 cases in The very misinformation that hap- tion of anti-Asian discrimination, I my home State of California. pened was China misinforming the probably would have been right there At the same time, by no accident or world, lying to the world. You are not signing this. I lived in northeast Asia coincidence, the White House con- allowed to talk about that. You have for 2 years. I speak Japanese. I have tinues to refer to COVID–19 as the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.010 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4499 ‘‘China virus’’ and ‘‘kung flu’’ trying to know it is completely about the elec- hands of we the people. And that is my shift attention and blame away from tion, which is 7 weeks away. faith, that is my confidence. this administration’s inadequate re- Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I sponse and poor leadership. They would the gentleman from Texas (Mr. yield 1 minute to the gentleman from rather scapegoat Asian Americans, ex- ARRINGTON). Hawaii (Mr. CASE). acerbating anti-Asian hate and vio- Mr. ARRINGTON. Madam Speaker, I Mr. CASE. Madam Speaker, and back lence. thank the gentleman, my dear friend to the subject of the resolution on the Congress needs to send a clear mes- from Ohio, for yielding. floor, which is discrimination against sage that we will stand with our AAPI I am listening to my colleagues and any and all Americans on the basis of community, especially during these the recent speaker. Where is that pas- their race. challenging times, to fight bigotry and sion, where is that indignation over the As the proud Representative of the racism within our country. violent mobs that are terrorizing our State and district with the highest per- Hate speech does lead to violence and communities, that are assaulting our centage of Asian Americans in this discrimination. That is the truth. law enforcement officers? country, I rise today in strong support Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- People are being killed in cold blood of H. Res. 908 to condemn any and all serve the balance of my time. in once great American cities, and not forms of anti-Asian discrimination dur- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I nigh a word is said in this great Cham- ing and beyond this terrible pandemic. yield 1 minute to the distinguished ber about what is happening to our fel- Our country confronts not only the gentleman from California (Mr. low Americans whose rights are being novel coronavirus but also a virus of racism and hate. We cannot allow the TAKANO). trampled. Instead, they want to Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise hyperventilate over this pettiness. one to feed off the other. On behalf of all Americans, we have a today to condemn the xenophobic anti- We know what it is about, and the moral responsibility to call out and Asian rhetoric that President Trump American people know what it is condemn this wave of racist hate and his allies have been using to dis- about, Madam Speaker. They know speech, harassment, discrimination, tract us from their woefully inadequate good and well this is about scoring po- and physical violence driven by fear, response to COVID–19. litical points. They have seen it over disinformation, and even purposeful ex- By referring to COVID–19 almost ex- and over, day in and day out for the ploitation. clusively as the ‘‘China virus,’’ the last 2 years under the Pelosi leadership I urge my colleagues on both sides of President is fueling racism and inspir- of this great representative body; ob- the aisle to support this resolution ing violent attacks on Asian Ameri- struction, more political theater, and without reservation and speak out cans and Asian immigrants. Rather just dividing us. against racism against any group in than condemning this divisive lan- This is dividing our country. This is any form at any time. guage and unifying our Nation in re- opportunism like I have never seen be- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- sponse to the pandemic, my Republican fore. You can’t refer to a virus by its serve the balance of my time. colleagues are blindly following suit. place of origin? We have been doing Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I This partisanship is so pervasive that that for time immemorial. And now we yield 11⁄2 minutes to the distinguished Congresswoman MENG’s simple resolu- can’t call it the ‘‘Chinese virus,’’ some- gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. tion condemning this anti-Asian senti- how that is offensive? MALINOWSKI). ment could not be passed unanimously This is about dividing our country. Mr. MALINOWSKI. Madam Speaker, out of this Chamber. This is a disgrace. This is about stoking the flames of ra- after 9/11, President Bush never once A disgrace. cial dissension. It is un-American. It is called terrorism a Muslim virus or an The COVID–19 pandemic has become unacceptable for our leaders to do what Arab virus or a Saudi virus. He made a defining moment in our Nation’s his- is happening today. I trust the Amer- clear that the enemy was not the place tory. Instead of unifying to confront ican people; they are watching this. where the terrorists came from or the this disease head-on, Republicans have This is the stark contrast in leader- people who lived there, but terrorism instead weaponized this to revive the ship that we have been talking about. itself. He did that because it was right racist blemishes of the past. Do you want more of this, America? and because he knew that equating the Madam Speaker, I urge passage of Do you want more resolutions to con- evil of al-Qaida with an entire faith or this resolution. demn calling the virus the ‘‘Wuhan nationality or country was exactly The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. virus?’’ Or do you want to condemn what our enemies wanted. KELLY of Illinois). Members are re- what is happening in Portland, in Se- So today, when prominent people in minded to refrain from engaging in attle, and the rise in crime and the our country, whether they are Repub- personalities toward the President. mass exodus by our police officers, who licans or Democrats, or anybody in the Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I feel that they have jeopardized their media, encourage Americans to call yield myself such time as I may con- livelihoods and their lives? We have COVID the ‘‘China virus,’’ language sume. disrespected them. We have demonized that seems to blame this pandemic on Was it a disgrace a few months ago them. a country and a people, they are not when the Democratic chairman called What are we doing in this Chamber? only doing something wrong, some- it the ‘‘ Wuhan coronavirus,’’ or is it God save the Union. God have mercy thing that has already encouraged vio- just a disgrace now when we are less that we can’t just come together, solve lence and discrimination against Asian than 7 weeks before an election and a few problems, I don’t know, like the Americans, they are playing right into you guys want to continue to attack unprecedented crisis that we are facing the hands of a Chinese Communist the President? Which is it? Because it to get our fellow American citizens and Party that wants Asian Americans to can’t be a disgrace just now when you families back on their feet. To hold feel unwanted and unsafe in America. used the exact same language that the China accountable for what they have Now, if you want to blame this on the Democrat chairman, the Democrat done. Chinese Government, sign me up. If staff used for their subcommittee hear- There are real problems to solve, and you want to blame them or anybody ing. I want to work with my colleagues. else for lying to the American people, So you can get all fired up and start And they know we condemn racism. sign me up. But if you are going to give yelling at us, but the truth is you guys They know we don’t stand for making this virus a nationality, you are doing used it, the same terms you are now light of something so serious. But they something wrong. And if you don’t see saying, oh, are so bad in this resolu- are seizing on this political opportun- the difference between those two tion. istic moment. It is the wrong time. things, then you don’t understand what The hypocrisy from the left and the They are on the wrong side of history is going on in this country in this mo- mob of what you can say today and here, Madam Speaker. And the ulti- ment of division, this moment of dan- can’t say tomorrow is ridiculous, and mate judge of what happens today in ger that we face. the American people see it. They see it. this Chamber and what has happened Madam Speaker, I am proud to sup- They know this is complete BS. They over the last 2 years will be in the port this resolution condemning anti-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.012 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4500 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 Asian rhetoric in any form. I ask my you condemn the racist? When will you they used the word ‘‘Chinese colleagues to vote for it, and I urge condemn the racist when it is ema- coronavirus’’? Was The New York them to live up to it. nating from the highest office in the Times on February 20, 2020, stoking Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- land? anti-Asian bias when they used the serve the balance of my time. This is Constitution Day. term ‘‘Wuhan coronavirus’’ in their Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I I close with these words from Emily headline? yield 1 minute to the distinguished Dickinson. The truest measure of the Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, re- gentleman from California (Mr. person, I have reminded you, but Dick- claiming my time. CISNEROS). inson reminded us that: ‘‘A word is They learned their lesson. They Mr. CISNEROS. Madam Speaker, I dead when it is said, some say. I say it stopped using such terms. They learned rise today in support of this resolution just begins to live that day.’’ their lesson. condemning all forms of anti-Asian These words live; they take on mean- They understood what this House sentiment related to COVID–19. ings; they impact people; and they should understand. They understood The AAPI community in the 39th cause harms. that the use of such terms stokes rac- District has been an integral part of It is time for us to take a stand. ism, stokes anti-Asian sentiment, and fighting the coronavirus. They are first Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- they stopped using the term because responders, essential workers, edu- serve the balance of my time. they learned the lesson. cators, and small business owners. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I All we are saying is the White House Yet there have been too many stories yield myself such time as I may con- should learn the same lesson, and they in my district and across the country sume. should stop using the term. And for of racism, discrimination, and physical Madam Speaker, the import of this that matter, Members of this House and verbal assault towards Asian resolution could not be more clear. should stop using the term because it Americans. Anti-Asian sentiment will not be toler- deliberately stokes anti-Asian senti- I had the opportunity to hear some of ated. Anti-Semitism will not be toler- ment. these stories during one of my town ated. Discrimination against anyone The Washington Post learned that halls, including the emotional encoun- will not be tolerated. lesson and ceased using such terms. ter of a constituent from Brea, Cali- When language comes consistently The Washington Post learned the les- fornia. This young woman was unable from the White House, from other son. to pick up her mother’s prescription places that stoke anti-Asian senti- We are not saying that everyone drugs due to racist aggressive remarks ment, that stoke racism, this cannot knew this initially, but it is clear. It is she received that were directed towards be tolerated. And this House must de- now clear. her. She left, running away in tears. clare that we will not tolerate it. The Washington Post learned its les- This resolution will assure that cases This House must be on record against son and stopped using such terms. The like hers are justly investigated and re- the use of language designed to stoke New York Times learned its lesson ceive the attention they deserve. racism, against the use of language de- when they realized that it was stoking I thank my colleague Representative signed to pick out a particular ethnic anti-Asian sentiment and stopped MENG for her leadership, and I urge my group—in this case Asians, but it is the using this term. colleagues to vote in support of this same as if it picked out a different eth- We are saying that the White House resolution to ensure protection, safety, nic group. and Members of this House and anyone and respect for our AAPI community. No ethnic group should be the target else should learn the same lesson and Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- of such obloquy, of such racism, of such not stoke anti-Asian sentiment by con- serve the balance of my time. opposition from the White House. tinuing the use of terms that we know Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I None. stoke anti-Asian sentiment. yield 2 minutes to the distinguished It is unconscionable that we have to Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to gentleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN). stand here and oppose the White House the gentleman from California (Mr. Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speak- stoking anti-Asian sentiment. It is un- BERA). er, I thank the gentleman for yielding conscionable that the White House Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise the time. would do such a thing. But if it does today in support of H. Res. 908, led by Madam Speaker, on this Constitution such a thing, then it is incumbent on my colleague Representative GRACE Day we will do well to heed the words this House to denounce it. MENG. of Dr. King when he reminded us that It is incumbent on this House to I do feel compelled, though, to re- the ultimate measure of the person is make sure that the American people spond to my colleague on the other not where the person stands in times of know that we do not stand with any- side of the aisle, Mr. JORDAN. I was comfort and convenience, but where do one, whether in the White House or that subcommittee chairman. We held you stand in times of challenge and anyplace else, who stokes deliberately the first coronavirus hearing in this controversy? anti-Asian sentiment. new pandemic addressing the issues. Where do you stand when racism and We cannot abide, we must not abide, Yes, we did identify it by its geo- anti-Semitism and anti-Asian senti- the use of public office, the use of pub- graphic origin as the Wuhan ments are emanating from the highest lic facilities, the use of the public coronavirus. We also learned that as office in the land? microphone to stoke anti-Asian senti- soon as we started to see instances of Where do you stand? ment, no more than we would tolerate racism, violence against Asian Ameri- b 1000 it if it were stoking anti-Black senti- cans, that was a mistake. We stopped I stand with the business owner who ment or anti-Semitic sentiment. using that term. That is what we do as is losing business, and some have gone None of this is tolerable. We must adults. out of business because of this kind of not permit this. We are not here to instigate racism. hateful violence emanating from So, I say again, it cannot be allowed We are not here to instigate violence words. that, on the floor of this House, we do against any ethnic group. I stand with the mother who has to not denounce the use of public re- What we are here to do is actually console her child who comes home sources, the use of the White House, defeat this pandemic. from school and who has been bullied. the use of public resources to stoke In that hearing, what we talked I stand with the child who has been anti-Asian sentiment. about is it is fine doing a travel ban bullied who comes home crying. Mr. JORDAN. Will the gentleman from a country. That would buy us I stand with the people of my con- yield for a question? some time. But we also rightfully iden- gressional district and across this land Mr. NADLER. I yield to the gen- tified that that travel ban wasn’t going who happen to be of Asian ancestry. tleman from Ohio for a question. to prevent the virus from coming to I stand against racism. Mr. JORDAN. Was The Washington the United States. It wasn’t going to It is easy to say: ‘‘I am against rac- Post on January 26, 2020, to use your protect us. We had to get ready. ism. I condemn racism.’’ But when will words, stoking anti-Asian bias when We squandered that time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.013 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4501 Look, this is a virus. It doesn’t un- the majority was on the other side, we floor. That was one of my jobs. So this derstand a country of origin. It doesn’t would have already done that. is what they picked? This is what we know whether you are a Democrat or Madam Speaker, Democrats are ne- are doing? Seriously? Republican, what religion or God you glecting the real issues. My question to the Democrats is sim- worship. It is a virus. Month after month, they have re- ple: Is debating a nonbinding resolu- It is shameful for Members of this fused to end our dependence on China tion the best use of our hour? Appar- body or anyone to continue to use lan- or even acknowledge that the Chinese ently, you have made that decision. guage that potentially incites violence Communist Party is a national secu- You thought long and hard long before against any of our fellow citizens. That rity threat. we came to this moment in time. You is what this resolution is about. Let’s I have read it in the paper. We have spent hours on this. actually learn from that. heard it out in the public domain that I will promise you this: There is no I don’t call it by its geographic ori- the Communist Chinese Party wants to kitchen in America that thinks this is gin. It now has a name. At that time, influence the election even. They have the priority. it didn’t have a name. It is called picked a side. What makes today’s resolution so SARS-CoV2 or COVID–19. Now, in January, Democrats were too harmful is it does not stop discrimina- We ought to call it by its name. We busy impeaching the President to pay tion. It simply spreads disinformation. should not willfully or intentionally attention to what was happening in At the heart of this resolution is an use language that potentially incites Wuhan. absurd notion that referring to the violence against any of our fellow citi- There is a common denominator virus as the Wuhan virus or the China zens, that incites racism. We should be here. Let’s just go through the cal- virus is the same as contributing to vi- better than that. endar. olence against Asian Americans, which Let’s show the American public that In January, they were too busy with I will tell you nobody on this side of we can actually learn, and let’s lead by impeaching. the aisle supports. example. That is what we should be In February, they backed out of what In fact, we have heard time and doing in the House of Representatives. should have been a bipartisan China again—I just heard from my colleague Again, we called it by its area of ori- Task Force. They actually said yes. on the other side. The Democrat-led gin because the virus didn’t have a The Washington Post actually had the Foreign Affairs Committee held a hear- name. We have learned from that. We article written. The members were al- ing titled ‘‘The Wuhan Coronavirus’’ in don’t do that. And we shouldn’t inten- ready chosen. But the hour came, and February. tionally use terminology that would the Democrats thought that was b 1015 incite violence against any ethnic wrong. Should we put an ethics complaint? group, religious group, or any of our Then, let’s move to May. Speaker Are Democrats saying that their own fellow citizens. PELOSI said focusing on China is a di- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I committee members are encouraging version. I look forward to hearing what discrimination against Asian Ameri- yield myself such time as I might con- the Speaker says about this resolution. sume. cans? Is that a diversion from solving the Likewise, CNN, The Washington Madam Speaker, what we should also COVID relief that we need? do is denounce violence, all the vio- Post, NPR, The Guardian, all other In June, Chairman SMITH of the Com- major media outlets were referring to lence, we see in our urban areas. mittee on Armed Services on this very The Democrats were given that op- COVID–19 as the Wuhan coronavirus floor, just over at that mic, said this portunity just 2 months ago when the long before most Americans knew what about China: It is not actually their Attorney General of the United States it was. job to tell the American people about asked them: Why won’t you speak out Now, let’s put this in contrast, be- the coronavirus. cause you are wasting our time; you against the violence in our cities? Why Seriously? Those were the words that won’t you speak out against what the are spending hours on it. You think it were spoken by the chair of the Armed is the most important thing, when mob is doing in our cities? Services Committee. Guess what we got from them? We someone is sitting there in the unem- In July, Chairman SCHIFF—remember got silence. ployment line or a small business is Let’s speak out against the violence who he is and what role he has. He is questioning whether they can stay we have seen for over 100 days in Port- the chairman of the Committee on In- open. So let’s take this moment in land and so many of our other great telligence. He said it was an escalation time on this floor talking about it. cities. for the Trump administration to close Republicans condemn crime and dis- Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to down the Chinese consulate that was, crimination in all forms. Listen to the gentleman from California (Mr. according to the Secretary of State, what the President said in March: MCCARTHY), the minority leader, the the hub of spying and IP theft in Hous- ‘‘spreading of the virus is not their leader of our great Conference. ton. He was the only one who thought fault in any way, shape, or form.’’ But Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I that. I guess you can’t take his word for it, thank the gentleman for yielding. And now, today, while Democrats so let’s waste another hour on this The gentleman makes a very good deny the real threat of Communist floor on a nonbinding resolution. point. Are we here condemning two China, they are delaying a coronavirus Madam Speaker, I wonder—because sheriffs from California getting shot relief package because they despise the every Member who comes here works while sitting in their car? No. President. hard to get here, I wonder the number Are we here talking about the inno- I heard a Member here, Madam of times Members in a debate said they cent lives that are being killed night Speaker, who said we are adults, so we would take their time to have non- after night in Chicago or other cities? think differently. You know what binding resolutions on the floor. I won- No. adults do? They give adult supervision, der the number of promises they made. Are we here, in the last hours before and they focus on things that are im- Because I listened, Madam Speaker, to this body rushes to the airport to portant. the Speaker up there when I handed leave, to debate the help that we need We only have a few hours left before her the gavel on what they said they for COVID, for those who are unem- people leave. I know Madam Speaker would focus on. ployed, or the small businesses that are told us before August that we will not I have spent a lot of time trying to going to continue to lay off somebody leave unless we get a COVID relief wonder what one problem this Demo- or are wondering whether they can sur- package. crat majority has solved. I have actu- vive the next day, or for the schools I am not sure if I should believe her ally asked Democrats: Name me one wondering if they will have the re- then or believe her now, because I that you solved. sources they need, or the States? No, know people are going to leave in a few I haven’t read a tweet from probably we are not doing that. short hours. the most prominent of the new party’s We are not doing any of that. But I I know, as the majority, you have the chief of staff. They had the same ques- will make this one promise to you: If power to schedule what comes to the tion. They couldn’t answer it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.016 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4502 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 The President’s words express what vaccine being slowed down because of a our vaccine research and, yes, end our every good and decent American has foreign country coming in. So, as one, dependency on China. known from the beginning: Asian we had an opportunity to do something Our President is doing that. House Americans are not responsible for about it. Republicans have made a commitment COVID–19. Do you know what happened? The to America to do just that. We have Let me be very clear. Let me state Democrats voted against it and de- done it time and again, bringing the that again. The President’s words ex- feated it. Not only did they defeat it, idea to the floor. Unfortunately, the press what every good and decent let me tell you, again, what the chair- majority has thought otherwise. American has known from the begin- man of the Armed Services Committee Madam Speaker, I make this promise ning: Asian Americans are not respon- said about it. He stood up at that to you: If the sides change, if we have sible for COVID–19. microphone. He literally said it is not the opportunity and the privilege to Now, let me tell you everything else actually their job to tell the American determine what comes to this floor, we every American understands. We have people about the virus, referring to will not waste America’s time in a an economic problem. We have people China, while they are hacking our own time of crisis. We will not tell people unemployed. We have small businesses companies working to provide a safe they will not leave and then let them questioning whether they can stay and effective vaccine. go. We will not have Members call it an open. We have schools that are won- You wouldn’t spend 1 minute on that, emergency meeting and let them stay dering could they have the money to be but you are spending an hour on this. home. able to open again. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. We believe Congress is essential. We But you chose an hour of this time on Madam Speaker, the majority won’t believe the American public expects the last day before we leave to debate even work with the Republicans to pro- that. a nonbinding resolution. Congratula- tect our vaccine research from hackers, Madam Speaker, we have a COVID tions. Well done. You fought hard for a and they will attack the very compa- crisis. We have an economy crisis. We majority, and this is what you decided. nies that are working around the clock have a dependency on China that Unfortunately, while Democrats to provide that safe and effective vac- harms us when it comes to our health waste an hour of the House’s time on cine for the American people. issues. We have hackers from foreign this ridiculous resolution, the oppor- They won’t work with Republicans to nations trying to slow a safe and effec- tunity costs of the inaction are rising. restore American manufacturing to re- tive vaccine. We have schoolkids that And do you know who is paying the build the American medical supply continue to learn from home, not in price? The American people. right here, but they will call the House school. We have veterans who want to For months, every reasonable Amer- back into session to debate conspiracy be able to pick their own doctors. We ican has understood that America must theories about the post office. have an infrastructure that is crum- end our dependency on China; we must And while we were here in that emer- bling, but a 5-year plan to make a dif- move our supply chain out of China for gency meeting—and, Madam Speaker, I ference. These are all the problems critical needs like medicine. should probably talk about it, because that, if the majority would switch, Do you realize we don’t make peni- there were a lot of Democrats who would be addressed. cillin? We don’t make vitamins here, didn’t come even though it was an But no, today, on our last day this personal protective equipment that we emergency meeting called by the week, we will once again have a non- strive so hard to get, and technology. Speaker. I think it was one-third of all binding resolution. The American people want safety and of them did not come. I hope you fought hard for this ma- security. They want to return to the But while we were here, that one mo- jority. I hope you spent a lot of time American way of life. ment, the one opportunity that the Re- and a lot of hours deciding what would I am not sure what this nonbinding publicans had, we offered a motion, a come to the floor. But if this is what it resolution does, but I know we have motion to recommit, to put up funding is, you have fallen well short of what done a lot of them since you have for COVID relief. Once again, the America expects of this Chamber. taken the majority. Democrats did the exact same thing. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Unfortunately, the Chinese Com- Instead of stopping the hackers from bers are reminded to address their re- munist Party is trying to hack our China, what they said no to, instead of marks to the Chair. vaccine research at this very moment. giving another COVID relief bill that Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I That is why I introduced legislation opportunity—because we were in an yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman earlier this summer to sanction these emergency, it was the only time we from California (Ms. PELOSI), the dis- cybercriminals. My bill had real con- were coming back, even though, tinguished Speaker of the House. sequences. Madam Speaker, the Speaker said we Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I And you know what is so unique? I would not leave—they voted it down. thank the gentleman for the recogni- introduced the bill because there were They voted it down, the only window tion, but I also thank Mr. NADLER, as reports out there that Russia, China, that we had. chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Iran wanted to hack our universities, They won’t even work with Repub- for bringing this important statement our businesses to get that vaccine, not licans on what was supposed to be a bi- of our American values to the floor of to work with us, but to steal it. partisan China task force, but they the House. I thank him and our col- Do you know what happens when wasted an hour on a nonbinding resolu- leagues from the Senate, Senators they do that? It slows the process tion. KAMALA HARRIS, TAMMY DUCKWORTH, down. Is this how you expect to manage the and MAZIE HIRONO, three Asian-Amer- Do you know what happens when it Chamber? Is this why you took the ma- ican Members of the United States slows the process down? It takes longer jority, to waste the American people’s Senate who were so instrumental in ad- before people have a safe vaccine that time? vancing this important, as I said, would cure this virus. Madam Speaker, it is time for us to statement of American values. It is very interesting. That moment stop acting like the House of resolu- And yes, it is a good use of time for on the floor, the day after I introduced tions and start acting like the House of us in the House of Representatives to it, we actually—the FBI found two Chi- Representatives. state our values, to remove all doubt nese who were doing this, coming into Make no mistake: China aims to dis- that people in our country are re- our country, slowing the process down. place America as the world’s economic spected, and that we are not using a We had the opportunity to have a superpower. If they succeed, we will pandemic to have people—I will go into motion to recommit on this floor. No- have more than viruses to worry about. that in a moment. body in America thought that bill The stakes are too high for petty par- But let me just say this. Before the would be partisan. It would only sanc- tisanship. If we want safety, if we want distinguished leader spoke, the gen- tion those people who were caught, independence, we know what we have tleman on the other side said: Where about right and wrong, about the safe- to do. We have to rebuild our economy, are you when you are talking about vi- ty, the security, a safe and effective bring back our supply chain, protect olence, this or that?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.018 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4503 We are there. We support peaceful and delivery systems to make delivery rights violations, and that is a value demonstrations. We participate in possible of those weapons; to their for us to protect. them. They are part of the essence of human rights policies in Tibet and It is particularly unconscionable that our democracy. That does not include Hong Kong and now with the Uighurs more than 2 million members of the looting, starting fires, or rioting. They and, again, all over China. So I have AAPI community are fighting on the should be prosecuted. That is lawless- been on it every single day for over 30 front lines against the COVID–19 virus, ness. I am very proud that Joe Biden years. yet instead of being celebrated as he- has presented the clarity of that, mak- I need no pontificating from the lead- roes, they are fighting violence and ing a distinction that I don’t think our er on the other side who seems to have bigotry. colleagues quite understand but the newly arrived at this issue in order to In February, during one of my visits American people do. deflect attention from the fact that the to San Francisco’s Chinatown—which I In a poll released today, it said that Russians are trying to, once again, in- am overwhelmingly proud to rep- the American people support congres- filtrate and jeopardize the security of resent—I was heartbroken to witness sional Democrats over President our elections. Whoever interferes with the devastating impact that fear, stig- Trump in terms of dealing with the our elections must be dealt with, what- ma, and misinformation are continuing issue of crime in our country, for all of ever country it is; but all of a sudden it to have on its families and businesses. their misrepresentation. is all about China and not about Rus- Nearly half of recorded incidents of It is interesting to hear the revi- sia. I think the American people should anti-Asian hate, according to the Stop sionist history that the distinguished decide who the next President of the AAPI Hate Reporting Center, have oc- leader put on the floor of this House United States is, not Vladimir Putin. curred in California. when he asked us what have we done. It So we come here today, and I say this For many of the bay area who re- is a very long list, and I will go into about the legislation: We have had four member the systemic injustices and some of it. bills that have been overwhelmingly discrimination perpetrated against But I want to say to him, when you bipartisan on COVID. Our first one on generations of Asian Americans, this had the majority and the Presidency, March 4 was testing, testing, testing; resurgence is a traumatic reminder of the one thing that you did was pass a and still we do not have a commitment the lingering specter of xenophobia. tax bill that put $2 trillion of debt onto from this administration that we can Sadly, this bigotry is being fueled by our children and giving 83 percent of crush the virus by testing, tracing, some in Washington, D.C.—I thought the benefits to the top 1 percent in our treatment, mask wearing, sanitation, there would be almost unanimous con- country. And yet you resent the fact ventilation, and separation—still. The sent to condemn violence against Asian that we want to invest more money in solution is as plain as the nose on your Americans—even from the White House making it safe for our children to go face, which should be covered with a itself, which uses dangerous, false, and back to school; more money into crush- mask. offensive terms to describe the ing the virus, which is what we do in Yet the President said he didn’t want coronavirus. the HEROES Act; and that we want to to cause panic, but he doesn’t mind The World Health Organization and help our heroes. That is why it is called causing panic that will result in some the CDC, the Centers for Disease Con- that. terrible things happening to the Asian- trol, have explicitly warned against Our State and local employees, our American community in our country. linking infectious diseases to a specific State and local governments that pro- He has brought about great angst as ethnicity because of the stigmatizing vide services to the American people, he shines a bright light on the injus- effects which have serious impact on our healthcare workers, our first re- tices experienced by so many, includ- health and defeating the virus. As the sponders, our police and fire, our trans- ing the surge of violence and discrimi- CDC chief medical officer said, stigma portation, our sanitation workers, our nation being experienced by the Asian is the enemy of public health. food providers, all of those people American/Pacific Islander community. Anti-AAPI bigotry violates our bed- working make life go on for us; with- So I thank the Asian Pacific Amer- rock American values and undermines out them, we couldn’t. And our teach- ican Caucus Chair, JUDY CHU; the Con- our fight against the coronavirus, and ers, our teachers, our teachers, the gressional Hispanic Caucus Chair, JOA- it must end. custodians of our children for a good QUIN CASTRO; and the Congressional That is why we must do our part to part of their day and of their lives. Black Caucus Chair, KAREN BASS, for combat hate, and that is why I am their leadership on this important res- proud to support this resolution and b 1030 olution and this very necessary use of am proud to bring it to the floor as an Yet the disdain that the Republicans our time to condemn and combat anti- appropriate and excellent statement of have for our heroes is clear because Asian sentiment. GRACE MENG has led values and good use of our time, in- that is the obstacle to our bringing the this drumbeat for justice for a genera- stead of giving tax breaks to the coronavirus legislation to the floor tion. Together with the other leaders wealthiest people in our country at the that is so needed. I hope that we can she has brought this legislation to the expense of our children and their fu- reach agreement on that. floor, and I salute her. ture. So when they talk about accomplish- As the resolution states—and we It calls on public officials to con- ment, you had a President and you had have all seen—at the same time that demn and denounce any and all anti- two Houses of government. What did the coronavirus pandemic has broken Asian sentiment in any form, and it you do but take care of the top 1 per- out, so too has a disturbing epidemic of recognizes that the health and safety cent to the tune of 83 percent of the hate and discrimination against the of all Americans, no matter their back- bill that would put $2 trillion of debt to AAPI community erupted. You may ground, must be of the utmost priority. our children and their future? not have noticed it. You may have We are none of us safe until all of us In terms of China, I have taken sec- tried to ignore it, but it, in fact, exists. are safe. ond place to no one in this body in my According to the Stop AAPI Hate Re- It condemns all manifestations of ex- opposition to China for three decades. porting Center, more than 2,500 re- pressions of racism, xenophobia, dis- Sometimes I take pride in being called corded incidents of anti-Asian hate crimination, anti-Asian sentiment, the most disliked American in China have been perpetrated against the scapegoating, and ethnic or religious for my opposition to China; their trade AAPI community since March. These intolerance. policies which have been a rip-off of include both physical and verbal at- It calls on Federal law enforcement the American worker, and have fought tacks, commuters spat on, racial slurs officials working with State and local them for decades, whether it is stealing lobbed at passersby, community mem- officials to investigate and collect data our intellectual property, barriers to bers shunned, store owners having on hate crimes and bring perpetrators our products going into China and businesses vandalized, and even little to justice. other violations; trying to stop their children being pushed and shoved, and It recommits our leaders to diversity proliferation of weapons technologies families insulted in places of business. and inclusion, including in our re- of mass destruction to rogue countries, Many of these incidents represent civil sponse to COVID–19.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.019 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4504 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 This resolution has the support of the Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, and Black will lead to violence. The Speaker of hundreds of organizations, including Caucus leadership today. the House called the President of the from the medical and scientific com- I thank, again, the chairman of the United States an enemy of the state munities. Judiciary Committee for his leadership and said his supporters in Congress— Now I know science doesn’t mean in bringing this important legislation Republicans—are enemies of the state. much to you because you are anti- to the floor. It is one of many. They don’t talk about that. No. science, but the scientific community, We have many bills that we have China virus can lead people to take ac- the American College of Physicians, re- taken up and we will take up next tion, but, no, not when the Speaker of cently wrote a letter of support for this week as we try to work together to the House calls the President of the resolution, stating: find our common ground. One thing United States and Republican Members It is an essential step to support the health that we are working on right now is to of Congress enemies of the state. and safety of our Nation during a national keep government open, because while Two years ago a Democrat Member of crisis. they may have an anti-governance at- Congress, the chair of a committee said Hate crimes directed against individuals titude, we know that we have to make this 2 years ago this summer: If you see based on individuals’ race, ethnic origin, an- our compromises to keep government somebody in the Trump Cabinet, you cestry, primary language, cultural back- ground or nationality are a true public open. create a crowd, you push back on them, health threat. So, Madam Speaker, I thank you for you tell them they are not welcome He goes on to say: the opportunity to use my Speaker’s 1 anymore anywhere. minute to salute the leadership and She encouraged her constituents to It is imperative that physicians, and all people, speak out against hate and discrimi- thank the sponsors of this legislation. approach people in the Trump adminis- nation, especially during this national crisis You bring luster to the House of Rep- tration, harass them, and tell them caused by COVID–19. resentatives when you enable us to as- they are not welcome anymore any- At this challenging time, our Na- sociate ourselves with the great values where. tion’s focus should be on respecting the of our country and to respect the dig- She encouraged direct action. That is dignity of everyone. That should al- nity and worth of everyone in our far different from using the term ways be the case. We cannot allow prej- country. It has never been more impor- ‘‘China virus’’ which they used and udice and discrimination to divide us. tant than in this time of great crisis in which they had in a committee notice. our country. So let me just close by adding this: b 1045 we had a tremendous opportunity, as I The SPEAKER pro tempore. I want This individual Member of Congress said, we passed four bills that were to remind all Members to address their said, ‘‘Go harass people in the Trump overwhelmingly bipartisan. The remarks to the Chair. Cabinet.’’ CARES Act has done some good things Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I The Speaker of the House calls Re- for our country. It also gave an enor- yield myself such time as I may con- publicans ‘‘enemies of the State.’’ And mous, practically $150 billion, tax sume. that is all fine by them. break to the wealthiest in our country Madam Speaker, the Speaker of the But, oh, you say, ‘‘the virus started and made it retroactive. House said that the Russians are trying in Wuhan, China,’’ and somehow you What did that have to do with the to jeopardize the security of our elec- are terrible. coronavirus, making a tax break for tion. So are the Democrats. This is the crazy world the left is in the wealthy retroactive? Democrats are trying to win the elec- They can’t pass a bill without doing tion after the election. Democrats in today. The crazy world they are in something at the high end and then Pennsylvania have filed a lawsuit that today. And, again, as said earlier by the worrying when we want to help work- says you can fix errors on absentee bal- gentleman from Texas and by others, I ing class families in our country. lots after the ballot has been returned Anyway, our counter to that bill was to the Board of Elections. I don’t even think the American people see right called the Take Responsibility Act. know what this means. through this baloney, see right through Those two bills came together. We were Can you vote in a race you didn’t it. This is ridiculous. able to find our common ground, even vote in? I hope we get our senses and start— though we had to swallow some bitter Can you change a vote? as the Republican minority leader pills in order to help America’s work- What does that mean, you can fix er- said—I hope we would actually start ing families as well as small businesses rors after you have already submitted spending more of our time on issues of in our country. the ballot? more value to the American people. Why does it have to be so hard? In Nevada, Democrats passed a law Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Because there is an anti-science atti- that says you can accept mail-in bal- ance of my time. tude in this Congress and in this ad- lots 3 days after the election, even if Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ministration. There is an anti-govern- the postmark date on the ballot on the yield 2 minutes to the distinguished ance; there is contempt of science; and envelope can’t be distinguished. gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON there is disdain for State and local gov- They are trying to win the election LEE). ernment which does so much for our after the election. That is scary. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, country. The Speaker said that the White I thank our distinguished chairman of Don’t take it from me. The chairman House is using dangerous and offensive the Committee on the Judiciary, and I of the Fed is saying that it recognizes language. The premise of the resolu- thank and applaud the gentlewoman that State and local government are an tion in front of us is language can from New York for her outstanding important part of our economy. cause people to take action, and if you leadership and championing the rights Don’t take it from me that we cannot use the term ‘‘China virus’’ or ‘‘Wuhan of all Americans. open our economy unless we crush this virus’’, somehow that will lead to bias Madam Speaker, from the unwar- virus. That is exactly what the Fed against Asian-American people; even ranted, unwanted allegations of chairman said yesterday: it is essential though they used the terms ‘‘China hysterectomies in immigrant women to do this. virus’’ and ‘‘Wuhan virus’’. Everyone in around the Nation in detention cen- But it takes money, it takes respect the mainstream media used it. They ters, to the President of the United for science, and respect for the advice used it in the committee hearing no- States taking to the bully pit to be of scientific leaders in our country that tice. able to call COVID–19 and the has been absent. Instead, they play a Even though all that is there, they coronavirus the ‘‘China virus,’’ we are blame game. now say, oh, if you use those terms it finding ourselves in the midst of confu- Who pays the price? will lead to anti-Asian bias. sion that is hurting the American peo- The Asian-American community in But they don’t talk about the lan- ple—hurting them in two ways: our country. guage they use and the left uses, the One, over 6 million COVID–19 infec- That is why it is essential for us to language the Speaker uses and how tions in the United States, and now, follow GRACE MENG’s lead and that of that may create an environment that predictions of upwards of 250,000 dead.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.021 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4505 Every one of them we, as Members of Texas, said Kulkarni. The majority of the at- thousand Americans have died because of the the United States Congress, should tacks are verbal, but some are also physical. Coronavirus.’’ Kulkarni is the Democratic mourn because families, sadly, are hav- TO REPORT INCIDENTS candidate running in the November general election for District 22. Hate and racist incidents against Asian ing to bury family members having not Wea H. Lee, chairman of the Asian South- Americans related to the COVID–19 pan- seen them in their last days. ern News Group and the business organiza- demic can be reported to: Hate is Con- What good is it to use that word—the tion International Trade Center in Houston, tagious: racismiscontagious.com; Stop AAPI ‘‘Wuhan’’ virus? That is not the sci- said attempts to diminish Asian people and Hate: entific term. And out of that, we have their cultures overlook their success and in- asianpacificpolicyandplanningcouncil.org/ tegration in the country, such as having created a hostile situation for our stop-aapi-hate. higher levels of income and education than Asian-American friends, for Asian In West Texas, a man stabbed and cut Americans who have been at the front the U.S. population overall. members of a family from Burma, at a super- ‘‘These politicians, the people making this lines fighting on behalf of this Nation. market in Midland on March 14. The father kind of statement, it’s so stupid, they are so The use of anti-Asian terminology and one of his two small children were se- nave that they don’t see really what our and rhetoric related to COVID–19, such verely wounded before a store employee sub- community looks like,’ said Lee. as the Chinese virus, Wuhan virus, dued the attacker. The man allegedly said he The Anti Defamation League warns that did it because he thought the family was kung flu have perpetrated anti-Asian online forums and posts, some from white su- from China and infecting people with the premacist groups, are ridiculing Chinese peo- stigma and is reminiscent of dark and virus. Local media outlets reported that the shameful chapters in America’s past ple in relation to COVID–19 and portraying FBI is investigating the case as a hate crime. them as a dirty culture. where Asian Americans were labeled as In Houston, a city known for its diversity A national campaign called ‘‘Racism Is the ‘‘yellow peril’’ and interned in relo- and tolerance, a woman verbally attacked Contagious’’ is using data to raise awareness cation camps. the owner of the Vietnamese restaurant about the issue and collect reports of abuses. Madam Speaker, more than 23 mil- Vietopia earlier this month in a parking lot It shows photos of Asians wearing a mask lion Asian American and Pacific Is- in front of the business, screaming expletives with the message ‘‘I am not a Virus,’’ which and, ‘‘You, get out of our country.’’ has become a viral hashtag. landers account for 7 percent of the Na- ‘‘I felt unwanted here. We were very of- INVISIBLE STORIES tion’s population in the United States, fended,’’ said Sammi Tran, co-owner and wife but over 2 million Asian American and of the victim, who videotaped the incident. For many Chinese Americans, the real Pacific Islanders are working on the ‘‘My husband was born here in America. We story buried under the vitriolic noise is that front lines of this COVID–19 pandemic don’t harm anybody, but this is happening their network of connections with China, now. I’ve never felt like this before.’’ Asian doctors and business people is pre- in healthcare, law enforcement, first cisely what has helped them help others dur- responders, transportation, super- ‘‘We go to the supermarket and they look at us as if we were ugly people,’’ Tran said. ing the coronavirus crisis. markets, and other service industries. The North Houston Chinese American com- ‘Racism Is Contagious’ munity, for example, acquired part of its do- They feel threatened. At over half a million people, Asians make nation of masks and medical supplies to For example, in March 2020, an Asian up 8 percent of the population in the Houston local healthcare providers via their connec- woman wearing a mask was kicked and metro area. Residents with Chinese heritage tions in China, said Yanbo Wang, one of the punched at a New York City subway represent the third largest subgroup after In- organizers. They raised over $14,000 in dona- dian and Vietnamese. Roughly 70 percent of station by individuals; two children tions from 98 families and have helped seven Asians in the city are U.S. born or natural- and two adults were stabbed at a nonprofit health providers and organiza- ized citizens, according to the U.S. Census wholesale grocery store. This was anti- tions. Bureau. Asian rhetoric. Finally, let me say, my ‘‘We paid for shipments to bring masks Statewide, about 1.5 million residents iden- that people in China donated to us,’’ said own constituent, Coco Ma, in Houston, tify as Asians, or 5.2 percent of the popu- Wang. The shipment arrived right when was afraid to go into a grocery store. lation. Madam Speaker, include an article those supplies were difficult to find. In Houston’s Chinatown, the novel Similarly, The Pearland Chinese Associa- describing her concern. coronavirus hit businesses hard in January, tion collected and donated masks and other [From houstonchronical.com, Apr. 17, 2020] well before residents were ordered to stay at products from many Asian Americans who home. Rumors spread on social media falsely IN HOUSTON’S NEW NORMAL, A DIFFERENT bought them earlier in the year. Hearing claiming that an Asian supermarket in the CURVE EMERGES: OUTWARD RACISM TOWARD from their families in China about the epi- area was shut down by the government due ASIAN AMERICANS demic gave them an edge to prepare and ac- to coronavirus infections. (By Olivia P. Tallet) quire products before the pandemic was well Although there wasn’t a single COVID–19 known in America. Coco Ma knows it’s risky to leave her case in the state at the time, the rumors Jie Wu, a board member of the association, house amid the coronavirus pandemic, as the quickly propelled a fear of contagion and said many Asian Americans who work in the number of Houston area confirmed cases in- customers avoided the area, driving losses Texas Medical Center also let them know creases and the peak is yet to come. that reached 70 percent overnight for many early about concerns with medical supplies. The Rice University MBA student, how- Asian American businesses. She said they mobilized and raised thousands ever, doesn’t even do the occasional run to Not long afterward, President Donald of dollars plus masks, gloves and protective the supermarket because, for her, the risk Trump called the agent of the pandemic ‘‘the gowns, in what the organization calls ‘‘The comes not only with battling against the Chinese virus,’’ stirring outrage and concern Love for the Community Initiative.’’ virus but also against the vitriol aimed at among Asian Americans. Masks were collected among school par- Asian Americans like her, stereotyped as ‘‘The community feels under siege. There ents, many of whom worry that the stigma culprits of the pandemic. is a genuine, palpable sense of fear in the can hurt Asian American children born in ‘‘I have that fear . . . I ask my husband, Asian American community, they feel that the U.S. Some reports nationwide have al- who is white, to pick up the food we order. they’re being targeted,’’ said Texas Rep- ready pointed to hateful incidents against I’m afraid to go inside myself,’’ said Ma, resentative Gene Wu, a Democrat from Hous- minors. aware of the scapegoating impacting Chinese ton. ‘‘And this is not a Democratic or Repub- Coco Ma, the co-founder of Americans and Asians in general who are lican issue. I’ve heard this from Democratic #SnacksForMedStaff initiative, is also con- mistaken as people from China, where the and Republican’’ Asians. cerned about the stereotyping. COVID–19 pandemic was first detected. Trump recently said he was not going to ‘‘But I also want people to understand that Almost 1,500 hate incidents against Asian use ‘‘Chinese virus’’ anymore, but some of I wanted to start the campaign not to prove American and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. his supporters do. who I am (and that) people should not get have been reported to the STOP AAPI HATE ‘‘China poisoned our people. President mad at me’’ as an Asian person, said Ma. initiative since it began tracking incidents Trump has the courage to call it as it is: The ‘‘We Asians are doing this because we care.’’ March 19. Chinese Virus,’’ the narrator’s voice says The idea of sending food to medical teams ‘‘We know that (that) number is only a over a sinister music clip in a campaign ad working in hospitals with COVID–19 cases drop in the bucket. We know that this is currently running on local television sta- came to Ma while talking on the phone with really ubiquitous now,’’ said lawyer tions for Kathaleen Wall, who is in the GOP her mother, who is an administrator at a Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the runoff for the 22nd District of Texas, rep- hospital in China dealing with the pandemic. Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council resenting the Sugar Land area. Initially, she sent snacks to a few healthcare and founder of the tracking hate initiative, Asked if she didn’t consider that her ad providers, but the initiative grew with peo- headquartered in California. could negatively impact Asian Americans, ple sending her money for a GoFundMe cam- Although the tracking isn’t well known she answered in an email: ‘‘Leave it to Texas paign. around the country, it has already received Democrats like Sri Preston Kulkarni to de- Ma, a Houston resident, and her classmate reports of incidents in 46 states, including fend the Chinese Communist Party while ten and program partner Kathleen Harcourt,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.023 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4506 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 who is Asian American, have now created a where the increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric crimination, violence or derision. And website to make all the #SnacksForMedStaff has also resulted in Asian-American busi- today, I am proud to stand with them activities transparent to donors. They have nesses being targeted for vandalism. and support this resolution on the floor raised around $12,000 of a $20,000 goal and Madam Speaker, the Secretary General of of the House. have sent food packages to hospital teams in the United Nations called for international soli- Texas and other four states among the hard- We should all actively and forcefully est hit by the pandemic. darity and an end to any ill-founded discrimi- condemn these acts of hate directed at ‘‘We are getting very good feedback from nation of the outbreak’s victims. The World our friends and our neighbors, at home, doctors,’’ Ma said. ‘‘They feel appreciated.’’ Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers across our communities. And today, I As the coronavirus is soon expected to for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) am proud to do so with my vote on the peak locally, adding pressure to medical counsels against that naming COVID–19 by its floor of the House. A vote that affirms teams, Ma said her initiative will raise the geographic location or linking it to a specific the following: funding goal and provide more packages. ‘‘People are so polarized,’’ said Ma. ‘‘For- ethnicity because such linkage perpetuates That we call on public officials to get about politics, especially during this stigma. For this reason, in 2015, the WHO condemn and denounce anti-Asian sen- pandemic. Forget about race. Focus on what issued guidance calling on media outlets, sci- timent; is the problem and coming up with a solu- entists, and national authorities to avoid nam- That we recognize that the health tion. This is about humanity first.’’ ing infectious diseases for locations. and safety of all Americans of any Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, On February 27, 2020, the Secretary of background should be our priority; I support this legislation because we Health and Human Services stated ‘‘ethnicity That we condemn the manifestation have to stand to cure, to fix COVID–19, is not what causes the novel coronavirus’’ and and the expression of racism, xeno- not to stigmatize and destroy the op- that it is inappropriate and inaccurate to call phobia, and anti-Asian sentiment; portunity of saving America and doing COVID–19 the ‘‘Chinese virus.’’ On February That we call on Federal law enforce- the right thing by science. 28, 2020, Dr. Mitch Wolfe, the Chief Medical ment officials working with State and Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the Officer of the CDC said, ‘‘Stigma is the enemy local officials to expeditiously inves- Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees, of public health’’ and on March 10, 2020, Dr. tigate hate crimes; and and the Budget Committee, I rise in strong Robert Redfield, the Director of the CDC, testi- That we recommit the United States’ support of H. Res. 908, which condemns anti- fied that use of the term ‘‘Chinese leadership to build a more inclusive, Asian sentiment in all its forms and manifesta- coronavirus’’ is wrong and inappropriate. tolerant society. tions, from whatever quarter, and from whom- So, I am proud to be an original cosponsor Madam Speaker, to my colleagues ever, from the ordinary citizen up to and in- and to strongly support H. Res. 908 intro- who agree with these principles, I urge cluding the President of the United States. duced by my friend, the gentlelady from New them to vote ‘‘yes’’ in support of this Since January 2020, there has been a dra- York, Congresswoman MENG. The resolution resolution and in support of our neigh- matic increase in reports of hate crimes and calls on all public officials to condemn and de- bors. I, for one, will proudly vote incidents against those of Asian descent and nounce any and all anti-Asian sentiment in ‘‘yes.’’ the danger accelerates as the number of any form and recognizes that the health and Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I deaths attributable to COVID–19, which cur- safety of all Americans, no matter their back- yield myself such time as I may con- rently stands at 197,000, continues to increase ground, must be of utmost priority. The resolu- sume. and is expected to exceed 250,000 by Elec- tion condemns all manifestations of expres- Madam Speaker, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote tion Day on November 3, 2020. The use of sions of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, on the resolution for all the reasons we anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric related to anti-Asian sentiment, scapegoating, and ethnic have articulated here this morning. I COVID–19, such as the ‘‘Chinese Virus’’, or religious intolerance and calls on Federal think it is important to go back and ‘‘Wuhan Virus’’, and ‘‘Kung-flu’’ have perpet- law enforcement officials, working with State just remember, this is not about people and local officials to expeditiously investigate uated anti-Asian stigma and is reminiscent of of Asian-American descent. This is not and document all credible reports of hate dark and shameful chapters in America’s past about the Chinese people. crimes and incidents and threats against the where Asian-Americans were escaped as the It is about the Chinese Communist Asian-American community in the United ‘‘yellow peril’’ and interned in relocation Party. It is about the Chinese Govern- States. ment, a government that lied to us camps. The resolution also calls upon federal, state, Madam Speaker, more than 23,000,000 about the origins of this virus, lied to and local authorities to so, collect data to doc- Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders ac- the world, used the World Health Orga- ument the rise of incidences of hate crimes count for 7 percent of the Nation’s population nization to continue to mislead the due to COVID–19; and to take action when- United States and the world. That has in the United States and over 2,000,000 Asian ever appropriate to hold the perpetrators of been where the criticism has been tar- Americans and Pacific Islanders are working those crimes, incidents, or threats accountable geted by the President. on the frontlines of this COVID–19 pandemic and bring such perpetrators to justice. Finally, But, again, 7 weeks before an elec- in health care, law enforcement, first respond- and importantly, H. Res. 908 recommits tion, Democrats don’t care about the ers, transportation, supermarkets, and other United States leadership in building more in- facts. They care about attacking the service industries. Madam Speaker, there are clusive, diverse, and tolerant communities and President, calling his supporters, as approximately 2 million Asian American owned combatting misinformation and discrimination the Speaker of this House did, ‘‘en- businesses that generate over $700 billion in that put Asian Americans at risk. annual revenue and employ nearly 4.5 million I urge all Members to join me in voting for emies of the state,’’ bringing a resolu- workers. H. Res. 908 and I thank Congresswoman tion to the floor of this nature, but not being willing to condemn the violence According to a recent study, there were over MENG for introducing this important resolution. 400 cases related to COVID–19 anti-Asian Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- and the mobs in the streets of our cit- discrimination just between February 9, 2020, serve the balance of my time. ies and certain places for over 100 days and March 7, 2020 with Asian Americans Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I straight, looting and violence and riot- being harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman ing and attacks on our law enforce- for the COVID–19 pandemic. For example, in from Virginia (Ms. SPANBERGER). ment officers. Nope, can’t. We can’t March 2020, anti-Asian woman wearing a Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, bring a resolution. We can’t talk about mask was kicked and punched at a New York I rise today in support of H. Res. 908. I that. When the Attorney General of the City subway station; two children and two rise today in support of my constitu- United States asked, the Democrat adults were stabbed at a wholesale grocery in ents of Asian descent. members of the Committee on the Ju- Midland, Texas; a couple was assaulted and Central Virginia is the proud home to diciary won’t even speak up then. robbed by a group of attackers in Philadelphia; a strong and vibrant Asian-American Madam Speaker, I hope we defeat and a 16-year-old boy was sent to the hospital community. And since COVID–19 this resolution, and I yield back the after being attacked by bullies in Los Angeles, began, we have seen a disturbing in- balance of my time. California. crease in hate crimes directed at the Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I According to a report in the Houston Chron- Asian-American community across the yield myself the balance of my time. icle, during this pandemic a different curve has country, including in Virginia. Madam Speaker, this is an important emerged in the Harris County metroplex, one Our neighbors, our fellow Americans, resolution that will put the House of outward racism toward Asian Americans, should never be the victims of dis- firmly on record against the insidious

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.003 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4507 form of racism and racial scapegoating COVID–19. I think of my district’s University of and nationwide has seen an alarming surge in that we have seen since the COVID–19 Toledo Medical Center’s molecular specialist, anti-Asian bigotry and in hate crimes. There is pandemic began. Dr. Ji-Youn Yeo, Ph.D., a Postdoctoral Fellow no doubt that COVID–19 has resulted in the It is completely unacceptable to use of South Korean descent. Dr. Yeo’s expertise spread of hate, racism, and xenophobia to- derogatory and prejudicial terms, like helped the Center’s coronavirus pathology lab ward the Asian American community. ‘‘Chinese virus’’ or ‘‘Wuhan virus,’’ as modify its test to keep employees safe during As you may already know, the FBI warned if they merely describe the factual re- the testing process. First Lady of Maryland, at the end of March that they expected to see ality of where the novel coronavirus Yumi Hogan, was instrumental in obtaining hate crime incidents against Asian Americans that causes COVID–19 originated. 500,000 testing kits for Maryland by working to increase suddenly as the general public as- First, this logic does nothing to jus- with the South Korean Ambassador to the sociated the coronavirus with the Asian Amer- tify the use of the term ‘‘kung flu,’’ an- United States, Lee Soo Hyuk. The people of ican population. At its peak, there were nearly other term often used by some to de- South Korea were able to minimize the devas- 100 hate incidents being reported each day. scribe COVID–19, a term clearly de- tation of COVID–19 on its own shores and be- Yet, the President and his Administration signed to mock Asians and to associate came an example to the world by imple- failed to address this and fueled this mis- them unfairly with this disease. menting lessons and procedures learned from conception with their rhetoric. Madam Speaker, the need for this its MERS outbreak. These efforts are a signifi- Madam Speaker, words matter. This wide- legislation is clear. I urge my col- cant representation of how Asian communities spread racism against Asian Americans during leagues to vote ‘‘yes,’’ and I yield back are helping to combat the corona virus. this public health crisis is a serious and de- the balance of my time. To incite anti-Asian sentiments through rac- structive issue that negatively impacts the Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, as millions ism, discrimination, or religious intolerance, lives of millions in our nation. Congress has a across our nation continue to be impacted by especially related to COVID–19, is an insult to duty to address the ongoing anti-Asian senti- the coronavirus, many continue to live in fear the very people who have helped shape our ment and break the silence, raise awareness, following the dramatic increase of threats and country. At this difficult time as we experience and change the public perception surrounding attacks against those of Asian descent since a resurgence of this troubling discrimination, I it. the COVID–19 outbreak. am reminded of my trailblazing colleagues as In my hometown of Philadelphia, we have Since January 2020, there has been a sig- they continue the fight against discrimination, witnessed far too many hate crimes. Back in nificant number of reports of anti-Asian inci- and through their efforts, are making our na- February, a young man and woman were dents; wherein, due to scapegoating Asian tion a fairer and more just society. One such physically assaulted by a group of juveniles at Americans for the spread of COVID–19, many trailblazer is the distinguished Chairwoman of a SEPTA station in what appeared to be a ra- are being threatened, harassed, or assaulted, CAPAC, Congresswoman JUDY CHU, the first cially motivated anti-Asian attack. In March, or have had their businesses vandalized. The Chinese American woman elected to the several Asian American homes were harassed upsurge of racial discrimination against Asian United States Congress. She has served with through letters. Later in April, an Asian Amer- Americans has been fueled by misinformation great dignity and has been a fierce leader and ican-owned restaurant in my Congressional about the coronavirus and usage of anti-Asian advocate for Asian Americans. Former Con- district was vandalized with spray-paint graffiti rhetoric and terms like ‘‘Chinese virus’’ and gressman and CAPAC Chair Emeritus, Mike that included a racial slur. Just last month, an ‘‘Kung-flu.’’ All of our nation’s leaders must Honda, a statesman who was forced into a Asian American pregnant mother was attacked stop using these racist phrases that instigate Japanese internment camp with his family in on the streets by someone who deliberately hatred and violence. In the midst of the Colorado and then thrived to become a Mem- mentioned her race during the attack. COVID–19 crisis, Asian Americans are left ber of the United States House of Representa- The Asian American community has en- fighting an additional front—that of hate and tives. He experienced xenophobia firsthand, riched the city of Philadelphia, and our nation, bigotry. and we heartfully thank him for teaching all and we must do more to protect them. The That is why I introduced a resolution con- those who face oppression that they have the prejudice against the Asian American commu- demning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment as ability to overcome and achieve remarkable nity distracts us from finding real solutions to related to COVID–19. We, as leaders of this things. I also recognize our distinguished the pandemic at a time when they are much nation, must coalesce and condemn all mani- Chairman of the House Committee on Vet- needed. festations of expressions of racism, xeno- erans’ Affairs, Congressman MARK TAKANO. Madam Speaker, now, more than ever, it is phobia, discrimination, and anti-Asian senti- He is a consummate educator and brave lead- important to stand in solidarity with the Asian ment and scapegoating. We must denounce er who became the first openly gay person of American community. We cannot let the rise in any and all anti-Asian sentiment of any form. color to serve in Congress. These are some of hateful rhetoric and discrimination go un- Madam Speaker, during this time of height- America’s finest patriots. checked. We must work together to build a ened anxiety and fear surrounding COVID–19, I had the honor and privilege to serve with more inclusive and diverse society, and this we cannot lose sight of protecting the health Congress’ first female Member of color, Patsy resolution is a step toward achieving that. urge and safety of every single person—no matter Mink. A third generation Japanese American, my colleagues to join me in supporting this their race, ethnicity, religion, or background. she achieved greatness through insurmount- resolution to build on America’s diversity, The House must take a strong stand against able barriers. A fighter for the fundamental be- which has proven to be one of our greatest the sickening intolerance, bigotry, and violence lief in equality, Mink co-authored Title IX to en- strengths. that is leaving a terrible stain on our nation’s sure that no person, regardless of sex, could Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in history, especially during this moment of an be excluded from any education program or strong support of House Resolution 908, unprecedented public health crisis. The adop- activity receiving federal financial assistance. which condemns the anti-Asian rhetoric that tion of this resolution is a necessary step to She was ahead of her time and laid a great has arisen because of the COVID–19 pan- confront the second pandemic of racism and foundation for Asian Americans and women to demic. Madam Speaker, our Asian friends, discrimination in this country. I urge my col- follow. Congresswoman MENG’s efforts today neighbors and family members have been un- leagues to join me in this effort to keep all proudly honor her memory. fairly targeted by bigotry in the wake of the Americans safe. To the current and past Asian American and COVID–19 pandemic. Using terms like the Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today Pacific Islander Members of Congress, the ‘‘China Virus’’ and ‘‘Kung Flu’’ is offensive to in strong support of House Resolution 908— current 74 bicameral members of the Con- the communities I represent in the Lower East Condemning all forms of anti-Asian sentiment gressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Side and Brooklyn. Our friends and neighbors as related to COVID–19. I praise my distin- and the many Asian Americans who are work- in these communities are essential workers guished colleague, Congresswoman GRACE ing every day to make sure America stands and small business owners who provided crit- MENG, First Vice-Chair of the Congressional tall during COVID–19, I salute them and their ical services to our community as the pan- Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), for service to a grateful nation. I urge support for demic raged across New York City, and con- her exemplary leadership on this Resolution H. Res. 908. tinue to play an essential role in our city’s re- on behalf of Asian-Americans and Asian and Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. covery from the virus. Unfortunately, New York Pacific Islander communities all over the Madam Speaker. I rise today to support H. City has seen a spike in bias crimes. We can- world. Res. 908, which condemns all forms of anti- not let hate crimes go unpunished, let alone With this Resolution, I am reminded of the Asian sentiment as related to COVID–19. condone them. talented and brave Asians and Asian-Ameri- Since the beginning of this pandemic, the As the resolution states, there are over 2 cans who have helped lead us through Asian American community in Philadelphia million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.025 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 working on the frontline combatting against the commodations for workers whose abil- tions contained in subsection (b)(3) of such sec- pandemic. We must stand in solidarity with our ity to perform the functions of a job tion 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and friends and neighbors by denouncing the vitriol are limited by pregnancy, childbirth, procedures this Act provides to the Commission, or a related medical condition, and ask the Attorney General, or any person alleging and anti-Asian sentiment. Our response to this such practice (not an employment practice spe- pandemic should have been a unifying mo- for its immediate consideration. cifically excluded from coverage under section ment for our country. Instead, the administra- The Clerk read the title of the bill. 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). tion has actively sought to inflame racial ten- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. (b) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY CONGRESSIONAL sions. Today, we say ‘‘no more’’ to the anti- SPANBERGER). Pursuant to House Reso- ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995.— Asian rhetoric from the White House. I am lution 1107, the amendment in the na- (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and proud to cosponsor this bill and I want to ture of a substitute recommended by procedures provided in the Congressional Ac- thank my colleague from New York Rep- the Committee on Education and countability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) to the Board (as defined in section 101 of such Act resentative GRACE MENG, for her leadership Labor, printed in the bill, is adopted and the bill, as amended, is considered (2 U.S.C. 1301)) or any person alleging a viola- on this issue and urge all my colleagues to tion of section 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. support its passage. read. 1311(a)(1)) shall be the powers, remedies, and Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, The text of the bill, as amended, is as procedures this Act provides to the Board or any I rise today in support of this resolution that follows: person, respectively, alleging an unlawful em- condemns all forms of anti-Asian sentiment H.R. 2694 ployment practice in violation of this Act during this COVID–19 pandemic. This public Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- against an employee described in section 5(3)(B), health crisis has caused significant pain and resentatives of the United States of America in except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of suffering to communities across our nation, Congress assembled, this subsection. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, and we are especially concerned about an ap- and procedures provided in subsections (b) and parent increase in verbal and physical attacks, This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pregnant Work- ers Fairness Act’’. (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 as well as discrimination, against Asian Ameri- U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, and cans. SEC. 2. NONDISCRIMINATION WITH REGARD TO REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS procedures this Act provides to the Board or any Our society must clearly state that this xen- RELATED TO PREGNANCY. person alleging such practice. ophobia must not and will not be accepted. It shall be an unlawful employment practice (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and pro- Asian Americans are not responsible for the for a covered entity to— cedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised spread of COVID–19, and yet they have been (1) not make reasonable accommodations to Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including the limita- repeatedly harassed, discriminated, and even the known limitations related to the pregnancy, tions contained in subsection (b)(3) of such sec- childbirth, or related medical conditions of a tion 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and attacked by some who wrongly believe they procedures this Act provides to the Board or any are at fault. There are over two thousand re- qualified employee, unless such covered entity can demonstrate that the accommodation would person alleging such practice (not an employ- ported incidences of coronavirus-related dis- impose an undue hardship on the operation of ment practice specifically excluded from cov- crimination by the Asian Pacific Policy and the business of such covered entity; erage under section 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Planning Council. We must better protect our (2) require a qualified employee affected by Statutes). vulnerable communities during times of tur- pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condi- (4) OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS.—With re- moil, and it is even more egregious that many tions to accept an accommodation other than spect to a claim alleging a practice described in of these same victims are simultaneously any reasonable accommodation arrived at paragraph (1), title III of the Congressional Ac- countability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) fighting this pandemic as doctors, nurses, and through the interactive process referred to in section 5(7); shall apply in the same manner as such title ap- other frontline providers. (3) deny employment opportunities to a quali- plies with respect to a claim alleging a violation Therefore, I am proud to support this resolu- fied employee if such denial is based on the need of section 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. tion that explicitly calls on all public officials to of the covered entity to make reasonable accom- 1311(a)(1)). condemn and denounce all anti-Asian senti- modations to the known limitations related to (c) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY CHAPTER 5 OF ment in any form. Additionally, I am pleased the pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical TITLE 3, UNITED STATES CODE.— that this legislation recognizes that the health conditions of a qualified employee; (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and and safety of all Americans, no matter their (4) require a qualified employee to take leave, procedures provided in chapter 5 of title 3, background, must be our utmost priority. whether paid or unpaid, if another reasonable United States Code, to the President, the Com- accommodation can be provided to the known mission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, or On behalf of the constituents of the 30th limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, any person alleging a violation of section Congressional District of Texas, I am proud to or related medical conditions of a qualified em- 411(a)(1) of such title shall be the powers, rem- support this resolution condemning anti-Asian ployee; or edies, and procedures this Act provides to the sentiment during this pandemic, and I urge my (5) take adverse action in terms, conditions, or President, the Commission, the Board, or any colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation. privileges of employment against a qualified em- person, respectively, alleging an unlawful em- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time ployee on account of the employee requesting or ployment practice in violation of this Act for debate has expired. using a reasonable accommodation to the known against an employee described in section 5(3)(C), Pursuant to House Resolution 1107, limitations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of the previous question is ordered on the or related medical conditions of the employee. this subsection. SEC. 3. REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT. (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, resolution and the preamble. and procedures provided in subsections (b) and The question is on the resolution. (a) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.— (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 The question was taken; and the (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, and Speaker pro tempore announced that procedures provided in sections 705, 706, 707, procedures this Act provides to the President, the ayes appeared to have it. 709, 710, and 711 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Commission, the Board, or any person alleg- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, on (42 U.S.C. 2000e–4 et seq.) to the Commission, the ing such practice. that I demand the yeas and nays. Attorney General, or any person alleging a vio- (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lation of title VII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e et cedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised ant to section 3 of House Resolution seq.) shall be the powers, remedies, and proce- Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including the limita- tions contained in subsection (b)(3) of such sec- 965, the yeas and nays are ordered. dures this Act provides to the Commission, the Attorney General, or any person, respectively, tion 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- alleging an unlawful employment practice in procedures this Act provides to the President, ther proceedings on this question are violation of this Act against an employee de- the Commission, the Board, or any person alleg- postponed. scribed in section 5(3)(A) except as provided in ing such practice (not an employment practice f paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. specifically excluded from coverage under sec- (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, tion 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS and procedures provided in subsections (b) and (d) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY GOVERNMENT EM- ACT (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 PLOYEE RIGHTS ACT OF 1991.— Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, and (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution procedures this Act provides to the Commission, procedures provided in sections 302 and 304 of the Attorney General, or any person alleging the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 1107, I call up the bill (H.R. 2694) to such practice. U.S.C. 2000e–16b; 2000e–16c) to the Commission eliminate discrimination and promote (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and pro- or any person alleging a violation of section women’s health and economic security cedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised 302(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b(a)(1)) by ensuring reasonable workplace ac- Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including the limita- shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.009 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4509 this Act provides to the Commission or any per- commodation that would provide such employee to the interactive process that will typically be son, respectively, alleging an unlawful employ- with an equally effective opportunity and would used to determine an appropriate reasonable ac- ment practice in violation of this Act against an not cause an undue hardship on the operation commodation. employee described in section 5(3)(D), except as of the covered entity. SEC. 6. WAIVER OF STATE IMMUNITY. provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this sub- SEC. 4. RULEMAKING. A State shall not be immune under the 11th section. Not later than 2 years after the date of enact- Amendment to the Constitution from an action (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, ment of this Act, the Commission shall issue reg- in a Federal or State court of competent juris- and procedures provided in subsections (b) and ulations in an accessible format in accordance diction for a violation of this Act. In any action (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 with subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United against a State for a violation of this Act, rem- U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, and States Code, to carry out this Act. Such regula- edies (including remedies both at law and in eq- procedures this Act provides to the Commission tions shall provide examples of reasonable ac- uity) are available for such a violation to the or any person alleging such practice. commodations addressing known limitations re- same extent as such remedies are available for (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and pro- lated to pregnancy, childbirth, or related med- such a violation in an action against any public cedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised ical conditions. or private entity other than a State. Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including the limita- SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. SEC. 7. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS. tions contained in subsection (b)(3) of such sec- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to in- tion 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and As used in this Act— (1) the term ‘‘Commission’’ means the Equal validate or limit the powers, remedies, and pro- procedures this Act provides to the Commission cedures under any Federal law or law of any or any person alleging such practice (not an em- Employment Opportunity Commission; (2) the term ‘‘covered entity’’— State or political subdivision of any State or ju- ployment practice specifically excluded from risdiction that provides greater or equal protec- coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of the Re- (A) has the meaning given the term ‘‘respond- ent’’ in section 701(n) of the Civil Rights Act of tion for individuals affected by pregnancy, vised Statutes). childbirth, or related medical conditions. (e) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY SECTION 717 OF 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(n)); and SEC. 8. SEVERABILITY. THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.— (B) includes— If any provision of this Act or the application (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and (i) an employer, which means a person en- procedures provided in section 717 of the Civil gaged in industry affecting commerce who has of that provision to particular persons or cir- Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16) to the 15 or more employees as defined in section 701(b) cumstances is held invalid or found to be uncon- Commission, the Attorney General, the Librar- of title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 stitutional, the remainder of this Act and the ian of Congress, or any person alleging a viola- U.S.C. 2000e(b)); application of that provision to other persons or tion of that section shall be the powers, rem- (ii) an employing office, as defined in section circumstances shall not be affected. edies, and procedures this Act provides to the 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill Commission, the Attorney General, the Librar- 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301) and section 411(c) of title 3, shall be debatable for one hour equally ian of Congress, or any person, respectively, al- United States Code; divided and controlled by the chair and (iii) an entity employing a State employee de- leging an unlawful employment practice in vio- ranking minority member of the Com- lation of this Act against an employee described scribed in section 304(a) of the Government Em- ployee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e– mittee on Education and Labor. in section 5(3)(E), except as provided in para- The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. graphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. 16c(a)); and (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, (iv) an entity to which section 717(a) of the SCOTT) and the gentlewoman from and procedures provided in subsections (b) and Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a)) North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) each will (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (42 applies; control 30 minutes. U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, and (3) the term ‘‘employee’’ means— The Chair recognizes the gentleman procedures this Act provides to the Commission, (A) an employee (including an applicant), as from Virginia. defined in section 701(f) of the Civil Rights Act the Attorney General, the Librarian of Con- GENERAL LEAVE of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(f)); gress, or any person alleging such practice. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and pro- (B) a covered employee (including an appli- cedures provided in section 1977A of the Revised cant), as defined in section 101 of the Congres- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including the limita- sional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301); all Members have 5 legislative days in tions contained in subsection (b)(3) of such sec- (C) a covered employee (including an appli- which to revise and extend their re- tion 1977A, shall be the powers, remedies, and cant), as defined in section 411(c) of title 3, marks and insert extraneous material procedures this Act provides to the Commission, United States Code; on H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers the Attorney General, the Librarian of Con- (D) a State employee (including an applicant) Fairness Act. gress, or any person alleging such practice (not described in section 304(a) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e– The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there an employment practice specifically excluded objection to the request of the gen- from coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of the 16c(a)); or Revised Statutes). (E) an employee (including an applicant) to tleman from Virginia? (f) PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION.— which section 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act of There was no objection. (1) IN GENERAL.—No person shall discriminate 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a)) applies; b 1100 against any employee because such employee (4) the term ‘‘person’’ has the meaning given has opposed any act or practice made unlawful such term in section 701(a) of the Civil Rights Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam by this Act or because such employee made a Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(a)); Speaker, I yield myself such time as I charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any (5) the term ‘‘known limitation’’ means phys- might consume. manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hear- ical or mental condition related to, affected by, Madam Speaker, I rise in support of ing under this Act. or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or re- H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fair- (2) PROHIBITION AGAINST COERCION.—It shall lated medical conditions that the employee or ness Act. No one should have to choose employee’s representative has communicated to be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or between financial security and a interfere with any individual in the exercise or the employer whether or not such condition enjoyment of, or on account of such individual meets the definition of disability specified in sec- healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, our having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of tion 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of pregnancy antidiscrimination laws ur- such individual having aided or encouraged any 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102); gently need to be updated to provide other individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, (6) the term ‘‘qualified employee’’ means an reasonable accommodations for work- any right granted or protected by this Act. employee or applicant who, with or without rea- ers. (3) REMEDY.—The remedies and procedures sonable accommodation, can perform the essen- Current Federal law does not clearly otherwise provided for under this section shall tial functions of the employment position, except guarantee pregnant workers’ rights to that an employee or applicant shall be consid- be available to aggrieved individuals with re- reasonable accommodations in the spect to violations of this subsection. ered qualified if— (g) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding subsections (A) any inability to perform an essential func- workplace, such as water, seating, (a)(3), (b)(3), (c)(3), (d)(3), and (e)(3), if an un- tion is for a temporary period; bathroom breaks, and lifting restric- lawful employment practice involves the provi- (B) the essential function could be performed tions. These basic protections are crit- sion of a reasonable accommodation pursuant to in the near future; and ical to protecting pregnant workers this Act or regulations implementing this Act, (C) the inability to perform the essential func- from the tragic consequences of unsafe damages may not be awarded under section tion can be reasonably accommodated; and working conditions, and they are par- 1977A of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a) (7) the terms ‘‘reasonable accommodation’’ ticularly important today, as early evi- if the covered entity demonstrates good faith ef- and ‘‘undue hardship’’ have the meanings given forts, in consultation with the employee with such terms in section 101 of the Americans with dence suggests that pregnancy leads to known limitations related to pregnancy, child- Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12111) and elevated risk of severe illness from birth, or related medical conditions who has in- shall be construed as such terms are construed COVID–19. formed the covered entity that accommodation is under such Act and as set forth in the regula- In 2015, the Supreme Court allowed needed, to identify and make a reasonable ac- tions required by this Act, including with regard pregnant workers to bring claims for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.007 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4510 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 reasonable accommodations under the nancies. The simple reality is that some of ington. Lawmakers have concluded that ac- Pregnancy Discrimination Act in the these women—especially those in physically commodating pregnant workers who need it landmark case of Young v. UPS. How- demanding jobs—will have a medical need is a measured approach grounded in family for a temporary job-related accommodation values and basic fairness. ever, that decision set an unreasonably in order to maintain a healthy pregnancy. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is nec- high standard for pregnancy discrimi- Yet, too often, instead of providing a preg- essary because it promotes long-term eco- nation. Under the Young standard, nant worker with an accommodation, her nomic security and workplace fairness. When workers must prove that the accom- employer will fire her or push her onto un- accommodations allow pregnant women to modations they were denied were pro- paid leave, depriving her of a paycheck and continue to work, they can maintain income vided to other workers who were simi- health insurance at a time when she needs and seniority, while forced leave sets new lar in their inability to work. them most. mothers back with lost wages and missed ad- This standard is onerous, in part, be- Additionally, pregnancy discrimination af- vancement opportunities. When pregnant fects women across race and ethnicity, but women are fired, not only do they and their cause it assumes that workers can ac- women of color and immigrants may be at families lose critical income, but they must cess their coworkers’ personal health particular risk. Latinas, Black women and fight extra hard to re-enter a job market information and establish a com- immigrant women are more likely to hold that is especially brutal on the unemployed parable group of workers. It also cre- certain inflexible and physically demanding and on pregnant women. ates a perverse legal framework in jobs that can present specific challenges for The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is which companies that treat all of their pregnant workers, such as cashiers, home vital because it supports healthy preg- workers poorly can treat their preg- health aides, food service workers, and nancies. The choice between risking a job cleaners, making reasonable accommoda- nant workers poorly as well. and risking the health of a pregnancy is one tions on the job even more important, and no one should have to make. Women who Since the Young decision, courts loss of wages and health insurance due to cannot perform some aspects of their usual have ruled against pregnant workers pregnancy discrimination especially chal- duties without risking their own health or seeking accommodations most of the lenging. American families and the Amer- the health of their pregnancy, but whose time. ican economy depend on women’s income: we families cannot afford to lose their income, In the absence of Federal action, cannot afford to force pregnant women out may continue working under dangerous con- nearly three dozen States and local- of work. ditions. There are health consequences to ities have filled the void by estab- In 2015, in Young v. United Parcel Service, pushing women out of the workforce as well. the Supreme Court held that a failure to Stress from job loss can increase the risk of lishing their own protections for preg- make accommodations for pregnant workers nant workers. This patchwork ap- having a premature baby and/or a baby with with medical needs will sometimes violate low birth weight. In addition, women who proach is bad for workers who are fre- the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 are not forced to use their leave during preg- quently left without strong protections (PDA). Yet, even after Young, pregnant nancy may have more leave available to and bad for multistate employers who workers are still not getting the accom- take following childbirth, which in turn fa- have to comply with different States’ modations they need to stay safe and cilitates breastfeeding, bonding with and workplace standards. healthy on the job and employers lack clar- caring for a new child, and recovering from The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ity as to their obligations under the law. The childbirth. is a bipartisan proposal that will fi- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will provide For all of these reasons, we urge you to a clear, predictable rule: employers must support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. nally establish clear, nationwide pro- provide reasonable accommodations for limi- We also welcome the opportunity to pro- tections that guarantee pregnant tations arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, vide you with additional information. workers the basic rights to reasonable or related medical conditions, unless this Sincerely, accommodations. would pose an undue hardship. A Better Balance, American Civil Liberties It will also grant victims of preg- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is Union, National Partnership for Women & nancy discrimination the same rem- modeled after the Americans with Disabil- Families, National Women’s Law Center, edies as victims of discrimination on ities Act (ADA) and offers employers and em- 1,000 Days, 9to5, 9to5 California, 9to5 Colo- the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or ployees a familiar reasonable accommoda- rado, 9to5 Georgia, 9to5 Wisconsin, Advo- tion framework to follow. Under the ADA, cates for Youth, AFL–CIO, African American national origin under Federal civil workers with disabilities enjoy clear statu- Ministers In Action, Alianza Nacional de rights laws. Similar to the Americans tory protections and need not prove how Campesinas, All-Options, American Associa- with Disabilities Act, employers are other employees are treated in order to ob- tion of University Women (AAUW), Amer- not required to make accommodations tain necessary accommodations. Pregnant ican Association of University Women, Indi- if it imposes an undue hardship on the workers deserve the same clarity and anapolis (AAUW), American College of Ob- employer’s business. streamlined process and should not have to stetricians and Gynecologists, American This legislation has broad support ascertain how their employer treats others Federation of State, County, and Municipal across the political spectrum and in order to understand their own accommo- Employees (AFSCME), American Federation across our communities. Labor unions, dation rights, as the Supreme Court’s ruling of Teachers, Asian Pacific American Labor currently requires. Alliance, Association of Asian Pacific Com- civil rights groups, and the business Evidence from states and cities that have munity, Health Organizations (AAPCHO), community, including the Chamber of adopted laws similar to the Pregnant Work- Association of Maternal & Child Health Pro- Commerce, have all endorsed this pro- ers Fairness Act suggests that providing this grams, Association of Women’s Health, Ob- posal. clarity reduces lawsuits and, most impor- stetric and Neonatal Nurses. Madam Speaker, I include in the tantly, helps ensure that women can obtain Black Mamas Matter Alliance, RECORD a letter led by the nonprofit A necessary reasonable accommodations in a Breastfeeding Mother, Building Pathways, Better Balance and over 200 worker ad- timely manner, which keeps pregnant California Breastfeeding Coalition, Cali- women healthy and earning an income when fornia Women’s Law Center, California Work vocacy organizations calling for Con- they need it most. No woman should have to & Family Coalition, Casa de Esperanza: Na- gress to pass the Pregnant Workers choose between providing for her family and tional Latin@ Network, for Healthy Fami- Fairness Act. maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and the lies and Communities, Center for American SEPTEMBER 14, 2020. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would ensure Progress, Center for Parental Leave Leader- Re Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. that all women working for covered employ- ship, Center for Public Policy Priorities, DEAR MEMBER OF CONGRESS: As organiza- ers would be protected. Center for Reproductive Rights, Centro de tions committed to promoting the health The need for the Pregnant Workers Fair- Trabajadores Unidos (United Workers Cen- and economic security of our nation’s fami- ness Act is recognized across ideological and ter), Child Care Law Center, Child Welfare lies, we urge you to support the Pregnant partisan lines. Thirty states and D.C. have League of America, Chinese Progressive As- Workers Fairness Act, a crucial maternal adopted pregnant worker fairness measures sociation (San Francisco), Church World and infant health measure. This bipartisan with broad, and often unanimous, bipartisan Service, Citizen Action of NY, CLASP, Clear- legislation promotes healthy pregnancies support. Twenty-five of those laws have inghouse on Women’s Issues, Closing the and economic security for pregnant women passed within the last seven years. These Women’s Health Gap, Coalition on Human and their families and strengthens the econ- states include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Needs, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Co- omy. Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Ken- alition of Labor Union Women, Philadelphia In the last few decades, there has been a tucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Massa- Chapter, Communications Workers of Amer- dramatic demographic shift in the work- chusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, ica (CWA), Congregation of Our Lady of the force. Not only do women now make up al- Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Caro- Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces. most half of the workforce, but there are lina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, DC Jobs with Justice, Disability Rights more pregnant workers than ever before and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), Dis- they are working later into their preg- West Virginia, Vermont, Virginia, and Wash- ciples Center for Public Witness, Economic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.028 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4511 Policy Institute, EMC Strategies, Equal Pay San Francisco CLUW Chapter, Service Em- prevent workplace discrimination, in- Today, Equal Rights Advocates, Family ployees International Union, SEIU 32BJ, cluding Federal laws that rightfully Equality, Family Values@ Work, Farm- Sexuality Information and Education Coun- protect pregnant workers. worker Justice, Feminist Majority Founda- cil of the United States (SIECUS), Take the Pregnancy Discrimination tion, Friends Committee on National Legis- SisterReach, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, lation, Futures Without Violence, Gender Silver in the City (Indianapolis, IN), Solu- Act and the Americans with Disabil- Justice, Grassroots Maternal and Child tions for Breastfeeding, Southern CA Coali- ities Act, for example. These Federal Health, Leadership Initiative, Hadassah, The tion for Occupational Safety & Health, laws ensure workers are not being un- Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Southwest Pennsylvania National Organiza- lawfully discriminated against and re- Inc., Healthy and Free Tennessee, Healthy tion for Women, Southwest Women’s Law ceive reasonable accommodations re- Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition of Geor- Center, TASH, Technology Concepts Group lated to pregnancy, childbirth, or re- gia, Healthy Work Campaign, Center for So- International, LLC, The Greenlining Insti- lated medical conditions. cial Epidemiology, HER Development, Hoo- tute. My Republican colleagues and I agree sier Action, Illuminate Colorado, In Our Own The Leadership Conference on Civil and Voice: National Black Women’s Reproduc- Human Rights, The Little Timmy Project, with the underlying goal of H.R. 2694. tive Justice Agenda, Indiana AFL-CIO. The Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network, That is why Republican Members on Indiana Breastfeeding Coalition, Indiana The Zonta Club of Greater Queens, TIME’S the Education and Labor Committee Catholic Conference, Indiana Chapter of UP Now, Ujima Inc: The National Center on negotiated in good faith with Chairman Unite Here Local 23. Indiana Coalition Violence Against Women in the Black Com- SCOTT to make important and nec- Against Domestic Violence, Indiana Friends munity, Ultra Violet, UnidosUS, United essary improvements to the bill, and I Committee on Legislation, Indiana Institute Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of thank Chairman SCOTT for his willing- for Working Families, Indiana Statewide America, United Food and Commercial Independent Living Council, Indianapolis Workers, International Union (UFCW), ness to do so. Urban League, Indy Chamber, Interfaith United Food and Commercial Workers Local H.R. 2694, as introduced, did not re- Worker Justice, International Union, United 227, Union for Reform Judaism, United for quire a pregnant worker, in order to be Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Im- Respect, United State of Women, United eligible for an accommodation, to be plement Workers of America (UAW), Jewish States Breastfeeding Committee, United able to perform the essential functions Women International Jobs With Justice, Steelworkers, United Way of Kentucky, Uni- of the job with a reasonable accommo- Justice for Migrant Women, Kansas versity of Illinois at Chicago, School of Pub- dation. This is a sensible provision now Breastfeeding Coalition, Inc., Kentucky lic Health, Division of Environmental & Oc- included in the bill with additional lan- Equal Justice Center, KWH Law Center for cupational Health Sciences, Vision y Social Justice and Change, Labor Council for Compromiso, Voices for Children in Ne- guage that a temporary limitation, Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), braska, Voices for Progress, Warehouse which prevents performance of an es- Labor Project, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Worker Resource Center, Western Center on sential function, may qualify for a rea- Legal Aid at Work, Legal Momentum, The Law and Poverty. sonable accommodation. Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund, William E. Morris Institute for Justice, Ar- Further, a definition of ‘‘known limi- Legal Voice, Louisiana Partnership for Chil- izona, Women4Change, Women’s Achieve- tations’’ related to pregnancy, child- dren and Families. ment Network and Development Alliance, birth, or related medical conditions Main Street Alliance, Maine Women’s Women & Girls Foundation, Women Em- Lobby, Majaica, LLC , Make the Road New ployed, Women of Reform Judaism, Women’s was also initially excluded, but the bill York, MANA, A National Latina Organiza- Center for Education and Career Advance- now includes such a definition and a re- tion March of Dimes, Marion County Com- ment, Women’s Employment Rights Clinic quirement that employees commu- mission on Youth, Inc. Massachusetts Coali- Golden Gate University, Women’s Founda- nicate the known limitation to the em- tion for Occupational Safety & Health, tion of California, Women’s Fund of Greater ployer. This provision will help work- Metro-Detroit Chapter of the Coalition of Chattanooga, Women’s Fund of Rhode Is- ers and their employers understand Labor Union Women (CLUW), Michigan Im- land, Women’s Law Project, Women’s March, their rights and responsibilities more migrant Rights Center MOBB United for So- Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network, cial Change, MomsRising, Monroe County Work Equity, Workers’ Center of Central clearly. NOW, MS Black Women’s Roundtable, New York, Worker Justice Center of New Additionally, the original version of Mujeres Unidas y Activas, NAACP, NARAL York, Worksafe, Workplace Fairness, YWCA H.R. 2694 appeared to allow employees Pro-Choice America, NARAL Pro-Choice Greater Cincinnati, YWCA Mahoning Valley, a unilateral veto over offered accom- Colorado, National Advocacy Center of the YWCA McLean County, YWCA New Hamp- modations, but the bill now clarifies Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Ad- shire, YWCA Northwestern Illinois, YWCA of that reasonable accommodations will vocates for Pregnant Women, National Asian Van Wert County, YWCA USA, ZERO TO typically be determined through a bal- Pacific American Women’s Forum THREE. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam ance and interactive dialogue between (NAPAWF), National Center for Law and workers and employers, similar to the Economic Justice, National Center for Les- Speaker, I want to thank Mr. NADLER process implemented under the ADA. bian Rights, National Center for and Mr. KATKO for their leadership on The bill also now includes a provision Transgender Equality, National Coalition this legislation. Against Domestic Violence, National Con- I urge my colleagues to support the ensuring that if an employer makes a sumers League. bill, and I reserve the balance of my good faith effort to determine a reason- National Council for Occupational Safety time. able accommodation through the inter- and Health (COSH), National Council of Jew- active process with the employee, the ish Women, National Council of Jewish Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I employer is not liable for damages. Women—California, National Domestic Finally, H.R. 2694, as introduced, did Workers Alliance, National Education Asso- may consume. ciation, National Employment Law Project, Madam Speaker, I rise today in oppo- not limit its application to employers National Employment Lawyers Association, sition to H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Work- with 15 or more employees, as do title National Health Law Program, National Im- ers Fairness Act. VII of the Civil Rights Act and the migration Law Center, National Network to House Republicans have long sup- ADA. The bill now includes a 15-em- End Domestic Violence, National Organiza- ported protections in Federal law for ployee threshold. tion for Women, National Partnership for all workers, but especially pregnant These bipartisan changes were con- Women and Families, National Resource workers, and we believe employers sidered and incorporated in the bill Center on Domestic Violence, National WIC passed out of the committee in Janu- Association, NC National Organization for should provide reasonable accommoda- Women (NC NOW), Nebraska Appleseed, tions for pregnant workers, empow- ary. Unfortunately, despite the nec- NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Jus- ering them to achieve their highest po- essary improvements made to the tice, New Working Majority, NJ Citizen Ac- tential. original bill, an important issue re- tion; NJ Time to Care Coalition, North Caro- I speak not only as a concerned Con- mains unresolved. Namely, the legisla- lina Justice Center, Oxfam America, PA gresswoman on this issue but also as a tion before us today does not currently NOW, Parent Voices CA, Path Ways PA, mother and a grandmother. Discrimi- include a longstanding provision from PhilaPOSH. nation of any type should not be toler- the Civil Rights Act that protects reli- Planned Parenthood Federation of Amer- ica, Prevent Child Abuse NC, Physicians for ated, and no one should ever be denied gious organizations from being forced Reproductive Health, Poligon Education an opportunity because of unlawful dis- to make employment decisions that Fund, PowHer New York, Pride at Work, crimination. conflict with their faith. Public Citizen, Quetzal, Restaurant Opportu- However, there are already impor- To address this omission, Repub- nities Centers United, RESULTS, RICLUW, tant protections under Federal law to licans offered an amendment to include

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As I wrote in my 2012 Op-Ed in The New York Times ‘‘Pregnant current law, ensures religious organiza- nant. and Pushed Out of Job,’’ which sparked the tions are not forced to make employ- These policies have become even PWFA’s introduction in Congress, ‘‘For ment decisions that conflict with their more pronounced during the COVID–19 many women, a choice between working faith. Unfortunately, committee Demo- pandemic. We have seen a wave of em- under unhealthy conditions and not working crats defeated this amendment on a ployers firing pregnant workers rather is no choice at all.’’ party-line vote. than finding ways for them to safely Through our free, national legal helpline, The purpose of America’s non- return to work. we have spoken with hundreds of pregnant discrimination laws, and the agencies workers, disproportionately women of color, These policies, as they too often do, who have been fired or forced out for needing enforcing them, is to give all Ameri- are falling disproportionately on accommodations, often stripping them of cans equal opportunities to succeed. women of color and low-wage, hourly their health insurance when they need it That being said, overzealous govern- workers who suddenly find themselves most, driving them into poverty, and at ment intervention often causes more without a paycheck, without health in- times, even homelessness. Other women we harm than good. In the case of H.R. surance, and pregnant in the middle of have assisted were denied accommodations 2694, by failing to include a long- a global pandemic. but needed to keep working to support them- standing Civil Rights Act provision, we The bipartisan Pregnant Workers selves and their families and faced dev- are doing just that. As it is currently astating health consequences, including mis- Fairness Act will fix how pregnancy ac- carriage, preterm birth, birth complications, written, H.R. 2694 will create legal commodation is treated under the and other maternal health effects. risks for religious organizations and Pregnancy Discrimination Act. In the past few months alone, we have their religiously backed employment Courts have said that employers heard from women across the country who decisions. must provide an accommodation to a continue to face termination or are forced Last year, a Democrat-invited wit- pregnant employee if they accommo- out for needing pregnancy accommodations. ness at the committee hearing on H.R. date nonpregnant employees similar in A retail store employee from Missouri who is 2694 highlighted Kentucky’s recently their inability or ability to work. That pregnant and due in November 2020 called us enacted pregnancy accommodation law after she was forced to quit her job because means pregnant workers must have her employer refused to let her carry a water as a template for Congress to follow. perfect knowledge of the medical and bottle on the retail floor even though she Madam Speaker, I would like to read employment histories of every other was experiencing severe dehydration due to that again. Last year, a Democrat-in- employee in their workplace, which is hot temperatures in the store this summer. vited witness at the committee hearing nearly impossible. A massage therapist from Pennsylvania on H.R. 2694 highlighted Kentucky’s re- In fact, a recent study by A Better called us in June 2020 requesting to return to cently enacted pregnancy accommoda- Balance found that in over two-thirds work on a part-time basis on the advice of tion law as a template for Congress to of cases, courts denied an accommoda- her OB–GYN after experiencing cramping in her uterus. Her employer responded that follow. Kentucky’s law includes a reli- tion because pregnant workers could gious organization protection very they would not accommodate her and cut off not meet this test. all communication with her after that, forc- similar to the one found in the Civil I include in the RECORD a letter in ing her out of work just three months before Rights Act and incorporated in the Re- support of this bill from A Better Bal- she was due to give birth. A nurse we spoke publican-sponsored amendment. ance. with from Pennsylvania who was six months At least 16 States and the District of SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. pregnant requested to avoid assignment to Columbia in their pregnancy discrimi- Re The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. the COVID–19 unit. Though her hospital was nation or pregnancy accommodation 2694). not overwhelmed by the pandemic, had many laws also include a provision similar to DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of A Bet- empty beds, and other workers were being the Civil Rights Act religious organiza- ter Balance, I write to express our strong sent home, her employer refused her request and made heartless comments mocking her tion protection. Even if certain Mem- support for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (‘‘PWFA’’; H.R. 2694). This legislation need for accommodation. She decided not to bers believe including such a provision jeopardize her health and lost pay for miss- in H.R. 2694 is somehow unnecessary, it will ensure pregnant workers, particularly low-income workers and women of color, are ing those shifts as a result. She also worried would do no harm to include the pro- not forced to choose between their paycheck about being called to the COVID unit shift tection and, in doing so, address the and a healthy pregnancy. The bill will re- constantly. concerns I have raised. I remain per- quire employers to provide reasonable ac- Without the law on their side, these plexed why Chairman NADLER and commodations for pregnant workers unless women had little legal recourse because they lived in a state without a state-level preg- Chairman SCOTT continue to oppose doing so would impose an undue hardship on nant workers fairness law. On the other the current law protection. the employer, similar to the accommodation standard already in place for workers with hand, when a pregnant worker in upstate The First Amendment guarantees all New York—where a state pregnancy accom- Americans the freedom of religion, and disabilities. Nearly forty-two years after the passage of modation is already in place—requested to for over 240 years, Supreme Court deci- the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, pregnant telecommute in June 2020 due to underlying sions and laws written by Congress workers still face rampant discrimination on health issues, she was quickly able to engage have maintained strong protections for the job and treatment as second-class citi- her employer in a good faith interactive religious liberty. H.R. 2694 should do so zens, as I explained in detail in my Congres- process and her employer approved her re- as well. sional testimony before the House Education quest, allowing her to stay attached to the & Labor Civil Rights and Human Services workforce and maintain a healthy pregnancy Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- amidst the pandemic. The COVID–19 pan- ance of my time. Subcommittee in October 2019 as well as A Better Balance’s May 2019 report, Long Over- demic has certainly shone a spotlight on the Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam critical need for clarity around pregnancy Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- due. We urge you to support healthy preg- nancies, protect pregnant workers’ liveli- accommodations but let us be clear: the need tleman from New York (Mr. NADLER), hoods, and end the systemic devaluation of for this law preceded our current public the sponsor of this legislation and the women of color and vote YES on the Preg- health crisis and will remain in place beyond chairman of the Judiciary Committee. nant Workers Fairness Act and NO on any the pandemic. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, preg- Motion to Recommit in connection with this CURRENT FEDERAL LAW IS FAILING PREGNANT nancy is not a disability, but some- legislation. WORKERS: THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS times pregnant workers need an easy A Better Balance is a national non-profit ACT IS THE SOLUTION fix, such as a stool or an extra bath- legal organization that advocates for women Gaps in federal law mean many pregnant room break, to stay on the job. and families so they can care for themselves workers in need of accommodation are with- These accommodations are short in and their loved ones without sacrificing out legal protection in non-PWFA states. As their financial security. Since our founding, we explained in our report Long Overdue, duration and typically cost very little we have seen day in and day out the injus- ‘‘While the P[regnancy] D[iscrimination] to provide, but they can mean the dif- tices that pregnant workers continue to face A[ct] bans pregnancy discrimination, it re- ference between keeping your job or because they need modest, temporary preg- quires employers to make accommodations putting your pregnancy at risk. But for nancy accommodations and have led the only if they accommodate other workers, or

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if an employee unearths evidence of dis- ism has led to the shameful reality that THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT USES A crimination. The Americans with Disabil- Black women in this country are three to FAMILIAR FRAMEWORK THAT PROVIDES KEY ities Act requires employers to provide rea- four times likelier to die from pregnancy-re- PROTECTIONS TO PREGNANT WORKERS AND sonable accommodations to workers with lated causes than white women, and Black CLARITY TO EMPLOYERS disabilities, which can include some preg- babies are more than two times as likely to The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act has nancy-related disabilities. However, preg- die in the first year of life than white babies. several key provisions that will address the nancy itself is not a disability, leaving a gap At the same time, we know Black women inequality pregnant workers continue to face wherein many employers are in no way obli- also face devastating health consequences at work. Employers, including private em- gated to accommodate pregnant workers in when they are unable to obtain needed preg- ployers with fifteen or more employees, will need of immediate relief to stay healthy and nancy accommodations to maintain their be required to provide reasonable accom- on the job.’’ health and the health of their pregnancies. modations to qualified employees absent Original analysis we conducted for Long When Tasha Murell, a Black woman who undue hardship on the employer. Both the Overdue found that even though the 2015 Su- worked at a warehouse in Tennessee, re- term ‘‘reasonable accommodation’’ and preme Court Young v. UPS case set a new ceived a doctor’s note saying she needed a ‘‘undue hardship’’ have the same definition legal standard for evaluating pregnancy ac- lifting restriction and complained of extreme as outlined in the American with Disabilities commodation cases under the Pregnancy Act. Similar to the Americans with Disabil- Discrimination Act, in over two-thirds of stomach pain, she was forced to continue lifting on the job. One day, she told a super- ities Act, employers and employees must en- cases decided since Young employers were gage in an interactive process in order to de- permitted to deny pregnancy workers accom- visor she was in pain and asked to leave early. Her manager said no. Tragically, she termine an appropriate accommodation. In modations under the Pregnancy Discrimina- order to prevent employers from pushing had a miscarriage the next day. Tasha was tion Act. That statistic, as devastating as it pregnant employees out on leave when they not alone. Three more of her co-workers, is, does not account for the vast majority of need an accommodation, the bill specifies also Black, miscarried after supervisors dis- pregnant workers who do not have the re- that an employer cannot require a pregnant sources to vindicate their rights in court. missed their requests for reprieve from employee to take leave if another reasonable Beyond being resource strapped, most preg- heavy lifting. As Cherisse Scott, CEO of accommodation can be provided. The bill nant workers we hear from do not have the Memphis-based Sister Reach, explained ‘‘It also includes clear anti-retaliation language desire to engage in time-consuming and doesn’t surprise me that this is the culture such that employers cannot punish pregnant stressful litigation. They want to be able to of that workplace. I think it’s important to workers for requesting or using an accommo- receive an accommodation so they can con- look at the fact that since we arrived here in dation. This is critical as many pregnant tinue working at the jobs they care about chains, we [African-American women] were workers often do not ask for accommoda- while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. regarded as producers to fuel a labor force tions because they are afraid they will face THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT IS A that couldn’t care less for us. . .’’ The Preg- repercussions for requesting or needing an CRITICAL ECONOMIC SECURITY, MATERNAL nant Workers Fairness Act will ensure preg- accommodation. HEALTH, AND RACIAL JUSTICE MEASURE nant workers and their health are valued and Critically, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Pregnant workers that are fired or pushed that Black mothers, especially, are not Act is also very clear that a pregnant worker out for needing accommodations face signifi- treated as expendable on the job. need not have a disability as defined by the cant economic hardship. In addition to los- Americans with Disabilities Act in order to ing their livelihood, many of these workers THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT IS A BI- merit accommodations under the law. Rath- lose their health benefits at a time when PARTISAN BILL THAT HAS THE SUPPORT OF er, the bill indicates that pregnant workers they need them most, forcing them to switch THIS COUNTRY’S LARGEST BUSINESS GROUPS with ‘‘known limitations related to preg- providers, delay medical care, and/or face The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is not nancy, childbirth, and related medical condi- staggering health care costs associated with a partisan bill. Not only does it have strong tions’’ are entitled to reasonable accom- pregnancy and childbirth. We worked with bipartisan support in Congress, but thirty modations. ‘‘Known limitations’’ is defined one woman who was eight months pregnant states and five cities including Tennessee, as a ‘‘physical or mental condition related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, and whose hours were cut after she needed an Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia, Il- childbirth, or related medical conditions accommodation which meant she also lost linois, Nebraska, and Utah already have laws her health insurance. As a result, she asked that the employee or employee’s representa- requiring employers to provide accommoda- her doctor if they could induce her labor tive has communicated to the employer tions for pregnant employees. All of the laws early so that she would not be left facing ex- whether or not such condition meets the def- passed in recent years are highly similar to orbitant medical bills. In the long term, inition of disability’’ as set forth in the the federal legislation, and all passed with being pushed out for needing pregnancy ac- Americans with Disabilities Act. This ad- commodations also exacerbates the gender bipartisan, and often unanimous, support. dresses two of the challenges the Americans wage gap, as it means losing out on many Many, including Tennessee’s and Ken- with Disabilities Act has presented for preg- types of benefits such as 401K and retirement tucky’s, were championed by Republican leg- nant workers: first, because pregnancy is not contributions, social security contributions, islators. itself a disability under current disability pensions, as well as opportunities for pro- Pregnant workers are a vital part of our law, a pregnant worker who has no complica- motion and growth. economy. Three-quarters of women will be tions but seeks an accommodation in order Most pregnant workers may not need ac- both pregnant and employed at some point to avoid a complication, will not be able to commodations. However, for those who do, during their lives. Ensuring pregnant work- get an accommodation under the Americans reasonable accommodations can avert sig- ers can remain healthy and attached to the with Disabilities Act. Second, even though nificant health risks. For instance, in a workforce is an issue of critical importance, Congress expanded the Americans with Dis- Health Impact Assessment of state level especially as this country faces an unprece- abilities Act in 2008, courts have interpreted pregnant workers fairness legislation, the dented economic crisis. That is why leading the ADA Amendments Act in a way that did little to expand coverage even for those preg- Louisville, Kentucky Department of Public business groups like the U.S. Chamber of nant workers with serious health complica- Health and Wellness concluded, ‘‘Accommo- Commerce, Society for Human Resources dating pregnant workers, upon their request, tions. As one court concluded in 2018, ‘‘Al- Management, many major corporations, and is critical for reducing poor health outcomes though the 2008 amendments broadened the local chambers around the country includ- . . . Improving birth outcomes makes a sus- ADA’s definition of disability, these changes ing, Greater Louisville Inc., one of Ken- tainable impact for a lifetime of better only have had a modest impact when applied tucky’s leading chambers of commerce, sup- health.’’ The report noted that those poor to pregnancy-related conditions.’’ port this measure. The PWFA will provide health outcomes can include miscarriage, Now, more than ever, the Pregnant Work- preterm birth, low birth weight, much needed clarity in the law which will ers Fairness Act is an urgent maternal preeclampsia (a serious condition and lead- lead to informal and upfront resolutions be- health, racial justice, and economic security ing cause of maternal mortality), among tween employers and employees and help measure to keep pregnant workers healthy other issues. According to the March of prevent problems before they start. Further- and earning a paycheck. We cannot delay Dimes, in the U.S., nearly 1 in 10 babies are more, accommodations are short term and justice and fairness for pregnant workers born pre-term and the preterm birth rate low cost. The Pregnant Workers Fairness any longer. For the sake of this country’s among Black women is nearly fifty percent Act will help employers retain valuable em- pregnant workers and our nation’s families, higher than it is for all other women. ployees and reduce high turnover and train- we implore Congress to put aside its many Preterm birth/low birthweight is a leading ing costs. The reasonable accommodation differences and pass this legislation with a cause of infant mortality in America. The framework is also borrowed from the Amer- strong bipartisan vote. We ask every Member Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a key ican with Disabilities framework so employ- of Congress to vote YES on the Pregnant measure to reduce poor maternal and infant ers are already familiar with the standard. Workers Fairness Act. It is long overdue. health outcomes. Furthermore, keeping pregnant workers em- Sincerely, Pregnancy accommodations are one of ployed saves taxpayers money in the form of DINA BAKST, myriad solutions needed to address the unemployment insurance and other public Co-Founder & Co-President, Black maternal health crisis. Systemic rac- benefits. A Better Balance.

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Using the frame- RECORD a letter of support from a coa- Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. work and language of the Americans lition of business groups, including the It is a broad range of States in the with Disabilities Act, the bill requires Chamber of Commerce, the Society for country. employers to provide reasonable ac- Human Resource Management, and the Our attitude is the States can do commodations to pregnant workers, as National Retail Federation. this, and we already have very, very long as the accommodation does not SEPTEMBER 14, 2020. good protections at the Federal level. impose an undue hardship on the em- TO MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REP- Unless we are going to follow the ex- ployer. RESENTATIVES: We urge Congress to pass the ample of the States and include this Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Courts know exactly how to interpret This bill would provide pregnant employees very important section 702 of the Civil that language. Employers know ex- with important workplace protections while Rights Act, then maybe we should actly what their responsibilities will also making sure employers have clear and leave this up to the States. We should be. But most importantly, women will flexible options to ensure pregnant employ- be following their example and put have the certainty they can safely stay ees can remain at work for as long as they that provision in this bill. on the job. wish to do so. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- That is why over 200 organizations The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ance of my time. have endorsed the legislation and why (PWFA), as passed by the House Education Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam and Labor Committee, is a balanced ap- 30 States have passed pregnancy ac- proach that clarifies an employer’s obliga- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I commodations laws similar to the tion to accommodate the known limitations may consume. PWFA. of employees and job applicants that accom- Madam Speaker, section 702 is not re- Providing reasonable accommoda- pany pregnancy. The PWFA uses an inter- pealed by this law, and according to tions to pregnant workers helps busi- active, reasonable accommodation process the Congressional Research Service, nesses, workers, and families. Passing similar to the Americans with Disabilities which studied this issue, all in all, this bill is long overdue. Act and specifies a pregnant employee may State statutes providing for pregnancy take leave only after the employer and em- I thank Mr. KATKO for working with accommodation generally incorporate ployee have exhausted the possibility of generalized longstanding religious ex- his Conference on this bill and Chair- other reasonable accommodations. man SCOTT, Chairwoman BONAMICI, Eu- This bipartisan bill is a strong reminder emptions. In most cases, exemptions nice Ikene, and the committee staff for that through good faith negotiations, legis- allow religious institutions to favor co- shepherding the bill to the floor today. lative solutions to important workplace religionists. States typically do not I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. questions and problems can be found. We be- enact separate or specialized religious Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam lieve that Congress should pass the PWFA exemptions for pregnancy accommoda- Speaker, I reserve the balance of my with no changes. tion laws. time. Sincerely, Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to H.R. POLICY ASSOCIATION, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- ASSOCIATION, BONAMICI), the chair of the Sub- tleman from New York (Mr. KATKO), NATIONAL RETAIL committee on Civil Rights and Human the lead Republican sponsor of the FEDERATION, Services. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. RETAIL INDUSTRY LEADERS Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, I am a ASSOCIATION, rise in strong support of H.R. 2694, the Republican, and I rise in strong sup- SOCIETY FOR HUMAN Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. port of the Pregnant Workers Fairness RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, As a mom and a policymaker, I know Act. U.S. CHAMBER OF how important it is to protect the eco- COMMERCE. I was proud to join Chairman NADLER Mr. KATKO. Madam Speaker, an ex- nomic security of pregnant workers and Representatives HERRERA cerpt from that says that this bipar- and working families; yet 41 years after BEUTLER, MCBATH, and SCOTT in intro- tisan bill is a strong reminder that the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimi- ducing this bill. through good faith negotiations, legis- nation Act, Federal law falls short of Simply put, no mother-to-be or lative solutions to important work- guaranteeing that all pregnant workers mother in this country should have to place questions and problems can be have reasonable workplace accom- choose between being a parent and found. modations to protect their health and keeping her job. It is high time for our Nation to pro- the health of their baby. Unfortunately, current Federal law vide women in the workforce with the Reasonable accommodations can lacks adequate protections to ensure basic rights and respect they deserve. I range from providing seating, water, pregnant workers are able to remain strongly urge my colleagues to support and light duty to excusing pregnant healthy in the workplace. With 30 passage of this important legislation. workers from tasks that involve dan- States having already passed laws to gerous substances. But when pregnant provide these protections, the need and b 1115 workers do not have access to the ac- support for a Federal standard is clear. Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam commodations they need, they are at This bipartisan bill provides preg- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I risk of losing their job, being denied a nant workers with an affirmative right may consume. promotion, or not being hired in the to reasonable accommodations in the Madam Speaker, at the sole sub- first place. workplace, while creating a clear and committee hearing on H.R. 2694 and at Unfortunately, pregnant workers suf- navigable standard for employees to the committee markup, Democrat fer workplace discrimination at alarm- follow. members encouraged the committee to ing rates. According to a survey from These accommodations, as simple as follow the examples of States that had the National Partnership for Women providing an employee with extra rest- enacted pregnancy accommodation and Families, more than 60 percent of room breaks or a stool to sit on, should laws. However, the majority of these the women have experienced pregnancy not be controversial. States have laws that are different discrimination on the job. Women of The arguments against this bill made from H.R. 2694 because they do include color are overrepresented in low-wage, by some Members of my own party are important protections for religious or- physically demanding jobs and are, based on inaccuracies and wrongfully ganizations. therefore, disproportionately harmed detract from the importance of this At least 16 States and the District of by a lack of access to reasonable ac- commonsense policy. Columbia have pregnancy discrimina- commodation. Reflecting the widespread support for tion or pregnancy accommodations Last year, I chaired an Education this legislation, the bill has received laws that include a religious organiza- and Labor Committee hearing on preg- numerous endorsements from the busi- tion protection similar to section 702 of nancy discrimination. We heard very

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This will Speaker, I yield myself such time as I Now my home State of Oregon is help ensure that employees are not forced to may consume. helping to lead the way by passing bi- choose between a paycheck and a healthy Madam Speaker, at the Rules Com- pregnancy. partisan legislation that requires rea- mittee hearing on H.R. 2694 earlier this sonable accommodations for pregnant The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will close gaps and clarify ambiguities in the law week, the bill’s sponsor, Chairman workers. The new law has protected that have left too many pregnant workers NADLER, said it is not necessary to in- pregnant women and also provided cer- unprotected for too long. The Pregnancy Dis- corporate into H.R. 2694 the Civil tainty to the business community. But crimination Act (PDA), passed in 1978, guar- Rights Act’s provision that protects re- we need to make sure that all pregnant antees the right not to be treated adversely ligious organizations. He stated that workers, regardless of where they live, at work because of pregnancy, childbirth, or because H.R. 2694 does not repeal this can access the protections they need to related medical conditions, and the right to be treated at least as well as other employ- provision, it will still be effective if stay safe and healthy in the workplace. H.R. 2694 becomes law. The bipartisan Pregnant Workers ees ‘‘not so affected but similar in their abil- ity or inability to work.’’ Unfortunately, Color me skeptical; I strongly dis- Fairness Act is our opportunity to ad- many courts interpreted the PDA narrowly agree. H.R. 2694 will create legal jeop- dress pregnancy discrimination and and allowed employers to refuse to accom- ardy for religious organizations, as I protect the health, well-being, and eco- modate workers with medical needs arising have previously stated. nomic security of pregnant and par- out of pregnancy, even when they routinely But for the sake of argument, let’s enting workers and their families. By accommodated other physical limitations. In assume the provision is superfluous. Young v. UPS, the Supreme Court held that clarifying the right of pregnant work- What would be the harm in including ers to fair treatment in the workplace, when an employer accommodates workers who are similar to pregnant workers in their the Civil Rights Act provision in H.R. we will finally guarantee that pregnant ability to work, it cannot refuse to accom- 2694? At worst, the provision will be du- workers get the accommodations they modate pregnant workers who need it simply plicative with the Civil Rights Act, need without facing fear of discrimina- because it ‘‘is more expensive or less conven- causing no harm to workers or employ- tion or retaliation. ient’’ to accommodate pregnant women too. ers. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman The Young decision was an important vic- Let’s remember that the Americans SCOTT and Chairman NADLER for their tory for pregnant workers, but the standard with Disability Act of 1990, better leadership. I urge my colleagues to sup- it set out still left many important questions unanswered and created uncertainty for em- known as the ADA, includes a religious port this bipartisan bill. organization protection similar to the Madam Speaker, I include in the ployers and employees about when exactly the PDA requires pregnancy accommoda- one in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The RECORD a letter from the National tions. In addition, the Americans with Dis- ADA provision has caused no harm. Women’s Law Center in support of this abilities Act (ADA) requires employers to My conclusion is that the key spon- legislation. make reasonable accommodations for em- sors of H.R. 2694 are saying the quiet SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. ployees with disabilities. However, courts part out loud in their opposition to the DEAR MEMBER OF CONGRESS: On behalf of have consistently held that pregnancy is not religious organization protection in the the National Women’s Law Center, we urge a disability. The Pregnant Workers Fairness you to pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Civil Rights Act of 1964. Act would fill the holes left in these protec- At the Rules Committee hearing this Act (H.R. 2694) and vote no on any motion to tions with a common-ground and common- recommit. The National Women’s Law Cen- sense approach that ensures pregnant work- week, Chairman SCOTT said the reli- ter (‘‘the Center’’) has worked for over 45 ers are accommodated when the accommoda- gious organization protection should years to advance and protect women’s equal- tions they need are reasonable and do not not be included in H.R. 2694 because it ity and opportunity—and since its founding pose an undue hardship to employers. is overinclusive and would provide too has fought for the rights of pregnant women Accommodating pregnant workers is not much protection. Is the chairman say- in the workplace. For the last eight years, only good for working women and families, ing that the existing Civil Rights Act the Center has been a leader in advocating it is good for business. Moreover, today, protection for religious organizations for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and women make up about half the workforce. for pregnancy accommodation protections in More women are continuing to work while should also be repealed? Again, this is states across the country. The Pregnant they are pregnant, through later stages of a provision that has been in law for 55 Workers Fairness Act would clarify the law pregnancy. For example, two-thirds of years. for employers and employees alike, requiring women who had their first child between 2006 As I have stated previously, the long- employers to make reasonable accommoda- and 2008 worked during pregnancy, and 88 standing Civil Rights Act religious or- tions for limitations arising out of preg- percent of these first-time mothers worked ganization protection should be added nancy, childbirth, and related medical condi- into their last trimester. When employers to H.R. 2694. At worst, it would do no tions, just as they already do for disabilities. accommodate pregnant workers, businesses harm, and, at best, it will prevent a re- Providing accommodations ensures that reap the benefits of avoiding the costs of women can work safely while pregnant in- turnover and keeping experienced employees ligious organization from being re- stead of being pushed out of work at a time on the job. And since pregnancy is tem- quired to violate its faith. when their families need their income the porary, pregnancy accommodations are, by Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- most. definition, short-term; many of these accom- ance of my time. Even before the COVID–19 pandemic, preg- modations are low and no cost. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam nant workers were all too often denied medi- The time is now to pass the Pregnant Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- cally needed accommodations—including Workers Fairness Act. Thirty states and the tlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. simple accommodations like a stool to sit on District of Columbia have enacted provisions ADAMS), the chair of the Subcommittee during a long shift or a bottle of water at a explicitly granting pregnant employees the on Workforce Protections. workstation. As the United States enters the right to accommodations at work, from Mas- sixth month of COVID–19 lockdown, the need sachusetts, New York, and California, to Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I for clarity regarding employers’ obligations South Carolina, Utah, Nebraska, West Vir- thank the gentleman for yielding and to provide accommodations for pregnant ginia and Tennessee. Millions of pregnant for his incredible support as chair of workers has only increased. Across the coun- workers have benefited from these protec- the Education and Labor Committee. try, as new information emerges about the tions, but a pregnant employee’s ability to Madam Speaker, over 40 years ago, risks COVID–19 poses during pregnancy, work safely should not depend on where she after the Pregnancy Discrimination pregnant workers are urgently seeking, and lives. Act provided civil rights protections to far too often being denied, accommodations We strongly urge you to support pregnant pregnant people, it is shameful that we like proper personal protective equipment, workers by voting for the Pregnant Workers telework, moving to a less crowded work Fairness Act and rejecting any motion to re- still must address this issue today. area or changing start times so as not to risk commit. If you have any questions, please Every year, roughly 250,000 people in riding public transit during peak hours. The contact me. America are denied basic accommoda- Pregnant Workers Fairness Act uses an al- Sincerely, tions to continue their work once preg- ready-familiar framework modeled on the EMILY J. MARTIN, nant; and when these simple temporary

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.033 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4516 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 adjustments in their work activities manding jobs that may lead to workers need- American College of Nurse-Midwives, Asso- are denied, many face being fired or are ing modest accommodations to ensure a ciation of Maternal & Child Health Pro- forced to take unpaid leave simply to healthy pregnancy. Too often, however, grams, Association of Women’s Health, Ob- protect their health and the health of those requests are refused or ignored, forcing stetric and Neonatal Nurses, California WIC pregnant workers of color to disproportion- Association, California Breastfeeding Coali- their pregnancy. ately contend with unsafe working condi- tion, Children’s HealthWatch, Center for This discrimination can take many tions. American Progress, Center for Reproductive forms, but its impacts can be deadly. Black mothers have among the highest Rights, Community Catalyst, Families USA, And, of course, these burdens fall dis- labor force participation rates in the country Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition proportionately on people and women and 80 percent of Black mothers are their of Georgia, Healthy Women, Human Rights of color who are overrepresented in family’s primary breadwinner,’’ Yet, histori- Watch, In Our Own Voice: National Black low-wage jobs that are physically de- cally, Black women have been exploited in Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, the workplace, and that exploitation con- Majaica, LLC, March for Moms, March of manding, lack adequate workforce pro- tinues to this day. Though Black women tections, or both. This is also one of Dimes, National Asian Pacific American only comprise 14.3 percent of the population, Women’s Forum (NAPAWF), National Black the key reasons why I founded the nearly thirty percent of pregnancy discrimi- Nurses Association, National Birth Equity Black Maternal Health Caucus with nation complaints are filed by Black Collaborative, National Institute for Repro- Congresswoman LAUREN UNDERWOOD women.’’ This is because of the multiple ductive Health, National Network of Abor- last year. forms of discrimination Black workers and tion Funds. I am pleased that the House is taking other workers of color too often face in the National Partnership for Women & Fami- up the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act workplace. As scholar Nina Banks has noted, lies, National Women’s Health Network, Na- today, which will create a clear set of ‘‘The legacy of black women’s employment tional Women’s Law Center, Nurse-Family in industries that lack worker protections rules for employers to follow that re- Partnership, Nutrition First—WIC Associa- has continued today since black women are tion of Washington State, National WIC As- quires them to provide accommoda- concentrated in low-paying, inflexible serv- sociation, Ohio Black Maternal Health Cau- tions for pregnant workers to continue ice occupations ...’’ Black women in low cus, Pennsylvania WIC Association, to work and support their families. wage jobs working during pregnancy face lit- Perinatal Health Equity Foundation, Physi- So today we are sending the message tle support from employers when safeguards cians for Reproductive Health, Planned Par- that nowhere in America—nowhere in do not address pregnancy related accom- enthood Federation of America, Raising America—should you have to worry modations. Faced with the threat of termi- Women’s Voices for the Health Care We about the health of your pregnancy be- nation, loss of health insurance, or other Need, Shriver Center on Poverty Law, benefits, Black pregnant people are often SisterLove Inc., Sister Reach, Society for cause your employer won’t accommo- forced to keep working which can com- date you. Today we will tell millions of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Tara Hansen promise their health and the health of their Foundation, The Afiya Center, URGE: Unite Americans that pregnancy won’t pre- pregnancy. for Reproductive & Gender Equity, U.S. vent them from taking their dreams as The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will Breastfeeding Committee, WIC Association far as they can take them. positively impact Black women’s health and of NYS, Inc., Wisconsin WIC Association, Madam Speaker, I include in the economic security. When Black pregnant YWCA of Greater Atlanta, ZERO TO THREE. RECORD a letter from the Maternal people must continue working without ac- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Health Coalition, a group of public commodations, they risk miscarriage, exces- Speaker, I reserve the balance of my sive bleeding, and other devastating health time. health professionals, clinicians, and consequences. Black women have the highest maternal health organizations out- incidence of preterm birth and yet we know Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam lining their support for this legislation. that workplace accommodations such as re- Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. ducing heavy lifting, bending, or excessive woman from Pennsylvania (Ms. WILD), Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness standing can help prevent preterm birth, the a member of the Committee on Edu- Act. leading cause of infant mortality in this cation and Labor. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As organizations country. Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I include dedicated to ending racial injustice and sys- Black women are also at higher risk of in the RECORD a letter from business temic racism, including dismantling the rac- preeclampsia, which is one of the leading leaders in support of the Pregnant ism that contributes to this country’s Black causes of maternal mortality. We are still maternal health crisis, we write in strong learning about how to prevent this dan- Workers Fairness Act. These busi- support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness gerous medical condition, yet we know that nesses range from Patagonia to Act (H.R. 2694). Congress must do all it can simply allowing workers to take bathroom Chobani to Mastercard to Johnson & to end the prejudice Black pregnant workers breaks can prevent urinary tract infections Johnson. and pregnant workers of color continue to which are ‘‘strongly associated with SEPTEMBER 15, 2020. face in the workplace. This includes making preeclampsia.’’ Similarly, ensuring pregnant DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: Women’s sure when pregnant workers voice a need for workers can drink a sufficient amount of labor force participation is critical to the reasonable accommodations that those needs water can also help pregnant workers main- strength of our companies, the growth of our are met rather than penalized and that the tain their blood pressure, which is critically economy and the financial security of most workplace is an environment where pregnant important since hypertensive disorders (high modern families. The private sector and our workers of color do not fear asking for ac- blood pressure) are also a leading cause of nation’s elected leaders must work together commodations. maternal morbidity and mortality. By put- to ensure that working women and families The Black Maternal Health crisis remains ting a national pregnancy accommodation have the protections and opportunities they frighteningly persistent and requires imme- standard in place, the Pregnant Workers need to participate fully and equally in the diate attention and multi-faceted solutions. Fairness Act has the potential to improve workplace. Twenty leading companies from Black women experience maternal mortality some of the most serious health con- across states and industries have come to- rates three to four times higher than white sequences Black pregnant people experience. gether in support of pregnant workers and women. The circumstances surrounding this Furthermore, the Pregnant Workers Fair- their families by calling on Congress to pass alarming statistic can often be attributed to ness Act will help remove one of the many H.R. 2694, the bipartisan Pregnant Workers a lack of access to care, including due to in- barriers Black pregnant people face at work Fairness Act, without delay. flexible workplaces, and deep biases in racial by ensuring they are afforded immediate re- More than 40 years ago, Congress passed understanding. Various social determinants lief under the law, and not thrown into fi- the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, such as health, education, and economic sta- nancial dire straits for needing pregnancy which made it illegal to discriminate against tus drastically influence the outcomes of accommodations. most working people on the basis of preg- pregnancy for Black women leading to se- Congress has the opportunity to pass legis- nancy, childbirth or related medical condi- vere pregnancy-related complications. As lation to support rather than subjugate tions. Since that time, 30 states and the Dis- the Black Mamas Matter Alliance has point- Black pregnant workers and workers of trict of Columbia now require certain em- ed out ‘‘Health is determined in part by our color. We urge every member of the House of ployers to provide accommodations to preg- access to social and economic opportunities, Representatives to support the Pregnant nant employees at work. It’s now time to the resources and supports that are available Workers Fairness Act and by extension, the clarify and strengthen existing federal pro- in the places where we live, and the safety of health and economic wellbeing of Black tections for pregnant workers by passing the our workplaces . . . however, disparities in pregnant workers and pregnant workers of Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This bill these conditions of daily life give some peo- color. would ensure that pregnant workers who ple better opportunities to be healthy than Thank you for your time and attention. need reasonable accommodations can receive others.’’ Black pregnant workers along with Sincerely, them and continue to do their jobs. Latinx and immigrant women are dispropor- Black Mamas Matter Alliance, A Better As a business community, we strive to cre- tionately likely to work in physically de- Balance, American Civil Liberties Union, ate more equitable workplaces and better

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.034 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4517 support pregnant workers and their families Madam Speaker, I thank leadership, cally necessary workplace accommodations every day. We urge the passage of the Preg- the ACLU, and the Chamber of Com- can include allowing additional bathroom nant Workers Fairness Act as an important merce for endorsing this bill. I urge a breaks, opportunities to stay hydrated, lift- advancement toward ensuring the health, ‘‘yes’’ vote. ing restrictions, or access to a chair or stool safety and productivity of our modern work- to decrease time spent standing. force—and the workforce of tomorrow. Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Unfortunately, too many pregnant work- Signed: Speaker, I reserve the balance of my ers, particularly pregnant people of color, Adobe, San Jose, California; Amalgamated time. face barriers to incorporating even these Bank, New York, New York; BASF Corpora- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam small changes to their workdays. Workplace tion, Florham Park, New Jersey; Care.com, Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- accommodations help safeguard a healthy Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts; Chobani, Nor- tlewoman from Washington (Ms. pregnancy or prevent harm to a higher-risk wich, New York; Cigna Corp., Bloomfield, SCHRIER), a distinguished member of pregnancy. Across the country, pregnant Connecticut; Expedia Group, Seattle, Wash- the Education and Labor Committee. workers continue to be denied simple, no- ington; Facebook, Menlo Park, California; Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I had cost or low-cost, temporary adjustments in Gap Inc., San Francisco, California; H&M their work settings or activities and instead USA, New York, New York; ICM Partners, a high-risk pregnancy, complicated by risk being fired or forced to take unpaid Los Angeles, California; Johnson & Johnson, both advanced maternal age and 24 leave to preserve the health of their preg- New Brunswick, New Jersey; L’Ore´al USA, years of type 1 diabetes. I worked until nancy. Low-wage pregnant workers in phys- New York, New York; Levi Strauss & Co., 2 days before my C-section, and I am so ically demanding jobs, which are dispropor- San Francisco, California; Mastercard, Pur- grateful that my employer allowed for tionately occupied by people of color, feel chase, New York; Microsoft Corporation, minor accommodations which allowed the impact most acutely. This impossible Redmond, Washington; Navient, LLC., Wil- me to continue to work. choice forces many pregnant workers to con- mington, Delaware; Patagonia, Ventura, Women are half of our workforce, and tinue working without accommodations, California; PayPal, San Jose, California; putting women and their pregnancies at risk Postmates, San Francisco, California; 75 percent of those women will become of long-lasting and severe health con- Salesforce, San Francisco, California; pregnant at some point. Supporting sequences. Spotify, New York, New York; Square, Inc., women during their pregnancies is just The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a San Francisco, California; U.S. Women’s as important as prenatal care, immuni- measured approach to a serious problem. As Chamber of Commerce, Washington, District zations, affordable childcare, and pub- public health professionals, health care clini- of Columbia. lic education. We can do that by pass- cians, and maternal health organizations, we The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance: understand the importance of reasonable Danone North America PBC, White Plains, ing this bill, as well as supporting pro- grams like WIC that help new and ex- workplace accommodations to ensure that New York; Mars, Incorporated, McLean, Vir- pregnant persons can continue to provide for ginia; Nestl´e USA, Arlington, Virginia; pectant parents to provide the proper their families and have safe and healthy Unilever United States, Englewood Cliffs, nutrition and developmental supports pregnancies. We collectively urge swift pas- New Jersey. to their babies. sage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, as a We all benefit from healthy preg- Sincerely, former lawyer who worked long hours nancy outcomes. 1,000 Days; American College of Nurse-Mid- during two pregnancies, it is out- It costs us all when a baby is born wives; American College of Obstetricians and rageous to me that, in 2020, 100 years prematurely and requires months in in- Gynecologists; Association of Maternal & after women finally secured the power tensive care. Child Health Programs; Association of Wom- en’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; to vote, current law does not explicitly It costs us all when a fetus is exposed Black Mamas Matter Alliance; California guarantee every pregnant worker the to toxins in utero because we couldn’t Breastfeeding Coalition; California WIC As- right to a reasonable accommodation protect the mother from an unhealthy sociation; Center for Reproductive Rights; at work. environment and that child then suf- Children’s HealthWatch. I had the luxury of a desk and chair fers a lifetime of damage that will re- Families USA; Healthy Mothers, Healthy and an office door that closed—not all quire public support. Babies Coalition of Georgia; HealthyWomen; workers do. It costs us all when half of our work- Human Rights Watch; In Our Own Voice: Na- Currently, in order to get an accom- force may lose or leave their jobs be- tional Black Women’s Reproductive Justice modation, a pregnant worker must Agenda; Majaica, LLC; March for Moms; cause pregnant women and mothers are March of Dimes; National Black Nurses As- show that other nonpregnant employ- not welcomed or supported in the sociation; National Birth Equity Collabo- ees are similarly accommodated. It is workplace. rative; National Institute for Reproductive beyond absurd. Because the challenges Madam Speaker, I include in the Health. of pregnancy are so unique, it is often RECORD a letter from over 40 public National Network of Abortion Funds; Na- difficult to find comparable nonpreg- health organizations, clinicians, and tional WIC Association; National Women’s nant workers who received similar ac- maternal health providers who support Health Network; Nutrition First—WIC Asso- commodations. this bill. ciation of Washington State; Pennsylvania WIC Association; Perinatal Health Equity Fatigue, vomiting, back pain, and SEPTEMBER 14, 2020. Foundation; Physicians for Reproductive frequent urination are more than just Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Health; Planned Parenthood Federation of nuisances; these are symptoms that America; Raising Women’s Voices for the can make it impossible to work with- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The undersigned public health professionals, health care clini- Health Care We Need; Shriver Center on Pov- out accommodation. And that is with- cians, and maternal health organizations erty Law. out mentioning the more serious condi- dedicated to the health and well-being of SisterReach; Society for Maternal-Fetal tions related to pregnancy. mothers, infants, and families enthusiasti- Medicine; Tara Hansen Foundation; The The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act cally support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Afiya Center; URGE: Unite for Reproductive secures for women basic rights to earn Act (H.R. 2694). Modeled after the Americans & Gender Equity; U.S. Breastfeeding Com- mittee; WIC Association of NYS, Inc.; Wis- a living without jeopardizing their with Disabilities Act, the bill would require employers to provide reasonable, temporary consin WIC Association; YWCA of Greater health or the baby’s. Atlanta; ZERO TO THREE. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. workplace accommodations to pregnant workers as long as the accommodation does Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, the TORRES SMALL of New Mexico). The not impose an undue hardship on the em- bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness time of the gentlewoman has expired. ployer. This bill is critically important be- Act simply ensures that reasonable ac- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam cause no one should have to choose between commodations are made to help preg- Speaker, I yield an additional 30 sec- having a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. nant women work safely, and, in turn, onds to the gentlewoman from Penn- Three-quarters of women will be pregnant the economy is stronger, family out- sylvania (Ms. WILD). and employed at some point in their lives. comes are better, and children can Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, it pro- Most pregnant workers can expect a routine pregnancy and healthy birth. However, start life strong and healthy. Everyone tects workers with known limitations wins. related to childbirth, because it is time health care professionals have consistently recommended that some pregnant individ- b 1130 that we recognize that mental health uals make adjustments in their work activi- conditions like postpartum depression ties to sustain a healthy pregnancy and pre- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam are real and tangible medical condi- vent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including Speaker, I reserve the balance of my tions. preterm birth or miscarriage. These medi- time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.019 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam income, and they may struggle to re-enter a ees and all private sector employees at Speaker, can you advise how much job market that is particularly harsh for companies with more than 15 workers. time is remaining on each side? people who are currently or were recently This is not just an economic ques- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- pregnant. tion. It is a moral question. Like many Pregnancy discrimination affects women tleman from Virginia has 15 minutes across race and ethnicity, but women of of you, I was horrified by reports that remaining, and the gentlewoman from color and immigrants are at particular risk. doctors at ICE detention centers per- North Carolina has 181⁄2 minutes re- They are disproportionately likely to work formed hysterectomies on women with- maining. in jobs and industries where accommoda- out their consent. It is unimaginable. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam tions during pregnancy are not often pro- It is inhumane and diminishes, dehu- Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- vided (such as home health aides, food serv- manizes and disrespects women. tlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. ice workers, package handlers and cleaners). To all who preach a culture of life, to DELAURO), the chair of the Sub- Black women are much more likely than all who champion the dignity of work, committee on Labor, Health and white women to file pregnancy discrimina- tion charges; they are also at a higher risk I say let us seize the opportunity be- Human Services, Education and Re- for pregnancy-related complications like fore us to protect life. lated Agencies. pre-term labor, preeclampsia and hyper- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, I tensive disorders, making reasonable accom- time of the gentlewoman has expired. rise in support of the bill, and I submit modations on the job even more important, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam for the RECORD this letter from the Na- and loss of wages and health insurance due Speaker, I yield an additional 30 sec- tional Partnership for Women & Fami- to pregnancy discrimination especially chal- onds to the gentlewoman from Con- lies, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy lenging. necticut. organization committed to improving To date, thirty-one states including the District of Columbia and four cities have Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, to the lives of women and families by passed laws requiring employers to provide all who preach a culture of life, to all achieving equity for all women. reasonable accommodations to pregnant who champion the dignity of work, I SEPTEMBER 15, 2020. workers. But the ability to maintain a say, Let us seize this opportunity be- The National Partnership for Women & healthy pregnancy and keep a job should not fore us to protect life, to respect Families is a non-profit, non-partisan advo- depend on where a pregnant person works. women, to protect pregnant women at cacy organization committed to improving Women are a crucial part of the workforce the lives of women and families by achieving work and to do so with the strength, and their participation matters for the not of just words, but with the strength equity for all women. Since our creation as growth of our economy and for the stability the Women’s Legal Defense Fund in 1971, we and wellbeing of families nationwide. The of the law. Let us pass this bipartisan have fought for every significant advance for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would bill. equal opportunity in the workplace, includ- strengthen existing federal protections, en- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam ing the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 sure more equitable workplaces and allow Speaker, I reserve the balance of my and the Family and Medical Leave Act of women to remain in the workforce and main- time. 1993 (FMLA). We write today in strong sup- tain their economic stability while having port for H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam the accommodations necessary for healthy Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation will pregnancies. It is time to clarify and support pregnant workers on the job, im- woman from Georgia (Mrs. MCBATH), a strengthen existing federal protections for distinguished member of the Com- proving women’s and families’ economic se- pregnant workers by passing the Pregnant curity and promoting healthier pregnancies. Workers Fairness Act. mittee on Education and Labor. More than 40 years ago, Congress passed Sincerely, Mrs. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, DEBRA L. NESS, thank the gentleman for yielding and outlawing discrimination on the basis of President, National Partnership for for bringing this vital legislation to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical Women & Families. conditions. Yet pregnancy discrimination is the floor. still widespread and impacts pregnant work- Ms. DELAURO. The bipartisan Preg- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act ers across industry, race, ethnicity and juris- nant Workers Fairness Act is vital for will ensure that no woman is unfairly diction. Nearly 31,000 pregnancy discrimina- women like Regina Scates, a fire- fired or forced to risk the health of tion charges were filed with the U.S. Equal fighter in Connecticut. She was placed themselves or their pregnancy just to Employment Opportunity Commission on unrequested, unpaid leave when she earn a paycheck. Our mothers deserve (EEOC) and state-level fair employment got pregnant, even though she was still these Federal protections. practice agencies between 2010 and 2015, and capable of performing light duty work. We want all to support our working the reality of pregnancy discrimination is She was left to ask: ‘‘How am I going likely much worse than illustrated by EEOC mothers. Allowing them simple accom- charges. As a result of this discrimination, to be able to feed my family?’’ modations can ensure that they are too many women must choose between their Today, 88 percent of first-time moth- able to continue working and provide a paychecks and a healthy pregnancy. That’s ers work in the third trimester, yet an living for themselves and for their fam- not a choice anyone should have to make. estimated 250,000 requests for reason- ilies. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would able accommodations go unheard and Twenty-seven States have already create a clear policy standard requiring em- unapproved. And women of color are passed laws that require certain em- ployers to provide reasonable accommoda- disproportionately impacted, being ployers to provide accommodations to tions to pregnant workers. Support for a law overrepresented in low-wage jobs where like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is pregnant women. It is time for federal nearly universal and bipartisan. Eighty-nine accommodations during pregnancy are action to ensure that all pregnant perfect of voters favor this bill, including 69 not often provided, like healthcare women are protected from discrimina- percent of voters who strongly favor it. Just aides and food service workers. tion and continue to support their fam- this Congress, twenty-eight leading private So we seek to build on the 1978 Preg- ilies. This legislation is supported by sector employers endorsed the Pregnant nancy Discrimination Act, the first so- both women’s health groups and the Workers Fairness Act in an open letter to cial policy ever to be enacted into law business community. Congress. to provide protection to working moth- More than 85 percent of women will be- I have here a letter from the U.S. come mothers at some point in their work- ers. And we must. Chamber of Commerce voicing strong ing lives. And sometimes, an accommodation Decisions from the Supreme Court support for this legislation, and I sub- is needed in order for a pregnant worker to have made it exceedingly difficult for mit this letter for the RECORD. continue performing their job. Those accom- women to get reasonable accommoda- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE modations are often small changes to their tions under current law even when the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, work environment such as additional bath- adjustments could be as small as a September 14, 2020. room breaks, a stool to sit on or the ability chair and the stakes could be as enor- TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF to have a water bottle at their work station. mous as a miscarriage or preterm REPRESENTATIVES: The U.S. Chamber of Although minor, these accommodations birth. Commerce strongly supports H.R. 2694, the allow pregnant workers to stay in the work- ‘‘Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).’’ force and continue to provide for themselves It is modeled after the Americans As reported by the Committee on Education and their families. When pregnant workers with Disabilities Act. It establishes a and Labor, this bipartisan compromise would are fired, demoted, or forced into unpaid clear-cut right to reasonable accom- protect the interests of both pregnant em- leave, they and their families lose critical modations for all public sector employ- ployees and their employers. The Chamber

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.038 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4519 will consider including votes on this legisla- In the year 2020, Federal protections nant workers can maintain their health and tion in our How They Voted scorecard. for pregnant workers are stuck in the the health of their pregnancies by inserting Employers currently face great uncer- 1950s. unnecessary, harmful, and politically divi- tainty about whether, and how, they are re- Current law does not explicitly guar- sive language into this bill undermines our quired to accommodate pregnant workers. obligation to protect pregnant workers The revised PWFA would clarify an employ- antee all pregnant workers the right to across our country. er’s obligation to accommodate a pregnant reasonable accommodations so they While many pregnant individuals continue employee or applicant with a known limita- can work without jeopardizing their working throughout their pregnancies with- tion that interferes with her ability to per- pregnancies. Reasonable accommoda- out incident, there are instances when minor form some essential functions of her posi- tions like a glass of water or a place to accommodations are necessary at the work- tion. sit. These are sensible and, quite frank- place to ensure the safety of the expecting The PWFA takes advantage of the widely mother and the baby. All too often, requests ly, simple requests. for simple workplace accommodations like a known and accepted interactive process asso- I was pregnant with my twins and ciated with the Americans with Disabilities stool to sit, a water bottle, or a bathroom Act (ADA) that is used to find reasonable ac- then again with my youngest daughter break are denied. Within the COVID–19 con- commodations for employees covered by the when I served in the State legislature. text, such critical accommodations might ADA, and also carries forward the 15-or- While there were obstacles, I could ask include proper protective equipment, more-employee threshold from the ADA. for accommodations and did so without telework, or staggered work schedules that The Chamber worked extensively with ad- fear, but it was still a struggle to se- offer employees commute times which avoid vocates for this bill to find bipartisan agree- cure them, even for a State legislator. crowded public transportation and increased exposure. Currently, pregnant workers may ment. This important bill is a reminder that Unfortunately, this is the case for through good faith negotiations, legislative continue to work without necessary accom- many pregnant workers. modations because they fear losing their jobs solutions to important questions and prob- We know that COVID–19 has only ex- lems can be achieved. We urge the House to and need the income, thus endangering their pass the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. acerbated health inequalities for health or the health of their pregnancy. Sincerely, women, especially women of color. In Without these protections, it is not uncom- JACK HOWARD. fact, the most common low-paid jobs mon for pregnant workers to be let go or forced out onto unpaid leave for requesting Ms. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I urge for women, like nurses and home health aides, are on the pandemic front accommodations. Many others must quit my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on this their job to avoid risking the health of their legislation. lines. pregnancy. Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Pregnant women across this country Passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Speaker, I reserve the balance of my are literally putting their lives on the Act is a moral and economic imperative; time. line. Yet, too often, instead of pro- two-thirds of women who had their first Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam viding a pregnant worker with an ac- child between 2006 and 2008 worked during Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- commodation routinely given to other pregnancy, and 88 percent of these first-time workers, her employer will fire her, de- mothers worked into their last trimester. woman from New York (Mrs. CAROLYN Keeping these women healthy and in the B. MALONEY), the chair of the Com- priving her of a paycheck and health workforce is paramount to family economic mittee on Oversight and Reform. insurance at a time when she needs security. Nearly 25 million mothers with Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New them most. children under 18 are in the workforce, mak- York. Madam Speaker, I thank the Pregnant workers must never have to ing up nearly 1 in 6 of all workers. And about gentleman for yielding and for his lead- choose between maintaining a healthy 3 in 4 mothers in the workforce are working ership. pregnancy and losing their jobs, espe- full time. Millions of families rely on their Madam Speaker, I rise in support of cially now when both their health and earnings. In 2017, 41 percent of mothers were economic security are crucial. the sole or primary breadwinners in their this bill. As a member of the New York families, while 23.2 percent of mothers were City Council, I became the first woman The demand for the Pregnant Work- co-breadwinners. Whole families suffer when in history to give birth while in office ers Fairness Act even stretches across pregnant workers are forced out of a job. as a council member. There had been religious, ideological and party lines. The undersigned religious and faith-based many men who had become fathers, but Madam Speaker, I include in the groups are united in support of the Pregnant I was the first woman. So I know first- RECORD a letter on behalf of faith- Workers Fairness Act. We strongly urge you to vote for the Pregnant Workers Fairness hand how physically draining and based organizations in support of this vital legislation. Act, and to vote against any motion to re- stressful it is to work while pregnant. commit that may be offered. Some of the only good news coming SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the Sincerely, the undersigned: out of the COVID–19 lockdown is that undersigned religious and faith-based organi- Ameinu, Arizona Jews for Justice, Aytzim: there has been a dramatic drop in the zations representing a diversity of faith tra- Ecological Judaism, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Catholic Labor Network, Church number of premature births. ditions and communities across the nation, World Service, Columban Center for Advo- In Denmark, the rate of babies born we write today in support of healthy work- cacy and Outreach, Congregation of Our preterm dropped by 90 percent during place environments and conditions for preg- Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. nant workers. We urge you to pass the Preg- the lockdown. So the accommodations Provinces, Faith Action Network, Faith Ac- nant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Peo- in this bill can keep mothers and ba- tion Network—Washington State, Francis- ple of faith across the ideological spectrum bies safe. It is strongly pro-family. can Action Network, Friends Committee on understand that prioritizing the health and This bill is an incredible step in the National Legislation, Keshet, Jewish Alli- safety of pregnant workers should not be a ance for Law and Social Action. right direction. Once we ratify the partisan issue. The Pregnant Workers Fair- Equal Rights Amendment, we will have Jewish Family & Children’s Service of ness Act would ensure that pregnant workers Greater Boston, Jewish Women Inter- an anchor in the Constitution to pass can continue safely working to support their national, Justice Revival, National Advo- even more robust protections for families during a pregnancy. The bill re- cacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shep- women and families. quires employers to make the same sort of herd, National Council of Churches, National I urge a strong ‘‘yes.’’ It is long over- accommodations for pregnant workers as are Council of Jewish Women, Network of Jew- due. already in place for workers with disabil- ish Human Service Agencies, NETWORK Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam ities. Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Pax Chris- Our faith traditions affirm the dignity of ti USA, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Speaker, I reserve the balance of my pregnant individuals and the moral impera- time. Rights, United Church of Christ, Justice and tive of ensuring their safety. We also affirm Witness Ministries, Union for Reform Juda- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam the dignity of work and the obligation to ism, Uri L’Tzedek, Women of Reform Juda- Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- treat workers justly. It is immoral for an ism. tlewoman from Florida (Ms. employer to force a worker to choose be- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. People WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). tween a healthy pregnancy and earning a liv- of faith and across the ideological spec- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. ing. By passing the bipartisan Pregnant trum recognize that prioritizing the Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694), Congress will ensure that workers who arc pregnant health and safety of pregnant workers port of the Pregnant Workers Fairness will be treated fairly in the workforce and should not be a partisan issue. Act, a bipartisan proposal that finally can continue earning income to support It is past time for workplaces to ac- secures clear protections for pregnant themselves and their families. Efforts to dis- commodate our families and protect workers. tract from the central goal of ensuring preg- pregnant workers. They are the ones

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.022 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 who keep our economy and commu- place accommodations to mitigate complica- Ending discrimination against preg- nities running. tions before they arise. During the second nant workers is a critical component in I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ and third trimester, additional stress re- closing the economic divide between on this long overdue legislation. quires that the lungs work harder to provide men and women in our country. oxygen as the heart supplies blood through- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Before coming to Congress, I ran Speaker, I reserve the balance of my out the body and for the fetus. Some preg- nant people have chronic health diseases, Colorado’s Consumer Protection Agen- time. such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, cy, which included our State civil Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam and need to take extra precautions to man- rights division, and I saw up close in Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- age the condition. Moreover, additional the complaints that we adjudicated the woman from Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). stress during pregnancy may be caused by unfortunate reality is that women are Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I sub- physical discomfort and other changes in often denied even the simplest of work- mit for the RECORD a letter of support daily life. Some of this stress may cause seri- place accommodations because they for this legislation from the March of ous health problems, like high blood pres- sure, which could lead to problems like are pregnant, and too often women are Dimes. forced out or not considered for hire SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. preeclampsia and premature birth, condi- Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness tions that impact Black women at far higher due to their pregnancy. This must end. Act. rates than white women and contribute to And we have an incredible opportunity DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the this country’s Black maternal health crisis. to do precisely that by getting this bill March of Dimes, one of the leading non-prof- Therefore, it is imperative that pregnant across the finish line today. it organization fighting for the health of all workers are protected and provided the nec- I am a proud supporter of the Preg- moms and babies and promotes the health of essary and reasonable accommodations, to nant Workers Fairness Act, and I women, children and families across the life ensure that they are able to continue work- would encourage every Member of this course, we enthusiastically support the Preg- ing and maintain healthy pregnancies. nant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Mod- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a body to vote ‘‘aye’’ on this critical leg- eled after the Americans with Disabilities measured approach to a serious problem. islation. Act, the bill would require employers to pro- March of Dimes understands the importance Madam Speaker, I submit for the vide reasonable, temporary workplace ac- of reasonable workplace accommodations to RECORD a letter from the International commodations to pregnant workers as long ensure that women can continue to provide Brotherhood of Teamsters, a 1.4 mil- as the accommodation does not impose an for their families and have safe and healthy lion-member organization highlighting undue hardship on the employer. This bill is pregnancies. We urge swift passage of the their support for this critical legisla- critically important because no one should Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. tion. have to choose between having a healthy Sincerely, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD pregnancy and a paycheck. ARIEL GONZA´ LEZ, ESQ., OF TEAMSTERS, Three-quarters of women will be pregnant MA, September 11, 2020. and employed at some point in their lives. Senior Vice President, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Most pregnant workers can expect a normal Public Policy & Gov- Washington, DC. pregnancy and healthy birth. However, ernment Affairs, DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the 1.4 healthcare providers have consistently rec- March of Dimes. ommended that some pregnant women make million members of the International Broth- Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise erhood of Teamsters, I urge you to support adjustments in their work activities to sus- today in support of the Pregnant Work- tain a healthy pregnancy and prevent ad- H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness verse pregnancy outcomes, including ers Fairness Act. Act when it comes to the floor in the next preterm birth or miscarriage. Workplace ac- In my district and across the coun- week. The Teamsters Union is proud to sup- commodations are medically necessary and try, pregnancy discrimination persists, port this important legislation which would can include allowing additional bathroom especially against people of color and promote healthy pregnancies and economic breaks, opportunities to stay hydrated, lift- immigrant women. security for pregnant women. ing restrictions, or access to a chair or stool In the last few decades, there has been a When companies refuse to accommo- demographic shift in the workplace. Women to decrease time spent standing. date for pregnancy-related needs, it Unfortunately, too many pregnant work- now make up almost half of the workforce. ers, particularly pregnant women of color, doesn’t just hurt the person being dis- There are more pregnant workers than ever face barriers to incorporating even these criminated against, it hurts the entire before and they are working later into their small changes to their workdays. Workplace family, especially when nearly half of pregnancies. Yet, too often, instead of pro- accommodations help safeguard a healthy working women are the sole or primary viding a pregnant worker with an accommo- pregnancy or prevent harm to a higher-risk provider for their families. dation, her employer will fire her or push her pregnancy. Across the country, pregnant It is time to put families first over onto unpaid leave, depriving her of a pay- check and health insurance at a time when workers continue to be denied simple, no- corporate greed. We must ensure that cost or low-cost, temporary adjustments in she needs them most. their work settings or activities and instead no pregnant person is forced to quit, While pregnancy discrimination affects risk being fired or forced to take unpaid coerced into taking unpaid leave, or women across race, ethnicity and economic leave to preserve the health of their preg- fired because their employer refuses to status, women of color and low-wage workers nancy. Low-wage pregnant workers in phys- accommodate them. are disproportionately impacted. Women of ically demanding jobs, which are dispropor- We must protect the more than 85 color are more likely to hold certain inflexi- tionately occupied by people of color, feel percent of women who will become ble and physically demanding jobs that can the impact most acutely. This impossible mothers at some point in their working present specific challenges for pregnant workers, making reasonable accommoda- choice forces many pregnant workers to con- lives. tinue working without accommodations, tions on the job even more important. putting both mother and baby at risk of On behalf of all the beautiful mothers In 2018, the New York Times ran a front longlasting and severe health consequences. in my district, #13DistrictStrong, I page article detailing the tragic loss experi- One of the main predictors of a healthy thank Chairman NADLER and Chairman enced by a number of women working at a pregnancy is early and consistent prenatal SCOTT for their leadership, and I urge Verizon fulfillment center/warehouse in care. Getting early and regular prenatal care support for this bill. Memphis, TN, operated by XPO Logistics can help ensure a healthy, full-term preg- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam and previously operated by New Breed Logis- nancy. The costs of a healthy birth tend to Speaker, I reserve the balance of my tics. New Breed and XPO should be quite fa- be around $5,000, whereas the costs associ- miliar at this point, as they have garnered ated with a premature or complicated birth time. considerable press attention in recent weeks. range closer to $76,000. Prenatal checkups Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was CEO of are crucial and necessary, so that providers Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gen- New Breed and served on the XPO Board dur- can answer any questions, check on the over- tleman from Colorado (Mr. NEGUSE). ing the time at which these tragedies took all health of mom and baby, and spot com- Mr. NEGUSE. Madam Speaker, I rise place. plications early when there is a greater today in support of the Pregnant Work- The women who worked at the Memphis chance to prevent them. If there is a possi- ers Fairness Act. warehouse generally spent twelve hour shifts moving boxes full of Verizon cell phones and bility of a loss of employment, it would im- I thank Chairman NADLER for intro- other devices. Upon becoming pregnant, all pact family resources and threaten the abil- ducing this vital bill, and I also thank ity to afford vital prenatal care and had asked for reasonable accommodations, healthcare costs when most needed. Chairman SCOTT for his incredible lead- including light duty. Three of the women Pregnancy affects every system of the ership and his work in getting it to the said that they even brought in doctors’ notes body, so pregnant workers may need work- floor. recommending less-taxing workloads and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.041 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4521 shorter shifts, but supervisors disregarded H.R. 2694 during the committee mark- is the income threshold for WIC participa- the letters. up, it is unfortunate today’s legislation tion. Of these 15.2 million women, 59 percent Certainly, some of these women considered falls short in protecting one of our Na- (approximately nine million) are working leaving their jobs with New Breed/XPO, or part-time. taking unpaid leave to protect theirs and tion’s most treasured rights, freedom No pregnant worker should have to choose their unborn child’s health, but at an aver- of religion, the first right mentioned in between the health of their pregnancy and age hourly wage of $11/hr, unpaid leave and the Bill of Rights. their livelihood. As direct-service providers elective terms of unemployment are entirely Democrats’ refusal to include a com- that support almost two million pregnant unrealistic. monsense provision that protects reli- and postpartum women, the WIC community In response to the New York Times article gious organizations from being forced strongly supports efforts that advance sen- and additional coverage by the Los Angeles to make employment decisions that sible policy to safeguard the health of preg- nancies. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Times and the PBS Newshour, nearly 100 conflict with their faith is short-sight- members of Congress submitted a letter to is a thoughtful solution that will com- the House Committee on Education and ed, disappointing, and easy to fix. plement WIC’s tireless efforts to support ex- Labor urging investigation into the dis- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- pectant mothers as they seek a healthy start turbing treatment of workers at the Mem- ance of my time. for their babies. We urge swift passage of phis facility. With pressure mounting, XPO b 1145 this critical legislation. solicited the counsel of an outside expert to Sincerely, draft an internal policy to address the needs Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam REV. DOUGLAS GREENAWAY, of pregnant workers. This was a step in the Speaker, I yield myself the balance of President & CEO, right direction, but it should not take con- my time. National WIC Association. gressional action and national press cov- Madam Speaker, I include in the SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. erage to compel an employer to do the right RECORD a letter in support of the legis- thing. Make no mistake, this new XPO pol- Re Vote YES for the Pregnant Workers Fair- lation from the National WIC Associa- ness Act (H.R. 2694). icy only exists because of the workers in tion, that is Women, Infants, and Chil- Memphis who stood up and spoke out. DEAR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: On behalf of Unfortunately, XPO’s new policy has zero dren Association, in favor of the legis- the American Civil Liberties Union, and our chance of helping women at the Memphis fa- lation, and another letter from the more than 8 million members, supporters, cility. Two months after announcing the pol- ACLU, the American Civil Liberties and activists, we write to express our sup- icy, XPO Logistics abruptly announced that Union. port for H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This critical legislation would it would shut down the warehouse where all NATIONAL WIC ASSOCIATION LETTER IN SUP- of the women featured in the New York combat an all-too-common form of preg- PORT OF H.R. 2694, PREGNANT WORKERS nancy discrimination while also providing Times article had worked. This action cre- FAIRNESS ACT ates a chilling effect on other workers who employers much-needed clarity on their obli- On behalf of the National WIC Association, might choose to access reasonable accom- gations under the law. We urge all members the 12,000 WIC state and local service pro- modations at XPO. What pregnant worker is of the House of Representatives to vote in vider agencies we represent, and the over six going to feel comfortable asking for reason- favor of this measured, bipartisan, and long- million mothers, babies, and young children able accommodation when the end result of overdue legislation and to oppose the motion our members serve, we enthusiastically sup- speaking up might be job loss? Key among to recommit. port passage of the Pregnant Workers Fair- The ACLU has long fought to advance its many protections is that H.R. 2694 would ness Act (H.R. 2694). The accommodations es- women’s equality and opportunity by chal- prohibit retaliation against pregnant work- tablished by this bill are urgently needed to lenging laws and policies that discriminate ers who request accommodation. against women in the workplace and by dis- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will assure healthy pregnancies for working mantling the stereotypes that constrain provide a clear, predictable rule: employers mothers served by WIC. WIC providers serve approximately half of women’s full engagement and participation must provide reasonable accommodations for all babies born in the United States with nu- at work. Although the Pregnancy Discrimi- limitations arising out of pregnancy, child- trition support and counseling throughout nation Act has played a critical role over the birth, or related medical conditions, unless pregnancy, the postpartum period, and early past 40 years in securing women’s place in this would pose an undue hardship. No childhood. WIC’s nutrition intervention has the workforce, too many women continue to woman should have to choose between pro- successfully supported positive birth out- be marginalized at work because of their de- viding for her family and maintaining a comes by reducing preterm birth and other cision to become pregnant and have children. healthy pregnancy. The Pregnant Workers complications that can lead to lifelong This kind of discriminatory treatment has Fairness Act would ensure that all women health conditions and significant healthcare become most obvious when pregnant work- working for covered employers would be pro- costs. Nutrition—including adequate hydra- ers—predominantly women in physically de- tected. manding or male-dominated jobs, low-wage The Teamsters Union is proud to stand tion—is vital for the health of a pregnancy, but additional protections are needed to ad- workers, and women of color—request tem- with XPO workers and all pregnant workers porary accommodations to address a medical demanding change. I urge you to stand up to dress the factors that influence pregnancy and birth outcomes beyond nutrition. need and instead are terminated or placed on unscrupulous employers like XPO and swift- unpaid leave, causing devastating economic ly enact H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers This bill wisely extends the workplace ac- commodations framework—first developed in harm. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Fairness Act. would address this problem by requiring em- Sincerely, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)— to ensure that employers are taking reason- ployers with fifteen or more employees to JAMES P. HOFFA, able steps to minimize risks to employees’ provide reasonable and temporary accom- General President. modations to pregnant workers if doing so Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam pregnancies. Simple modifications to the workplace such as a stool to sit on, relief would not impose an undue hardship on the Speaker, I yield myself such time as I from heavy lifting, or a water bottle to carry business. may consume. can contribute to the health of the preg- PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION, THE PDA, AND It is a great disappointment to me nancy without taking drastic action that in- YOUNG V. UPS, INC. that I will be voting against this legis- hibits the pregnant worker’s economic secu- Pregnancy and childbirth are often locus lation before us today. My Republican rity, such as unpaid leave or termination. points for discrimination against women in colleagues and I have long been com- This balanced and effective approach, al- the workforce. Policies excluding or forcing mitted to policies and laws that em- ready familiar to employers from the ADA the discharge of pregnant women from the power all Americans to achieve suc- context, will work in tandem with other workplace were common in the 1970s and re- flected the stereotype that a woman’s pri- cess, and this includes protections in medical and nutrition precautions to ensure positive birth outcomes and healthy infants. mary or sole duties were to be a homemaker Federal law for pregnant workers. We Women now constitute the majority of the and raise children. The adoption of the Preg- agree that discrimination of any type American workforce. Three-quarters of nancy Discrimination Act (PDA) in 1978, an should not be tolerated, and no one working women are expected to be both preg- amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights should ever be denied an opportunity nant and employed during their adult lives. Act of 1964, established that discrimination because of unlawful discrimination. I Without a clear legal standard, pregnant because of ‘‘pregnancy, childbirth, and re- will repeat that, Madam Speaker. We workers may be forced to choose between lated medical conditions’’ was a form of dis- agree that discrimination of any type keeping a roof over their head, putting food crimination ‘‘because of sex.’’ It was in- on the table, and the health of their preg- tended to dismantle the stereotype, and the should not be tolerated, and no one nancy. This burden is even more acute for policies based on it, that viewed pregnant should ever be denied an opportunity the approximately twenty percent of work- women’s labor force participation as contin- because of unlawful discrimination. ing woment—a total of 15.2 million women— gent, temporary, and dispensable without re- After meaningful and necessary bi- who live in households that earn less than gard to their individual capacity to do the partisan improvements were made to 185 percent of the federal poverty line, which job in question.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.027 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 The PDA also required employers to treat prone to causing infection in her breasts. ployers from denying job opportunities to an pregnant workers the same as other tempo- She asked for a desk job but her employer re- applicant or employee because of the individ- rarily disabled workers because Congress fused, even though it routinely granted desk ual’s need for a reasonable accommodation; recognized that working women contributed jobs to officers unable to fulfill all of their prevents an employer from forcing an appli- to their families’ economic stability and patrol duties. Instead, it offered her an ill- cant or employee to accept a specific accom- should not have to choose between a career fitting vest that put her at risk. modation; and prohibits retaliation against and continuing a pregnancy. Despite the Legg v. Ulster County: Corrections Officer individuals who seek to use PWFA to protect PDA, pregnancy discrimination persists, and Ann Marie Legg was denied light duty during their rights. for many years courts routinely ruled her pregnancy, even though Ulster County At a time when women constitute nearly 60 against workers who brought pregnancy ac- gave such assignments to guards injured on percent of the workforce and contribute sig- commodation cases where they alleged dis- the job. In her third trimester, Legg had to nificantly to their families’ economic well- crimination when an employer provided a intervene in a fight, prompting her to go on being, passage of PWFA is a dire necessity. job modification to an employee temporarily leave rather than face future risks. When a pregnant worker is forced to quit, co- Allen v. AT&T Mobility: Cynthia Allen unable to work but failed to do the same for erced into taking unpaid leave, or fired be- lost her job because she accumulated too a pregnant worker. cause her employer refuses to provide a tem- In Young v United Parcel Service, Inc., the many ‘‘points’’ under AT&T Mobility’s puni- porary job modification, the economic im- Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve tive attendance policy due to pregnancy-re- pact can be severe; if she is the sole or pri- a split in the Circuits and for the first time lated symptoms such as nausea. The policy mary breadwinner for her children, as nearly addressed the PDA’s application in the con- makes accommodation for late arrivals, half of working women are, her entire family text of an employee who needed an accom- early departures, and absences due to thir- will be without an income when they most modation due to pregnancy. The Court con- teen enumerated reasons, some medical and need it. She further may be denied unem- cluded that the statute’s mandate applied some not, but none due to pregnancy and ployment benefits because she is considered with equal force in these circumstances and pregnancy-related symptoms. to have left her job voluntarily. She may articulated a modified analysis for failure- Durham v. Rural/Metro Corp.: Michelle have few if any additional resources on to-accommodate cases. The Court also of- Durham was an EMT in Alabama whose job which to rely. PWFA ensures that women fered a new pretext analysis that plaintiffs often required her to lift patients on stretch- would not face such devastating con- may rely on when litigating claims under ers into an ambulance. When she became sequences. Instead, it treats pregnancy for the PDA’s second clause. Since Young, the pregnant, her health care provider imposed a what it is—a normal condition of employ- reflexive approval of employer policies favor- restriction on heavy lifting. Durham asked ment. ing workers with occupational injuries has Rural/Metro for a temporary modified duty largely disappeared. However, the bright-line assignment during her pregnancy, but was PWFA promotes women’s health. Accom- deference to employer policies, and the rejected, despite the company’s policy of giv- modations make a ’difference in physically overbroad reading of such policies as ‘‘preg- ing such assignments to others. She was told demanding jobs (requiring long hours, stand- nancy-blind,’’ has been replaced, in many in- her only option was to take unpaid leave. ing, lifting heavy objects, etc.) where the stances, with an unduly demanding standard It is indisputable that Young was an im- risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight for plaintiffs in making a showing of dif- portant step forward to combat pregnancy are significant. The failure to provide ac- ferential treatment—even at the initial discrimination. Yet, too many pregnant commodations can be linked to miscarriages pleading stage, prior to having the benefit of workers continue to face insurmountable ob- and premature babies who suffer from a vari- discovery. This trend undermines Young’s stacles in HR offices, where employers mis- ety of ailments. This bill would be an impor- intent of demanding that employers justify understand their obligations under the PDA, tant contribution in the fight to improve failures to accommodate pregnancy. Instead, and in courtrooms across the country, where maternal health and mortality. they impose unwarranted—and often insur- judges use Young to hinder access to needed There is also a strong business case for mountable—burdens of proof on pregnant accommodations. Despite the clear mandates PWFA. Providing pregnant employees with workers that increasingly confer ‘‘least fa- of the PDA, the current legal landscape reasonable accommodations increases work- vored nation’’ status on the protected trait leaves exposed and unprotected those preg- er productivity, retention, and morale, and of pregnancy. The stories of clients the nant workers who want to continue working reduces health care costs associated with ACLU has represented—both as direct coun- while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. pregnancy complications. PWFA can also re- sel and as lead amicus—illustrate the harm: Similarly, many pregnant workers have duce litigation costs by providing greater Lochren v. Suffolk County: Sandra not found protection or recourse under the clarity regarding an employer’s legal obliga- Lochren and five other police officers sued Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 be- tions to pregnant workers. In fact, the U.S. the Suffolk County Police Department cause absent complications, pregnancy is not Chamber of Commerce stated that PWFA (SCPD) for refusing to temporarily reassign considered a disability that substantially would establish ‘‘clear guidelines and a bal- pregnant officers to deskwork and other non- limits a major life activity. This legal re- anced process that works for employers and patrol jobs, even though it did so for officers ality means that many of the symptoms of a employees alike.’’ Additionally, a group of injured on the job. But for those officers who normal pregnancy that can disrupt a work- leading private sector employers expressed opted to keep working patrol, er’s ability to do her job such as extreme fa- their support for PWFA and noted ‘‘women’s SCPD also failed to provide bulletproof tigue, morning sickness, or limitations on labor force participation is critical to the vests or gun belts that would fit pregnant of- her mobility are not entitled to accommoda- strength of our companies, the growth of our ficers. Their only safe option was to go on tion. Moreover, many pregnant workers seek economy and the financial security of most unpaid long before their due dates. accommodation precisely because they wish modern families.’’ Cole v. SavaSeniorCare: When Jaimie Cole, to avoid the conditions that might disable Finally, 30 states across the political and a certified nursing assistant, was in her third them or endanger their pregnancy. Yet be- ideological spectrum have recognized the trimester, she developed a high risk of cause the ADA is so expansive with respect benefits of providing reasonable accommoda- preeclampsia, a condition that can lead to to other conditions that qualify as disabil- tions to pregnant workers. Congress should preterm labor or even death. Her doctor ad- ities, the population of non-pregnant work- ensure that all pregnant workers, not just vised her not to do any heavy lifting. Cole’s ers entitled to reasonable accommodation is some, have the protections they need. job required her to regularly help patients in exponentially larger than when the PDA was It is time for Congress to act and pass the and out of bed and assist with bathing, so she enacted more than 40 years ago. Accordingly, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. asked for a temporary light duty assign- without such express entitlement to accom- Sincerely, ment. Instead, her employer sent her home modation, pregnant workers face an unten- RONALD NEWMAN, without pay for the rest of her pregnancy. able ‘‘least favored nation’’ status in the Myers v. Hope Healthcare Center: Asia workplace. National Political Di- Myers, a certified nursing assistant, experi- The simple solution to this no-win situa- rector. enced complications early in her pregnancy tion is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. GILLIAN THOMAS, and was told by her doctor that she could This legislation, modeled after the ADA and Senior Staff Attorney. continue to work, but should not do any lift- using a framework familiar to most employ- VANIA LEVEILLE, ing on the job. Although her employer had a ers, takes a thoughtful and measured ap- Senior Legislative history of providing light duty to workers proach to balancing the needs of working Counsel. with temporary lifting restrictions, Myers people and employers by requiring businesses Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam was told not to return to work until her re- with fifteen or more employees to provide Speaker, as I am sure each person in strictions were lifted. She was out of work workers with temporary, reasonable accom- this Chamber can agree, it is simply for over a month with no income or health modation for known limitations related to unacceptable that many pregnant insurance coverage. pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical workers have to choose between their Hicks v. City of Tuscaloosa: Stephanie conditions if doing so would not place an Hicks, a narcotics investigator with the Tus- undue hardship on business. It also prohibits paycheck and a healthy pregnancy be- caloosa Police Department in Alabama, employers from forcing a pregnant employee cause they cannot access reasonable wanted to breastfeed her new baby, but her to take a leave of absence if a reasonable ac- accommodations to continue working bulletproof vest was restrictive, painful, and commodation can be provided; prevents em- safely.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:11 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.028 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4523 As my colleagues have pointed out, minded that the health, safety and wellbeing of House of Representatives to vote for the most accommodations, which can in- all women is not something we can turn a Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and oppose clude water, seating, and more fre- blind eye to, whether those women work in any motion to recommit. Sincerely, quent restroom breaks, are not com- boardrooms, on a factory floor, or in a hos- JENNIFER MATHIS, plex or costly. Yet without these sim- pital. Bazelon Center for ple accommodations, health risks to I support this legislation because no expect- Mental Health Law. pregnant workers can be significant ant mother should have to risk her health or STEPHEN LIEBERMAN, and potentially tragic. that of her unborn child to stay financially sta- United Spinal Associa- The COVID–19 pandemic poses in- ble. tion. creased risks for pregnant workers at a I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this his- ALLISON NICHOL, time when pregnant women comprise toric bill. Epilepsy Foundation, Co-chairs, CCD 62 percent of frontline workers, includ- SEPTEMBER 11, 2020. Rights Task Force. ing more than 75 percent of healthcare Re Support for Pregnant Workers Fairness KELLY BUCKLAND, Act, H.R. 2694. workers. National Council on Passing the Pregnant Workers Fair- Hon. BOBBY SCOTT, Independent Living. ness Act today, we can take a strong Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, SAMANTHA CRANE, bipartisan step to guarantee that all House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Autistic Self Advocacy pregnant workers have access to basic Hon. VIRGINIA FOXX, Network. Ranking Member, Committee on Education and workplace protections. Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today Labor, House of Representatives, Wash- in support of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Madam Speaker, once again, I urge ington, DC. my colleagues to support the Pregnant DEAR CHAIRMAN SCOTT AND RANKING MEM- Act. This meaningful legislation will protect Workers Fairness Act, and I yield back BER FOXX: As co-chairs of the Consortium for pregnant workers who have suffered because the balance of my time. Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Rights Task of insufficient workplace protections, a story Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, today we Force, we write in strong support of the far too familiar to many workers who call act so that women will no longer experience Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, H.R. 2694. Memphis home. the fear of not knowing if they can maintain CCD is the largest coalition of national orga- Two years ago, I was shocked to read of nizations working together to advocate for the disturbing workplace abuses in an XPO their family’s financial security while they are federal public policy that ensures the self-de- pregnant. warehouse in Memphis. Warehouse workers termination, independence, empowerment, were denied minor and reasonable accom- As the number of women who work as the integration and inclusion of children and primary breadwinners in their households con- adults with disabilities in all aspects of soci- modations like less taxing workloads and tinues to rise, this financial insecurity rises as ety. shortened work shifts. As a result, several well. The Americans with Disabilities Act women suffered miscarriages, some of which While growing up, my mother was forced (ADA)’s mandate that covered employers happened while they were still on the ware- make reasonable accommodations to ensure out of the Navy because she was pregnant. house floor. equal opportunity for applicants and employ- I, along with Congresswoman DELAURO and Although times have changed, mothers are ees with disabilities has been tremendously ninety-five of my colleagues, wrote to the Edu- still being forced out of their employment due important in helping people with disabilities cation and Labor Committee to urge the 115th to the absence of reasonable accommoda- secure and maintain employment. While the Congress to take decisive action and consider tions. I know first-hand the pressures of being ADA does not cover pregnancy itself as a dis- the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. that single source of income for my house- ability, in light of the ADA Amendments Act, which lowered the standard for dem- The 116th Congress has rightly given this hold, and I have seen how Black and Latina bill the attention it deserves, and this bill will workers are overrepresented in low-wage, onstrating a disability from what the courts had previously applied, many pregnant work- give pregnant workers the protections that are physically demanding jobs that need preg- ers who experience pregnancy-related com- past-due. No employee should be forced to nancy accommodations for them to stay safe. plications should be covered as people with choose between their job and their health. I More than a decade ago, the Americans disabilities and entitled to reasonable ac- appreciated the opportunity to participate in with Disabilities Act was amended to better commodations under the ADA. Yet many the Education and Labor Committee’s Sub- implement the principle that physical or mental courts have continued to interpret the committee hearing on this bill, and I am disabilities should be met with reasonable ac- ADA’s coverage narrowly, and in practice, pleased to support the Pregnant Workers Fair- commodations. large numbers of pregnant workers are not offered reasonable accommodations. Fur- ness Act’s consideration today. Pregnancy is not considered a disability Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, as a under the ADA, however, enabling employers thermore, a clear pregnancy accommodation standard will help prevent pregnancy-related senior member of the Judiciary, Homeland Se- to deny reasonable accommodations like al- complications before they arise. Such ac- curity, and Budget Committees, the Demo- lowing pregnant employees to sit on a stool commodations should be provided to preg- cratic Working Women Task Force, and as co- rather than stand during a long shift. nant workers so that they can remain in the sponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2694, This bill would correct that, and I would like workforce and not lose their employment the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), to include in the RECORD a letter from the simply because they experience pregnancy- which would ensure that pregnant workers can Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ad- related limitations. continue to do their jobs and support their dressed to Chairman SCOTT and Ranking The accommodation requirement of H.R. 2694 is limited, as is the ADA’s accommoda- families by requiring employers to make work- Member FOXX in support of the Pregnant tion requirement, to those accommodations place adjustments for those workers who need Workers Fairness Act. that are reasonable and would not impose an them due to pregnancy, childbirth, and related New Mexico is one of thirty states that have undue hardship. That standard takes into ac- medical conditions, like breastfeeding. enacted laws to protect access to reasonable count the needs of employers while also en- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act would accommodations for pregnant workers so they suring that pregnant workers can stay on establish that private sector employers with have safe working conditions and, if they are the job with reasonable accommodations. more than 15 employees and public sector denied that, the right to receive lost pay and This protection is critical not only for preg- employers must make reasonable accom- compensatory damages. nant workers but for our national economy. modations for pregnant employees, job appli- Millions of pregnant workers in these states The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is par- ticularly important to people with disabil- cants, and individuals with known limitations have benefited from these protections, but a ities. Many people with disabilities who did related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related pregnant employee’s ability to work safely not require accommodations before becom- medical conditions. should not depend on where in this country ing pregnant experience new complications Similar to the Americans with Disabilities she lives. due to how pregnancy impacts their disabil- Act, employers are not required to make an The Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act, which ities, and need accommodations once they accommodation if it imposes an undue hard- is endorsed by nearly 200 worker advocates, become pregnant. These workers are some- ship on an employer’s business. civil rights groups and the business commu- times told that they are not entitled to ac- Pregnant workers and individuals with nity, will hold every employer in our country, commodations because the employer views known limitations related to pregnancy, child- the need for accommodation as related to across state lines, to these same standards. pregnancy rather than to the worker’s un- birth, or related medical conditions cannot be As we hear horrific stories of immigrant derlying disability. denied employment opportunities, retaliated women forced to have hysterectomies and We thank the Committee for moving the against for requesting a reasonable accommo- lose their ability to have children, we are re- bill forward and urge all members of the dation, or forced take paid or unpaid leave if

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:20 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.045 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4524 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 another reasonable accommodation is avail- since less than two percent of all workers in Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, able. the U.S. are pregnant each year. I rise today in support of H.R. 2694, the Preg- Workers denied a reasonable accommoda- Not all pregnant workers require any form of nant Workers Fairness Act, a critical effort that tion under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act accommodation at work, so only a fraction of I have cosponsored. Despite almost four dec- will have the same rights and remedies as that small fraction will need accommodations. ades since the passage of the Pregnancy Dis- those established under Title VII of the Civil For example, pregnant women are most crimination Act, women continue to face sig- Rights Act of 1964, including recovery of lost likely to work as elementary and middle school nificant challenges in the workplace during pay, compensatory damages, and reasonable teachers but only three percent (3.2 percent) their pregnancies. attorneys’ fees. of all elementary and middle school teachers This is especially concerning for those work- While the Pregnancy Discrimination Act are pregnant women. ing jobs that require physical activity, for which (PDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act But workers employed in four of the ten temporary modifications to limit risks to ex- (ADA) provide some protections for pregnant most common occupations for pregnant work- pectant mothers should be considered. In- workers, there is currently no federal law that ers—retail salesperson; waiter or waitress; stead, employers have often refused to ac- explicitly and affirmatively guarantees all preg- nursing, psychiatric and home health aide; and commodate pregnant workers, forcing them to nant workers the right to a reasonable accom- cashier—who report continuously standing on choose between their health or economic se- modation so they can continue working with- the job would particularly benefit from this leg- curity. This is unacceptable—employers out jeopardizing their pregnancy. islation. should not be permitted to discriminate against The Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Madam Speaker, prolonged standing at pregnant individuals who are requesting rea- Young v. United Parcel Service, 575 U.S. work has been shown to more than triple the sonable workplace accommodations. ll, No. 12–1226, 135 S.Ct. 1338 (2015) al- odds of pregnant women taking leave during Therefore, I am pleased to support the lowed pregnant workers to bring reasonable pregnancy or becoming unemployed. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which will re- Another four of the ten most common occu- accommodation discrimination claims under quire that employers make these reasonable pations for pregnant workers—waiter or wait- the PDA. accommodations for pregnant workers. This ress; nursing, psychiatric and home health But pregnant workers are still being denied legislation will also benefit those who are em- aide; cashier; and secretaries and administra- accommodations because the Young decision ployed and expecting, but it is especially crit- tive assistants—involve making repetitive mo- set an unreasonably high standard for proving ical for the more than 1 in 5 pregnant workers tions continuously on the job which have been discrimination, requiring workers to prove that who are employed in a low-paid job with phys- shown to increase the likelihood of pregnant their employers accommodated non-pregnant ically demanding work and minimal flexibility. women taking sick leave. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act will make workers with similar limitations. Pregnant workers in low-wage jobs are par- As a result, in two-thirds of cases after possible for accommodations that include the ticularly in need of this legislation granting modification of no-food-or-drink policy to pre- Young, courts ruled against pregnant workers them the clear legal right to receive accom- who were seeking accommodations under the vent contractions from lack of hydration, reas- modations because, in addition to the phys- signment of heavy lifting duties, and provision PDA. ically demanding nature of their jobs, they Providing accommodations ensures that of additional personal protective equipment, often face inflexible workplace cultures that staggered workplace schedules, or telework women can work safely while pregnant instead make it difficult to informally address preg- of getting pushed out of work at a time when during COVID–19. nancy-related needs. As representatives of Americans from all they may need their income the most. For instance, workplace flexibility—such as corners of our country, we have a responsi- The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is espe- the ability to alter start and end times or take cially important considering that many preg- bility to protect the health and economic liveli- time off for a doctor’s appointment—is ex- hood of our expectant mothers and the well- nant workers hold physically demanding or tremely limited for workers in low-wage jobs. being of their families. On behalf of my home hazardous jobs, and thus may be especially Over 40 percent of full-time workers in low- state of Texas, I urge my colleagues to sup- likely to need reasonable accommodations at wage jobs report that their employers do not port the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. some point during their pregnancy. permit them to decide when to take breaks; Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speaker, for Madam Speaker, research shows that preg- between two-thirds and three-quarters of full- far too long, pregnant workers in our country nant workers are likely to hold jobs that in- time workers in low-wage jobs report that they have lacked reasonable accommodations at volve standing and making continuous move- are unable to choose their start and quit times; their workplaces. They need to keep their jobs ments, which can raise specific challenges and roughly half report having very little or no to ensure economic security for themselves during pregnancy. control over the scheduling of hours more and their families. Yet, without reasonable ac- Such physically demanding work—including generally. commodations they could risk their health and jobs that require prolonged standing, long The second most common occupation for safety. I am proud to cosponsor the Pregnant work hours, irregular work schedules, heavy pregnant Latinas—maids and housekeeping Workers Fairness Act, which would right this lifting, or high physical activity—carries an in- cleaners—is especially physically demanding wrong. This bill would require employers to creased risk of pre-term delivery and low birth because, according to the data, 80 percent of make reasonable accommodations for preg- weight. maids and housekeeping cleaners stood con- nant workers who need them. Without this leg- Twenty-one (20.9) percent of pregnant tinuously, 38 percent were exposed to disease islation, some may continue to work in unsafe workers are employed in low-wage jobs, which daily, and 70 percent walked or ran continu- conditions. Currently, pregnant workers might are particularly likely to be physically demand- ously on the job. be let go or forced into unpaid leave, just for ing. Occupations that have seen the most asking for reasonable accommodations. Some Pregnant black and Latina women are dis- growth among pregnant women in the past may quit their job to avoid risking the health of proportionately represented in low-wage jobs, decade expose many workers to disease or their pregnancy. This is unacceptable. Preg- which means as a result, these workers are infection daily; depending on the disease, this nant workers deserve better. They deserve especially likely to stand, walk or run continu- can pose particular challenges to some preg- these commonsense protections. That is why ously during work, and therefore may be more nant workers at some points during preg- I am proud to cosponsor and vote for this bill likely to need an accommodation at some nancy. today. point during pregnancy to continue to work When pregnant workers are exposed to The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time safely. some diseases, they face particular risks; for debate has expired. Three in ten pregnant workers are employed pregnant women with rubella are at risk for Pursuant to House Resolution 1107, in four of the occupations that make up the miscarriage or stillbirth and their developing the previous question is ordered on the backbone of our communities: elementary fetuses are at risk for severe birth defects. bill, as amended. school teachers, nurses and home health Madam Speaker, no one should have to The question is on the engrossment aides. choose between a paycheck and a healthy and third reading of the bill. Employers can accommodate pregnant pregnancy, which is why they should have The bill was ordered to be engrossed workers because pregnant women make up a clear rights to reasonable accommodations on and read a third time, and was read the small share of the workforce, even in the oc- the job to ensure they are not forced off the third time. cupations where they are most likely to work, job at the moment they can least afford it. MOTION TO RECOMMIT which means that only a very small share of I urge all Members to join me in voting for Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam an employer’s workforce is likely to require H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Speaker, I have a motion to recommit pregnancy accommodations in any given year Act. at the desk.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.032 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4525 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the remedies, and procedures this Act provides sion or any person, respectively, alleging an gentlewoman opposed to the bill? to the Commission, the Attorney General, or unlawful employment practice in violation Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam any person alleging such practice (not an of this Act against an employee described in Speaker, I am in its current form. employment practice specifically excluded section 5(3)(D), except as provided in para- from coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of graphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the Revised Statutes). (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, Clerk will report the motion to recom- (b) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY CONGRESSIONAL and procedures provided in subsections (b) mit. ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1995.— and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes The Clerk read as follows: (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and (42 U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, Ms. Foxx of North Carolina moves to re- procedures provided in the Congressional Ac- and procedures this Act provides to the Com- commit the bill (H.R. 2694) to the Committee countability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) mission or any person alleging such practice. on Education and Labor with instructions to to the Board (as defined in section 101 of (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and report the bill back to the House forthwith such Act (2 U.S.C. 1301)) or any person alleg- procedures provided in section 1977A of the with the following amendment: ing a violation of section 201(a)(1) of such Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Act (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)) shall be the powers, the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) sert the following: remedies, and procedures this Act provides of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, to the Board or any person, respectively, al- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. remedies, and procedures this Act provides leging an unlawful employment practice in This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Pregnant to the Commission or any person alleging violation of this Act against an employee de- Workers Fairness Act’’. such practice (not an employment practice scribed in section 5(3)(B), except as provided specifically excluded from coverage under SEC. 2. NONDISCRIMINATION WITH REGARD TO in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS section 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). OSTS AND FEES RELATED TO PREGNANCY. (2) C .—The powers, remedies, (e) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY SECTION 717 OF and procedures provided in subsections (b) It shall be an unlawful employment prac- THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.— and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes tice for a covered entity to— (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and (42 U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, (1) not make reasonable accommodations procedures provided in section 717 of the and procedures this Act provides to the to the known limitations related to the preg- Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16) to Board or any person alleging such practice. nancy, childbirth, or related medical condi- the Commission, the Attorney General, the (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and tions of a qualified employee, unless such Librarian of Congress, or any person alleging procedures provided in section 1977A of the covered entity can demonstrate that the ac- a violation of that section shall be the pow- Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including commodation would impose an undue hard- ers, remedies, and procedures this Act pro- the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) ship on the operation of the business of such vides to the Commission, the Attorney Gen- of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, eral, the Librarian of Congress, or any per- covered entity; remedies, and procedures this Act provides (2) require a qualified employee affected by son, respectively, alleging an unlawful em- to the Board or any person alleging such ployment practice in violation of this Act pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical practice (not an employment practice spe- conditions to accept an accommodation against an employee described in section cifically excluded from coverage under sec- 5(3)(E), except as provided in paragraphs (2) other than any reasonable accommodation tion 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Statutes). arrived at through the interactive process and (3) of this subsection. (4) OTHER APPLICABLE PROVISIONS.—With (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, referred to in section 5(7); respect to a claim alleging a practice de- (3) deny employment opportunities to a and procedures provided in subsections (b) scribed in paragraph (1), title III of the Con- and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes qualified employee if such denial is based on gressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 the need of the covered entity to make rea- (42 U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, U.S.C. 1381 et seq.) shall apply in the same and procedures this Act provides to the Com- sonable accommodations to the known limi- manner as such title applies with respect to tations related to the pregnancy, childbirth, mission, the Attorney General, the Librarian a claim alleging a violation of section of Congress, or any person alleging such or related medical conditions of a qualified 201(a)(1) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)). employee; practice. (c) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY CHAPTER 5 OF (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and (4) require a qualified employee to take TITLE 3, UNITED STATES CODE.— leave, whether paid or unpaid, if another rea- procedures provided in section 1977A of the (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including sonable accommodation can be provided to procedures provided in chapter 5 of title 3, the known limitations related to the preg- the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) United States Code, to the President, the of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, nancy, childbirth, or related medical condi- Commission, the Merit Systems Protection tions of a qualified employee; or remedies, and procedures this Act provides Board, or any person alleging a violation of to the Commission, the Attorney General, (5) take adverse action in terms, condi- section 411(a)(1) of such title shall be the tions, or privileges of employment against a the Librarian of Congress, or any person al- powers, remedies, and procedures this Act leging such practice (not an employment qualified employee on account of the em- provides to the President, the Commission, ployee requesting or using a reasonable ac- practice specifically excluded from coverage the Board, or any person, respectively, alleg- under section 1977A(a)(1) of the Revised Stat- commodation to the known limitations re- ing an unlawful employment practice in vio- lated to the pregnancy, childbirth, or related utes). lation of this Act against an employee de- (f) PROHIBITION AGAINST RETALIATION.— medical conditions of the employee. scribed in section 5(3)(C), except as provided (1) IN GENERAL.—No person shall discrimi- SEC. 3. REMEDIES AND ENFORCEMENT. in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection. nate against any employee because such em- (a) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY TITLE VII OF (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, ployee has opposed any act or practice made THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.— and procedures provided in subsections (b) unlawful by this Act or because such em- (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes ployee made a charge, testified, assisted, or procedures provided in sections 705, 706, 707, (42 U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, participated in any manner in an investiga- 709, 710, and 711 of the Civil Rights Act of and procedures this Act provides to the tion, proceeding, or hearing under this Act. 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–4 et seq.) to the Commis- President, the Commission, the Board, or (2) PROHIBITION AGAINST COERCION.—It shall sion, the Attorney General, or any person al- any person alleging such practice. be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, leging a violation of title VII of such Act (42 (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and or interfere with any individual in the exer- U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) shall be the powers, rem- procedures provided in section 1977A of the cise or enjoyment of, or on account of such edies, and procedures this Act provides to Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including individual having exercised or enjoyed, or on the Commission, the Attorney General, or the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) account of such individual having aided or any person, respectively, alleging an unlaw- of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, encouraged any other individual in the exer- ful employment practice in violation of this remedies, and procedures this Act provides cise or enjoyment of, any right granted or Act against an employee described in section to the President, the Commission, the Board, protected by this Act. 5(3)(A) except as provided in paragraphs (2) or any person alleging such practice (not an (3) REMEDY.—The remedies and procedures and (3) of this subsection. employment practice specifically excluded otherwise provided for under this section (2) COSTS AND FEES.—The powers, remedies, from coverage under section 1977A(a)(1) of shall be available to aggrieved individuals and procedures provided in subsections (b) the Revised Statutes). with respect to violations of this subsection. and (c) of section 722 of the Revised Statutes (d) EMPLOYEES COVERED BY GOVERNMENT (g) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding sub- (42 U.S.C. 1988) shall be the powers, remedies, EMPLOYEE RIGHTS ACT OF 1991.— sections (a)(3), (b)(3), (c)(3), (d)(3), and (e)(3), and procedures this Act provides to the Com- (1) IN GENERAL.—The powers, remedies, and if an unlawful employment practice involves mission, the Attorney General, or any person procedures provided in sections 302 and 304 of the provision of a reasonable accommodation alleging such practice. the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 pursuant to this Act or regulations imple- (3) DAMAGES.—The powers, remedies, and (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16b; 2000e–16c) to the Com- menting this Act, damages may not be procedures provided in section 1977A of the mission or any person alleging a violation of awarded under section 1977A of the Revised Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a), including section 302(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000e– Statutes (42 U.S.C. 1981a) if the covered enti- the limitations contained in subsection (b)(3) 16b(a)(1)) shall be the powers, remedies, and ty demonstrates good faith efforts, in con- of such section 1977A, shall be the powers, procedures this Act provides to the Commis- sultation with the employee with known

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.046 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, (B) the essential function could be per- employment decisions that conflict or related medical conditions who has in- formed in the near future; and with their faith. The motion to recom- formed the covered entity that accommoda- (C) the inability to perform the essential mit adds this important protection. tion is needed, to identify and make a rea- function can be reasonably accommodated; This very limited provision is already sonable accommodation that would provide and such employee with an equally effective op- (7) the terms ‘‘reasonable accommodation’’ in current law, and it allows religious portunity and would not cause an undue and ‘‘undue hardship’’ have the meanings organizations to make religiously hardship on the operation of the covered en- given such terms in section 101 of the Ameri- based employment decisions. tity. cans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Without this longstanding Civil SEC. 4. RULEMAKING. 12111) and shall be construed as such terms Rights Act provision, H.R. 2694 will Not later than 2 years after the date of en- are construed under such Act and as set create confusion and legal risk for reli- actment of this Act, the Commission shall forth in the regulations required by this Act, gious organizations in their religiously issue regulations in an accessible format in including with regard to the interactive based employment decisions. accordance with subchapter II of chapter 5 of process that will typically be used to deter- At least 16 States and the District of mine an appropriate reasonable accommoda- title 5, United States Code, to carry out this Columbia in their pregnancy discrimi- Act. Such regulations shall provide examples tion. of reasonable accommodations addressing SEC. 6. WAIVER OF STATE IMMUNITY. nation or pregnancy accommodation known limitations related to pregnancy, A State shall not be immune under the laws also include a provision similar to childbirth, or related medical conditions. 11th Amendment to the Constitution from an the Civil Rights Act religious organiza- SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. action in a Federal or State court of com- tion protection. As used in this Act— petent jurisdiction for a violation of this In fact, a Democrat-invited witness (1) the term ‘‘Commission’’ means the Act. In any action against a State for a vio- at a committee hearing highlighted Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- lation of this Act, remedies (including rem- Kentucky’s recently enacted pregnancy sion; edies both at law and in equity) are available accommodation law as a template for (2) the term ‘‘covered entity’’— for such a violation to the same extent as Congress to follow. Kentucky’s law in- (A) has the meaning given the term ‘‘re- such remedies are available for such a viola- spondent’’ in section 701(n) of the Civil tion in an action against any public or pri- cludes a religious organization protec- Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(n)); and vate entity other than a State. tion very similar to the one found in (B) includes— SEC. 7. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER LAWS. the Civil Rights Act. (i) an employer, which means a person en- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to At the Rules Committee hearing on gaged in industry affecting commerce who invalidate or limit the powers, remedies, and H.R. 2694 earlier this week, the bill’s has 15 or more employees as defined in sec- procedures under any Federal law or law of sponsor, Chairman NADLER, said it is tion 701(b) of title VII of the Civil Rights Act any State or political subdivision of any not necessary to incorporate into H.R. of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(b)), subject to the ap- State or jurisdiction that provides greater or 2694 the Civil Rights Act provision that plicability to religious employment as set equal protection for individuals affected by protects religious organizations. He forth in section 702(a) of title VII of the Civil pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical stated that because H.R. 2694 does not Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-1(a)); conditions. repeal this provision, it will still be ef- (ii) an employing office, as defined in sec- SEC. 8. SEVERABILITY. tion 101 of the Congressional Accountability If any provision of this Act or the applica- fective if the bill becomes law. Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301) and section 411(c) of tion of that provision to particular persons At the same hearing, Chairman title 3, United States Code; or circumstances is held invalid or found to SCOTT said the religious organization (iii) an entity employing a State employee be unconstitutional, the remainder of this protection should not be included in described in section 304(a) of the Government Act and the application of that provision to H.R. 2694 because it is overinclusive Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e– other persons or circumstances shall not be and would provide too much protec- 16c(a)); and affected. (iv) an entity to which section 717(a) of the tion. Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a)) Ms. FOXX of North Carolina (during I strongly disagree with both of these applies; the reading). Madam Speaker, I ask perspectives, and I am not sure Chair- (3) the term ‘‘employee’’ means— unanimous consent to dispense with man NADLER’s explanation is in line (A) an employee (including an applicant), the reading. with Chairman SCOTT’s position. as defined in section 701(f) of the Civil Rights The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Without the current law protection, Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(f)); objection to the request of the gentle- H.R. 2694 will create legal jeopardy for (B) a covered employee (including an appli- woman from North Carolina? religious organizations, as I have pre- cant), as defined in section 101 of the Con- There was no objection. viously stated. But for the sake of ar- gressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301); The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gument, let’s assume the provision is (C) a covered employee (including an appli- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from superfluous. cant), as defined in section 411(c) of title 3, North Carolina is recognized for 5 min- Madam Speaker, what would the United States Code; utes in support of her motion. harm be in including the Civil Rights (D) a State employee (including an appli- Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam Act protection in H.R. 2694? At worst, cant) described in section 304(a) of the Gov- Speaker, this motion is the final oppor- the provision would be duplicative with ernment Employee Rights Act of 1991 (42 tunity to amend this legislation and the Civil Rights Act, causing no harm U.S.C. 2000e–16c(a)); or would do so without any delay in pas- to workers or employers. At best, it (E) an employee (including an applicant) to which section 717(a) of the Civil Rights Act sage. will prevent a religious organization of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16(a)) applies; Madam Speaker, Republicans support from being required to violate its faith. (4) the term ‘‘person’’ has the meaning protections in Federal law for pregnant By adding this simple reference to given such term in section 701(a) of the Civil workers, and we believe employers H.R. 2694 from the Civil Rights Act, we Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(a)); should provide reasonable accommoda- can ensure the protections in the bill (5) the term ‘‘known limitation’’ means tions for pregnant workers. are harmonized with the protections physical or mental condition related to, af- I support the provisions in H.R. 2694, for religious organizations found in the fected by, or arising out of pregnancy, child- which were previously outlined during Pregnancy Discrimination Act, PDA, birth, or related medical conditions that the the general debate. I also recognize employee or employee’s representative has and the Americans with Disabilities communicated to the employer whether or that improvements to the bill were the Act, ADA. not such condition meets the definition of result of bipartisan negotiations, and I I would also briefly like to address disability specified in section 3 of the Ameri- commend Chairman SCOTT for his out- recent claims made by the U.S. Cham- cans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. reach in this regard. ber of Commerce—a trade association 12102); Unfortunately, despite our agree- which represents few, if any, religious (6) the term ‘‘qualified employee’’ means ment on these changes, there remains employers—that, under this bill, re- an employee or applicant who, with or with- an important outstanding issue that quired workplace accommodations out reasonable accommodation, can perform must be resolved. The bill before us would not come into conflict with a re- the essential functions of the employment position, except that an employee or appli- today does not include a narrow but ligious organization’s beliefs. cant shall be considered qualified if— longstanding provision from the Civil The chamber acknowledges that (A) any inability to perform an essential Rights Act that protects religious or- leave, including paid leave, can be part function is for a temporary period; ganizations from being forced to make of a reasonable accommodation under

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.033 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4527 the ADA, from which H.R. 2694 incor- This amendment is unnecessary. The lish. Those protections are long over- porates the definition of reasonable ac- other exemptions are there for legiti- due. commodation. Therefore, if a religious mate religious reasons, and this Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam organization has a paid leave policy, overbroad amendment would just cause Speaker, I yield back the balance of H.R. 2694 could require the organiza- mischief. my time. tion to allow paid leave for purposes Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without that conflict with its religious tenets. tlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. objection, the previous question is or- The chamber also contends that H.R. WILD). dered on the motion to recommit. 2694 is not a bill that addresses hiring, Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I thank There was no objection. unlike the PDA and the ADA, which the chairman for yielding. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The apply to hiring. This is false. H.R. 2694 I rise in opposition to this political question is on the motion to recommit. applies to both employees and job ap- poison pill of an MTR. The question was taken; and the plicants, so it is indeed a hiring stat- Corporations are a legal creation. Speaker pro tempore announced that ute. They don’t have religious beliefs. Their the noes appeared to have it. Therefore, the religious organization officers might, but they do not. Ms. FOXX of North Carolina. Madam protections in the Civil Rights Act and Let’s be clear about who inspired the Speaker, on that I demand the yeas the ADA are just as relevant to H.R. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. and nays. 2694 as they are to those statutes. It is women who have asked for ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Madam Speaker, to conclude, the commodations in lifting requirements ant to section 3 of House Resolution motion to recommit includes H.R. 2694 because their doctors told them they 965, the yeas and nays are ordered. in its entirety, with one important ad- were at high risk of miscarriage or Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- dition related to religious organization preterm birth. ther proceedings on this question are protections. My amendment simply in- It is women like the worker in Penn- postponed. corporates the title VII religious orga- sylvania who was denied a schedule nization protection to ensure these or- change and fired due to cramping in f ganizations are not forced to violate her uterus that landed her in the ER. their faith in making employment and This MTR invites discrimination. It CONDEMNING ALL FORMS OF accommodation decisions. emboldens those who would use reli- ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT AS RE- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- gion as a basis to discriminate against LATED TO COVID–19 leagues to support this simple but im- people who are pregnant and not mar- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- portant addition to the bill, and I yield ried, workers in same-sex couples, ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- back the balance of my time. women who used IVF to get pregnant, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam ished business is the vote on adoption even people with partners of a different Speaker, I rise in opposition to the mo- of the resolution (H. Res. 908) con- race. tion. demning all forms of anti-Asian senti- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Something the proponents of this ment as related to COVID–19, on which tleman from Virginia is recognized for amendment aren’t saying out loud is the yeas and nays were ordered. 5 minutes. that other religious exemptions would The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam already apply to the Pregnant Workers tion. Speaker, first, let me just restate what Fairness Act. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I said about the Congressional Re- This MTR frustrates the purpose of a question is on the resolution. search Service that found that States good bill, a bill that is supported by The vote was taken by electronic de- typically do not enact separate or spe- the Chamber of Commerce and by 89 vice, and there were—yeas 243, nays cialized religious exemptions for preg- percent of voters. 164, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting nancy accommodation laws. Every year, an estimated quarter of a 23, as follows: Madam Speaker, this MTR would million women are denied requests for [Roll No. 193] an accommodation because current law jeopardize women’s health and risk YEAS—243 their pregnancies in order to provide a forces pregnant workers to find other Adams Correa Gomez religious exemption for employers, to nonpregnant employees who received Aguilar Costa Gonzalez (OH) exempt them from the requirement to similar accommodations to make a Allred Courtney Gonzalez (TX) provide just basic and reasonable ac- case. Axne Cox (CA) Gottheimer When pregnant women are denied ac- Barraga´ n Craig Green, Al (TX) commodations for the workforce. Ex- Bass Crist Grijalva actly who would want them to deny commodations, they face health risks, Beatty Crow Haaland these basic accommodations? miscarriage, premature births. Bera Cuellar Harder (CA) First, it is unnecessary. The Preg- Symptoms and conditions of preg- Beyer Cunningham Hastings nancy cannot be fully appreciated un- Bishop (GA) Davids (KS) Hayes nant Workers Fairness Act already ex- Blumenauer Davis (CA) Heck empts small private employers, includ- less you have been pregnant yourself. Blunt Rochester Davis, Danny K. Herrera Beutler ing religious employers, with fewer So when you consider this vote on the Bonamici Dean Higgins (NY) than 15 employees. According to the MTR, remember that 80 percent of di- Boyle, Brendan DeGette Himes F. DeLauro Horn, Kendra S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent rectors of ACWI Index companies are Brindisi DelBene Horsford of religious organizations have fewer men. Men who have never experienced Brooks (IN) Delgado Houlahan than 10 employees. the struggles of pregnancy will be de- Brown (MD) Demings Hoyer ciding whether to invoke an exemption Brownley (CA) DeSaulnier Huffman Second, the underlying bill does not Bustos Deutch Hurd (TX) in any way amend or change the under- to deny an accommodation to a preg- Butterfield Dingell Jackson Lee lying exemptions in title VII of the nant worker. That is not right. Carbajal Doggett Jayapal Civil Rights Act or Americans with This bill is not some new burden on Ca´ rdenas Doyle, Michael Jeffries Carson (IN) F. Johnson (GA) Disabilities Act or any other bill. It employers. They must already engage Cartwright Engel Johnson (TX) doesn’t affect the Religious Freedom in a good faith interactive process over Case Escobar Kaptur Restoration Act. But it would, if it is reasonable accommodations under the Casten (IL) Eshoo Katko ADA. Castor (FL) Espaillat Keating specified in this bill, give the employer Castro (TX) Finkenauer Kelly (IL) the idea that they could deny reason- This bill, as written, takes employer Chu, Judy Fitzpatrick Kennedy able accommodations if they for some concerns into account. Employers with Cicilline Fletcher Khanna religious reason don’t agree with the fewer than 15 employees or those who Cisneros Foster Kildee Clark (MA) Frankel Kilmer pregnancy: women who are pregnant would suffer undue hardship need not Clarke (NY) Fudge Kim and divorced, women pregnant out of provide accommodations. Clay Gabbard Kind wedlock, pregnant in a same-sex rela- Madam Speaker, I urge a resounding Cleaver Gallego Kirkpatrick ‘‘no’’ vote on this MTR because it di- Clyburn Garamendi Krishnamoorthi tionship. Cohen Garcı´a (IL) Kuster (NH) What, you don’t have to give them a lutes the very protections for pregnant Connolly Garcia (TX) Lamb water break? workers that the bill seeks to estab- Cooper Golden Langevin

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.047 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 Larsen (WA) Omar Slotkin Wilson (SC) Womack Young Banks Guthrie Olson Larson (CT) Pallone Smith (NJ) Wittman Yoho Zeldin Barr Hagedorn Palmer Lawrence Panetta Smith (WA) Bergman Harris Pence ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Lawson (FL) Pappas Soto Biggs Hartzler Perry Lee (CA) Pascrell Spanberger Amash Bilirakis Hern, Kevin Posey Lee (NV) Payne Speier Bishop (NC) Herrera Beutler Reed NOT VOTING—23 Levin (CA) Pelosi Stanton Bost Hice (GA) Reschenthaler Levin (MI) Perlmutter Stevens Abraham Gaetz Riggleman Brady Higgins (LA) Rice (SC) Brooks (AL) Hill (AR) Rodgers (WA) Lieu, Ted Peters Stivers Byrne Graves (GA) Roby Brooks (IN) Holding Roe, David P. Lipinski Peterson Suozzi Cook LaMalfa Spano Buchanan Hollingsworth Rogers (AL) Loebsack Phillips Swalwell (CA) Davidson (OH) Marchant Tiffany Buck Hudson Rogers (KY) Lofgren Pingree DeFazio McHenry Timmons Takano Bucshon Huizenga Rooney (FL) Lowenthal Pocan Thompson (CA) Duncan O’Halleran Walker Dunn Olson Budd Hurd (TX) Rose, John W. Lowey Porter Thompson (MS) Wright ´ Evans Palazzo Burchett Jacobs Rouzer Lujan Pressley Titus Luria Price (NC) Burgess Johnson (LA) Roy Tlaib Calvert Johnson (OH) Rutherford Lynch Quigley Tonko b 1249 Carter (GA) Johnson (SD) Scalise Malinowski Raskin Torres (CA) Carter (TX) Jordan Schweikert Maloney, Rice (NY) Messrs. BRADY, KELLY of Pennsyl- Torres Small Chabot Joyce (OH) Scott, Austin Carolyn B. Richmond (NM) vania, and LONG changed their vote Cheney Joyce (PA) Shimkus Maloney, Sean Rose (NY) Trahan from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Cleaver Katko Simpson Matsui Rouda Trone Messrs. GONZALEZ of Texas and Cline Keller Smith (MO) McAdams Roybal-Allard Underwood Cloud Kelly (MS) Smith (NE) McBath Ruiz DOGGETT changed their vote from Upton Cole Kelly (PA) Smith (NJ) McCaul Ruppersberger ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Vargas Collins (GA) King (IA) Smucker McCollum Rush So the resolution was agreed to. Comer King (NY) Stauber McEachin Ryan Veasey Vela The result of the vote was announced Conaway Kinzinger Stefanik McGovern Sa´ nchez Crawford Kustoff (TN) Steube Vela´ zquez McNerney Sarbanes as above recorded. Crenshaw LaHood Stewart Visclosky Meeks Scanlon A motion to reconsider was laid on Curtis LaMalfa Stivers Meng Schakowsky Wagner the table. Davis, Rodney Lamborn Taylor Mfume Schiff Walden DesJarlais Latta Thompson (PA) Moore Schneider Wasserman MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Diaz-Balart Lesko Thornberry Morelle Schrader Schultz RESOLUTION 965, 116TH CONGRESS Emmer Long Tipton Waters Moulton Schrier Barraga´ n (Beyer) Langevin Rooney (FL) Estes Loudermilk Turner Watson Coleman Mucarsel-Powell Scott (VA) Blumenauer (Lynch) (Beyer) Ferguson Lucas Upton Webster (FL) Murphy (FL) Scott, David (Beyer) Lawrence Roybal-Allard Fitzpatrick Luetkemeyer Van Drew Welch Nadler Serrano Butterfield (Kildee) (Aguilar) Fleischmann Marshall Wagner Wexton Napolitano Sewell (AL) (Kildee) Lawson (FL) Rush Flores Massie Walberg Wild Neal Shalala Chu, Judy (Demings) (Underwood) Fortenberry Mast Walden Neguse Sherman Wilson (FL) Foxx (NC) McAdams Walorski (Takano) Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Serrano Norcross Sherrill Woodall Fulcher McCarthy Waltz Clay (Davids Lipinski (Cooper) (Jeffries) Ocasio-Cortez Sires Yarmuth (KS)) Lofgren (Jeffries) Gallagher McCaul Watkins Sewell (AL) Cohen (Beyer) Lowenthal Garcia (CA) McClintock Weber (TX) (DelBene) NAYS—164 Davis, Danny K. (Beyer) Gianforte McKinley Webster (FL) (Underwood) Lowey (Tonko) Sires (Pallone) Gibbs Meuser Wenstrup Aderholt Gibbs Mitchell DeSaulnier Meng (Clark Trahan Gohmert Miller Westerman Allen Gohmert Moolenaar (Matsui) (MA)) (McGovern) Gonzalez (OH) Mitchell Williams Amodei Gooden Mooney (WV) Frankel (Clark Moore (Beyer) Waters Gosar Moolenaar Wilson (SC) Armstrong Gosar Mullin (MA)) Napolitano (Brownley Granger Mooney (WV) Wittman Arrington Granger Murphy (NC) Grijalva (Raskin) (Correa) (CA)) Graves (LA) Mullin Womack Babin Graves (LA) Newhouse Hastings Payne Watson Coleman Graves (MO) Murphy (NC) Woodall Bacon Graves (MO) Norman (Wasserman (Wasserman (Pallone) Green (TN) Newhouse Yoho Baird Green (TN) Nunes Schultz) Schultz) Welch Griffith Norman Young Balderson Griffith Palmer Jayapal (Raskin) Pingree (Clark (McGovern) Guest Nunes Zeldin Banks Grothman Pence Khanna (Gomez) (MA)) Barr Wilson (FL) Guest Perry Kirkpatrick Pocan (Raskin) NAYS—226 Bergman Guthrie (Hayes) Posey (Gallego) Porter (Wexton) Adams Cox (CA) Grijalva Biggs Hagedorn Reed Aguilar Craig Haaland Bilirakis Harris Reschenthaler f Allred Crist Harder (CA) Bishop (NC) Hartzler Rice (SC) Axne Crow Hastings Bishop (UT) Hern, Kevin Rodgers (WA) Barraga´ n Cuellar Hayes Bost Hice (GA) PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS Roe, David P. Bass Cunningham Heck Brady Higgins (LA) ACT Rogers (AL) Beatty Davids (KS) Higgins (NY) Brooks (AL) Hill (AR) Rogers (KY) Bera Davis (CA) Himes Buchanan Holding The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Rooney (FL) Beyer Davis, Danny K. Horn, Kendra S. Buck Hollingsworth ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Rose, John W. Bishop (GA) Dean Horsford Bucshon Hudson ished business is the vote on the mo- Blumenauer DeGette Houlahan Budd Huizenga Rouzer Blunt Rochester DeLauro Hoyer Burchett Jacobs Roy tion to recommit on the bill (H.R. 2694) Bonamici DelBene Huffman Burgess Johnson (LA) Rutherford to eliminate discrimination and pro- Boyle, Brendan Delgado Jackson Lee Calvert Johnson (OH) Scalise mote women’s health and economic se- F. Demings Jayapal Carter (GA) Johnson (SD) Schweikert curity by ensuring reasonable work- Brindisi DeSaulnier Jeffries Carter (TX) Jordan Scott, Austin Brown (MD) Deutch Johnson (GA) Chabot Joyce (OH) Sensenbrenner place accommodations for workers Brownley (CA) Dingell Johnson (TX) Cheney Joyce (PA) Shimkus whose ability to perform the functions Bustos Doggett Keating Cline Keller Simpson of a job are limited by pregnancy, Butterfield Doyle, Michael Kelly (IL) Cloud Kelly (MS) Smith (MO) Carbajal F. Kennedy Cole Kelly (PA) Smith (NE) childbirth, or a related medical condi- Ca´ rdenas Engel Khanna Collins (GA) King (IA) Smucker tion, offered by the gentlewoman from Carson (IN) Escobar Kildee Comer King (NY) Stauber North Carolina (Ms. FOXX), on which Cartwright Eshoo Kilmer Conaway Kinzinger Stefanik the yeas and nays were ordered. Case Espaillat Kim Crawford Kustoff (TN) Steil Casten (IL) Finkenauer Kind Crenshaw LaHood Steube The Clerk will redesignate the mo- Castor (FL) Fletcher Kirkpatrick Curtis Lamborn Stewart tion. Castro (TX) Foster Krishnamoorthi Davis, Rodney Latta Taylor The Clerk redesignated the motion. Chu, Judy Frankel Kuster (NH) DesJarlais Lesko Thompson (PA) Cicilline Fudge Lamb Diaz-Balart Long Thornberry The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cisneros Gabbard Langevin Emmer Loudermilk Tipton question is on the motion to recommit. Clark (MA) Gallego Larsen (WA) Estes Lucas Turner The vote was taken by electronic de- Clarke (NY) Garamendi Larson (CT) Ferguson Luetkemeyer Van Drew vice, and there were—yeas 177, nays Clay Garcı´a (IL) Lawrence Fleischmann Marshall Walberg Clyburn Garcia (TX) Lawson (FL) Flores Massie Walorski 226, not voting 27, as follows: Cohen Golden Lee (CA) Fortenberry Mast Waltz [Roll No. 194] Connolly Gomez Lee (NV) Foxx (NC) McCarthy Watkins Cooper Gonzalez (TX) Levin (CA) Fulcher McClintock Weber (TX) YEAS—177 Correa Gooden Levin (MI) Gallagher McKinley Wenstrup Aderholt Amodei Bacon Costa Gottheimer Lieu, Ted Garcia (CA) Meuser Westerman Allen Armstrong Baird Courtney Green, Al (TX) Lipinski Gianforte Miller Williams Amash Babin Balderson

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:32 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.040 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4529 Loebsack Payne Sires Rush Sires (Pallone) Watson Coleman Neguse Sa´ nchez Tonko Lofgren Perlmutter Slotkin (Underwood) Trahan (Pallone) Newhouse Sarbanes Torres (CA) Lowenthal Peters Smith (WA) Serrano (McGovern) Welch Norcross Scalise Torres Small Lowey Peterson Soto (Jeffries) Waters (McGovern) Nunes Scanlon (NM) Luja´ n Phillips Spanberger Sewell (AL) (Brownley Wilson (FL) Ocasio-Cortez Schakowsky Trahan Luria Pingree Speier (DelBene) (CA)) (Hayes) Omar Schiff Trone Lynch Pocan Stanton Pallone Schneider The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Turner Malinowski Porter Stevens Panetta Schrader Underwood Maloney, Pressley Suozzi HECK). The question is on the passage Pappas Schrier Upton Carolyn B. Price (NC) Swalwell (CA) Pascrell Schweikert of the bill. Van Drew Maloney, Sean Quigley Takano Payne Scott (VA) Vargas Matsui Raskin Thompson (CA) The question was taken; and the Perlmutter Scott, David McBath Rice (NY) Thompson (MS) Speaker pro tempore announced that Peters Serrano Veasey McCollum Richmond Titus the ayes appeared to have it. Peterson Sewell (AL) Vela Vela´ zquez McEachin Rose (NY) Tlaib Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, on that Phillips Shalala McGovern Rouda Tonko Pingree Sherman Visclosky McNerney Roybal-Allard Torres (CA) I demand the yeas and nays. Pocan Sherrill Wagner Meeks Ruiz Torres Small The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Porter Shimkus Walden Meng Ruppersberger (NM) ant to section 3 of House Resolution Posey Simpson Walorski Mfume Rush Trahan Pressley Sires Waltz Moore Ryan Trone 965, the yeas and nays are ordered. Price (NC) Slotkin Wasserman Morelle Sa´ nchez Underwood The vote was taken by electronic de- Quigley Smith (MO) Schultz Moulton Sarbanes Vargas vice, and there were—yeas 329, nays 73, Raskin Smith (NJ) Waters Mucarsel-Powell Scanlon Veasey not voting 28, as follows: Reed Smith (WA) Watkins Murphy (FL) Schakowsky Vela Rice (NY) Soto Watson Coleman Nadler Schiff Vela´ zquez [Roll No. 195] Rice (SC) Spanberger Webster (FL) Napolitano Schneider Visclosky YEAS—329 Richmond Speier Welch Neal Schrader Wasserman Rodgers (WA) Stanton Wenstrup Neguse Schrier Schultz Adams DeGette Joyce (OH) Roe, David P. Stauber Wexton Norcross Scott (VA) Waters Aguilar DeLauro Katko Rogers (KY) Stefanik Wild Ocasio-Cortez Scott, David Watson Coleman Allred DelBene Keating Rooney (FL) Stevens Williams Omar Serrano Welch Amodei Delgado Kelly (IL) Rose (NY) Stewart Pallone Sewell (AL) Wexton Axne Demings Kennedy Rose, John W. Stivers Wilson (FL) Panetta Shalala Wild Bacon DeSaulnier Khanna Rouda Suozzi Wilson (SC) Pappas Sherman Wilson (FL) Balderson Deutch Kildee Roybal-Allard Swalwell (CA) Wittman Pascrell Sherrill Yarmuth Barr Diaz-Balart Kilmer Ruiz Takano Womack Barraga´ n Dingell Kim Ruppersberger Thompson (CA) Woodall NOT VOTING—27 Bass Doggett Kind Rush Thompson (MS) Yarmuth Beatty Abraham Evans Riggleman Doyle, Michael King (NY) Rutherford Titus Young Bera Arrington Gaetz Roby F. Kinzinger Ryan Tlaib Zeldin Beyer Bishop (UT) Graves (GA) Sensenbrenner Emmer Kirkpatrick Bilirakis Byrne Grothman Spano Escobar Krishnamoorthi NAYS—73 Bishop (GA) Cook Kaptur Steil Eshoo Kuster (NH) Aderholt Fulcher Meuser Blumenauer Espaillat Kustoff (TN) Davidson (OH) Marchant Tiffany Allen Gibbs Murphy (NC) Blunt Rochester Ferguson LaHood DeFazio McHenry Timmons Amash Gohmert Norman Bonamici Duncan O’Halleran Walker Finkenauer LaMalfa Armstrong Gooden Bost Olson Dunn Palazzo Wright Fitzpatrick Lamb Arrington Gosar Boyle, Brendan Fleischmann Langevin Palmer Babin Graves (MO) Pence F. Fletcher Larsen (WA) Baird Guest b 1337 Brindisi Fortenberry Larson (CT) Perry Banks Harris Reschenthaler Brooks (IN) Foster Latta Bergman Hern, Kevin Rogers (AL) Messrs. NADLER, VEASEY, RYAN, Brown (MD) Frankel Lawrence Biggs Hice (GA) Rouzer and MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- Brownley (CA) Fudge Lawson (FL) Bishop (NC) Higgins (LA) vania changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to Buchanan Gabbard Lee (CA) Bishop (UT) Johnson (LA) Roy Bucshon Gallagher Lee (NV) Scott, Austin ‘‘nay.’’ Brady Johnson (SD) Burchett Gallego Lesko Brooks (AL) Jordan Smith (NE) Mr. ARMSTRONG changed his vote Burgess Garamendi Levin (CA) Buck Joyce (PA) Smucker from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Bustos Garcia (CA) Levin (MI) Budd Keller Steube Butterfield Garcı´a (IL) Lieu, Ted So the motion to recommit was re- Carter (GA) Kelly (MS) Taylor Calvert Garcia (TX) Lipinski Cheney Kelly (PA) Thompson (PA) jected. Carbajal Gianforte Loebsack Cloud King (IA) Thornberry Ca´ rdenas Golden Lofgren The result of the vote was announced Conaway Lamborn Tipton Carson (IN) Gomez Lowenthal Crawford Long Walberg as above recorded. Carter (TX) Gonzalez (OH) Lowey Stated for: DesJarlais Loudermilk Weber (TX) Cartwright Gonzalez (TX) Lucas Estes Luetkemeyer Case Gottheimer Luja´ n Westerman Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I was un- Flores Massie Yoho avoidably detained. Had I been present, I Casten (IL) Graves (LA) Luria Foxx (NC) McClintock Castor (FL) Green (TN) Lynch would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 194. Castro (TX) Green, Al (TX) Malinowski NOT VOTING—28 Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I was un- Chabot Griffith Maloney, Abraham Gaetz Roby Chu, Judy Grijalva Carolyn B. avoidably detained by a media hit across the Byrne Granger Cicilline Guthrie Maloney, Sean Sensenbrenner Collins (GA) Graves (GA) Capitol complex. I would have been a strong Cisneros Haaland Marshall Spano Cook Grothman ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall No. 194. Clark (MA) Hagedorn Mast Steil Davidson (OH) Kaptur Clarke (NY) Harder (CA) Matsui Tiffany Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, on the Motion DeFazio Marchant Clay Hartzler McAdams Timmons to Recommit from today’s vote series, I incor- Duncan McHenry Cleaver Hastings McBath Walker Dunn O’Halleran rectly voted ‘‘no’’ when my intention was to Cline Hayes McCarthy Wright Engel Palazzo vote ‘‘yes.’’ Clyburn Heck McCaul Evans Riggleman Cohen Herrera Beutler McCollum MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Cole Higgins (NY) McEachin b 1424 RESOLUTION 965, 116TH CONGRESS Comer Hill (AR) McGovern Barraga´ n (Beyer) Hastings Lowey (Tonko) Connolly Himes McKinley Mrs. HARTZLER and Mr. CLINE Blumenauer (Wasserman Meng (Clark Cooper Holding McNerney changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to (Beyer) Schultz) (MA)) Correa Hollingsworth Meeks ‘‘yea.’’ Butterfield Jayapal (Raskin) Moore (Beyer) Costa Horn, Kendra S. Meng (Kildee) Khanna (Gomez) Napolitano Courtney Horsford Mfume So the bill was passed. Chu, Judy Kirkpatrick (Correa) Cox (CA) Houlahan Miller The result of the vote was announced (Takano) (Gallego) Payne Craig Hoyer Mitchell as above recorded. Clay (Davids Langevin (Wasserman Crenshaw Hudson Moolenaar (Lynch) Crist Huffman Mooney (WV) A motion to reconsider was laid on (KS)) Schultz) Lawrence Crow Huizenga Moore the table. Cohen (Beyer) Pingree (Clark (Kildee) Cuellar Hurd (TX) Morelle Davis, Danny K. (MA)) PERSONAL EXPLANATION Lawson (FL) Cunningham Jackson Lee Moulton (Underwood) (Demings) Pocan (Raskin) Curtis Jacobs Mucarsel-Powell Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably DeSaulnier Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Porter (Wexton) Davids (KS) Jayapal Mullin detained due to personal reasons. Had I been (Matsui) Rooney (FL) Lipinski (Cooper) Davis (CA) Jeffries Murphy (FL) present on September 17, 2020, I would have Frankel (Clark Lofgren (Jeffries) (Beyer) Davis, Danny K. Johnson (GA) Nadler (MA)) Lowenthal Roybal-Allard Davis, Rodney Johnson (OH) Napolitano voted: ‘‘yea’’ on H. Res. 908—Condemning all Grijalva (Raskin) (Beyer) (Aguilar) Dean Johnson (TX) Neal forms of anti-Asian sentiment as related to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.034 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 COVID–19 (Rep. Meng—Judiciary); ‘‘nay’’ on his days in the House of Representa- working closely with him every day to motion to recommit on H.R. 2694—Pregnant tives. He has been here for a significant ensure the smooth and proper running Workers Fairness Act (Rep. Nadler—Edu- period of time and has served as our of the floor. cation and Labor); and ‘‘yea’’ on H.R. 2694— Parliamentarian for essentially four On behalf of Democrats, and I know Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (Rep. Nad- Congresses, 8 years. Mr. SCALISE will speak on behalf of his ler—Education and Labor). He stands—or sits, at this point in party as well, I want to thank you, MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE time—a short, at least 6 feet, distance, Tom, for your service, for your dedica- RESOLUTION 965, 116TH CONGRESS with his mask on, which is a unique ex- tion to this institution, for the tem- Barraga´ n (Beyer) Langevin Rooney (FL) perience for him, from the Speaker’s perate way in which you dealt with all Blumenauer (Lynch) (Beyer) rostrum. He is there to ensure that we of us, even when we were not tem- (Beyer) Lawrence Roybal-Allard play by the rules. He is there to ensure perate. You were steady, thoughtful, Butterfield (Kildee) (Aguilar) us that we do not take advantage of (Kildee) Lawson (FL) fair. Rush one another, but that we resolve, in Chu, Judy (Demings) (Underwood) Also, as I said, I want to congratulate (Takano) Lieu, Ted (Beyer) Serrano pursuit of the rules, the differences Deputy Parliamentarian JASON SMITH, Clay (Davids Lipinski (Cooper) (Jeffries) that we may have and do so in a way who will succeed Tom as Parliamen- (KS)) Lofgren (Jeffries) Sewell (AL) Cohen (Beyer) Lowenthal that, for centuries, essentially, have tarian of the House. He will, as every (DelBene) Davis, Danny K. (Beyer) governed how we process in the legisla- Parliamentarian with whom I have Sires (Pallone) (Underwood) Lowey (Tonko) tive arena. served, be fair, be honest, and call DeSaulnier Meng (Clark Trahan It is a nonpartisan role. Obviously, (Matsui) (MA)) (McGovern) them as he sees them. My staff and I Frankel (Clark Moore (Beyer) Waters he served when there were Republican look forward to working with him in (MA)) Napolitano (Brownley Speakers, and obviously, he is serving his new role. Grijalva (Raskin) (Correa) (CA)) now with a Democratic Speaker. It is Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, re- Hastings Payne Watson Coleman nonpartisan, but it is sometimes (Wasserman (Wasserman (Pallone) claiming my time. Schultz) Schultz) Welch thankless, particularly when you have Obviously, we will have an oppor- Jayapal (Raskin) Pingree (Clark (McGovern) to make a ruling, particularly that the tunity to continue, as we should, this Khanna (Gomez) (MA)) Wilson (FL) majority party does not like. tribute to Tom Wickham. Kirkpatrick Pocan (Raskin) (Hayes) I must say that there is probably not So, Tom, congratulations on what (Gallego) Porter (Wexton) a Member among us who hasn’t at f you have done to preserve the integrity some point in time said either, ‘‘Gee, I of this institution. LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM am sorry Wickham made that ruling,’’ We come here as Republicans, Demo- (Mr. SCALISE asked and was given or, ‘‘I don’t agree with Wickham.’’ crats, as Americans first, but people permission to address the House for 1 Therefore, it is a tough job because we who all have their own views. Even if minute and to revise and extend his re- are all pretty powerful people. We all you are Republican, we don’t all think marks.) think we are pretty smart people, and exactly the same way, as Democrats Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I rise we know this, that, and the other. So, don’t always think the same way. But you have to have the courage of your for the purpose of inquiring of the ma- we come here to achieve certain things, convictions as well as the intellectual jority leader the schedule for next to make this a more perfect Union in reasoning to go behind your decision. week. the ways in which our districts—our Tom Wickham has had that every day Madam Speaker, I am happy to yield 750,000, roughly, people elect us to he has served in this House. come and be part of this democracy, to my friend, the gentleman from It is hard to be a referee because the the world’s greatest democracy. Maryland (Mr. HOYER), the House ma- calls don’t always go the way people You come and work with other peo- jority leader. want. One of the hallmarks of the Par- ple. Sometimes, you battle with other HONORING RETIRING PARLIAMENTARIAN THOMAS liamentarian’s Office, and Tom people in the arena of legislative ideas. J. WICKHAM, JR. Wickham in particular, is they call It is not physical confrontation, as the Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I them as they see them. No matter the majority leader pointed out. But some- thank the gentleman for yielding. effect of those rulings, they make the times, you have to persuade. Some- Before we begin the colloquy, let me ruling that they believe is correct. You times, you have to fight for your be- make some remarks about someone can disagree, but what you cannot dis- liefs. who has made a real difference in this agree with is that the Parliamentar- But ultimately, if you are going to House. ian’s Office prides itself on calling achieve the things you came here to Madam Speaker, every society that them as they see them. wants to be a successful society has to Now, it was difficult, I am sure, for do, you have to change legislation. It have rules. Thomas Jefferson, one of every Parliamentarian, and the Parlia- takes an act of Congress, as they say. the great political thinkers of the cen- mentarian’s Office, to conduct this When you do that, you have to follow turies, observed that there had to be role. But they have done so in a man- the rules. both comity and fairness if we were ner, all the time I have been here, The Jefferson Manual that goes back going to come together and have a de- which I am in my 40th year, that has to 1801 are the rules that govern this mocracy that was operational. been a credit to the House of Rep- great House. If there is a bill on the Dick Gephardt used to say that the resentatives, a credit to our democ- floor and you wish to make a change to legislative process was a substitute for racy, a credit to Thomas Jefferson’s that bill, you want to offer an amend- armed confrontation, that the resolu- perception of trying to create rules and ment to the bill, bring a motion to re- tion of differences in a democracy ways of doing things that credited de- commit on the bill, you have to work needed to be done in a civil way, pursu- mocracy, that did not undermine it. within the rules. Those rules are inter- ant to rules. Tom was also the Deputy Parliamen- preted not by the majority, not by the Madam Speaker, we are losing, in a tarian and the Assistant Parliamen- minority, but by the Parliamentarian. short period of time, a gentleman who tarian, so he has had a lot of experi- The job you have done for 25 years in has made a difference for this House, ence. He has spent a quarter of a cen- the Parliamentarian’s Office, but espe- this Congress—House and Senate—has tury working for this House. cially since 2011 as the House Parlia- made a difference to the civility of this I will miss him. We will miss him. mentarian, you don’t always tell peo- House, a gentleman who, by the way, is This Congress will miss him. ple what they want to hear, but you not responsible in any way for the lack He will be succeeded by somebody tell people what is the right way to do of civility that, from time to time, who has experience and depth and will, something according to the rules that breaks out in this House. I know, in the tradition of all the Par- we have established so that there is a liamentarians with whom I have fair process. b 1430 worked over those 40 years, be fair and A lot of people don’t see this back I refer, Madam Speaker, to our Par- unflinching in calling it as he sees it. and forth. If the Parliamentarian rules liamentarian, Tom Wickham. I have We will miss Tom’s good humor and against you, it is not a personal thing. had the privilege of knowing him all of kind nature. I know my staff will miss In many cases, a Member will go to the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:32 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE7.037 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4531 Parliamentarian, Republican or Demo- loyalty, and talent that has contrib- ther damage our economy and under- crat—I have done this myself—and uted to this House’s operation by all of mine our efforts on COVID–19. said, ‘‘This is what I would like to our staff. He is one of the best, but we In addition, the House will consider achieve.’’ have the best. H.R. 4447, the Clean Economy Jobs and Sometimes, they tell you that you Tom, I know you treated all the Innovation Act. This bill, Madam can’t do it on that bill because there staff, certainly on my staff—and I Speaker, is a package of legislation re- are germaneness issues. But some- know all the staff—with great respect ported out of the Energy and Com- times, there is that gray area where if because you knew how important they merce Committee and the Science, you are trying to do it this way, it were. We all know how important you Space, and Technology Committee to won’t work, but if you try to do it an- have been to the operations of this invest in energy innovation and clean other way, it actually would work. House. energy development. That is really the art of the ability of I don’t know what you will be doing. In addition, the House may consider a Parliamentarian, to work with Mem- But assuming that you, at this young H.R. 6270, the Uyghur Forced Labor bers of Congress to help them achieve age of yours—I told you that you were Disclosure Act, and H.R. 6210, the the things they are trying to do. We way too young for us to let you go, but Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. still have to go and get the votes, but you are going—you will be doing other Members are advised that additional at least allowing a Member that oppor- things, and you will bring great value legislative items are possible. tunity to go fight it out and make to whatever enterprise you pursue. I yield back to my friend, the Repub- their case. We have been blessed for a quarter of lican whip. a century with your service, and we In many cases, that case wouldn’t be b 1445 able to be made if the Parliamentarian thank you for that service. Godspeed. wasn’t fair in offering that guidance to Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, re- Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I Members of Congress, whatever they claiming my time. thank the gentleman and appreciate are trying to achieve, whatever their Madam Speaker, we all appreciate the timeline, especially the comments background, whatever their district, to Tom’s service to our country and espe- about the negotiations that have been be fair and to at least give them that cially to this Chamber. going on in a very constructive way re- Now, if I may inquire of the majority opportunity to come here on the House garding a continuing resolution. They leader the schedule for next week, and floor and fight that battle, hopefully have definitely been in good faith with I would yield. right that wrong, and advance the Republicans and Democrats as well as Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, on things that they were elected to go do with the White House. It is encour- Monday, the House will meet at 12 p.m. to make this a more perfect Union. aging to hear that, potentially, tomor- for legislative business. No votes are So thank you, Tom, for that fairness. row that could be filed and we fully ex- expected in the House on Monday. I know as Jason takes on this role in pect to be ready to take that up next On Tuesday, the House will meet at 9 a few weeks, he will have a great leg- week if that does, in fact, happen. a.m. for morning-hour debate and 11 acy to build upon and to look toward I know the differences that we have a.m. for legislative business. somebody who did the job right and been talking about in the last few days I would remind Members that Mon- are minor in consideration of all of the served this country in a very proud and day is expected to be a travel day fol- respected way. factors that are included in a con- lowing the holiday. So, Monday we will tinuing resolution. So I think, as peo- I know Heather is probably watching have business on the floor, but we will on C–SPAN. I am not sure how many ple watch some of the bigger fights have no votes on the floor. that are real between the two sides, to other people are, but Heather, hope- On Wednesday and Thursday, the fully, is, your wife. She will have more see that on something as important as House will meet at 9 a.m. for morning- properly and responsibly funding the time to work with you. I am not sure hour debate and 11 a.m. for legislative who the parliamentarian of your house government that we are making very business. good progress on at least a short-term is. I am the House Republican whip, On Friday, the House will meet at 9 mechanism that would stave off any but in my house, Jennifer is the one a.m. for legislative business. who plays that role. We will consider several bills, Madam kind of shutdown between now and But in your house, hopefully, Heath- Speaker, under suspension of the rules, September 30, I appreciate the work er sees you more, because you are here a large number of suspension bills, in that has been done by the majority when we are here, and sometimes those fact. The complete list of suspension with the minority and with the White are late hours, and sometimes those bills will be announced by the close of House and Senate to get to that point. are long weekends. business tomorrow. Hopefully, we do get that legislation We appreciate the sacrifices you have The House will consider, as well, next filed and are able to take it up next made. Hopefully, in this next role in week a continuing resolution for fiscal week. your life, you will be able to enjoy year 2021. Unless the gentleman had anything more time with your wife, Heather, and Madam Speaker, the House has else on that, there was another legisla- your family. passed 10 of its appropriations bills of tive issue I wanted to bring up. We truly do thank you for playing the 12 appropriations bills we have. As we both know, there are conversa- this part of your role in history and Sadly, the Senate has not passed a tions going on regarding a potential adding to what is great about this single bill out of committee, has not next relief package. We don’t know if great democracy. voted on a single appropriations bill in there will be an agreement reached. Do you mind standing up so every- its committee. As a result, clearly, we These negotiations have been going on body in the Chamber here can see you will not be able to conclude the appro- for weeks and weeks since the CARES and pay the proper tribute? priations process, and we will have to Act, the multiple pieces of legislation Madam Speaker, I yield to my friend. have a CR to make sure that govern- that we filed both before and after that Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I ment stays serving the American peo- we have come to an agreement on, thank the gentleman for yielding. ple. things like the Paycheck Protection If I might wryly observe, Madam Hopefully, we can reach a bipartisan Program that both sides worked very Speaker, that I have not seen the Par- agreement, and there will not be a con- hard on, very successfully on. liamentarian pass you a note to in- troversial continuing resolution. I Reports have come out to show over struct the gentleman to address the know Democrats and Republicans and 50 million Americans’ jobs were saved Chair. the administration are working toward by the work we did as a Congress work- Tom, I am going to address you. that end. ing together to save millions of small Mr. SCALISE. As I was addressing it I expect and hope a bill to be filed to- businesses and over 50 million jobs as to the Speaker, of course. morrow. That is our hope. But we do we are struggling through this pan- Mr. HOYER. Tom Wickham, for those expect to consider that bill next week. demic. who are watching, is a wonderful exam- The CR, as I said, is necessary to One of the things I would like to ask ple of the extraordinary patriotism, avert a shutdown that would only fur- the gentleman to take a look at is that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.056 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 we may get an agreement, but we may get an agreement, to potentially bring PPP, but all the other programs that I not on a bigger relief package, and we something like that to the floor—that mentioned and many more that are in see multiple bills that are out there. could be a suspension-type bill to the HEROES bill. The Senate has been trying to advance pass—and, at least while we are negoti- The Speaker has indicated we are something. The House has had a posi- ating things that may or may not hap- certainly prepared to negotiate what tion. Some House Democrats yesterday pen, help those businesses that we the expenditure is, and she has indi- filed a separate bill with some other know need help. cated a willingness to come down very, House Republicans to try to have a I yield to the gentleman. very substantially to try to reach an third way, and the White House has Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I agreement, which is what compromise been talking about a different option. thank the gentleman for his comments. is all about. That hasn’t happened yet, In the meantime, we clearly don’t have Of course, the Paycheck Protection but I am hopeful that it will happen in an agreement yet on that. Program was a very, very important the near term, because I agree with the I would ask if the gentleman would program. I was pleased that the com- gentleman, we need to act. I am urging look at H.R. 8265. This is a bill by Rep- mittees came up with that program the administration and all of us to resentative CHABOT of Ohio. He is the and we had bipartisan support for that come to an agreement. lead Republican on the House Small program. Unfortunately, in the Senate, their Business Committee. This is a bill that I will tell the gentleman that that is efforts have not been successful in would specifically target those small an important effort for us to take, but passing a bill. So we have no alter- businesses that were part of the Pay- I would also say it is very important native bill beyond the HEROES bill check Protection Program. This is not for us to act on behalf of millions of that passed, as I said, 4 months ago, so a new idea. This is taking the existing people who still do not have a job or we have nothing to conference because framework of a bill that we, both sides, are on unemployment and need the there is no Senate bill. came together to pass, a very success- supplemental unemployment that they In fact, Mr. MCCONNELL went from a ful bill. were receiving to survive and keep trillion down to a half a trillion, which As the gentleman knows, the Pay- their families going. almost every economist, either at a check Protection Program still has We have millions of people who are trillion or half a trillion, says is not over $130 billion remaining in its ac- suffering from food shortages, the in- sufficient for health reasons and eco- count, money that wasn’t spent. We ability to keep their family fed. We nomic reasons and family reasons to were able to help every business that need to pass, we believe, the supple- confront the enormity of the challenge asked. Every business that was eligible mental nutrition program. that still confronts us as a result of was able to go to their local bank, We need to make sure that States, in COVID–19. So I thank the gentleman for men- didn’t have to go to an SBA lender. my view, have the ability to function. tioning Mr. CHABOT’s legislation. He is Again, I want to thank our small They are hemorrhaging revenues be- right, of course, there is $130 billion in community banks that played such an cause of COVID–19, because of the de- the pot. I think we ought to purpose important role. We would not have crease in the economy. States, cities, that to either a continuation of PPP or been able to help all those small busi- municipalities, counties are suffering, a continuation of PPP and other nesses stay afloat if our local commu- and many other aspects, including test- things. But I think we ought to do it, nity banks didn’t participate in helping ing, which is one of the critical compo- and what we are trying to do is a com- the customers that they usually see on nents of us confronting COVID–19. So while I agree with the gentleman prehensive package that deals with all a daily basis who are struggling. the challenges confronting American But as that money is sitting in that that the program that he talks about— families, particularly the unemploy- account, the program has expired, so of course, we created that program and ment insurance. the money can no longer be spent. We we passed it in a bipartisan fashion, As of July 31, as the gentleman have appropriated this money. It is not and it was very bipartisan in the Sen- knows, the supplemental payment new money and it is not a new pro- ate. I know Mr. CARDIN and Mr. RUBIO lapsed. To some degree, the President gram. But what Representative were both involved in that. It was very has tried to put additional sums in CHABOT’s bill does is it would allow important to pass that. there. Some States are pursuing it and those small businesses that have shown But I will tell the gentleman that I some States have effected it. a loss—we know there are some busi- was pleased that the President indi- But I hope that the bottom line is, in ness doing better today than they were cated that we need to invest very sig- the next week, in the near term, and I before COVID; there are some that are nificant sums, which he then said think the President’s statement was doing dramatically worse after COVID. would come back to the U.S. or help helpful, and I hope, frankly, the Sen- This would specifically be limited to the U.S. economy. I think that was a ators take that to heart, that we need those businesses that have experienced positive step forward. to invest much more than they sug- at least a 25 percent loss or more, that I would also observe, as the gen- gested if we are going to meet the they would be able to go for a second tleman observed, that Speaker PELOSI scope of the problem that exists. round of Paycheck Protection loans, and Secretary Mnuchin reached four I thank the gentleman bringing to using existing money, not new money, major deals, compromises—four. One the House’s attention that particular the money that is locked in an account was, we thought, very big at the time, bill, and certainly it will be under con- that can no longer be spent. $8.3 billion, which now looks somewhat sideration as well, I think, by those So maybe we do get an agreement be- small. But we reached four of those. We who are negotiating, mainly Secretary tween now and then on a larger pack- brought them to the House floor, the Mnuchin and Speaker PELOSI. Mr. age, but if we don’t, at a minimum, I Senate floor, and they passed over- MCCONNELL has chosen not to partici- would just ask the gentleman—I would whelmingly in bipartisan votes. pate in those discussions, as you know. think this would be something that Secretary Mnuchin and the Speaker Mr. SCHUMER does, and I think Mr. could pass on the suspension calendar have been discussing trying to get to, MCCARTHY does—I am not sure all the to at least help small businesses using for 4 months now—now, Mr. MEADOWS time, but I am sure he does as well. a program we already agree upon, that is also in the room. Mr. MEADOWS and We want to get an agreement. We we already know has been successful. It I have a very positive relationship, but want to do what we have done four saved small businesses in every single my observation has been, through the times: reached an agreement, passed it district of this country. It is not a Re- years, Mr. MEADOWS is more about overwhelmingly in both Houses for the publican or Democrat plan. It has been stopping deals than making deals. people, because the people are hurting a plan that truly has been a lifeline for But I agree with the gentleman, we and we need to act and meet that chal- any of our small businesses. And, need to act. I am hopeful that the ad- lenge of their hurt and their need to again, over 50 million jobs have been ministration and the Senate and the support themselves, their families, and, saved. House will reach agreement ASAP, not as you point out, their businesses. I would just ask the gentleman if he only on the PPP, which I agree with Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I would take a look at that, if we don’t the gentleman on, not only on the thank the gentleman.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.058 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4533 As we look at the various topics that I do want to then talk about where tion that America has the best sci- the gentleman from Maryland brought we are with a vaccine, because we have entific minds in the world. We have the up on the negotiations, if you looked at been seeing a lot more reports on the most respected drug companies in the the Senate bill—and, clearly, there are progress, the tremendous progress that world, and they are working feverishly, multiple bills out there—ultimately, it has been made within the medical com- not cutting a single corner on safety. is going to take a bipartisan bill work- munity. And we know from the very These would have to be safe and ef- ing with the administration. Mr. MEAD- beginning of this disease that our fective drugs for the FDA to approve OWS has been here many times work- frontline healthcare workers have been them, but if any one or all of them get ing, trying to meet, sometimes not some of the heroes, probably the big- approved, then I would hope we would being able to get meetings with some gest heroes of all of this, those hospital encourage people to go and protect leaders. workers, the nurses, the doctors, but their families, if that is what they But at the same time, if you look at also those people working in the labs. want to do. And I know a lot of people the Senate bill, they did include some that would want to do it. I have heard b 1500 enhanced unemployment. They in- from some people, as I am sure the gen- cluded more money for small busi- Almost instantly after China lied to tleman has, that they may want to nesses, for families, for testing. They us about the origination of the disease, wait a little while. But I also know had $16 billion for testing, $31 billion lied to us about even whether or not that people want to be safe and secure for vaccine, which I know—I want to the disease could be spread from person in their homes. They want to have a bring that up. They had $20 billion for to person they corrupted the WHO. But confidence level that they are not farmers, $15 billion for childcare. ultimately as we started to find out going to be at risk of dying from They did have liability protection, what was coming out of Wuhan, I don’t COVID. And ultimately a vaccine and a which continues to be a very big issue know, even the Foreign Affairs Com- therapy are the final answer that gets many small businesses bring up. They mittee of this House majority had a us over the hump, that gets us to where want to make sure that, if they open hearing titled: ‘‘The Wuhan we can fully start reopening. safely, they are not going to be shut Coronavirus.’’ So clearly, we know We are seeing many States at ad- down by frivolous lawsuits. That is where this started. It has been dis- vanced levels of opening their econ- something that there has been a lot of cussed. omy, but we also know that we are not negotiation about as well. But at the same time, we have been where we need to be, and a vaccine is But, ultimately, when you look at working feverishly to find a cure, to probably going to be that biggest de- those differences, we will hopefully get find a vaccine. We have seen therapies termining point that helps people re- that resolved. In the meantime, if that emerge at a rapid pace. President open in a much more effective way. I can’t get broken, at a minimum, if we Trump implemented Operation Warp hope we can at least agree that if that can look at some of the money that is Speed, which was a way to get red tape approval comes by the FDA that it is unspent because, in addition to the out of the way. Nobody is cutting cor- something we can all embrace and en- PPP, I think the gentleman knows, we ners on safety, but ultimately what we courage people to pursue, if that is also put about $150 billion in the are all doing is focusing all the energy what they feel is best for their family. CARES Act toward our States to help and the weight of this Federal Govern- Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- tleman. all of our States, a formula that al- ment behind finding a cure and a vac- Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, the lowed States and, in some cases, local cine, and what we are seeing now is re- whip mentioned undermining con- governments get money to help them- markable success in progress. Here are some of the companies that fidence. I will tell the whip with all due selves through these tough times. respect; nobody has undermined con- There is not one State that has spent right now are in phase 3 of testing on fidence in the healthcare system more all that money. And I know some peo- an actual vaccine for COVID–19. These than the President of the United ple want to talk about how much more are all very respected companies, not States. No one has diverted more at- money to give, but if they haven’t only in America, but worldwide, glob- tention from the experts; no one has spent the money they have already ally respected. I am concerned by some of the com- denigrated the experts, which under- gotten, maybe we can look there as an- mines confidence in their advice and other way to help push more relief, in- ments we are starting to see by some people trying to undermine the public’s counsel, than the President of the cluding with schools. United States. And no one in the If a school wants to reopen safely— confidence in a vaccine if it were to be health community said that the and I would encourage all schools, the approved by the FDA. And let’s keep in coronavirus was a hoax. mind, the FDA would have to approve protocols have been out there. The We have just seen that Mr. Woodward Centers for Disease Control have put any vaccine. You have to get approved heard in late January that the Presi- out very good, responsible safety proto- by the FDA to go to phase 2. You have dent thought this was a very serious cols for safely reopening schools, and it to get approved to go to phase 3, and matter. And then, frankly, he conveyed varies, depending on the kind of region then ultimately after testing on tens of to the American people, don’t worry you are in. If you have a spike, there is thousands of people at a pace we have about it, it is going to go away. In a a way to handle that. If you are in an never seen before—with money, by the few days, a few weeks, it is going to go area that has not seen a prevalence of way, that we helped pass, and again, away. COVID, then there is a different way to the gentleman and I both were part of No one has undermined the con- handle it. But in every case, there is a those coalitions, Republican and Demo- fidence of the American people in the way to safely reopen schools. The crat, working to put money in place for CDC or the FDA or the NIH more than American Academy of Pediatrics has that testing, for the work that is being the President of the United States. He laid that out as well. It means fol- done by these great companies to start said they are wrong. lowing the safety guidelines, but it can now making the vaccine vials, a hun- And I say that because confidence be done and needs to be done. dred million vials possibly that could needs to be built by leadership. And if Unfortunately, in every case it is not be made before the drug is approved if, the vaccine can come out next month, being done, but it is not for lack of in fact, it then gets that approval, so hooray, if it can be done consistent money. Any school system that needs that you don’t have to wait to start with what the medical experts and the more assistance, whether it is masks or mass producing after the approval. pharmaceutical experts tell us can give screens for the teachers or whatever If the FDA does approve any or all of the American people confidence. else they might need, sanitizer, the these drugs as a vaccine that would ac- But I will tell my friend Mr. Caputo funds that we sent to the States, again, tually prevent COVID–19, I hope we substantially undermined confidence none of which have spent all of that would both encourage people, if they because he wanted to tell the experts money, can be used to help to safely re- wanted to, to then go and get that vac- what to say apparently consistent with open schools as well. cine. And this is, hopefully, not going what the administration’s policy was So those are all conversations we will to be a debate within the country. as opposed to what the scientific evi- hopefully have. Hopefully, it is going to be a recogni- dence was.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.059 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 And so when you mention confidence, companies. There is no mystery com- role in the administration, and he said some people were trying to undermine pany. These are the companies that are he has never been sidelined. He was ac- confidence; we have had six, seven, in competition, not with themselves, tually asked that question, Have you eight months of undermining con- but they are trying to save lives. And been sidelined? He said, ‘‘no’’ under fidence. from everything we are hearing, the re- oath. And it is a shame. Because the gen- sults are tremendously successful. We Now, is he always in agreement with tleman is absolutely right. People are should be applauding that. the other doctors in the room? No, he going to need confidence. And they are Operation Warp Speed has gotten us is not. Does that mean he is wrong? No. going to have to take the vaccine be- to this point, and while the President But maybe he is. But, again, doctors cause that is the only way this econ- might not get credit—and I think it is can disagree because that is what omy is going to get back to where it an important point, as the gentleman science is. It is not two plus two equals needs to be. People having confidence talks about instilling confidence, four every time because you are deal- in the safety for themselves, their hus- where the President is on science. I ing with some very complicated issues band, their wife, their children to be have been in many of those meetings of a disease we knew nothing about less about the business of America and with Dr. Fauci, with Dr. Birx, with the than a year ago. their own personal business. whole team of the whole coronavirus Fortunately, with Operation Warp So I would hope that the President task force. Speed, President Trump put together would leave it to the experts, not to his Mr. HOYER. How about Dr. Redfield? the best scientists, not just in Amer- judgment, to the experts as to when a Mr. SCALISE. He has been in some of ica, but I would argue in the world, to vaccine is ready to deliver to the pub- those meetings, too. And as the gen- figure out how to solve this, how to lic. And then I think all of us ought to tleman knows, not all doctors agree. come up with things like have that confidence to—I certainly Mr. HOYER. Did you see what hap- hydroxychloroquine, which some peo- am going to get the vaccine when the pened in the last 48 hours? ple might say doesn’t work. I have medical experts tell me this is safe to Mr. SCALISE. There are some doc- talked to many doctors who use it suc- take, and I am going to urge my family tors who will say this is the way to do cessfully to save lives even today. That to do the same. And I am sure you have it, and there are some doctors who say should be the doctor’s decision. Some just indicated you would do the same. that is the way to do it. You get 10 at- people want government to control all I think we will, hopefully, do that. torneys in a room; you might get 10 those decisions. I would rather the doc- But the instilling of confidence, I opinions. The saying ‘‘go get a second tor being the one to work with his pa- would tell my friend, starts at the top opinion,’’ that is because maybe not all tient. and with all of us, as well, because peo- doctors agree. You look at the other drugs that are ple respect us in some respects some- But when you are President of the out there today, but again, now we talk times, and they think we have knowl- United States you don’t have the lux- about a vaccine, there is not one com- edge that they may not have, and ury of waiting for every doctor to be in pany on this list—these are the only therefore, they want to have con- agreement. If there is an inflection companies right now in phase 3. And if fidence that, yes, this is good; no, it is point on a decision, and some doctors any of them are approved by the FDA, not, don’t do it. are over here, and some doctors are I hope nobody would question the in- So I would simply say to my friend, over there, guess what, it is the Presi- tegrity of that drug. I hope that we get a vaccine. I hope we dent who has to make that final call, Do you think any of these companies get it as soon as possible. And I hope not because he has ignored science, but would put their name on a drug that that the election has nothing to do because he has looked to the science, they don’t stand behind as a safe and with the vaccine. I hope the decision and ultimately, he has to make that effective vaccine for this disease? And has everything to do with science and decision. that is really the point. medicine. And I think all Americans Dr. Fauci himself was in a committee It is all about science here. It is all hope that, as well. hearing by the Select Subcommittee about science and some people are try- Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I that the majority whip, Mr. CLYBURN, ing to undermine that. And we need to would tell the gentleman it is not hope chairs. I am the lead Republican on get away from that because that will that you have to have. This is all about that committee. We had Dr. Fauci in cost lives. If somebody is reluctant to science. our committee. I asked him specifi- take one of these drugs because they Name one of these companies that cally, I went down the line on major heard somebody that said, well, don’t would put their name on a drug that decisions that had to be made by this trust it if it comes from this President would be injected into American people President and whether or not science or that candidate, that is a dangerous based on politics or based on a timeline was used or not and whether or not it game because lives would be lost if peo- that would have an impact on an elec- worked. I started, by the way, with the ple didn’t take that vaccine because tion? Not one of these companies would decision of whether or not to stop they didn’t have that confidence. We do it. I would challenge anyone to flights from China when we found out all need to have that confidence. We all name a company that would do that, after China lied that they, in fact, did work with science. because they wouldn’t do that. So it is have this disease spreading widely in We have all had doctors who told us not a hope. China, and President Trump made that one thing, and maybe you wanted to go If the FDA approves one of these decision to stop flights from China. get that second opinion, but at the end drugs or all of these drugs, it is because I know the Democrat nominee for of the day, you have got to make that they work, they save lives. And we President was against that decision, choice, and you make it based on all can’t have an undermined confidence but President Trump worked with the the science that is available, and not that they would save lives—because a experts. Dr. Fauci was part of that. all the time do all the scientists agree. vaccine is not something that a Presi- I asked him, I said, Was that the In fact, many times on the complicated dent or a candidate for President sits right decision by President Trump? issues you get different opinions from in a lab and figures out. It is a very se- He said, Yes, it was. different scientists. This President has rious process that the FDA, who is the I said, Did that decision save Amer- worked with some of the best in the most respected agency in the world for ican lives? world. drug approval, has to sign off on every He said, Yes, it I did. And according to Dr. Fauci himself, step of the way. And we went down the line on deci- by and large, the President has fol- There are three phases. These are the sion after decision, and they were all lowed even Dr. Fauci’s advice and has companies that made it all the way science-based. At no point was the made the right decisions up and down through. There are other companies President trying to undermine science. the line based on science. And most im- that are in earlier stages and may ac- In fact, some people were trying to portantly, President Trump’s decision tually get to an FDA-approved vaccine, suggest that Dr. Fauci was being side- following the science has saved Amer- as well, and they are all very well re- lined, and yet, he was at the hearing, ican lives, starting with that very first spected, too, but these are the only under oath, speaking on behalf of his decision, which Joe Biden himself was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.061 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4535 against. How many American lives fact, it will give the confidence and the would put their name on that vaccine, would have been lost if we didn’t ban result that is promised. not one of them. the flights from China; if we didn’t ban Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I Again, I would challenge anybody, the flights from Europe, when it was would just remind the gentleman, with Madam Speaker, if they think any of breaking out in Europe; if we didn’t do all due respect to Dr. Redfield, he is these companies would cut a corner, 15 days to stop the spread, which Presi- not the head of the FDA. please let us know right now because dent Trump did on the advice of his sci- The FDA is the agency that approves that is not the case. That narrative entist? After that they said we need to drugs, and in fact, the FDA is the agen- shouldn’t be out there because that go another 30 days. President Trump cy working every day with these com- narrative would be a false narrative did that, too. Every one of those deci- panies. There is a very strict protocol and would cost American lives. If that sions was based on science. Every one for going through phases of testing. narrative were to get out, then there of those decisions saved American Now, one thing that is important to might be people who wouldn’t take the lives. point out on the testing, because, vaccine who otherwise would and again, some people wonder because Op- should, where it could save their life, b 1515 eration Warp Speed has gotten us to a because this will save American lives. Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I point quicker, maybe in the history of And it is through American inge- thank the gentleman for yielding. the world, at finding a vaccine for a nuity. We ought to be proud of this. This President doesn’t take responsi- disease we knew nothing about 8 We should put the politics aside and say thank God America is the leader in bility for anything other than good months ago, but the reason they are healthcare to the point where we have things. If anything bad happens, this doing it is not because they are cutting great American companies partnering, President does not take responsibility. corners. No one in science that I have in this case, with a German company He points to somebody else. heard has suggested that they are cut- here in America, testing at a level we What I interrupted the gentleman on ting corners because they are not. was he says, ‘‘the scientists.’’ Redfield have never seen before on more people They have strict protocols. because we took the priority, through is a scientist. He is a medical doctor. What they are doing, number one, He is the head of the CDC. He made a Operation Warp Speed, to put all the the President put real money in place focus of these great agencies on finding comment, his best judgment as to when behind making sure that each of these vaccines were going to be available, a cure for COVID–19. drug companies has direct communica- We are on the brink of doing it. It widely available. tion with the FDA every step of the may not happen if the science doesn’t The President contradicted him on way so they know if tests need to be match. But if the science does say both points he made just a few days run on more people or different demo- these work, we all ought to applaud ago, as he has done with Fauci, as he graphic groups, as is done with other that and encourage people to explore, has done with Hahn, as he has done drugs, they can do it quickly. They in a conversation with their doctor, with others. have a wide range of people willing to whether or not they should take it. My confidence in those three compa- be tested. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- nies is that they will come to the ref- To the tribute of all Americans, over tleman. eree and will say: ‘‘Is this ready to 300,000 Americans have signed up for Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I am go?’’ The referee, in this case the FDA, these tests. This isn’t being tested on not going to prolong this. The only that the gentleman says is so respected just a few people. Sometimes, a drug thing I would say is, under the gentle- has that responsibility. takes years and years to get to market man’s theory, Madam Speaker, we What I don’t have confidence in, for a lot of reasons. One is red tape. wouldn’t need the FDA because, clear- what I think so many of the American President Trump has done a great job ly, these companies would not do any- people don’t have confidence in, is they of getting the red tape out of the way thing just because of profit. And I don’t will get a call from the White House to let the scientists actually do their allege that they would do that. that says: ‘‘This is the judgment you job in real time. Something could sit But we have an FDA because we need are going to make.’’ on somebody’s desk for months, in a referee to look at it without thinking We have seen, over and over and over many cases, delaying lifesaving drugs. of the consequences of a yes or no an- again, decisions modified because of We have gotten that red tape out of the swer but a scientific answer. That is White House direction. In fact, Caputo way. the only observation I would make. was there for exactly that reason at Frankly, we ought to look at work- I get it. I get that the companies are HHS, not CDC, but overseeing CDC. ing together as Republicans and Demo- reputable companies. I tell my friend, Madam Speaker, yes, crats at making that the norm, not the I support them. They do great work. we need to have confidence, but we exception, to actually be able to get But we have an FDA because we need need to be truthful with them. We need red tape out of the way to help save somebody who is an independent arbi- ter, not just because no company would to tell them the truth. We need to take lives. direction from the experts, not sub- But as they are doing it, they are do this. Because if no company would do it, we wouldn’t need the FDA. stitute our judgment. testing it on more people than is nor- Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I The gentleman talks about mally the case. Sometimes, you might never suggested that. In fact, I said at hydroxychloroquine. Obviously, Fauci only have a few thousand people who the outset that these companies are in didn’t think that was a great rec- are willing or in a position to be tested. direct communication with the FDA on ommendation to make. That was for Today, you have hundreds of thousands a regular basis. That is what Operation doctors to make, but the President of people who are being tested. Warp Speed is. made it. In fact, most of the doctors If they make it through each step, it In the old way of doing things, these thought that was not a good rec- is not based on who is in the White companies would have submitted their ommendation. House. It is based on what the doctors data and would have waited months Certainly, Clorox was even less than at the FDA, working with the smart while some faceless bureaucrat let it that, I say as an aside. Maybe it was people in these drug companies, have sit on a desk and nothing happened. tongue in cheek, but unfortunately, come up with based on the test results. Instead, what the President did was when the President speaks, people If they test people and there are prob- said there will be direct contacts where don’t necessarily think it is tongue in lems, it doesn’t even make it to phase they can communicate with the FDA. cheek, and it becomes dangerous. 2. They are not the enemy. I will say to my friend, hopefully, These are all in phase 3. They are all These companies aren’t the enemy. that this vaccine issue will be resolved showing tremendous promise, but if The FDA is not the enemy. But it by the experts and give confidence to one of them makes it through or if all shouldn’t be viewed as you are on one the American people that they can, in of them make it through, it is not be- side and you are on the other side. fact, rely on the experts and their doc- cause somebody rushed it. It is because They are both working together be- tor to take the vaccine because, hope- the doctors and the scientists said it cause they are both part of the smart- fully, it will be in a position where, in works. Not one of these companies est scientific community in the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.063 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 They work together because the FDA HONORING COMMISSIONER BILLIE Hearts, and a Combat Infantry Badge wants to get it right and these compa- DEAN for his service to the country during nies want to get it right. (Mrs. DEMINGS asked and was given World War II. We saw one of them just a few days permission to address the House for 1 Mr. Lee, in fact, was supposed to go ago. They had a pause, which is the minute.) to Washington, D.C., this year to get protocol. That is the safety protocol Mrs. DEMINGS. Madam Speaker, I his Congressional Gold Medal of Honor because there was a question in the rise today to celebrate the life of Com- this May, but it was postponed due to testing, and they addressed it. I am missioner Billie Dean from the city of the pandemic. sure there were many. I don’t know di- Apopka. I think it is incredibly important to rectly, but I am sure there were many Mr. Dean was a guiding light for honor his work and his service here on conversations with the FDA. Apopka. the House floor. But then they started up again, From bravery in Korea, to the class- He is extraordinarily proud of his which means there wasn’t a problem. rooms and commission, to the forefront service in the U.S. military and hangs But it meant they followed the proto- of racial integration in the South, his American flag outside his house for cols, which say, if you see something Commissioner Dean was a champion every U.S. holiday. that you need to go review, you hold for his community. In fact, he and his wife, Rose Lee, off, and then you go check that out. He was a local hero for his work to have been happily married for 76 years, That is what one of these did, and now revitalize South Apopka and to fight and Mr. Lee still does the cooking for they are back on track. for justice. As a teacher and a commis- himself and his wife. sioner, he made the future of Apopka Madam Speaker, I ask our colleagues The others continue to go through, his ultimate cause. to join me in recognizing Mr. Hope Lee. all of them, working with the FDA. There is no higher praise for a public Thank you for your service, and That is really what this is about. It is servant than the love of his commu- happy birthday, Mr. Lee. about a partnership because the FDA nity. Apopka loved him, and he loved has to sign off. f Apopka. I am sure the gentleman would agree. Madam Speaker, we are grateful for a b 1530 You want to make sure you have mul- life well lived. SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS tiple people looking at it. You don’t f MONTH just want the company that is making the drug looking at it. You want the AMERICANS ARE WAITING (Mr. WALTZ asked and was given regulator looking at it as well because, (Mr. HILL of Arkansas asked and was permission to address the House for 1 ultimately, they have to sign off on it. given permission to address the House minute.) for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, as a They are not doing it blindly. No one combat veteran, I think a lot about my suggests that. But they are doing it his remarks.) Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Madam past experiences in battle and person- with a much sharper focus. It is the top ally have dealt with my own struggles, priority, I think we would all agree. Speaker, why were we brought back to Washington, D.C., this week? from PTS to survivor’s guilt. This needs to be the priority to get our But this year, we are in a collective country back on track, and it has to be Was it to provide much-needed relief and assistance to American families battle, and the front lines look very done right. But it is not going to get different. We are fighting against an signed off if it is not right. So, it is a and small businesses because of the pandemic? No. invisible enemy, against COVID–19, and partnership, and it is working incred- we are forced to distance ourselves and ibly well. Instead, we continue to spend time on another set of mostly partisan mes- to change our entire way of life. This Again, this new partnership ought to saging bills with little or no input from isolation is causing anxiety, depres- be the model in the future. It shouldn’t Republicans. My Democratic col- sion, and sometimes takes us to even be the exception just because of leagues rely on grandstanding and talk darker places, even with suicidal COVID. It is working incredibly well. more about the bills they have passed thoughts. We worked together to pass the 21st than the bills, Madam Speaker, they September is Suicide Prevention Century Cures Act, which ultimately have actually gotten signed into law. Awareness Month, and I am teaming will find a cure for cancer, for Alz- It is time for Democrats to get seri- with a veterans group, Mission Roll heimer’s, for ALS, for other diseases. It ous and stop trying to score political Call, to raise awareness about suicide is because we put a sharper focus over points and come back to the negoti- prevention, especially the 22 veterans at the National Institutes of Health, ating table. Let’s serve the American per day we are currently losing. and we put additional resources over at people by actually getting much-need- In combat, we are constantly check- the National Institutes of Health. ed bipartisan legislation signed into ing on our brothers and sisters to our That priority, what we are learning law to fight this virus and get our left and our right, and we have to do from this, ought to be replicated to economy back. the same back here at home. So I say help find a cure for some of those other We have already proven how much to all veterans out there: Reach out. diseases so that maybe we can find good we can accomplish for American Ask your buddy how they are doing. even more cures for people who are liv- families and the American people when Share a memory. Let them know that ing today, not just for somebody 30 we work together. you are thinking about them and you have their back. years from now, but for somebody f struggling today with one of those ter- Together, we are stronger. Together, rible diseases. RECOGNIZING HOPE LEE ON HIS we can win this fight. 100TH BIRTHDAY Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- f tleman. (Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ asked and was given permission to address the House NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I have for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Ms. DEAN asked and was given per- nothing left to say. her remarks.) mission to address the House for 1 Mr. SCALISE. Madam Speaker, I Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ. Madam minute and to revise and extend her re- know we will continue this conversa- Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. marks.) tion. Hopefully, the bill gets filed to- Hope Lee, a revered constituent of New Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, recovery morrow, and we can resolve more of York’s 14th Congressional District who is challenging and isolating even dur- these issues next week. I look forward is celebrating his 100th birthday this ing normal days, and this pandemic has to seeing the gentleman and working year and has served so valiantly for our only made it more difficult for those with him on all of these. country. who suffer from addiction and sub- Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- During World War II, Mr. Lee re- stance use disorder. That is why Na- ance of my time. ceived a Bronze Star Medal, two Purple tional Recovery Month, this month,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.065 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4537 takes on even greater meaning as cide rates are rising, and suicide is the brought with her amazing secretarial many are navigating isolation and dis- 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. skills, including shorthand. tance from family and support net- for all ages. Dora followed me to my congres- works. This important month is a time to sional office and became a caseworker National Recovery Month is personal share resources and stories in an effort for the remainder of her professional for me and my family. My son, Harry, to shed light on this stigmatized topic. career. Oh, the stories she could tell, is in long-term recovery from opioid It is beneficial to learn and pay atten- and someday, I hope she will. addiction. Now he is healthy, he is tion to the warning signs of suicide and I also appreciated the times when we well, and he works now to help others periodically check in with friends and did travel together. These trips pro- who struggle with substance abuse dis- family members, especially during vided me a different perspective and in- order. these challenging times. sight to the goings on in my office, In his work, he reminds me that, dur- Additionally, talking about suicide much to the chagrin of some of my ing the pandemic, so many have it even in an open and caring way can help other employees. tougher on the road to recovery. He re- those who are having suicidal I have had two great legislative as- minds me that not all are as fortunate thoughts. As the isolating effects of sistants who informally became part of as we have been, and we recognize Na- the COVID–19 pandemic continue to my senior staff. Chris Sarley and Jor- tional Recovery Month for its impor- grip our world, it is imperative we take dan Haverly rose to prominence on tantly shining a light on this issue. our physical and mental health seri- their ability to handle policy, negotia- I call on us to dedicate more re- ously. tions, and the politics that arise from sources to support those suffering with I encourage everyone to educate public policy. addiction and substance use disorder to themselves about suicide and the pa- They both were what we called live happy, rewarding, healthy lives. tient-centered resources available so shared staff. Because of my role as ei- And for those suffering with sub- we can help protect those in our com- ther chairman or ranking member of stance use disorders: You are not munities, friends, and loved ones. the Environment and Economy Sub- alone. There is hope. committee, they were my primary f f point person with the full committee. ISSUES OF THE DAY They also played key roles in negotia- STAND UP FOR POLICE The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. tions with staff members of other of- (Mr. GUEST asked and was given per- DEAN). Under the Speaker’s announced fices, from Republican offices and Dem- mission to address the House for 1 policy of January 3, 2019, the gen- ocrat offices. minute and to revise and extend his re- Chris Sarley and I had a lot of legis- tleman from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) is marks.) recognized for 60 minutes as the des- lative successes, and I could spend all Mr. GUEST. Madam Speaker, no ignee of the minority leader. my time on that. Another Illinois boy, matter your political affiliations in Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, I but a Chicagolander, I was skeptical at 2001, there were no greater heroes than yield to the gentleman from Illinois first until I found out that he was a our first responders who risked their Sox fan, not a fan of that other team. (Mr. SHIMKUS), my good friend, great own lives to save their fellow citizens Chris’ claim to fame is our success patriot, and veteran. on 9/11. Republicans and Democrats shepherding the Toxic Substance Con- Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, as thanked our first responders, while trol Act, commonly known as TSCA, folks in the Chamber know, I have been children across our Nation looked up to through the legislative process and taking some time to thank friends, them as examples of what it meant to having it signed by President Obama. family, and staff, for supporting me be heroes, to risk their own well-being That piece of legislation took 51⁄2 years. these 24 years as a Member of the in service to their fellow citizens. This was the first rewrite of a major Now, across the Nation, we see a House. environmental law since it was passed Today, before I go down the organiza- stark contrast to that scene from al- in 1976. Praised by the chemical manu- tional chart and mention caseworkers, most 20 years ago. Radicals now seek facturers and the environmental com- legislative assistants, legislative cor- to defund the police. They threaten the munity, it is a perfect example of respondents, staff assistants, sched- men and women who risk their lives in threading the needle to reform and up- ulers, there are some outliers in my or- service to our community, and, at date an old law. ganization that I need to mention. times, they target our officers with vi- Thank you, Chris. Mary Ellen, Mary Ellen Maxwell, and olence, which, in the most tragic of Jordan is from Pennsylvania and is Maria Maxwell are all the same person. cases, means these officers who are also in his second tour of duty with my The Madonia family has strong roots in also fathers, mothers, sons, and daugh- office. He handles my subcommittee Springfield, Illinois, and in the Illinois ters never return home to their family. now. With Democrats in charge, we at- I am calling on Members of Congress Republican Party. tempt to prevent overreach which is who have remained silent in recent Mary Ellen was on the campaign not scientifically supported and would months to now publicly oppose the vio- staff with me in 1996. Upon our victory, hurt jobs in the economy. Many times lence against our law enforcement she joined the congressional staff. She doing nothing is better than doing community so that we can put an end eventually moved away and then got something poorly. to the basic attacks against our first married. Jordan has a gift for working with responders. On returning to Illinois with Brad, social media. He also has a great han- she joined Team Shimkus as my cam- f dle on who I am and how I would like paign treasurer. Her family also grew, to respond to most issues. He never lets NATIONAL SUICIDE AWARENESS adding Zane and Lilly. me down. MONTH We continue to joke about how Gov- Jordan, like my legislative director, (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and ernor Edgar pointed to her at an event seems to want to go down with the was given permission to address the one time and said: ‘‘Oh, you are the one ship. That is loyalty, which I appre- House for 1 minute and to revise and who is going to go jail.’’ Well, not only ciate. He will be a great pick-up for extend his remarks.) has she not gone to jail, she is a stick- any office. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam ler for the law, keeping us both out of Madam Speaker, as I have said nu- Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sep- trouble. merous times, one is only as good as tember as National Suicide Prevention Dora Rohan has spent 29 years work- the people they have around them. Month. ing with me, protecting me, and being These are some of the best, and I thank Every year, close to 800,000 people die my friend. She started out as my exec- them. by suicide, leaving their family and utive assistant when I became treas- Mr. GOHMERT. Madam Speaker, I friends to navigate the tragedy of loss. urer of Madison County. As the only thank Mr. SHIMKUS for the wonderful This is one death every 40 seconds. countywide elected Republican, I need- tribute being paid. We will have to Studies by the Centers for Disease ed a confidential employee whom I stand up here at some point and pay a Control and Prevention show that sui- could trust. Dora fit the bill and also wonderful tribute to Mr. SHIMKUS.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.067 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 Obviously, there is a great deal of he used to be a Socialist; and David, Madam Speaker, I bring it up hoping trouble going on, a lot of troubled peo- now 80, said, LOUIE, I wasn’t a Social- that those who think it is just fun to ple in this country. It is interesting, ist, I was a Communist. I was a com- create havoc, maybe throw Molotov recently, my wife had flown up to be plete Communist, man. cocktails or even pay for them or help here in Washington for the President’s David has written before about his supply them, help fund people who are speech on the White House grounds turn from being a Communist in the going to come throw them or create and, flying back, she noticed there sixties. One of the things that he had havoc, then you are looking at 20 years were people with the BLM, Black Lives said hit him very hard was they were just under that statute alone. Matter, paraphernalia, things on there preparing for protests, and someone I know under the doctrine of Posse saying ‘‘BLM,’’ ‘‘Black Lives Matter.’’ else was trying to encourage efforts to Comitatus, from my days in the Army It was interesting to hear, appar- make the police overreact so that they and since then, that some people are ently, some of the comments, and the would hurt one of them. David didn’t confused about the doctrine. They say comments had to do with the free plane want anybody to get hurt or killed. He that the President can never commit tickets they got to fly up to protest was told, We want the police to kill troops against American people. But here. One person said, yeah, they got a somebody because then we can ramp it we saw the Clinton administration uti- free minivan the whole time they were up, and they won’t be able to stop us. lize vehicles and equipment—it had to here. He never signed on to get somebody have people helping from Fort Bliss, as Somebody is paying for those items killed. I understand it, from back in those to come up and threaten and assault. But if you study the Marxist revolu- days—that ended up leading to the Thankfully, there weren’t near as tion going back to 1917, the October death of 70 or 80 people there outside of many batteries with the actual phys- Revolution—of course, there was one Waco. The President can, but he has to ical part of the assault, just threatened earlier that year—but the Bolsheviks do it himself. That was one of the con- assaults. weren’t the strongest party, the group fusing things back then. President My wife and I, when we left the of people at that time. There were so Clinton, as I recall, was asked about it White House grounds up from the many things that could have gone and he said something like, Oh, that is closed Pennsylvania part, trying to get wrong, but one thing they wanted to Reno’s deal. down to our car in front of the Willard, do—it is right out of the Marxist play- Well, you couldn’t utilize what was we ended up being chased by a mob. book—was to create such chaos that utilized against David Koresh with his The mob was on its way, and they were your little group may have a chance to confused personality, problematic as it very loud and aggressive as they ran weasel into power and take over. was. Even that, you couldn’t use mili- toward us, so I thought we will cut We are seeing a lot of that play out tary resources without the President’s through the Willard, because I knew we in this country. Fortunately, we have approval. So we never found out how in would never make it all the way people in authority in the Federal Gov- the world the orders were given, if the around the next block. ernment—at least most places in the President himself didn’t give it. That There was a door there, a glass door, Federal Government in this adminis- was a violation of the law. and I kept knocking on the door, and tration, not all. We could improve But here in 10 U.S. Code 253, it says, there were people at the other end of some of the President’s appointments ‘‘The President, by using the militia or the hall. They could see us. Nobody who didn’t turn out quite as strong as the armed forces, or both, or by any would come open the door. we had hoped. But we have to get to other means, shall take such measures Finally, the mob was getting closer the bottom of who is paying, who is as he considers necessary to suppress, as they were running toward us, and I trying to get this thing all stirred up. in a State, any insurrection, domestic said: Look, if they get here before this This article from yesterday’s, Wash- violence, unlawful combination, or door gets open, you go ahead around ington Times, Jeff Mordock: ‘‘Attorney conspiracy . . .’’ the corner. I am sure they will be all General William P. Barr told federal But you note the words ‘‘domestic vi- enthralled with beating me. I don’t prosecutors last week to charge violent olence.’’ It goes on. think they will come after you. Just demonstrators with a range of offenses, ‘‘If it so hinders the execution of the get around the block. There are police including sedition, a charge usually re- laws of that State, and of the United at the other end of the next block. Just served for someone plotting to over- States within the State, that any part get there while they are after me. throw the government.’’ or class of its people is deprived of a Don’t try to stay and defend me. But that bears looking back at the right, privilege, immunity, or protec- But out of nowhere, this guy just Federal sedition charge, 18 U.S. Code tion named in the Constitution and se- comes up behind me—he worked for the 2384 is seditious conspiracy. cured by law . . .’’ Willard—scanned his card, opened the Some people I hear talk about it as So it is wide open to being used in door right before the crowd got there. this is treason. If you look at treason, some of these riots where people’s life, But it is just amazing, you know, both in the Constitution Article III, liberty, and certainly their property is who wants to inflict violence like that, section 3, it is more about levying war not being protected, it is being over- and, more particularly, who is it that against the United States Government. whelmed. I think the President is right is funding people to come up and create 18 U.S.C. 2381 is treason, and it is giv- to give Governors and mayors the havoc like that? ing aid and comfort to the enemies of chance to protect their people, but at In an article by Katharine Gorka a the United States. So it is a tough go. some point if it is not done, this ought couple of days ago in The Federalist, But if you look at the seditious con- to make clear to those Governors and entitled, ‘‘How the 1960s Riots Fore- spiracy: ‘‘If two or more persons in any mayors who aren’t protecting their shadow Today’s Communist State or Territory, or in any place sub- people, the President has authority to Weaponization of Black Pain’’—clear- ject to the jurisdiction of the United send in people to put down what ap- ly, there has been pain this country. States, conspire to overthrow, put pears to be sedition. This violence real- George Floyd’s death was so unneces- down, or to destroy by force the Gov- ly is Marxist violence. sary. It was outrageous. ernment of the United States, or to It says in their title, Black Lives levy war against them, or to oppose by Matter. But if you look at what they b 1545 force the authority thereof, or by force are in favor of, it is not about Black But who is paying? to prevent, hinder, or delay the execu- lives mattering; it is things like de- Who is stirring up all this violence to tion of any law of the United States, or stroying the family. Of course, BLM create more pain, more suffering, and by force to seize, take, or possess any calls it the Western-style family, and more damage? property of the United States contrary that alone is just completely fiction. It is a question worth finding an an- to the authority thereof, they shall The families we have traditionally swer for. each be fined under this title or impris- known in the United States since our I have thought numerous times about oned not more than 20 years, or both.’’ very inception weren’t Western style. David Horowitz. I introduced him to So that could very well come into These were Middle Eastern. These someone some years back and said that play. came from Moses and from Christians

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.069 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4539 or Jews who believed what Moses said it is Lenin who is with us, nobody else. and Rehabilitative Services, Department of was inspired or provided by God. He That is the message. Education, transmitting the Department’s said that a man shall leave his father It actually made me nauseous to go Final priorities, requirements, and selection criteria — Technical Assistance and Dis- and mother, a woman will leave her into an old church in Moscow that had semination To Improve Services and Results home, and the two will become one. a stained glass window with big gor- for Children With Disabilities-The Individ- Years later Jesus is asked about mar- geous colors; instead of Jesus with all uals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) riage and divorce. He quotes Moses ver- the children suffering to come under Paperwork Reduction Planning and Imple- batim and then adds the line: What Him, it was Lenin sitting as Jesus is mentation Program [Docket ID ED-2020- God has joined together let nobody sep- often depicted surrounded by the chil- OSERS-0014] received September 14, 2020, arate. So we didn’t come up with that dren. It was a bit sickening to go into pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law type of marriage. It is not Western the massive cathedral there in what 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- mittee on Education and Labor. style. We have to give credit where was then St. Petersburg originally, 5303. A letter from the Director, Regula- credit is due. It is Middle-Eastern then it became Leningrad. But that tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, style. It is from Moses. It is from gorgeous, massive cathedral had been Department of Health and Human Services, Jesus. So you can’t really take credit converted to a museum of atheism and transmitting the Department’s final rule — for that. evolution—just incredible. Food Labeling; Gluten-Free Labeling of Fer- But, then, again, when you are a But that is where this all has to go if mented or Hydrolyzed Foods; Correction Marxist group dedicated to the over- [Docket No.: FDA-2014-N-1021] (RIN: 0910- you are going to have a successful de- AH00) received September 14, 2020, pursuant throw of the government and replacing struction of the freedoms we have and to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, it with a Socialist, Communist, Pro- go to government control and govern- Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on gressive, whatever you want to call it, ment ownership and no private prop- Energy and Commerce. that is the way they go. That is the di- erty. That is where it all ends up, if we 5304. A letter from the Associate Director, rection. You destroy the history so you don’t get it stopped. It will mean the Regulatory Management Division, Environ- can’t learn from prior mistakes and end of the country that afforded the mental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agency’s final rule — Citrus Tristeza Virus you can’t learn from prior successes, greatest opportunities individually, the Expressing Spinach Defensin Proteins 2, 7, you just rewrite the history. Orwell greatest assets individually, and the and 8; Temporary Exemption From the Re- had a lot to say about that. highest standard of living. quirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP- There is a study—as this article from It is tragic that we have poverty in 2019-0182; FRL-10011-47] received September The Federalist points out by Joy the United States, tragic that we still 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pullmann—up to 95 percent of 2020 U.S. have any homelessness at all that Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to riots are linked to Black Lives Matter. hasn’t apparently improved a whole lot the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 5305. A letter from the Director, Regu- That is quite a good article and quite since the War on Poverty started tril- latory Management Division, Environmental informative. lions of dollars ago, but even so, we Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- But then this article by Edwin Mora still had the highest standard of living cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Georgia: says that a pro-Communist China and opportunities, I would submit, in Emission Reduction Credits [EPA-R04-OAR- group is funding a Black Lives Matter- history. It is what freedom and private 2020-0072; FRL-10013-73-Region 4] received linked organization. It points out that property has brought—innovation, the September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. a pro-Communist China group, the Chi- greatest innovation in the history of 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 nese Progressive Association in San Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and the world. But that is all in jeopardy Commerce. Francisco, is actively funding a ven- right now, and Americans better wake 5306. A letter from the Director, Regu- ture by Black Lives Matter cofounder up. It is all at risk. latory Management Division, Environmental and unabashedly anti-capitalist, Alicia These Marxist revolutionaries need Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Garza. to be stopped. It is sedition. It is a vio- cy’s notice of final action denying petitions Another article by Peter Hasson from lation of Federal and most State law, for reconsideration — Accidental Release 2 days ago points out that Black Lives and it is time to put it to an end. If the Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Matter cofounder Alicia Garza in 2015 Programs Under the Clean Air Act [EPA-HQ- Governors and mayors who have been OEM-2015-0725; FRL-10013-31-OLEM] received said that capitalism must be abolished allowing this to go on—depriving September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. for Black lives to matter. Americans of their life, liberty, pursuit 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 So, basically, they are pushing for of happiness on their own property— Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and the destruction of our Constitution- then it will be time for the President Commerce. based government, and they are cre- to use these Federal statutes to step in 5307. A letter from the Director, Regu- latory Management Division, Environmental ating all kinds of chaos. and bring peace to the country once So it shouldn’t surprise anybody who Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- again, so we can go through our lives cy’s final rule — Tiafenacil; Pesticide Toler- saw the article yesterday by Douglas without worrying about being chased ances [EPA-HQ-OPP-2019-0413; FRL-10013-02] Ernst that that Jesus statue that is 90 by a mob that is upset with you just received September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 years old was destroyed at St. Pat- because you went and heard a speech. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. rick’s Cathedral in El Paso, the quote Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- here is: I am in shock. ance of my time. ergy and Commerce. But that is what Socialist, Com- 5308. A letter from the Director, Regu- f munist, Progressives push. If you look latory Management Division, Environmental ADJOURNMENT Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- at what Communists, Socialists have cy’s final rule — Deoxyribonucleic Acid done, it is clear: you have to get rid of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (DNA) Sequences; Exemption From the Re- any belief in anything except the gov- ant to section 4(b) of House Resolution quirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP- ernment. 967, the House stands adjourned until 2017-0351; FRL-10013-43] received September As I have mentioned before, when I noon tomorrow. 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); was an exchange student in the Soviet Thereupon (at 4 p.m.), under its pre- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to Union, there were eight Americans the Committee on Energy and Commerce. vious order, the House adjourned until 5309. A letter from the Director, Regu- that summer from the U.S. We went to tomorrow, Friday, September 18, 2020, latory Management Division, Environmental the former city—it was the only recog- at noon. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- nized Christian seminary in the Soviet f cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Pennsyl- Union at the time—of Zagorsk. There vania; Reasonably Available Control Tech- was a building—as you would turn into EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, nology (RACT) for Volatile Organic Com- the walled area of Zagorsk, there was a ETC. pounds (VOC) Under the 2008 Ozone National building there with a painting of Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) [EPA-R03-OAR-2019-0562; FRL-10014-11-Re- Lenin’s face and above it Lenin. Below communications were taken from the gion 3] received September 14, 2020, pursuant it was ‘‘Lenin s nami,’’ Lenin is with Speaker’s table and referred as follows: to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, us. So you may be turning in here to 5302. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on learn about Jesus, but just remember General Counsel, Office of Special Education Energy and Commerce.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:29 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17SE7.071 H17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE H4540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 17, 2020 5310. A letter from the Director, Regu- 5318. A letter from the Director, Regu- Mr. PALLONE: Committee on Energy and latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental Commerce. H.R. 4995. A bill to amend the Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Public Health Service Act to improve obstet- cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; New cy’s final rule — 1-Octanamine, N, N-di- ric care and maternal health outcomes, and Mexico; Repeal of State Regulations for Par- methyl-, N-oxide; Exemption From the Re- for other purposes; with an amendment ticulate Matter for Lime Manufacturing quirement of a Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP- (Rept. 116–514). Referred to the Committee of Plants [EPA-R06-OAR-2018-0856; FRL-10014- 2017-0312; FRL-10003-75] received September the Whole House on the state of the Union. 08-Region 6] received September 14, 2020, pur- 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); f suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee the Committee on Energy and Commerce. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS on Energy and Commerce. 5319. A letter from the Director, Regu- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public 5311. A letter from the Director, Regu- latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental bills and resolutions of the following Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- titles were introduced and severally re- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Idaho: cy’s final rule — Approval of Air Quality Im- Infrastructure Requirements for the 2015 ferred, as follows: plementation Plans; California; Coachella Ozone Standard [EPA-R10-OAR-2018-0766; By Mr. MCHENRY (for himself and Mr. Valley; 2008 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment FRL-10012-38-Region 10] received September STIVERS): Area Requirements [EPA-R09-OAR-2019-0241; 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); H.R. 8280. A bill to require the Securities FRL-10014-24-Region 9] received September Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to and Exchange Commission to extend exemp- 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); the Committee on Energy and Commerce. tions for securities offered as part of em- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to 5320. A letter from the Director, Regu- ployee pay to other individuals providing the Committee on Energy and Commerce. latory Management Division, Environmental goods for sale, labor, or services for remu- 5312. A letter from the Director, Regu- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- neration, to preempt certain provisions of latory Management Division, Environmental cy’s final rule — National Priorities List State law with respect to wage rates and Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- [EPA-HQ-OLEM-2017-0603, EPA-HQ-OLEM- benefits, and for other purposes; to the Com- cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Designa- 2019-0484, 0485, 0486, 0487 and 0488; FRL-10012- mittee on Financial Services, and in addi- tion of Areas for Air Quality Planning Pur- 71-OLEM] received September 14, 2020, pursu- tion to the Committee on Education and poses; Indiana; Redesignation of the Morgan Labor, for a period to be subsequently deter- County Sulfur Dioxide Nonattainment Area ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- [EPA-R05-OAR-2019-0590; FRL-10014-25-Re- sideration of such provisions as fall within gion 5] received September 14, 2020, pursuant on Energy and Commerce. 5321. A letter from the Assistant General the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, By Mr. CLYBURN (for himself, Ms. Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, Pension Ben- BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms. NORTON, and Energy and Commerce. efit Guaranty Corporation, transmitting the Corporations’ final rule — Procedures for Mr. RIGGLEMAN): 5313. A letter from the Director, Regu- H.R. 8281. A bill to amend the Act entitled latory Management Division, Environmental PBGC Guidance Documents (RIN: 1212-AB49) received September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 ‘‘Act to provide for the establishment of the Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Brown v. Board of Education National His- cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; FL; GA; U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. toric Site in the State of Kansas, and for KY; MS; NC; SC: Definition of Chemical 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Edu- other purposes‘‘ to provide for inclusion of Process Plants Under State Prevention of cation and the Workforce. additional related sites in the National Park Significant Deterioration Regulations [EPA- f System, and for other purposes; to the Com- R04-OAR-2020-0177; FRL-10014-29-Region 4] re- mittee on Natural Resources. ceived September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON By Mr. BUCK (for himself, Mr. ALLEN, U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. BIGGS, Mr. RIGGLEMAN, Mr. KING 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of of Iowa, and Mr. GOSAR): ergy and Commerce. H.R. 8282. A bill to prohibit Federal funds 5314. A letter from the Director, Regu- committees were delivered to the Clerk latory Management Division, Environmental for printing and reference to the proper from being made available to teach the 1619 Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- calendar, as follows: Project curriculum in elementary schools and secondary schools, and for other pur- cy’s final rule — Finding of Failure To At- Ms. JOHNSON of Texas: Committee on tain the 2006 24-Hour Fine Particulate Mat- poses; to the Committee on Education and Science, Space, and Technology. H.R. 3607. A Labor. ter Standards; California; Los Angeles-South bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Coast Air Basin [EPA-R09-OAR-2020-0309; By Mr. LATTA (for himself and Mrs. to direct Federal research in fossil energy DINGELL): FRL-10014-44-Region 9] received September and to promote the development and dem- 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); H.R. 8283. A bill to provide temporary li- onstration of environmentally responsible censing reciprocity for telehealth and inter- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to coal and natural gas technologies, and for the Committee on Energy and Commerce. state health care treatment; to the Com- other purposes; with an amendment (Rept. mittee on Energy and Commerce. 5315. A letter from the Director, Regu- 116–510). Referred to the Committee of the latory Management Division, Environmental By Mr. PALMER (for himself, Mr. Whole House on the state of the Union. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- PERRY, Mr. BUCK, Mrs. RODGERS of Mr. PALLONE: Committee on Energy and cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; SC and Washington, Mr. BOST, Mr. Commerce. H.R. 3935. A bill to amend title TN: Minimum Reporting Requirements in LOUDERMILK, Mr. STEUBE, Mr. XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for SIPs [EPA-R04-OAR-2016-0655; FRL-10014-35- WESTERMAN, and Mr. KEVIN HERN of the continuing requirement of Medicaid cov- Region 4] received September 14, 2020, pursu- Oklahoma): erage of nonemergency transportation to ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- H.R. 8284. A bill to require recipients of medically necessary services; with an 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to pro- amendment (Rept. 116–511). Referred to the on Energy and Commerce. vide employment documentation, and for 5316. A letter from the Director, Regu- Committee of the Whole House on the state other purposes; to the Committee on Ways latory Management Division, Environmental of the Union. and Means. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Mr. PALLONE: Committee on Energy and By Ms. GABBARD (for herself and Mr. cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Mis- Commerce. H.R. 5663. A bill to amend the RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois): souri; Restriction of Emission of Lead From Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to H.R. 8285. A bill to amend the Help Amer- Specific Lead Smelter-Refinery Installations give authority to the Secretary of Health ica Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit payments [EPA-R07-OAR-2020-0256; FRL-10014-22-Re- and Human Services, acting through the under such Act to States which permit ballot gion 7] received September 14, 2020, pursuant Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to destroy harvesting, and for other purposes; to the to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, counterfeit devices; with an amendment Committee on House Administration. Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on (Rept. 116–512). Referred to the Committee of By Mr. BANKS (for himself, Mr. JOHN- Energy and Commerce. the Whole House on the state of the Union. SON of Louisiana, and Mr. WILSON of 5317. A letter from the Director, Regu- Mr. PALLONE: Committee on Energy and South Carolina): latory Management Division, Environmental Commerce. H.R. 4866. A bill to amend the H.R. 8286. A bill to impose sanctions with Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 21st Century Cures Act to provide for des- respect to foreign persons that knowingly cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Mis- ignation of institutions of higher education spread malign disinformation as part of or souri; Control of Emissions from Industrial that provide research, data, and leadership on behalf of a foreign government or polit- Surface Coating Operations [EPA-R07-OAR- on continuous manufacturing as National ical party for purposes of political warfare 2020-0339; FRL-10014-32-Region 7] received Centers of Excellence in Continuous Phar- and to require a determination regarding the September 14, 2020, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. maceutical Manufacturing, and for other United Front Work Department of the Chi- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 116–513). nese Communist Party; to the Committee on Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Referred to the Committee of the Whole Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Com- Commerce. House on the state of the Union. mittee on the Judiciary, for a period to be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 22:12 Dec 07, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD20\SEPTEMBER\H17SE0.REC H17SE0 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4541 subsequently determined by the Speaker, in cational programs in American civics and for the official travel expenses of Members of each case for consideration of such provi- history, and for other purposes; to the Com- Congress and other officers and employees of sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the mittee on Education and Labor. the legislative branch for first-class airline committee concerned. By Mr. GALLAGHER: accommodations, to establish a lifetime ban By Mr. BIGGS (for himself and Mr. H.R. 8296. A bill to establish and support on lobbying by former Members of Congress, GOSAR): advanced nuclear energy research and devel- to prohibit the consideration in the House of H.R. 8287. A bill to amend title 54, United opment programs at the Department of En- Representatives of measures lacking demon- States Code, to increase public access to rec- ergy, and for other purposes; to the Com- strable bipartisan support, to prohibit the reational areas on Federal land; to the Com- mittee on Science, Space, and Technology. consideration in the House of Representa- mittee on Natural Resources. By Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio (for him- tives of any legislation containing an ear- By Mr. BISHOP of Utah: self, Mr. LUCAS, and Mr. MARSHALL): mark, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 8288. A bill to correct shortfalls in the H.R. 8297. A bill to direct the Secretary of mittee on House Administration, and in ad- Great American Outdoors Act by providing Energy to establish and support advanced re- dition to the Committees on Oversight and fairness and parity to Eastern States, cycling research and development programs, Reform, the Judiciary, and Rules, for a pe- strengthening commitments to urban recre- and for other purposes; to the Committee on riod to be subsequently determined by the ation, establishing logic in funding prior- Science, Space, and Technology. Speaker, in each case for consideration of ities, and ensuring appropriate consequences By Ms. HAALAND (for herself, Mr. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- for shifts in funding sources, and for other COLE, and Ms. MCCOLLUM): tion of the committee concerned. purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- H.R. 8298. A bill to amend the Native By Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina: sources. American Graves Protection and Repatri- H.R. 8306. A bill to direct the Secretary of By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. ation Act to move the enforcement office to Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program BISHOP of Georgia, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to increase the to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a and Mr. YOUNG): civil monetary penalties for failure to follow veteran who has a traumatic brain injury or H.R. 8289. A bill to amend title 38, United the processes established by that Act, to pro- post-traumatic stress disorder; to the Com- States Code, to grant family of members of tect confidential information, and for other mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. the uniformed services temporary annual purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- By Mr. PAYNE (for himself and Mr. leave during the deployment of such mem- sources. MALINOWSKI): bers, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota: H.R. 8307. A bill to require the Federal mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 8299. A bill to direct the Secretary of Emergency Management Agency to continue By Mr. CASTEN of Illinois (for himself, Agriculture to transfer certain National For- to provide certain supplies to schools that Ms. FRANKEL, Mrs. LAWRENCE, and est System land to the State of South Da- provide in-person learning; to the Committee Ms. MENG): kota, and for other purposes; to the Com- on Transportation and Infrastructure. H.R. 8290. A bill to implement title IX of mittee on Natural Resources. By Mr. PHILLIPS (for himself, Mr. the Education Amendments of 1972 with re- By Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself, Mr. CHABOT, and Mr. MORELLE): spect to elementary and secondary schools, JOHNSON of South Dakota, and Mr. H.R. 8308. A bill to amend the Public and for other purposes; to the Committee on CICILLINE): Health Service Act to require group health Education and Labor. H.R. 8300. A bill to provide for a temporary plans and health insurance issuers offering By Mr. CLEAVER (for himself and Mr. increase to the Federal share for certain group or individual health insurance cov- MCKINLEY): highway projects, and for other purposes; to erage to provide coverage for services fur- H.R. 8291. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Committee on Transportation and Infra- nished via telehealth if such services would Energy to establish a grant program for tree structure. be covered if furnished in-person, and for planting to reduce residential energy con- By Mrs. LESKO (for herself, Mr. JOR- other purposes; to the Committee on Energy sumption; to the Committee on Energy and DAN, Mr. TIFFANY, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. and Commerce. Commerce. RESCHENTHALER, Mr. HICE of Georgia, By Mr. ROGERS of Alabama (for him- By Mr. CRAWFORD (for himself and Mr. STEUBE, Mr. BUDD, Mr. BURGESS, self, Mr. KING of New York, Mr. Mr. NEWHOUSE): Mr. GIBBS, Mr. YOHO, Mr. WEBER of MCCAUL, Mr. KATKO, Mr. WALKER, H.R. 8292. A bill to amend the Water Re- Texas, Mr. GAETZ, Mr. COLLINS of Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana, Mrs. sources Reform and Development Act of 2014 Georgia, Mr. GUEST, and Mr. KEL- LESKO, Mr. GREEN of Tennessee, Mr. with respect to the application of the Spill LER): JOYCE of Pennsylvania, Mr. CREN- Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure H.R. 8301. A bill to withhold a percentage SHAW, Mr. GUEST, Mr. BISHOP of rule to certain farms, and for other purposes; of Federal funding from State and local pros- North Carolina, Mr. VAN DREW, and to the Committee on Transportation and In- ecutors who fail to faithfully prosecute Mr. GARCIA of California): frastructure. crimes related to protests and riots; to the H.R. 8309. A bill to authorize certain au- By Mr. CROW (for himself, Mrs. HAYES, Committee on the Judiciary. thorities of the Department of Homeland Se- Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mrs. By Mr. LEVIN of Michigan (for himself curity, and for other purposes; to the Com- TRAHAN, and Mr. TIPTON): and Ms. BONAMICI): mittee on Homeland Security, and in addi- H.R. 8293. A bill to ensure that Federal H.R. 8302. A bill to promote the further- tion to the Committees on the Judiciary, work-study funding is available for students ance of standards necessary to safeguard the Ways and Means, Transportation and Infra- enrolled in residency programs for teachers, welfare of apprentices; to the Committee on structure, Oversight and Reform, Energy and principals, or school leaders, and for other Education and Labor. Commerce, Foreign Affairs, and House Ad- purposes; to the Committee on Education By Mr. LUCAS (for himself and Mr. ministration, for a period to be subsequently and Labor. MCNERNEY): determined by the Speaker, in each case for By Mrs. DAVIS of California (for her- H.R. 8303. A bill to establish and support consideration of such provisions as fall with- self, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. NOR- the Quantum User Expansion for Science and in the jurisdiction of the committee con- CROSS, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. LEVIN of Technology Program at the Department of cerned. Michigan, Ms. SCHRIER, Ms. WILD, Energy and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. ROGERS of Alabama (for him- Mr. SABLAN, Ms. FUDGE, Mrs. HAYES, mittee on Science, Space, and Technology. self, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. Mrs. TRAHAN, Mr. TRONE, Mr. By Mr. MALINOWSKI (for himself and RESCHENTHALER, Mr. HIGGINS of Lou- DESAULNIER, and Ms. UNDERWOOD): Mr. GALLAGHER): isiana, and Mr. JOYCE of Pennsyl- H.R. 8294. A bill to amend the National Ap- H.R. 8304. A bill to prohibit the disburse- vania): prenticeship Act and expand the national ap- ment of funds to entities owned or controlled H.R. 8310. A bill to amend the Homeland prenticeship system to include apprentice- by individuals with executive or managerial Security Act of 2002 to provide for enhanced ships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-appren- authority over the operations of political visa security, and for other purposes; to the ticeship registered under such Act, to pro- committees, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition mote the furtherance of labor standards nec- Committee on House Administration. to the Committees on Homeland Security, essary to safeguard the welfare of appren- By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida (for her- and Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subse- tices, and for other purposes; to the Com- self, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Ms. TORRES quently determined by the Speaker, in each mittee on Education and Labor, and in addi- SMALL of New Mexico, Mr. MCADAMS, case for consideration of such provisions as tion to the Committee on the Judiciary, for Mr. O’HALLERAN, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee a period to be subsequently determined by Mr. ROSE of New York, and Mr. BRIN- concerned. the Speaker, in each case for consideration DISI): By Mr. ROSE of New York: of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- H.R. 8305. A bill to provide that Members H.R. 8311. A bill to require a report regard- tion of the committee concerned. of Congress shall not be paid if Congress has ing the potential impacts of any changes to By Ms. DELAURO (for herself, Mr. not approved a concurrent resolution on the the risk-rating methodology for the National COLE, Ms. JACKSON LEE, and Mr. budget and passed the regular appropriations Flood Insurance Program of the Federal THOMPSON of Mississippi): bills on a timely basis, to eliminate auto- Emergency Management Agency before im- H.R. 8295. A bill to authorize the Secretary matic pay adjustments for Members of Con- plementation, and for other purposes; to the of Education to make grants to support edu- gress, to prohibit the use of funds provided Committee on Financial Services.

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A resolution expressing sup- Article 1 Section 8 Clause 1 Act to prohibit the emission of any green- port for designation of the week of Sep- By Mr. CLEAVER: house gas in any quantity from any new tember 21 through 26, 2020, as National Adult H.R. 8291. electric utility steam generating unit, and Education and Family Literacy Week; to the Congress has the power to enact this legis- for other purposes; to the Committee on En- Committee on Education and Labor. lation pursuant to the following: ergy and Commerce, and in addition to the f Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution. Committees on Natural Resources, and For- By Mr. CRAWFORD: eign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY H.R. 8292. determined by the Speaker, in each case for STATEMENT Congress has the power to enact this legis- consideration of such provisions as fall with- lation pursuant to the following: in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Article I of the US Constitution cerned. the Rules of the House of Representa- By Mr. CROW: By Ms. WILD (for herself, Mr. COSTA, tives, the following statements are sub- H.R. 8293. Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. HAALAND, Ms. mitted regarding the specific powers Congress has the power to enact this legis- SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. granted to Congress in the Constitu- lation pursuant to the following: MCGOVERN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. JOHNSON of tion to enact the accompanying bill or Clause 18 of section 8 of Article 1 of the Georgia, Mr. LEVIN of Michigan, Ms. joint resolution. Constitution. LEE of California, Ms. NORTON, Mr. By Mrs. DAVIS of California: RASKIN, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mr. POCAN, By Mr. MCHENRY: H.R. 8294. Ms. OMAR, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. GOMEZ, H.R. 8280. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Ms. OCASIO-CORTEZ, Mr. DANNY K. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: DAVIS of Illinois, and Ms. BONAMICI): lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 8313. A bill to suspend the provision of Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 To regulate granted to Congress under Article 1, Section security assistance to the Philippines until commerce with foreign Nations, and among 8 of the United States Constitution. the Government of the Philippines has made the several States, and with the Indian By Ms. DELAURO: certain reforms to the military and police By Mr. CLYBURN: H.R. 8295. forces, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 8281. Congress has the power to enact this legis- mittee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: the Committee on Financial Services, for a lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, clause 3 provides Con- period to be subsequently determined by the Article 1, Section 8 of the United States gress with the power to ‘‘regulate commerce Speaker, in each case for consideration of Constitution with foreign nations, and among the several such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- By Mr. BUCK: states, and with the Indian tribes.’’ tion of the committee concerned. H.R. 8282. By Mr. GALLAGHER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. GOSAR (for himself, Mr. GIBBS, H.R. 8296. Mr. YOHO, Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the United States vania, Mr. FULCHER, Mrs. LESKO, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: Constitution. BANKS, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. ROY, Mr. Article 1, Section 8 By Mr. LATTA: GRIFFITH, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, By Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio: H.R. 8283. Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. PERRY, H.R. 8297. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. DESJARLAIS, Mr. BIGGS, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: BISHOP of North Carolina, Mr. GAETZ, lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mr. MASSIE, Mr. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- States Constitution LAMBORN, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. HICE of stitution stating that Congress has the au- By Mr. PALMER: Georgia, Mr. RICE of South Carolina, thority to ‘‘make all laws which shall be nec- Mr. WALTZ, Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. H.R. 8284. Congress has the power to enact this legis- essary and proper for carrying into execution DUNCAN, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: the foregoing powers, and all other powers STEUBE, Mr. TIPTON, Mr. GROTHMAN, Article I, Section VII, Clause XVIII vested by this Constitution.’’ Mr. CLINE, Mr. MAST, Mr. GRAVES of By Ms. GABBARD: By Ms. HAALAND: Louisiana, Mr. BUCK, Mr. RIGGLEMAN, H.R. 8285. H.R. 8298. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- BUDD, Mr. WEBER of Texas, and Mr. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: MARSHALL): Constitution Article I, Sec. 8 H. Res. 1119. A resolution expressing sup- The United States Constitution, Article 1, Section 8. By Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota: port for the recognition of Constitution H.R. 8299. Week; to the Committee on Education and By Mr. BANKS: H.R. 8286. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Labor. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. BASS (for herself and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2: ‘‘The Con- SMITH of New Jersey): The constitutional authority of Congress gress shall have power to dispose of and H. Res. 1120. A resolution urging the Gov- make all needful rules and regulations re- ernment of Tanzania and all parties to re- to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- specting the territory or other property be- spect human rights and constitutional rights cle I, section 8 of the United States Constitu- longing to the United States.’’ and ensure free and fair elections in October tion, specifically clause 18 (relating to the By Mr. LANGEVIN: 2020, and recognizing the importance of power to make all laws necessary and proper H.R. 8300. multi-party democracy in Tanzania; to the for carrying out the powers vested in Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Committee on Foreign Affairs. gress). lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LEVIN of Michigan (for him- By Mr. BIGGS: Article I, Section 8 self, Mr. CHABOT, and Mr. ENGEL): H.R. 8287. H. Res. 1121. A resolution urging the Gov- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. LESKO: ernment of Burma to hold free, fair, inclu- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 8301. sive, transparent, participatory, and credible Article 1, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- elections on November 8, 2020; to the Com- By Mr. BISHOP of Utah: lation pursuant to the following: mittee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 8288. The constitutional authority of Congress By Ms. NORTON: Congress has the power to enact this legis- to enact this legislation is provided by Arti- H. Res. 1122. A resolution expressing sup- lation pursuant to the following: cle I, section 8 of the United States Constitu- port for dance as a form of valuable exercise Article IV, Section 3, clause 2 tion, specifically clause 18 (relating to the and of artistic expression, and for the des- By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: power to make all laws necessary and proper ignation of September 19, 2020, as ‘‘National H.R. 8289. for carrying out the powers vested in Con- Dance Day’’; to the Committee on Energy Congress has the power to enact this legis- gress). and Commerce. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LEVIN of Michigan: By Mr. WITTMAN (for himself, Mr. Article I; Section 8; Clause 1 of the Con- H.R. 8302. JEFFRIES, Mrs. LURIA, Mr. stitution states The Congress shall have Congress has the power to enact this legis- FITZPATRICK, Mrs. DINGELL, and Ms. Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Im- lation pursuant to the following: VELA´ ZQUEZ): posts and Excises, to pay the Debts and pro- Article 1, Section 1 of the Constitution. H. Res. 1123. A resolution expressing sup- vide for the common Defence and general By Mr. LUCAS: port for the designation of September 29, Welfare of the United States . . . H.R. 8303.

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Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 4960: Mr. EMMER. lation pursuant to the following: The Congress shall have Power . . . To reg- H.R. 5002: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, ulate Commerce with foreign Nations and WENSTRUP, and Mr. HUFFMAN. Clause 18: among the several States, and with the In- H.R. 5141: Mr. SIRES, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- ‘‘The Congress shall have Power . . . To dian Tribes. ington, Miss RICE of New York, Ms. CLARK of make all Laws which shall be necessary and By Ms. WILD: Massachusetts, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illi- proper for carrying into Execution the fore- H.R. 8313. nois, Mr. KEATING, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. going Powers, and all other Powers vested by Congress has the power to enact this legis- GREEN of Texas, Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL, Ms. this Constitution in the Government of the lation pursuant to the following: HOULAHAN, and Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. United States, or in any Department or Offi- U.S. CON. STAT. Art. 1, Sec. 8, Cl. 1, 3, 18 H.R. 5309: Ms. GARCIA of Texas. cer thereof.’’ H.R. 5534: Mr. HORSFORD, Mr. MCKINLEY, f By Mr. MALINOWSKI: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. TRONE, Mr. H.R. 8304. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS GALLEGO, Mr. THOMPSON of California, and Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. WENSTRUP. lation pursuant to the following: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 5605: Mr. WALDEN, Ms. SHALALA, Ms. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Con- were added to public bills and resolu- ROYBAL-ALLARD, Ms. TITUS, Ms. DEAN, Mr. stitution of the United States tions, as follows: KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida: RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. GAETZ, and H.R. 20: Mr. JACOBS. H.R. 8305. Mrs. MILLER. H.R. 216: Mr. CURTIS and Mr. BACON. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5734: Mrs. HAYES. H.R. 587: Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5877: Ms. PRESSLEY. H.R. 645: Mr. JEFFRIES and Ms. SHERRILL. Article I, Section 6 H.R. 5878: Ms. PRESSLEY. H.R. 733: Mrs. TORRES of California. By Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina: H.R. 5879: Ms. PRESSLEY. H.R. 784: Mr. JACOBS. H.R. 8306. H.R. 5880: Ms. PRESSLEY. H.R. 856: Mr. TIPTON. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5919: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. H.R. 884: Mr. CA´ RDENAS. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5952: Mrs. HARTZLER. H.R. 913: Mr. MCKINLEY and Mr. RUSH. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 5995: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. H.R. 1042: Ms. FUDGE, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. tion H.R. 6210: Mrs. RODGERS of Washington, DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, and Mrs. KIRK- By Mr. PAYNE: Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. WALTZ, Ms. JOHN- PATRICK. H.R. 8307. SON of Texas, and Mr. LOUDERMILK. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1109: Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. H.R. 6644: Mr. WELCH. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1224: Mr. THOMPSON of California and H.R. 6703: Mr. CRAWFORD, Ms. BLUNT ROCH- Article I Section 8 Clause 3—Congress has Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. ESTER, and Mr. SIRES. the ability to regulate Commerce with for- H.R. 1228: Mr. VAN DREW. H.R. 6718: Mr. LYNCH. eign Nations, and among the several States, H.R. 1325: Mr. COOK, Mr. RIGGLEMAN, Mr. H.R. 6733: Mr. CASE and Mr. FOSTER. and with the Indian Tribes. GIBBS, and Mr. GUEST. H.R. 6788: Ms. CRAIG and Mr. NUNES. By Mr. PHILLIPS: H.R. 1597: Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. KEVIN HERN H.R. 6813: Ms. GARCIA of Texas, Mr. H.R. 8308. of Oklahoma, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. LUCAS, and Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- PHILLIPS. PENCE. ´ lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1694: Ms. VELAZQUEZ. H.R. 6866: Ms. GABBARD. Article I, Section 8, clause 18 allows Con- H.R. 1711: Mr. PERLMUTTER. H.R. 7039: Mr. MAST. H.R. 7040: Mr. MAST. gress to make all laws ‘‘which shall be nec- H.R. 1766: Mr. DELGADO, Mr. MCADAMS, and H.R. 7073: Ms. BARRAGA´ N. essary and proper for carrying into execu- Mr. MAST. H.R. 7136: Mr. KILDEE. tion’’ any ‘‘other’’ powers vested by the Con- H.R. 1911: Mrs. LEE of Nevada. H.R. 7231: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 2279: Mr. TONKO, Mr. GUEST, Mr. and Mr. SPANO. States. MCKINLEY, and Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 7254: Mr. BLUMENAUER and Ms. By Mr. ROGERS of Alabama: H.R. 2393: Mr. COHEN. BONAMICI. H.R. 8309. H.R. 2435: Mr. WOMACK, Mr. TED LIEU of H.R. 7272: Ms. JACKSON LEE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- California, Mrs. DEMINGS, and Mr. COHEN. H.R. 2442: Mrs. DEMINGS, Ms. CLARK of Mas- H.R. 7286: Ms. CLARKE of New York. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 7292: Mr. COOK. sachusetts, Mrs. TORRES of California, Mr. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. H.R. 7308: Mr. LAMB and Ms. CASTOR of SIRES, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. KEATING, Mr. GREEN By Mr. ROGERS of Alabama: Florida. of Texas, Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL, and Mr. H.R. 8310. H.R. 7309: Mr. BLUMENAUER. LARSEN of Washington. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 7443: Mr. STAUBER. H.R. 2477: Mr. SOTO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 7481: Mrs. BUSTOS, Ms. WEXTON, Mr. H.R. 2585: Mr. DESAULNIER. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1—‘‘The Con- MCGOVERN, Mr. GOODEN, Ms. STEFANIK, and H.R. 2594: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. gress shall have power to lay and collect Mr. BOST. H.R. 2653: Ms. DELAURO, Mr. DANNY K. taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the H.R. 7496: Ms. SPEIER. DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. COSTA. debts and provide for the common defense H.R. 7525: Mr. MCGOVERN. OTO and general welfare of the United States; but H.R. 2731: Mr. S . H.R. 7562: Ms. SLOTKIN. all duties, imposts and excises shall be uni- H.R. 3107: Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, Mr. H.R. 7618: Mr. CARTWRIGHT. form throughout the United States;’’ GRIFFITH, Mr. CASE, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- H.R. 7636: Mr. COHEN. Article I, Section 8, Clause 4—‘‘To estab- sissippi, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mrs. HAYES, Mr. H.R. 7642: Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. WATKINS, Mr. lish a uniform rule of naturalization, and DESAULNIER, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. COOPER, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies GARAMENDI. Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. GROTHMAN, Mr. SWALWELL throughout the United States;’’ H.R. 3114: Mr. RUIZ. of California, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. MICHAEL F. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18—‘‘To make H.R. 3563: Ms. JACKSON LEE and Ms. BASS. DOYLE of Pennsylvania, Ms. PRESSLEY, and all laws which shall be necessary and proper H.R. 3572: Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mrs. MILLER. for carrying into execution the foregoing H.R. 3884: Ms. BONAMICI. H.R. 7725: Mr. RICE of South Carolina. powers, and all other powers vested by this H.R. 3975: Mr. BRINDISI, Mr. COHEN, Mr. H.R. 7777: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. Constitution in the government of the GUEST, Mr. MOOLENAAR, and Mr. YOUNG, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mr. BERGMAN, Mr. United States, or in any department or offi- KRISHNAMOORTHI. MOONEY of West Virginia, and Mr. JACOBS. cer thereof.’’ H.R. 4009: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. H.R. 7781: Mr. GRIJALVA. By Mr. ROSE of New York: H.R. 4194: Mr. MALINOWSKI and Mr. SCOTT H.R. 7794: Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. H.R. 8311. of Virginia. H.R. 7806: Mr. HURD of Texas, Ms. KELLY of Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4228: Mr. MCNERNEY. Illinois, Mrs. BUSTOS, Miss RICE of New lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4231: Mr. EMMER. York, and Mr. LONG. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution ‘‘to H.R. 4446: Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mrs. H.R. 7809: Mr. BUCSHON and Mr. GRAVES of make all Laws which shall be necessary and BUSTOS, Mrs. AXNE, Mrs. DEMINGS, and Ms. Georgia. proper for carrying into execution the fore- SPANBERGER. H.R. 7868: Mr. KILDEE. going powers and all other Powers vested by H.R. 4476: Mr. KHANNA and Mr. BEYER. H.R. 7876: Mrs. NAPOLITANO and Ms. this Constitution in the Government of the H.R. 4554: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. KUSTER of New Hampshire. United States, or any Department or Officer H.R. 4722: Mr. HORSFORD. H.R. 7896: Mr. MOOLENAAR. thereof.’’ H.R. 4738: Mr. MEUSER. H.R. 7926: Mr. COSTA. By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY: H.R. 4762: Mr. EMMER. H.R. 7947: Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. HASTINGS, H.R. 8312. H.R. 4764: Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. RICE of South Carolina, Mr. MCKINLEY, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4838: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. UPTON, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. CRIST, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4940: Mr. CLEAVER. MULLIN, and Mr. SAN NICOLAS.

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H.R. 7970: Mr. LAMALFA, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, ESTER, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, H. Res. 1024: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Ms. LEE of California, Ms. BROWNLEY of Cali- Ms. DELAURO, and Mr. DOGGETT. H. Res. 1057: Mrs. HAYES. fornia, Ms. BARRAGA´ N, and Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 8194: Mr. EVANS. H. Res. 1078: Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 8017: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas, Ms. H.R. 8201: Mr. CLINE, Mr. BIGGS, and Mr. WILD, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SERRANO, WILLIAMS. H. Res. 1083: Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. BONAMICI, Mrs. WATSON H.R. 8202: Mr. HUDSON. H. Res. 1099: Mr. TED LIEU of California and COLEMAN, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, and Mr. H.R. 8236: Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. MAST, and Mr. Mr. PHILLIPS. THOMPSON of Mississippi. STEUBE. H. Res. 1100: Mr. COHEN and Mr. H.R. 8030: Ms. STEFANIK and Mr. JACOBS. H.R. 8242: Mr. HIGGINS of New York. FITZPATRICK. H.R. 8031: Ms. STEFANIK and Mr. JACOBS. H.R. 8249: Ms. MENG, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. H.R. 8053: Mr. PHILLIPS. HASTINGS, and Ms. CLARKE of New York. H. Res. 1110: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, H.R. 8082: Mr. KELLER. H.R. 8254: Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. MARSHALL, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. CURTIS, H.R. 8091: Mr. PHILLIPS. H.R. 8264: Mr. BIGGS and Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, H.R. 8117: Mr. GOSAR, Mr. HICE of Georgia, H.R. 8266: Ms. PLASKETT, Ms. BROWNLEY of Mr. RYAN, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mrs. BUSTOS, and Mr. NORMAN. California, Mr. MALINOWSKI, and Mr. LARSEN Mr. COOPER, Mr. GOTTHEIMER, Mr. BUCK, Mr. H.R. 8150: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas, Ms. STE- of Washington. BRADY, Mr. YOHO, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. SENSEN- VENS, Mr. COOPER, Mr. RYAN, Mr. LEVIN of H.R. 8273: Mr. FLEISCHMANN. BRENNER, Mr. HARRIS, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. California, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mrs. WAT- H. Con. Res. 20: Mr. PHILLIPS. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. ARRINGTON, Mr. SON COLEMAN, and Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H. Con. Res. 27: Mr. KEVIN HERN of Okla- BOST, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. COSTA, Mr. MCCLIN- H.R. 8169: Mr. COHEN. homa, Mr. MARCHANT, and Mr. CONNOLLY. TOCK, Mr. GUEST, Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY H.R. 8179: Mr. GROTHMAN and Ms. GABBARD. H. Res. 114: Mr. HARDER of California. of New York, Mr. SIMPSON, Mr. PAPPAS, Mrs. H.R. 8181: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mrs. H. Res. 697: Mr. CURTIS, Mr. LOWENTHAL, MURPHY of Florida, Mr. GREEN of Tennessee, HAYES, and Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Mr. COHEN, Mr. MAST, and Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. BURCHETT, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, and H.R. 8192: Ms. WILSON of Florida, Mrs. H. Res. 746: Mrs. MILLER. Mr. BALDERSON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, Mr. H. Res. 823: Mr. GALLEGO. LOWENTHAL, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. ROYBAL- H. Res. 835: Ms. SPEIER. H. Res. 1112: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. ALLARD, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. H. Res. 854: Ms. PRESSLEY. H. Res. 1115: Mr. KINZINGER and Mr. BUR- DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. BLUNT ROCH- H. Res. 1022: Mr. CASE. GESS.

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Vol. 166 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 No. 161 Senate The Senate met at 9:45 a.m. and was Then he won, and it is the Democrats held a press conference yesterday called to order by the President pro who have refused to accept the result. afternoon that was so callous, so unin- tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). They sought to delegitimize the elec- formed, so egomaniacal, so divisive f tion, citing Russia’s meddling or ques- that I am compelled to respond to it tioning our Presidential election sys- this morning. PRAYER tem. On Inauguration Day, you know We are in the middle of a global pan- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- the famous Washington Post headline demic that has killed nearly 200,000 fered the following prayer: said it all: ‘‘The campaign to impeach Americans, far more than the number Let us pray. President Trump has begun.’’ He was of Americans who died in World War Eternal God, who makes us one, use President about 1 hour at that time. I—more than any other Nation on our lawmakers today as agents of rec- In fact, we now know that efforts to God’s green Earth, more than countries onciliation. Lord, give them the wis- fabricate a Russia collusion narrative with larger populations, and more than dom to build bridges that will enable were already under way well before the countries with mere fractions of our diverse people to accomplish Your pur- President was inaugurated. The same wealth and power. poses on Earth. Lord, inspire our Sen- people are again fretting that Presi- Here is how the President spoke ators with such oneness of spirit and dent Trump might not somehow accept about the number of American deaths resolve that they will provide our Na- the election results if he loses. And, of yesterday at his press conference: tion with a model of cooperation. Re- course, under our Constitution, no If you take the blue states out, we’re at a mind them of the wisdom of Matthew President has any option but to accept level that I don’t think anybody in the world 12:25, which states that a house divided those results because the term ends on would be at . . . [If you take the blue states against itself cannot stand. January 20. out,] we’re really at a very low level. Lord, we thank You for giving Sen- But can’t we also ask the alter- Yes, Mr. President, if you don’t count ator GRASSLEY another birthday. native? What if President Trump does the total number of Americans who We pray in Your unifying Name. win? Well, this was the advice from have died, you might think it is not so Amen. Hillary Clinton to former Vice Presi- bad. If you close your eyes and pretend f dent Biden: that Biden ‘‘should not that half of the country doesn’t exist, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE concede under any circumstances.’’ maybe some might think you didn’t do The President pro tempore led the So will the Democrats respect the such a spectacularly awful job. Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: election results this time? What kind of person looks at the I yield the floor. number of dead citizens in the country I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repub- I suggest the absence of a quorum. he is supposed to lead, and in an at- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tempt to glamorize himself, dismisses indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. clerk will call the roll. every American who died in a State The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. The legislative clerk proceeded to that didn’t support the President po- HYDE-SMITH). The Senator from Iowa. call the roll. litically? What a disgrace. It is mon- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I strous. There is not a shred of empa- ask unanimous consent to speak for 1 ask unanimous consent that the order thy, not an ounce of sorrow. What kind minute in morning business. for the quorum call be rescinded. of President do we have? The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The President just wants you to see a objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. graph about how his catastrophic fail- f f ure to fight COVID–19 could have been worse. ELECTIONS RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY I suggest President Trump spend Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, LEADER some time reading the stories of the first of all, I thank the chaplain for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The men and women across the country happy birthday that was part of the Democratic leader is recognized. who have passed away from this ter- prayer. So they heard it in Heaven, as f rible virus. well as throughout the United States. This isn’t about a number. Oh, no, it Before the 2016 election, Democrats PRESIDENT TRUMP is about the people families and com- speculated very feverishly: Would Don- Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, munities have lost, whether they be in ald Trump accept the results of the this morning I was planning to address red States or blue States. Many of election of 2016? a number of topics, but the President these families have been unable to hold

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S5681

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.000 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 funeral services to properly mourn just around the corner. He said you government and leadership that is their loved ones for fear of spreading will see it in 2 weeks, just like he told completely antithetical to everything COVID to another member of their FOX News in July when he said he the word ‘‘leadership’’ means. family. That is why these remarks by would sign a healthcare plan in 2 Promise big, deliver zero, deliver the President are so horrific. weeks, a full and complete healthcare small. That is President Trump’s view What does the outcome of an election plan, and again in August, just 2 weeks of government. Boast when you don’t determine if these lives should be away—just like his infrastructure bill, have any responsibility; shrink from it counted? Isn’t that awful? Why does a new middle-class tax cut, lower pre- when you do. That is President the outcome of an election determine if scription drug costs, a new stimulus Trump’s view of public service. these lives should be counted? Does he package, a report on COVID–19’s im- It has diminished our institutions mean that the loss of Americans who pact on minorities, and new COVID and our democracy. He has cost our lived in States with Democratic Gov- tests, all of which the President said country its moral standing in the ernors shouldn’t count? If that is the would be ‘‘2 weeks’’ away but, in fact, world; he has threatened the future of case, President Trump is saying that never materialized, not in 2 weeks, not our planet; and he has cost Americans the deaths of David Pickman of Som- ever. their healthcare, their jobs, and their erset, CT; and Patrick McNamee of Yp- He must think the American people lives. But it is not so bad if you don’t silanti, MI; and Virgil Sutton of Dallas, are chumps that he can say anything count the numbers. NC, don’t count—don’t count. How he wants with no accountability, not I yield the floor. about Ralph Davis, the high school bas- do it, and then do it again and again I suggest the absence of a quorum. ketball coach in Milwaukee, WI? Did and again. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The his life not count because he lived in a For centuries, American Presidents clerk will call the roll. State with a Democratic Governor? have faced challenges with honor and The senior assistant legislative clerk What kind of demented person would with courage. They have stepped up to proceeded to call the roll. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, say that those American lives don’t the podium and used their bully pulpit I ask unanimous consent that the order count? to give honor to American lives. But for the quorum call be rescinded. The President also said: ‘‘But some of when this President, President Trump, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without those states, they were blue States and stands at that great podium, he reveals objection, it is so ordered. blue-state managed.’’ his cowardice, his callousness, his self- I suppose that means that the life of ishness, his ignorance, and, most of all, f Dennis Wilson shouldn’t count because his insistence on dividing us. His in- RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY he was an educator in Lenexa, KS. If ability and unwillingness to unite a LEADER only Mr. Wilson had lived 17 miles east grieving nation will be his legacy. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- in the Hickman Hills neighborhood of When Donald Trump took the stage jority leader is recognized. Kansas City, MO, maybe the President at the 2016 National Republican Con- f would think his life should have count- vention, he painted a false portrait of a ed. country in crisis, and declared, ‘‘I CORONAVIRUS How about Captain Doug Hickok? If alone can fix it.’’ Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, he lived—I don’t know—in Cheyenne, Four years later, the country faces our Democratic colleagues have sought WY, I suppose the President might actual crises—the greatest economic to spend this week discussing election have valued his life. Unfortunately for crisis in 75 years, the greatest public security. Well, they really have sought Captain Hickok, he lived 1,700 miles health crisis in a century—and Presi- to discuss absolutely anything besides east in Bangor, PA, so President dent Trump now says: ‘‘It is what it pandemic relief since their leaders are Trump says his life isn’t worth count- is.’’ still blocking bipartisan negotiations ing. ‘‘Could you have done more to stop that could actually get a result. Maybe I am giving the President too it?’’ So our friends across the aisle have much credit. You never really know ‘‘I don’t think so,’’ he says. tried to change the subject to election what the heck he means when he talks. ‘‘If you take the blue States out. . . . security or immigration from Ven- So it is possible that his definition of We’re really at a very low level.’’ ezuela or anything besides the hun- blue States isn’t limited to States with ‘‘I don’t take any responsibility at dreds of billions of dollars in relief Democratic Governors. Maybe his defi- all.’’ they have been filibustering. nition of blue States includes States ‘‘It’s going to disappear.’’ But the integrity of our democracy is with more Democrats than Republicans ‘‘A lot of people think the masks are a crucial issue. We are fewer than 50 in their congressional delegations. no good.’’ days from November 3. Every voter de- That would mean Valentina ‘‘[W]hen it gets a little warmer, it serves to know their State and local Blackhorse’s life didn’t count because miraculously goes away.’’ authorities are as well equipped as pos- she lived in Kayenta, AZ, nor would ‘‘I see the disinfectant, [where it] sible to oversee fair, safe, and secure the life of a Des Moines toddler who knocks it out in a minute . . . and is elections. died from COVID in June. there a way [we] can do something like So let’s discuss the progress made What kind of demented person would that, by injection?’’ since back in 2016, the threats still be- make that calculation? President ‘‘I’m not a doctor, but I’m, like, a fore us, and how it is when this non- Trump, that is who. person that has a good, you know partisan issue gets hijacked—literally Of course, there is no bottom with what.’’ hijacked—for partisan point-scoring. President Trump. He is so contemp- This man, who said all these ridicu- Here is how the Democratic vice tuous of every virtue, so dishonorable, lous, harmful things, is leading the chair of the Intelligence Committee de- so dishonest that the vices parade country through the worst public scribed our vulnerability to foreign in- themselves forward one after another. health crisis in a century. fluence in 2016 during the Obama-Biden At the press conference after his dis- Americans don’t have to ask them- administration. This is the Democratic gusting comments about ignoring selves, as Reagan once asked, if they vice chairman of the Intelligence Com- American lives from blue States, Presi- are better off now than 4 years ago. mittee about 2016. He said: ‘‘We were dent Trump lied, once again, about his President Trump has told everyone ex- caught flat-footed.’’ ‘‘We were caught support for Americans with preexisting actly what the score is. flat-footed.’’ conditions, a lie he has told and retold When Donald Trump said he was run- That administration’s relationships while his administration is in court ning for office, he said: ‘‘I alone can fix with State governments were dysfunc- suing to eliminate those very protec- it.’’ When Donald Trump is running the tional; information sharing was weak; tions. country during the worst pandemic in cross-sector partnerships hardly ex- Don’t worry, though. President this century, he says: ‘‘It is what it is.’’ isted; and 8 years of weak foreign pol- Trump promised that a brandnew, fan- Five words. Both times, five words. icy had emboldened Putin to push the tastic Republican healthcare plan is Five words that sum up an approach to envelope.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.002 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5683 Now, for the last 4 years, thanks to On a monthly basis, we have heard RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME the actions of this Senate and the lead- new, hysterical pronouncements that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under ership of the current administration, a our democracy was on death’s door. the previous order, the leadership time huge number of dedicated experts have Even sensitive intelligence became is reserved. worked hard to improve our defenses grist for the partisan mill. f and regain America’s trust. This has not been universal. There In 2016, the Department of Homeland CONCLUSION OF MORNING has been good bipartisan work in some BUSINESS Security was on an island, but under committees, but the Democratic lead- this administration, DHS officials have ership appeared to make a conscious The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning built partnerships with State and local choice: Instead of treating election se- business is closed. officials who run our elections and curity like the unifying, bipartisan f stood up massive intelligence-sharing issue it ought to be, they would use it EXECUTIVE SESSION efforts that connect them with Federal as a partisan cudgel to hit the other authorities, the intelligence commu- side, playing right into our adversaries’ nity, as well as the private sector. hands. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR In 2016, the outgoing administration The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under hid their limited grasp of the threat This week, the Democratic leader at- the previous order, the Senate will pro- from Congress and the American peo- tacked Republicans and basically ques- ceed to executive session to resume ple. The Trump administration and in- tioned our patriotism because we did consideration of the following nomina- telligence experts have been far, far not rush to meet his latest demands for empty theatrics. He proposes to crowd tion, which the clerk will report. more transparent. The senior assistant legislative clerk In 2016, only 14 State or local au- out 4 years of bipartisan work from ac- read the nomination of Franklin thorities had high-tech sensors to de- tual committees by inventing a brandnew Senate committee and pull Ulyses Valderrama, of Illinois, to be tect cyberattacks. Now all 50 States— United States District Judge for the all of them—have them. The Trump ad- experts off the frontlines during the home stretch for theatrical hearings Northern District of Illinois. ministration has imposed real pain on The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- here on Capitol Hill. Russia: closing consulates, expelling jority whip. spies, sanctioning oligarchs and agents He says we must allocate more HOT SPRINGS VA FACILITY of influence, and equipping neighbors money. Never mind that the millions Mr. THUNE. Madam President, that are threatened by Moscow to deter and millions of dollars we have already South Dakota’s veterans and the Hot further aggression. set aside remain unspent. He proposes Springs community are currently cele- Here in the Senate, multiple commit- that the administration pull experts off brating the VA’s announcement that it tees have become major players in this the frontlines to continue briefing him. has begun the process of rescinding its effort. Our colleagues on the Intel- Never mind that ODNI alone has sup- order to close the Hot Springs VA facil- ligence Committee spent, literally, ported 53 election security briefings to ity. This was a hard-fought victory in a years producing their 5-part, 1,300-plus- Congress since 2018—53 election secu- battle that we weren’t always sure we page report on what happened back in rity briefings to Congress since 2018. I would win. It started almost a decade 2016. Some of their bipartisan rec- am sure 54 will be the magic number ago, in 2011, when the Obama adminis- ommendations are already taking ef- that finally makes our colleague a rea- tration announced its plans to re- fect. sonable voice on this issue. align—when I say ‘‘realign,’’ reclose— And then there is funding. The Sen- The truth is, briefings are ongoing; the Hot Springs VA facility. ate has led the efforts to set aside more I was well aware of what the Hot than $1 billion in extra election assist- the Intelligence and Armed Services Committees will be briefed this week; Springs facility means to South Da- ance, from foreign interference to kota veterans and to the entire Hot COVID–19. Through the end of the pri- and all Senators will have access to written intelligence analysis by career Springs community, and I determined maries, more than 70 percent of the that there wasn’t going to be a closure huge sum we provided in the CARES professionals if new developments arise since last month’s all-Senate briefings. if I could help it. I knew that closing Act is still unspent. As recently as a the Hot Springs facility would put ac- few months ago, more than 60 percent The Democratic leader’s demands cessible care out of the reach of a lot of of the first tranche we provided all the aren’t solutions. These aren’t what the rural and Tribal veterans—not only way back in fiscal 2018 was still experts say we need; they are just rural and Tribal South Dakota vet- unspent. So we have made sure money empty gestures concocted so the Demo- erans but rural and Tribal veterans is not an obstacle. cratic leader can complain that Repub- from neighboring Wyoming and Ne- So these threats are still with us, and licans hate democracy and apple pie braska who depend on the Hot Springs they have evolved. Not only Russia but when we don’t go along with them. facility for care. also China, Iran, and other adversaries So remember, fear and division, re- Traveling to Rapid City and Fort are looking constantly for ways to duced confidence in our democracy, Meade for care, as the VA proposed, interfere in our politics, divide Ameri- Americans divided against ourselves: would be a real hardship, if not an im- cans, and erode confidence in our insti- that is exactly what Russia wants—ex- possibility, for many of these veterans. tutions. That is a fact. actly. That is what China wants too. I also strongly disagreed with moving The work goes on, but we certainly That is just what our adversaries want not only medical care but the vital aren’t flat-footed any longer. This to achieve, and it is exactly what the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Pro- progress should be cause for bipartisan Democratic leader helps them achieve gram from Hot Springs. Not only would celebration, but one side of the aisle when he turns a bipartisan national this put the program out of reach of seems to prefer pretending—pre- issue that should unite us into one some veterans, I believed it was also a tending—there hasn’t been any more pretext for partisan finger-point- mistake to remove a tremendously ef- progress at all. ing. fective program from the place where Frankly, while nonpartisan experts it has been so successful and try to re- Our colleague from New York said re- worked around the clock to fight our constitute it elsewhere. adversaries’ destabilizing efforts, too cently that ‘‘Republicans are the I got to work in Congress, along with many Democrats have been under- enemy of the good.’’ No, Republicans other Members of the South Dakota mining America’s confidence in our de- and Democrats are not enemies. No fel- delegation. My first priority was sim- mocracy to the degree that those ad- low Americans are enemies. ply trying to get Hot Springs’ veterans versaries could only dream of: baseless Our people, our democracy, have real a hearing with the VA. accusations that the last election was enemies in some corners of the world. I In 2016, after years of trying, we per- stolen; casual assertions that this one, expect they are absolutely thrilled to suaded then-VA Secretary Bob McDon- too, must be illegitimate if they don’t hear our own politicians talking that ald to visit Hot Springs. Unfortu- win. way. nately, the visit didn’t work, and soon

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.004 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5684 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 after the Secretary signed an order fi- Agriculture is the lifeblood of my I yield the floor. nalizing the decision to close the ma- home State of South Dakota, and mak- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- jority of the facility. ing sure our ag producers have what ator from Kansas. The battle wasn’t over. In 2014, I had they need to keep feeding our Nation— Mr. ROBERTS. Madam President, I succeeded in attaching a measure to an and the world—is one of my top prior- want to thank Senator THUNE for his appropriations legislation prohibiting ities here in Washington. very pertinent and cogent remarks. the closure of the Hot Springs facility During debate on the CARES Act— This is an important time to make a until a national VA realignment strat- our largest coronavirus relief bill to decision that affects all farmers and egy was proposed. In each year, with date—I fought to make sure that we in- ranchers and growers all across our appreciation to the Appropriations cluded relief for farmers and ranchers. country during a time in which we are Committee, I have managed to renew The final bill included $14 billion for going through some very difficult this measure. And after a new VA Sec- the Commodity Credit Corporation, times—weather and everything else retary—Secretary Robert Wilkie—took plus an additional $9.5 billion in emer- that you can imagine. the helm, I repeatedly urged him to gency support to allow the Department I see Senator ERNST over there, who come to Hot Springs and to check out of Agriculture to provide income and will be following me, I am assuming. our facility for himself. Early this price support for farmers and ranchers. I want to thank Senator HOEVEN for year, the Secretary announced that he USDA has been putting these re- reserving this time, as other members would visit the facility in March. sources to work to provide assistance of the Agricultural Committee come I then organized a letter with the to producers in South Dakota and and speak on an issue that we rest of the South Dakota delegation across the country who were affected shouldn’t really be having an issue. strongly urging the Secretary to make by the pandemic, and they have been a As I said, I rise to engage in a col- time to sit down with Hot Springs vet- lifeline to many farmers. But more loquy on the importance of providing erans and other stakeholders and listen needs to be done to support our Na- certainty and predictability. Those to their concerns about the planned tion’s agriculture industry. And part of were the watch words we used when we closure. To our great gratitude, the doing that is funding the Commodity passed the farm bill. To our Nation’s Secretary agreed. Credit Corporation in the continuing farmers, ranchers, and growers, by re- Early in Secretary Wilkie’s visit to resolution—the appropriations measure plenishing the Commodity Credit Cor- Hot Springs on March 2, I requested that hopefully Congress will be consid- poration, there should not be an issue. that he revisit the order to close the ering soon. First, I would like to thank Senator facility signed over 3 years ago. A bit The Commodity Credit Corporation HOEVEN, who has just arrived on the to our surprise and much to our relief, ensures that USDA has the resources it floor, for his leadership and speaking the Secretary agreed, reassuring us needs to provide assistance through to this issue, and other Senators for that the Hot Springs VA would remain farm programs, including the programs their commitment to agriculture in open for our veterans. included in the bipartisan 2018 farm That meeting with veterans was piv- their respective States and across the bill—commodity programs like the Ag- country. No matter what they grow or otal. I worked hard in Congress—along riculture Risk Coverage, we call it the with other Members of the South Da- where they live, farmers, ranchers, and ARC Program; the Price Loss Cov- growers have done their part to ensure kota delegation—to keep the Hot erage, what we call the PLC Program; Springs facility open. But the cam- the U.S. food, fiber, and fuel supply and Marketing Assistance Loans; dairy continues without disruption during paign would never have succeeded programs like the Dairy Margin pro- without the passion of Hot Springs vet- these unprecedented times. grams; disaster programs, like the I think everybody is familiar with erans and the Hot Springs community, Livestock Forage Disaster Program; which rallied in support of the facility the situation. Every 5 years, Congress and the Livestock Indemnity Program. passes legislation that sets the na- and have proposed innovative ideas for These programs are a critical part of tional agriculture, nutrition, conserva- the campus’s future. And meeting with farmers and ranchers’ safety net, and tion, and forestry policy—commonly these veterans and other stakeholders we need to ensure that they are fully referred to as the farm bill. That is our and hearing their thoughts and stories funded. played a major role in Secretary Later this morning, my colleague commitment, and we did that. These are for the folks on the frontlines, in Wilkie’s decision. Senator HOEVEN from North Dakota Now, 2020 has been a tough year. But will be hosting a colloquy to draw at- the fields, caring for livestock, man- even in tough times, good things can tention to the need to get USDA the aging the lands day in and day out, de- happen. And last week’s announcement resources it requires to help our agri- spite all the weather problems we are that the VA has begun the formal proc- culture producers weather this crisis. I having today. As chairman of this committee—the ess of rescinding its order to close the appreciate Senator HOEVEN’s work to Hot Springs facility, expected to take highlight this issue, and I hope my Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and 30 to 60 days, has given a lot of us rea- Democratic colleagues will hear agri- Forestry Committee—we were success- son for gratitude. I am thankful to Sec- culture producers’ concerns. ful in passing the 2018 farm bill in a bi- retary Wilkie for taking a real look at I see my colleague, the chairman of partisan manner. Everybody says: Oh, South Dakota veterans’ concerns and the Agriculture Committee—the com- we have to work together to get back reversing the VA’s decision to close the mittee on which I serve—is here as well to where we were bipartisan. We were. facility. And I look forward to cele- to talk about these issues and to point Eighty-seven Members in this Chamber brating with South Dakota veterans to the need to ensure that we are doing voted in favor of this legislation. the next time I am in Hot Springs—or, everything we can to support our Na- That vote demonstrated that the 2018 as a lot of us know it, the ‘‘Veterans tion’s farmers and ranchers during this farm bill did provide much certainty Town.’’ time of incredible challenge. and predictability to all farmers and AGRICULTURE I look forward to working with the ranchers across all regions and all Mr. President, while most sectors of chairman of the Ag Committee and our crops. However, it is no secret that our economy were thriving before the other colleagues from our agriculture times continue to remain tough in coronavirus pandemic hit, farmers and States—many of whom will be here mo- farm country. Farmers and ranchers ranchers were struggling. Low prices, mentarily to talk about this issue—to continue to experience low commodity extended trade disputes, and natural help our ranchers and farmers face prices, a global pandemic, natural dis- disasters had meant a lot of tough few down the challenges that are in front asters, and the effects of retaliatory years for agriculture producers even of them. tariffs. That is a terrible combination. before the arrival of the coronavirus. I urge my Democratic colleagues to The 2018 farm bill does provide essen- Yesterday, I held virtual meetings work with Republicans to make sure tial programs to producers that allow with South Dakota farmers and ranch- that USDA has the resources it needs them to mitigate some of the risks— ers and heard firsthand about the chal- to support our agricultural producers— some of the risks—that are outside lenges they are facing because of the the men and women who feed not only their control. Many of these programs pandemic. this country but the entire world. are implemented through the authority

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.005 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5685 and the annual funding Congress pro- ranchers. We are here in a very posi- Mrs. FISCHER. I want to thank my vides to Commodity Credit Corpora- tive, encouraging way, and it is to colleague from North Dakota. tion, or the CCC. make the point that we need to get as- It is so appropriate, Madam Presi- I want to stress to my colleagues sistance to our farmers and ranchers. dent, that you are in the chair right that now is not the time for partisan We have some of that available. We now presiding because you are a cattle gamesmanship. If Congress does not re- have about $14 billion that we secured farmer from the great State of Mis- plenish the CCC, it could significantly in the CARES Act that is ready to go sissippi, and we have many, many dis- harm or even halt these important pro- out. It is ready to go. cussions on the importance of livestock grams. I can’t imagine doing that. We have done a ton of work with the and on the importance of agriculture Farmers, ranchers, and others in farm USDA. We want to thank the Ag Sec- to our States. country are counting on us to do our retary, Sonny Perdue. Georgia is an- Nebraska is an ag State. In 2018, Ne- job. In fact, we have heard loud and other ag State. His whole team worked braska generated around $21.3 billion in clear from over 40 different organiza- hard on this. We worked hard with agricultural cash receipts. Agriculture tions representing farmers, ranchers, him. and ag processing accounts for 9.4 per- and other rural stakeholders across the That $14 billion needs to get out to cent of the State’s GDP. The agri- country that the CCC must be reim- our farmers and ranchers and across culture production complex accounts bursed before the end of the fiscal year. the country. It really touches just for approximately one-quarter of our I want to say this and make this em- about every State. GDP workforce. By these measures, ag- phatically clear: Failure to do so would Then we need to replenish the Com- riculture plays a greater role in my result in delays of the 2018 farm bill modity Credit Corporation, the CCC. I State of Nebraska than it does in the programs. We are talking about other chair Ag Appropriations. I work with economy of any other State in the programs because of COVID–19 and the that every year. There is about $30 bil- United States. When agriculture suf- pandemic and all of that. But even dur- lion, year in and year out, that goes in fers, Nebraska suffers. ing a global pandemic, U.S. farmers it. This is not a new thing. This is Over the last several years, our farm- and ranchers continue to hold up their something we do every year. We need ers and ranchers have done their fair end of the bargain by producing their to get that done now in the CR so we share of suffering. As my colleague crops for the world’s safest, most af- can continue to provide that help and mentioned, USDA’s most recent farm fordable food supply. The least we can support for our farmers and our ranch- income projections forecast that cash do is to ensure that the 2018 farm bill— ers. This is what funds the key farm receipts will be at their lowest level in the piece of legislation that received 87 programs. more than a decade. As a rancher, I The countercyclical safety net. Very votes in this body right here in the know it is difficult to plan for the fu- key programs—ARC, AGRIS coverage, Senate—continues to be fully imple- ture when you are facing so many fac- and PLC, price loss coverage—are fund- mented, on time, and without delay. tors that are outside of your control, ed by the CCC. That is just fundable— I hope that we can reach a bipartisan whether it is low commodity prices or that is the heart and soul of the bipar- agreement. This business of at least retaliatory tariffs or natural disasters tisan farm program we passed, as our holding up the CCC funds—I under- that we have gone through and also a Ag chairman just described. It is bipar- stand what people have with regard to global pandemic. tisan, strongly supported in our com- Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers their own top things that they want to mittee, and strongly supported on the have maintained their patience in get accomplished, but holding up the floor of this body, as well as in the these tough times, but they deserve to CCC is not an answer. House. As I say, this funding is the I look forward to working with my know without any kind of doubt that heart and soul of the farm program. It amidst all of this unpredictability they Senate colleagues in a bipartisan way also funds conservation programs and are experiencing, we here in Congress to ensure that we provide farmers and other things. That safety net that our are going to hold up our end of the bar- ranchers with certainty and predict- farmers and ranchers rely on every gain. ability from the 2018 farm bill. year is what is funded through the For decades, the Commodity Credit I thank the distinguished Senator, CCC. That is why we are here today. Mr. HOEVEN, for asking for this time. As our Ag chairman said, we have Corporation has been routinely replen- I yield the floor. over 40 farm groups from across the ished to fund the programs that the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- country that sent a letter to leadership Senator from North Dakota spoke ator from North Dakota. and said: Absolutely, not only move about—those programs that are so im- Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I forward with this aid we are talking portant to the farm safety net. Pro- want to thank our Ag chairman. I want about, the $14 billion we have gotten ducers count on programs like the agri- to thank him for being here today. I through CARES—and I think we are culture risk coverage, price loss cov- want to thank him for his many, many close to getting there again, thanks to erage, marketing assistance loans, the years of service in this body. And most the USDA. I think you will see that important conservation programs, and of all, what I want to thank him for very soon. But absolutely take that so many more. today is his leadership on farm issues, step to replenish the CCC so that we For PLC alone, U.S. farmers are ex- on ag issues, on working on behalf of can continue to provide that counter- pected to receive $4.7 billion in Octo- our farmers and ranchers, and in work- cyclical safety net, that farm program ber. Out of that total, Nebraska farm- ing in a very bipartisan way. That is our farmers and our ranchers depend ers are anticipating $180 million in pro- what he is here doing. on. gram payments. Without that imme- You heard from our whip, the Sen- Remember, this isn’t just about our diate CCC reimbursement, these pay- ator from South Dakota, an ag State. farmers and ranchers. This isn’t just ments and these programs are going to You heard from our Ag chairman, the about good farm policy. In this coun- be significantly delayed. That will Senator from Kansas, an ag State. You try, we have the lowest cost, highest jeopardize the nearly 46,000 farms and are going to hear from other members quality food supply in the world that ranches in my State of Nebraska. of our Ag Committee. You are going to benefits every single American every We have seen more than 40 agri- hear from the Senator from Iowa, an ag single day because of our farmers and culture and commodity groups who State. You are going to hear from Sen- ranchers. That is how important this have stepped forward and written con- ator BOOZMAN from Arkansas, an ag is. gressional leadership this week with a State; from Senator FISCHER, Ne- Let me turn next to my colleagues. I very, very clear message: Blocking the braska, obviously a big farm and ranch am going to turn to the Senator from inclusion of that CCC reimbursement State; the Presiding Officer, I know, Nebraska. She is a cattle rancher. Who in a CR will hurt farmers and ranchers, would be right here speaking with us if better to hear from next than Senator no question. he weren’t presiding—again, an ag FISCHER from Nebraska, a cattle ranch- We need to come together. We need State. er herself? to come together and fund the pro- What this is all about today is mak- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- grams that we, Republicans and Demo- ing sure that we support farmers and ator from Nebraska. crats alike, have voted on in countless

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.006 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5686 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 farm bills. Our farmers and ranchers Folks, since 1987, Congress has re- Credit Corporation to continue financ- rely on them, and they rely on them plenished the CCC back to $30 billion ing these programs. Failure to include now more than ever. Congress must every year. This is not the year to stop. such a provision would pose a serious keep its commitment to these hard- Iowa farmers in particular have been risk to America’s farmers and ranchers working men and women. suffering through COVID–19; plus we in these already challenging times. It I urge my colleagues in the House had a derecho and a drought. The last would cause harmful delays in program and here in the Senate not to allow thing we need is to take away some- funding and benefits at a time when politics to stand in the way of uphold- thing they have come to depend on. many producers across the country ing our commitment to those hard- Madam President, 2020 has been hard simply cannot afford to wait months to working men and women who get up on everyone, and there is no time to recover for these losses. every morning and work tirelessly day play games with our farmers’ futures. I This issue is not just about sup- in and day out to put food on our ta- hope our friends on the other side of porting American agriculture; it is bles. Our producers aren’t thinking of the aisle join us in supporting the re- about Congress living up to its prom- just themselves; they are planning for plenishment of the CCC in the upcom- ises. More than 1.7 million producers future generations that will proudly ing funding bill. signed contracts for the Agriculture carry on their life’s work and continue I yield back to Senator HOEVEN, the Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage feeding our world. Let’s make sure we great Senator from North Dakota. Programs. Millions of private land- continue to fund these programs so Again, my thanks to the Senator and owners have signed conservation con- that we can ensure that they can do all of our farm State participants tracts to take their land out of produc- that. today for joining in the colloquy. tion. These are contracts, and the My thanks to my fellow ag State col- Mr. HOEVEN. I would like to thank terms of those contracts must be met. leagues who know the importance of the Senator from Iowa. Again, she di- I remind my colleagues that this is agriculture, not just to the States we rectly brings that experience from the not a situation to be taken lightly. In represent but to this country as a farm, growing up in agriculture. recent years, America’s farmers and whole. Thank you to the Senator from Somebody else who is here represents ranchers have experienced unfair for- North Dakota for organizing us to Mississippi, so you can see we are going eign tariffs, depressed prices, cata- come to the floor so that we as a group from North Dakota to Mississippi to strophic flooding and other natural dis- can stress that importance. Iowa to Nebraska. This is the whole asters, market disruptions, and now Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I country we are talking about. COVID–19. would like to thank the good Senator The Senator also is somebody who I applaud my fellow Republican col- from Nebraska and turn to the Senator has a long background in agriculture. I leagues on the Appropriations Com- from Iowa, who has also been an abso- would like to turn to the good Senator mittee and the Senate Agriculture lute champion on behalf of agriculture. from Mississippi. Committee for raising awareness on Thanks so much for being here. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. this issue. It is our job to feed this The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SCOTT of Florida). The Senator from country. We need to be allowed to do HOEVEN). The Senator from Iowa. Mississippi. Ms. ERNST. Thank you, Senator that. Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as Thank you. HOEVEN and Senator FISCHER, as well. a former commissioner of agriculture We have so many of our great ag State The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- in Mississippi, this is so vital and so friends here on the floor today to join ator from North Dakota. important. In Mississippi, agriculture in this colloquy. Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, again, I I did grow up on a small family farm is the No. 1 industry. One in every four thank Senator HYDE-SMITH of the in Southwest Iowa and grew up around jobs is related to agriculture. So this is State of Mississippi. Not only is she a hogs. We have row crops, of course, very vital for my State. strong advocate for our farmers and coming out of Iowa—soybeans and With the end of the fiscal year fast ranchers, but as I say, all of these peo- corn, which are very, very important. approaching, we must act to ensure im- ple you are hearing from this morning This is an important discussion portant agriculture and conservation have backgrounds in agriculture. They today because our farmers need cer- programs administered by the Depart- have been out there, and they know tainty—I hear it time and again from ment of Agriculture do not come to a what they are talking about, as does Iowa’s ag community—whether it is screeching halt on October 1. the next Senator, somebody who him- trade, biofuels, or the supports that are The 2018 farm bill, which was sup- self has raised cattle—the Senator coming from USDA. ported by 87 Members of the Senate, from the good State of Arkansas. Just yesterday, I heard the message authorized important safety-net pro- This documents again that ag touch- loud and clear as I was on a phone call grams to protect producers against es every region of the country and that with our farmers from the Iowa Farm sharp price and revenue declines; pro- the people you are hearing from have Bureau. They said we need to make vide short-term loans and interim fi- strong ag backgrounds. So, when they sure the CCC is fully funded. This isn’t nancing to help producers meet cash talk about this issue, they know how just because of COVID–19 aid pay- flow needs; assist dairy producers af- important it is, and they know that ments. That is something different. fected by low milk prices and high feed this help is very much needed at this Those have been helpful to most of our costs; compensate landowners for tak- time. farmers. This is because our farm bill ing fragile land out of production and I turn to the good Senator from Ar- programs depend on the CCC being implementing conservation improve- kansas, Mr. BOOZMAN. funded. The important supports out ments to help the environment; and as- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- there for dairy, for conservation, for sist producers when natural disasters ator from Arkansas. young and beginning farmers—you destroy feed for livestock, cause above- Mr. BOOZMAN. I thank Senator name it; it is the CCC. average livestock mortality, and dam- HOEVEN and Senator ROBERTS for orga- Just a couple of weeks ago, USDA age commercial orchards and fruit nizing this and getting us down here to Secretary Perdue was in Iowa, and we trees. talk about a topic that is so, so very toured one of the many conservation Current law requires many of these important. sites across the State and saw first- program payments to be made annu- I am not going to say anything new. hand the good work that is being done ally after October 1, which highlights I am going to be saying that we need to with our farmers through USDA’s con- the importance of this matter on this include reimbursement to the USDA’s servation programs. They are working day. Commodity Credit Corporation in the to improve their operations while also As Congress discusses measures to upcoming continuing resolution. The cleaning Iowa’s water, air, and keeping keep the government open and Federal CCC is the funding mechanism for the our soil healthy. Without these con- programs operating beyond the current bulk of our Nation’s agriculture and servation programs funded through the fiscal year, it is essential for any con- conservation programs that are au- CCC, this work simply would not be tinuing resolution to include a provi- thorized with broad bipartisan support happening. sion allowing the USDA Commodity in the farm bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.008 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5687 In order for these programs to work partisan vote in this body with about strokes, care for a broken bone or a as intended, the CCC must be reim- 87 votes. That is what we are talking bout with the flu that lands an older bursed by Congress on an annual basis. about with regard to funding the CR. It person in the emergency room, and ac- For decades, the CCC has been reim- is vitally important that we do it. I cess to skilled nursing care. Once you bursed by Congress without fanfare, thank these members of the Ag Com- reach insolvency, you are sending this and I am hopeful this year will be a mittee for making that point so clearly country’s seniors out into no man’s continuation. Earlier this year, the and so well. land. Senate voted unanimously to allow the We will wrap up, actually, pretty Whether Medicare is going to con- USDA to use $14 billion from the CCC close to on time, which is fairly re- tinue to function the way it does today to prevent, prepare for, and respond to markable as seven Senators have just is a big unknown. If Donald Trump is the coronavirus. This provision was in- gone through this colloquy process, in a position to be in charge, these cluded in the CARES Act. and I thank them all. Trump budgets are going to be the end As our farmers and ranchers face the Remember what we are talking about of the Medicare guarantee. Ever since I most challenging year in recent his- here—the food supply that benefits was the director of the Oregon Gray tory, we have an obligation to advance every single American every single Panthers, we had always looked at that this provision so the important farm day. Medicare guarantee as sacred. It meant and conservation program payments Thank you. that there would be defined, secure, are made on time and in full to our The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- high-quality health benefits for Amer- farmers and ranchers. ator from Oregon. ica’s seniors and that they would be Earlier this week, over 40 agricul- MEDICARE available under any type of Medicare tural organizations representing farm- Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, the elec- that older people received. ers and ranchers across the country tion is only weeks away. Voting has al- Based on some of these Trump budget sent a letter to the Appropriations ready begun in some places. I know proposals, older Americans are going to Committee, urging this provision be in- that folks at home in Oregon, where have to figure out some other way to cluded in the continuing resolution. some of our communities are literally pay for their healthcare and their pre- Preventing a CCC reimbursement reduced to ashes, are already thinking scription drugs. That includes the mil- would only exacerbate the tremendous about how they are going to vote. They lions and millions of seniors who have hardship and challenges facing our will have a lot on their minds when very modest incomes—many who are farmers and ranchers. So I am here they fill out their ballots, obviously, just scraping by on Social Security. with so many other members of the and I hope all Americans will fill out What we know based on the policies of Senate Ag Committee and Members their ballots early as a raging pan- Trump’s favoritism for the insurance who represent rural States to urge the demic and catastrophic fires in Oregon lobby, they could be at the mercy of in- Senate to help farmers and ranchers and across the West have taken a huge surance companies and be stuck with and prevent the uncertainty that toll on our communities. huge premiums and bills they couldn’t would come from not including this im- What I want to do this morning—and afford to pay. portant provision. I am going to use public records to The reason I wanted to put this into I yield the floor. sound an alarm—is talk about another the RECORD today and sound this alarm The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- issue that isn’t getting nearly the at- is that this is not some far-off crisis ator from North Dakota. tention it deserves—not even close. A that Americans and particularly sen- Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I thank Medicare crisis is headed our way and iors can ignore and can afford to ig- Senator BOOZMAN for his strong leader- fast. Whoever wins the next Presi- nore. If you are on Medicare now or if ship on ag. He said it very well and dential election will be in charge dur- you plan on getting on Medicare any- very clearly and very simply. ing the biggest crisis Medicare has ever time soon, these are direct threats to We have heard from more than 40 ag faced. your healthcare. Whoever is sitting be- groups from across the country, includ- Based on these public records, I want hind the desk in the Oval Office on ing from the Presiding Officer’s State. to warn the public—particularly sen- January 21 is going to be in charge The last I checked, he has tremendous iors—about something I believe they when this crisis hits. agriculture in his State of Florida, already know: You cannot trust Donald Everybody ought to understand that whether it be with the cattle raised in Trump to protect Medicare, so you the special interests that want to see Central Florida or those wonderful or- have to protect Medicare from Donald Medicare crumble will have an advan- anges that we all enjoy all year round. Trump. tage this time around. This isn’t like It is just one more example of how ag- Donald Trump has proposed extreme repealing the Affordable Care Act or riculture touches everybody’s life budget cuts to Medicare for 3 straight slashing Medicaid, where Trump can’t every day in the most important ways. years. In 2018, he proposed cutting $500 act without Congress. If he has his Our farmers and ranchers feed the billion, and in 2019, more than $800 bil- way, he won’t need Congress to help country. They feed the world. What lion. In 2020, Donald Trump proposed him undermine Medicare; he would be could be more important? Look at the cutting $450 billion from Medicare. The able to just sit back in front of the tel- challenges they have faced. They have Democrats blocked him from making evision, forget about his obligation to come into this cycle with very low those cuts, but in another Presidential protect that sacred Medicare guar- commodity prices when they have had term, he could undermine Medicare on antee, and let Medicare just drift into years of low commodity prices. We his own. Here is how the situation a crisis on its own. Any attempt to fix have tough trade agreements in which comes to be. it then would have to happen on his countries like China and others have Our economy melted down earlier terms, and, for seniors, good luck with targeted us on trade. Then you put this year because the President that. COVID on top of that. In the midst of downplayed the coronavirus. Millions The Trump administration has spent that, they have continued to provide were out of work, and businesses shut- years doing the bidding of healthcare’s the food supply that feeds every Amer- tered—whole sectors of our economy special interests. In my view, there is ican every single day. What could be mothballed. The economy collapsed. no question they would seize on this more important? As we have said, that Again, I base this on public records. It Medicare crisis as another way to let food supply is the highest quality, low- has been devastating to Medicare’s fi- those special interests make a buck, est cost food supply in the history of nances. According to the nonpartisan and there would be no way for Ameri- the world. Do you know what else? It is experts in charge of Medicare’s books, cans to know what kind of financial in- safe, and they have never missed a the Medicare trust fund is going to be terests Trump and his cronies would beat. insolvent within 4 years. have in undermining this program that What we are talking about today, These funds are essential to Medicare tens of millions of American seniors make no mistake, is of making sure as we know it. They pay for basic serv- rely on every day. that we fund the heart and soul of the ices that millions of seniors need each Now, if you were the President and farm program. The bill passed on a bi- day—treatment for heart attacks and you were to ask him ‘‘Well, what about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.010 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 these comments that are being made?’’ America. As the stresses of the pan- mitment we have gotten that it will be and you were to ask about the budget demic and lack of reporting have taken passed in wrapup today. So I want to documents that I have cited today that a violent toll across the country, there express again my appreciation to Sen- would unravel the Medicare guarantee, is an urgent need for Congress to act. ator HASSAN and Senator BRAUN for he would probably tell one of his bold- Over the years, I have listened to working with us on this. faced whoppers. He would probably say courageous victims in Texas who have So often, the best of intentions go he would be the only person who could shared their stories and advocated for awry because there is no funding mech- fix Medicare’s challenges and would reforms to prevent more children from anism to help facilitate and pay for the mislead the public about the agenda of experiencing this tragic abuse. One of training, and that is where the money those of us on this side of the aisle, those inspirational individuals is Jenna that we appropriated that goes to the who want to uphold and expand on the Quinn, a child abuse survivor and fierce Department of Justice—their grant Medicare guarantee, who want to make advocate for children who are often programs for various law enforcement sure, for example, that there will be af- suffering in silence. She was the driv- initiatives—is so valuable. Those are fordable medicine for senior citizens, ing force behind what is now known as the funds that are already appropriated that we are using the bargaining power Jenna’s Law in Texas, which requires that we want to tap into for this type of the Federal Government to get sen- training for teachers, caregivers, and of essential training. iors a fair shake and are protecting other adults who work with children on I yield to my friend from New Hamp- Medicaid, which is a lifeline for mil- how to prevent, recognize, and report shire. lions. We will also unravel the damage child sexual abuse. The signs of child The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Donald Trump has done to the Afford- sexual abuse are unique from other ator from New Hampshire. able Care Act, such as trying to let the forms of child abuse, and correctly Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I want insurance companies discriminate identifying these signs is integral to to thank Senator CORNYN for his part- again against those with preexisting bringing children out of a sexually abu- nership and support his call. I urge my conditions. sive situation. colleagues to support our legislation, The fact is that Donald Trump has After it passed in 2009, a study found the Jenna Quinn Law, and I, too, look not been straight with the seniors of that educators reported child sexual forward to its being passed as part of this country about his Medicare poli- abuse at a rate almost four times wrapup this evening. cies. He hasn’t told the truth about greater after the training they had re- Every child has the fundamental them, and in the days ahead, I intend ceived than before they had received right to be safe, to be treated with dig- to make sure that this truth gets out that training. It was one of the first nity, to be cared for, and to have the and that seniors really understand child sexual abuse prevention laws in opportunity to seize their vast poten- what is on the line in the weeks ahead. the United States demanding this tial. Sexual abuse robs children of I yield the floor. training, and now more than half of those rights. Too often, these horrific The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- our States have adopted some form of crimes go unrecognized or unreported, ator from Texas. Jenna’s Law. and children are left in dangerous situ- JENNA QUINN LAW The kicker is that in many States, ations without access to safety and jus- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, as fami- including Texas, they don’t provide tice. lies have been quarantined at home funding for the training, for the pro- During my time as Governor of New over the past several months, their gram. That is what Senator HASSAN, Hampshire, I worked with Republicans lives have been filled with a whole new the Senator from New Hampshire, and and Democrats to sign into law a bill set of stressors. Loss of income, isola- I want to change. that mandated that child abuse preven- tion, anxiety about their own health, Last year we introduced the Jenna tion be taught as a part of the health and the stress of teaching children at Quinn Law, which would take the suc- education curriculum, and I am proud home can test even the healthiest fam- cessful reforms in Texas and other to work with Senator CORNYN to ilies and relationships. States and make them a reality for strengthen these efforts on a national But it also puts children at higher children across the country. This bill level. risk of child abuse and neglect. In April would allow current grant funds to be The Jenna Quinn Law would better this year, nationwide reports of abuse used for specialized training for stu- protect children from sexual assault by or neglect dropped by an average of dents, teachers, and other caregivers to helping ensure that teachers, care- about 40 percent compared to the same learn how to identify, safely report, givers, and other adults working with time last year. That doesn’t mean and hopefully prevent future child sex- children are equipped with the tools there are fewer instances of abuse— ual abuse. This legislation also encour- and knowledge to prevent, recognize, probably far from it—just fewer re- ages the States without similar laws to and report sexual abuse and exploi- ports. implement innovative programs to ad- tation. It would also ensure that chil- One of the things about children at- dress such abuse. dren receive age-appropriate education tending school is that their teachers Again, I want to express my appre- on how to recognize and report these and counselors can monitor them for ciation to Senators HASSAN and BRAUN, heinous acts. signs of sexual assault, sexual abuse, who have joined me in this bipartisan By encouraging States to provide and report that to the appropriate au- effort, and I hope we can get this bill to training and education on child sexual thorities. In 2018, two-thirds of the re- the President’s desk soon. No child abuse recognition and prevention, we ports of child abuse were submitted by should experience abuse or neglect, and can help keep our young people safe. people who came in contact with treat- the Jenna Quinn Law will bring us But we know that there is much more ment as part of their jobs—police offi- closer to identifying and stopping work ahead of us. cers, lawyers, social services, and, of abuse in its tracks. The COVID–19 pandemic is exacer- course, teachers, as I said. I came to the floor initially with the bating challenges that many vulner- Teachers, education professionals, thought of offering a unanimous con- able people face, including children and other support staff at school, like sent request to pass the Jenna Quinn who are abused, and as reporting of bus drivers, are responsible for more Law, Jenna’s Law. It has cleared on abuse has gone down during this pan- than half of the child abuse reports. our side. There is some discussion demic, experts have made clear that it But with children home during the going forward between our Democratic is because many children have been out pandemic, out of sight from the teach- colleagues and us about pairing this of view of the people who often provide ers and others who would otherwise see with another piece of legislation which, support and make reports, including them on a routine basis, abuse is be- like Jenna’s Law, is not controversial. teachers and school officials. coming more difficult to identify and And based on the commitment that So as we work to pass the Jenna report. this will be passed as part of the Quinn Law today, we also have to focus Child sexual assault abuse was a cri- wrapup this evening, I will not offer on passing a broader bipartisan reau- sis before the pandemic, with more that unanimous consent request at this thorization of the Child Abuse Preven- than 42 million adult survivors in time, but I will depend on that com- tion and Treatment Act to provide

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.011 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5689 even more tools to support children out, I absolutely agree that money is It is not fair. It is not fair. It is cre- and families who are struggling. It is in there right now to do that. If we are ating a situation where too many fam- our duty to nurture and protect all of going to add other money, I think we ily farms are barely making it or, in our country’s children, and the Jenna ought to be paying attention to what fact, not making it and having to put Quinn Law is a strong step to help the GAO has now affirmed, which is we the farm up for sale, and that is wrong. move us forward in meeting that re- should be making sure we are funding It is not good for America. It is not sponsibility. those with losses—those who need the good for diversity in agriculture. We I urge all of my colleagues to support help the most in these chaotic times don’t need just a few huge farms in this legislation and to work together for farmers. America. We need to make sure that on additional bipartisan measures to But something has now come up we are supporting our small farmers protect the safety and well-being of today that is even more alarming to and medium farmers. This is the foun- children across the country. Again, I me, and that is related to what the dation of so much of the economy in thank my friend from Texas for his Trump administration appears to be small towns like where I grew up in leadership in moving this important considering right now, which is to take Northern Michigan. bill forward, and I look forward con- at least $300 million in funds, cash aid, What we have seen is an administra- tinuing to work with him on these and give it to U.S. oil refineries out of tion that has chosen to basically throw issues. the funds we are talking about—that the farm bill out the window. My col- I yield the floor. my colleagues just talked about—that leagues talked about the great bipar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- were supposed to be going to farmers. tisan farm bill. I agree. As the partner 1 ator from Texas. We have had 3 ⁄2 years of this admin- with Senator ROBERTS in putting that istration siding with big oil companies ORDER OF BUSINESS together, I agree. It was a great bipar- over our ethanol producers. And, by Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask tisan effort that the USDA has basi- the way, ethanol biofuels are about unanimous consent that the cloture cally torn up and thrown out the win- jobs, about clean energy, and about vote on Calendar No. 816, the nomina- dow, and instead of creating markets supporting small towns in rural com- tion of Franklin Ulyses Valderrama, be for our farmers and supporting them munities. Then, just this week, at the withdrawn and that the Senate proceed with risk management, now it is back very last minute—it is election year— to vote on the nomination under the to big government payments. By the they announce that they are going to previous order at 11:45 a.m. way, let’s make sure they are focused make a decision that will help ethanol The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there on our friends. That is basically what and be able to deal with some of the objection? the report from the GAO has shown us. Without objection, it is so ordered waivers that they have been doing for I am very concerned that one more The Senator from Michigan. the oil companies. They announced time there is a lot of lip service for that earlier this week, and then, guess farmers, and we are going to see—and AGRICULTURE what. Through the back door, they are we are certainly going to stop this, by Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I going to take—if this is accurate in the way—$300 million going to oil com- rise to talk about what we need to be Reuters—$300 million away from our panies out of our agriculture support doing certainly to support the farmers farmers to give back to Big Oil. fund. It is stunning to me. across our country. I know Republican Every time we turn around, they are By the way, I would just conclude by colleagues spoke just a while ago about deciding to support Big Oil over farm- saying that the Secretary of Agri- the need to refill what we call the CCC ers in our rural communities. I want to culture has said he didn’t have the au- to make sure that we are providing the know from colleagues—I had hoped to thority to help the ethanol producers, funding for the October payments for get to the floor to ask the question di- couldn’t help our corn growers, the farm bill. rectly, and I am certainly going to ask couldn’t help our biofuel and soybeans As one of the authors of the farm it of my colleagues on the other side of growers—he didn’t have the authority. bill, I certainly know we have to make the aisle who I know support ethanol He didn’t have the authority to help those payments, and the good news is and biofuels—when they are advocating our farmers, but somehow he has the that there is enough money there now for more money in the CCC, are they authority to dip into agriculture sup- to do that, although we certainly also advocating for $300 million going to the port funds to be able to fund $300 mil- want to be providing emergency sup- oil companies? Because, oh, heavenly lion to Big Oil. This is wrong. port, disaster support, for growers who days, we couldn’t really side with eth- I hope my colleagues on the other have been hit and have had losses as a anol. side of the aisle who were here speak- result of the Trump chaotic trade poli- You know, if we really sided with ing earlier about the importance of cies, as a result of what has happened ethanol, they wouldn’t be worried supporting agriculture will join us in under COVID–19. Our farmers have about the oil companies who have been saying to the USDA: You do not have been hit every which way, including fighting this every step of the way, the authority to use dollars for pro- what is happening on climate change fighting the efforts to support ethanol ducers that have been hit so hard by and the weather, prices, everything and biofuels, and fighting the efforts the chaos of their trade policies and else, and we certainly want to make that are critical for jobs in rural com- every other effort that has gone on in sure that they have what they need. munities in my State and all across the the real world that has lowered their I want to raise two points today. One country. If they really meant it, they prices and created havoc for our farm- is that in order to do that, the USDA wouldn’t be trying, through the back ers. You don’t have the right to take should be focusing on a GAO report door, to find some way to go back and their funds and give them to Big Oil. that was released on Monday that indi- get hundreds of millions of dollars for I yield the floor. cated and actually reaffirmed a report the oil companies so they wouldn’t be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that I released with our Senate Demo- upset. ator from Nevada. cratic colleagues on the Agricultural So I find this pretty outrageous WILDFIRES Committee that, in fact, the payments today. We are certainly going to dig Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, going out to farmers have not been deep, and, certainly, we are in the proc- I rise today to talk about what we are fair. They have been picking winners ess right now of putting together a let- seeing in this country in the West with and losers; they have been picking re- ter to the USDA. But the reality is the horrific wildfires that are hap- gions in the South, big farms in the that over and over again there is a lot pening right now. I have to say, so South, not over the Midwest or our of lip service for farmers and a lot of many of my colleagues have been smaller farmers and over many of money going to Big Oil, and there is a speaking out, and rightfully so. My those who, frankly, have had the big- lot of lip service to small and medium- heart, along with all of theirs, goes out gest losses. sized farmers across Michigan and to everyone who has been affected by So when I hear my colleagues talk across the country, while 95 percent of the fires raging across the West and, about the fact that we need to be sup- these payments that are being done are most of all, to those who have lost porting farmers and we need to make going to big operations with political members of their families or their sure that the farm bill payments go friends in the South. homes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.013 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 You know, I am thinking of the hun- the fire to funding research, to restor- the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- dreds of thousands of people in Oregon ing native plants, to helping neighbor- ERS), and the Senator from Arizona under evacuation orders, of the brave hoods plan for and adapt to fire sea- (Ms. SINEMA) are necessarily absent. firefighters in California who are bat- sons. We need to make our farms and The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. tling flames in the middle of a pan- landscapes more resilient. We need to FISCHER). Are there any other Senators demic, of Nevadans whose skies are preserve our national treasures and im- in the Chamber desiring to vote? blanketed with hazardous smoke—ev- prove the health and well-being of The result was announced—yeas 68, eryone in the West who is pooling all of those who live in our cities and rural nays 26, as follows: their efforts and resources to support areas alike because the truth is that it [Rollcall Vote No. 182 Ex.] one another from Washington to Or- is not getting cooler. YEAS—68 egon, to California, to Nevada—every- Anyone in Los Angeles, which saw Alexander Grassley Reed where that we have seen. temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit Baldwin Hassan Risch I also want to honor the efforts of this month, or in Las Vegas, which hit Bennet Heinrich Roberts Blumenthal Hirono Romney two courageous pilots who died in a 113 degrees in July, can tell you that. Blunt Hyde-Smith Rosen crash over Caliente, NV, in July while Taking climate seriously shouldn’t be Booker Inhofe Schatz dropping fire retardant on the Bishop a partisan issue. This is about safe- Brown Jones Schumer Cantwell Kaine Shaheen Fire. David Blake Haynes and Scott guarding property, protecting local Cardin Kennedy Shelby Thomas lost their lives while pro- economies, and saving lives—lives of Carper King Smith Casey Klobuchar tecting the people of Nevada, and I join first responders who have too much to Stabenow all Nevadans in sharing my condo- Cassidy Leahy do with too few resources and lives of Collins Manchin Tester lences with their families. civilians throughout Nevada and the Coons Markey Tillis You know, Americans are up against West frightened by what they are see- Cornyn McConnell Toomey Udall the brutal reality of the climate crisis. ing literally in their backyards. Cortez Masto McSally Crapo Menendez Van Hollen Science tells us that climate change is So I plan to listen to what the sci- Duckworth Merkley Warner making the West hotter and drier and entists are telling us. I am listening to Durbin Murkowski Warren contributing to wildfires. Scientists Nevadans in places like Winnemucca Feinstein Murphy Whitehouse have been sending a consistent message and Elko, where ranchers and local of- Fischer Murray Wicker Gillibrand Peters Wyden about climate change for the past 30 ficials have lived through these fires. I Graham Portman Young years. In the entire Western United am listening to Nevada’s Tribal lead- NAYS—26 States, we have seen just some of the ers, whose people have been stewards of dire effects scientists have predicted. Barrasso Ernst Perdue the land for millennia, and to other Blackburn Gardner Rounds That is why we need Federal action to communities of color that are among Boozman Hawley Rubio slow the very clear effects of climate the hardest hit when disaster strikes. Braun Hoeven Sasse change. And, yes, I am listening to my col- Cotton Johnson Scott (FL) Cramer Lankford Scott (SC) We have seen those effects in my leagues who have devastating stories of Cruz Lee home State of Nevada where, this year Sullivan what is happening to their own con- Daines Loeffler Thune alone, almost a quarter million acres stituents in their States right now. Enzi Paul have burned so far. Since I have been in The climate crisis is all around us— NOT VOTING—6 1 the Senate, over 2 ⁄2 million acres in from the wildfires we are seeing in the Burr Harris Sanders Nevada have burned in tragedies like West to the hurricanes we are seeing Capito Moran Sinema the Poeville Fire, the South Sugarloaf right now in the South. It is time for The nomination was confirmed. Fire, the Range 2 Fire, and the Martin us to take bipartisan action, address The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Fire, which was the State’s largest fire the climate crisis, and make sure we the previous order, the motion to re- in our country. That is why the entire are doing what we do best: funding consider is considered made and laid Nevada delegation has worked so hard short-term and long-term policies and upon the table, and the President will to get Nevada the resources it needs to goals to address these issues. be immediately notified of the Senate’s prepare for these fires, combat them I look forward to working with my actions. when they occur, and rebuild after- colleagues around the States. f ward. I yield the floor. We have helped get funds to the Uni- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR versity of Nevada, Reno, for its ator from Illinois. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ALERTWildfire Program, which uses Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask clerk will report the nomination. state-of-the-art cameras to monitor unanimous consent that the vote that The bill clerk read the nomination of the fires. We have requested that the has been scheduled for 11:45 begin im- Iain D. Johnston, of Illinois, to be Nevada Air National Guard get the mediately. United States District Judge for the tools it needs to combat these fires, in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Northern District of Illinois. cluding C–130J aircraft that could fight objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fires all over the West. Yet, VOTE ON VALDERRAMA NOMINATION ator from Tennessee. inexplicably, this request was turned The PRESIDING OFFICER. The CORONAVIRUS down earlier this year. question is, Will the Senate advise and Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Presi- Along with my colleagues in the Sen- consent to the Valderrama nomina- dent, I don’t think anyone would dis- ate, we have worked to pass a bill to tion? agree if I said that 2020 has truly been create a permanent Forest Service con- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask for a difficult year. No one could ever have tingency account so that Federal agen- the yeas and nays. expected what we have faced this year, cies aren’t left empty-handed when The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a and it has been a tough one for Ten- they need the money the most. sufficient second? nesseans. We hear about it regularly. Last summer, I convened the first of There appears to be a sufficient sec- We know it is a tough one for constitu- its kind wildfire summit in Nevada. I ond. ents and for our citizens all across the was honored to join our firefighters, The clerk will call the roll. country. our ranchers, our conservationists, our The bill clerk called the roll. The months of lockdowns will con- scientists, our power companies, and Mr. THUNE. The following Senators stitute a defining moment for multiple representatives of government agencies are necessarily absent: the Senator generations of Americans. My kids and in thinking through new ways to co- from North Carolina (Mr. BURR), the I were talking about how we think ordinate and collaborate around how to Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. CAP- that, in years to come, our grandkids address these wildfires. ITO), and the Senator from Kansas (Mr. are going to talk about what they did There is so much that we can do MORAN). during the COVID summer and how working together—from developing in- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the they went to school during the COVID novative digital platforms to monitor Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), pandemic.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.014 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5691 Unfortunately, Congressional Demo- It has spurred economic growth. It has are critical to our economy that can- crats have decided not to let the oppor- spurred an economy like I have never not be easily replaced. Maintaining our tunity that moment presents go to seen in my lifetime. aviation sector is vital to the long- waste. Democrats are taking advantage In 2019, incomes grew at the highest term economic success of our country. of the American people’s uncertainty pace ever recorded. Last year, the offi- When the pandemic hit, we saw a 96- and pain in an attempt to force them cial poverty rate fell to an all-time percent drop in air travel, which in- to lose faith in their government, in record low of 10.5 percent. Think about stantly jeopardized thousands of jobs their fellow countrymen, and in them- that—10.5 percent. A decade ago, there in this sector. We worked very hard in selves. We are hearing from people that were more people than ever on assist- the CARES Act to create the right bal- this causes them concern because they ance. Between 2018 and 2019 alone, more ance of capital for the aviation sector want to see us work together; they than 4 million Americans rose out of to continue because it is essential. We want to see us address these issues that poverty. Think about those numbers. also have workers who are essential to are causing heartache together. That is a good thing. It was the largest their jobs, so we must keep moving to I have to tell you, I think it was so reduction in poverty in over 50 years. solve these problems from the pan- unfortunate that last week, some of The Black poverty rate fell below 20 demic. our friends across the aisle blocked yet percent for the first time in history, The Payroll Support Program, which another targeted relief package that and child poverty also fell to a near 50- was created in the CARES Act and is would have brought billions of dollars year low. being administered through the De- in support to the American people. I Our record on this is very clear: The partment of the Treasury, was designed think we have to realize that this was Trump administration policies worked. to compensate aviation industry work- not a vote on final passage; this was a The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act worked. ers and preserve jobs in order to help vote to end cloture and begin the de- That is what the American people are protect the essential aspects of avia- bate on that package. wanting to get back to. tion and airline services. The program Basically, what our friends across the I encourage all of my colleagues in continues to cover the costs of keeping aisle said to the American people last this Chamber to read that report and people employed and keeping this vital week is this: We don’t want to talk look at these stats, and everyone piece of transportation moving. This is about this. We don’t want to discuss it. should remind themselves of the critically important because, in just a We don’t want to debate it. progress we have made as a nation on very short period of time, September That is unfortunate. If you look at growing this economy over the last 4 30, this program is going to expire. the bill that the Senate Republicans years. Congress needs to act to extend the proposed and brought forward on a clo- Politically, everybody talks about program. It is important that we pro- ture vote last week, it is hard to tease how this is a divided nation, but we vide this support through the PSP pro- out exactly what the problem was with have to come together and work under gram for the aviation workers who are it. It included another round of pay- an umbrella of policies that will make so essential to continuing to deliver check protection plan funding. I will life better for all Americans. For the these services. Aviation not only helps tell you, in Tennessee, a lot of our en- life of me, I cannot fathom why my col- people move around the country for tertainment venues and a lot of our leagues on the other side of the aisle personal reasons and essential business restaurants need this. They need that would throw that opportunity away. reasons, but it also delivers good medi- consideration to stay afloat. Our citizens want us to work on a re- cine and essential mail services. The There was funding for vaccine devel- lief package that is going to help them fact is that most people probably have opment. Is there anybody who does not get back to work, help our children get forgotten how important airlines are to think we need a vaccine for back to school, and allow our commu- delivering the U.S. mail, but they are coronavirus? I haven’t met people who nities, our schools, our governments, important. think we don’t need to be working on and our businesses to safely operate The CARES Act included require- that. Everybody is saying: Let’s get with liability protections. ments to ensure that smaller markets this to market as safely and quickly as I yield the floor. continue to receive air service and its is possible. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- associated benefits. As you can see, There was support for healthcare ator from Washington. many of the airlines, in the uncer- workers. TRANSPORTATION tainty of what is happening with the There was support for students and Ms. CANTWELL. Madam President, I CARES Act extension, are now cutting teachers who are still trying to adapt come to the floor this afternoon to talk services to those communities. Doing to online learning. about the importance of aviation and another CARES Act bill would help us I was just doing a virtual townhall continuing to focus on the workforce to keep those services in these smaller with one of our counties in Tennessee. employed in aviation. I want to speak communities. It was announced that as One of their issues is, when will there about the importance of the thousands many as 50,000 airline jobs will be at be additional funding to help us with of workers, including pilots, flight at- risk if we don’t continue the Payroll technology, because 30 percent of our tendants, gate agents, baggage han- Support Program. students elected an e-learning format. dlers, mechanics, catering workers, and Now is not the time to be uncertain. Do you know what? There was even many others, who are feeling the im- Now is the time to give the airline sec- money for the post office. Back in Au- pact of the COVID–19 pandemic. tor the importance that it deserves by gust, our friends across the aisle I believe we should continue to ad- having airline workers continue to do thought that was a crisis, but I guess it dress the very important issues of the their jobs. Every job lost means a was their drama of the day because health aspects of the pandemic and the worker earns less. It means the slow- they voted against all of this funding. economic impact of the pandemic, but down of the economy as a whole. It They voted for weakening the econ- while we are working on developing a means that consumer spending, which omy, I guess, and they voted against vaccine and developing better thera- is a big engine of our economy, will the prospects of American workers. peutics and testing and stopping the slow down, and 70 percent of our GDP But what they were doing was spread of this virus, we also need to comes from that consumer spending. strengthening the false premise that keep in mind that we do need transpor- So these programs are important. they are the only ones capable of tation. If the Payroll Support Program is sparking an economic recovery. This, Prior to the pandemic, the aviation not extended, the cost for workers who of course, is demonstrably false. industry supported nearly 11 million will lose their jobs will simply be shift- This week, the Census Bureau re- American jobs, put $1.8 trillion to work ed to the States in the form of unem- leased its annual report. I will tell you in our economy, and contributed to ployment benefits, and since we aren’t that the numbers prove that the Trump about 5.2 percent of our GDP. In fact, solving the problems of the States, the administration’s pro-growth policies civilian aviation is the seventh leading States also add to the GDP, so we are are working. The Tax Cuts and Jobs contributor of overall productivity. not helping the GDP unless we come to Act that we passed in 2017 is working. These are skilled, high-wage jobs that a resolution within the CARES Act.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.016 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 Unemployment doesn’t cover the cost important air travel moving for our make sure it is safe for the public to of a full salary. Each worker would economy. fly. Getting this extension of the have less to spend on gas and groceries, Without the extension, flight crews, COVID bill done before September 30 on a mortgage, and on medicine. In the flight attendants, and others will be still remains a key priority. downturn of the economy that we have impacted in another way, in that, when On the point of aviation, I would say been facing, we can’t afford more loss. you stop air transportation services, to my colleagues, besides the Cantwell- Our economy is showing some signs people, after a period of time, will have Scott bill we will be dropping tomor- of modest recovery as the result of the to come back and be retrained and re- row to help focus on more aviation economic stimulus from the CARES certified. Many times here, I have par- safety, my colleague Senator WICKER Act, but many of those benefits are ex- ticipated in debates about tax credits and I remain committed to continuing piring. I can tell you, as a Member or tax policy. Oftentimes, we go past to work on aviation safety as it relates from the Pacific Northwest, I hear a our deadline of December 31 and into to certification legislation. I hope all lot from businesses that didn’t get help the new year. Even though we can’t of our colleagues on the Commerce and support in the PPP program and reach a conclusion, most people think: Committee will continue to focus on want it to continue so that they, too, Well, that is OK. We will make it retro- that as well. can be on par with some of their active, so going past our deadline WILDFIRES friends and neighbors who have been doesn’t impact anything. In this case, Madam President, I would now like able to succeed economically. it does impact something because, once to say a few words about another press- Right now, we are at a turning point we hit the October 1 deadline and we ing issue in the State of Washington, at which we need the PSP program to start seeing these people in unemploy- and that is the issue of fire. continue and to help give certainty ment situations, the time starts tick- Yesterday, we heard from the Deputy about transportation. Nationally, on ing for the cost of recertifying them to Forest Chief that we needed 5,000 fire- average, we know an aviation me- be in that cockpit or to be of service. fighters in the United States to help chanic takes home about $1,600 per For example, pilots have to meet cer- fight fires. It is clear that we don’t week in pay, but when these jobs are tain flying requirements to maintain have 5,000 firefighters helping as cut, the weekly incomes are cut. Let’s currency in their pilot licenses. So, COVID has impacted our ability to look at a few States and a few exam- without an extension of the PSP, flight fight fire. So I call on the President to ples. crews and flight attendants would need help us reach out to the international Right now, in North Carolina, the to be retrained at the cost of starting community to help us get more fire- weekly income for a mechanic is only up again. A PSP extension also means fighters into the United States. $350 a week in unemployment benefits, supporting their wages and making While Washington and Oregon may and that worker is facing a 79-percent sure that they have available eventually see wetter weather in Octo- cut in weekly income. So I ask our col- healthcare during this time period. ber, we still have massive fires that we leagues to consider, as you think about I don’t want to see one more Amer- are going to see in California in the shifting these transportation workers ican lose one’s healthcare benefits be- month of October. We need to get more from these salaries that they are get- cause of COVID. We are in a COVID cri- firefighters into the United States to ting now to unemployment benefits, sis. We want people to be covered with help us fight this incredible attack by how dramatic these cuts will be in healthcare so that we can help to fight Mother Nature on our communities. some of these States. this pandemic. I know people here in We can’t leave them defenseless. We I am proud that I come from a State Congress are looking at the very short need to give them a frontline in the de- in which we have a pretty robust un- time period that we have left before fense, so I call on the President to help employment benefit. I thank our State September 30. I call on my colleagues us get more international support for and the people who vote for and sup- to set aside our differences and come fighting fires in the United States of port a robust unemployment benefit, back to the table and make sure that America. but if we continue to not act on the we address these issues before this Additionally, I will be supporting my CARES Act and the PPP, we will be major layoff. colleague Senator WYDEN’s efforts sending people home to States with un- This is important because, as I said, today on prescribed burns and the abil- employment benefits that will be much this affects the GDP of our country. We ity to change our policies and do pre- less robust than in my State. Right still have an opportunity to sustain scribed burns at different times of the now, to face a 79-percent cut in one’s 950,000 frontline aviation workers, year, which is to say burn some of the weekly income I don’t think is good for which is important to helping our fuel that we think could become fire the aviation sector. economy recover. As I said, it is impor- breaks and stop fires from becoming On average, when you look at the tant because aviation helps to grow op- larger and larger. The fuel break helps weekly income for ramp agents in portunities for the future. to create a line of defense. We sup- Georgia, it is about $850, but now that My colleague Senator SCOTT and I ported this legislation several years any additional weekly benefits have will tomorrow be announcing other ago. Unfortunately, it didn’t make it run out, these workers face a 57-per- aviation legislation that we, too, think into the big fire fix bill when we cent income cut. In State after State, will help the aviation sector. For every stopped fire borrowing. Nonetheless, it we see these cuts in these weekly in- 10 percent of travel that returns to remains a big priority. comes. This means, as I said, less aviation, it drives more than $1.5 bil- What we have come to learn now is money to spend on groceries and less lion into our economy. Those are sala- that trying to do prescribed burns in money to spend on essentials at home. ries and wages and other aspects of this the summer months, when you have Without any additional weekly bene- sector. That is the economic impact clearer air, doesn’t really help—it is fits, in Florida, pilots will see a 92-per- that we will have by returning flight not helping us because we have such cent drop in income, flight attendants service. large-scale fires and these very a 75-percent drop, mechanics an 83-per- The original premise around the unhealthy smoke events that last for cent drop, and ramp agents a 68-per- COVID bill was for us not to decimate days and days. Now, thanks to the new cent drop. In Texas, pilots will see an the airline industry so much, because fire forecasting models that we have 85-percent drop in weekly income, of the COVID impact, that it wouldn’t and the new fire forecasters that we flight attendants a 52-percent drop, me- recover and so that we wouldn’t be put in the previous bill, we are now chanics a 68-percent drop, and ramp there to retrain and take advantage of seeing how unhealthy those conditions agents a 48-percent drop. the upside as the public responds. We really are. They are so unhealthy that My point here is to think about the have now gone from that 95-percent they are cause of major concern for need for us to continue this program in loss of travel to, right before the Labor health officials across the whole West. that not all States are going to be Day weekend, about 40 percent of air- So what do we need to do now? treated equally in how aviation work- line capacity and travel. We want to We need to pass this proposal that I ers will be affected. We have to think continue being ready to serve the pub- support, along with my colleague Sen- about how we are going to keep that lic who has to fly, and we want to ator WYDEN, to move prescribed burns

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.017 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5693 to other parts of the year. Yes, will it focused on harming the police, killing this kind of heinous action against create a few smoky days here or there the police, attacking the police, and you, and we have your back and the during parts of our year? Yes, but it even taking glee in the killing and the back of your family members, who are will help us to better fight these fires violence against law enforcement. probably worried when you go out on when it comes to these very hot, dry So we have all seen in the past few your duty every day. climates that we are now seeing with years a dramatic increase in killings, Mr. President, as if in legislative ses- greater frequency in the Pacific North- in ambushes. In Iowa, New York, Mas- sion, I ask unanimous consent that the west and throughout the West. sachusetts, Texas, California, Colorado, Judiciary Committee be discharged It is time for us to take dramatic ac- Pennsylvania, and Georgia this has from further consideration of S. 1135 tion in responding to these fires. We been happening. It certainly hit home and the Senate proceed to its imme- have taken action, but now we need to in my State. diate consideration; further, that the use these tools that are right in front In Anchorage, in 2016, we had a brave Sullivan substitute amendment at the of us today. Get more firefighters and police officer, Arn Salao, who was the desk be considered and agreed to; that get the prescribed burn policies and victim of a cowardly ambush in 2016. the bill, as amended, be considered move forward with protecting some of Thankfully, he survived, barely. What read a third time and passed; and that our most vulnerable communities was the result of the arrest of the indi- the motion to reconsider be considered throughout the United States of Amer- vidual who tried to kill him? He ended made and laid upon the table with no ica. up being a serial killer, killing five intervening action or debate. I yield the floor. others in Anchorage. But this brave po- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lice officer found him, stopped him, YOUNG). Is there objection? ator from Alaska. and almost lost his life. The Senator from New Mexico. UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1135 Unfortunately, another officer in a Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, thank Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, I shooting in Alaska the same year, 2016, you for the recognition. am going to be talking about a bill of in Fairbanks, wasn’t so fortunate. On Mr. President, I reserve my right to mine that is, I think, very appropriate October 16, 2016, Sergeant Allen object. and very timely, the Protect Our He- Brandt, an 11-year veteran of the Fair- As a former assistant U.S. attorney roes Act, which will federalize certain banks Police Department, pulled over a and New Mexico attorney general, I violent crimes against public safety of- suspect to question him, and he was worked hard to prosecute violent ficers across the country, like the po- shot five times. He eventually suc- crimes, including those committed lice and first responders, in order to cumbed to the complications related to against law enforcement. deter these kinds of crimes and show his injuries. The recent shootings of two law en- I went to the memorial service. the men and women in our law enforce- forcement officers in California were There were hundreds of Alaskans. He ment community that we have their heinous. My deepest condolences and had a young family, a young wife. It backs. prayers go out to the officers and their Before I get into the details of my was brutal to watch this. families. The perpetrator must be bill, I want to talk a little bit about a These are selfless men and women in brought to justice. All such violence is very moving event. my State, who are every day getting up appalling. I was back home last week in Alaska. to risk their lives and to wear the uni- I was at the American Legion Post No. form in the line of duty. However, this bill is both unneces- 15 in Palmer, AK, and it was on the All of this inspired me to put to- sary and, potentially, a problematic ex- commemoration of September 11. It gether my Protect Our Heroes Act, pansion of Federal criminal law. It is was a wonderful remembrance dinner. which will enhance Federal penalties already a Federal crime to kill or at- There were tons of veterans, patriots. for the killing or assaulting of public tempt to kill an officer or employee of My State is blessed with more vets per safety officers and first responders, es- the United States. capita than any State in the country. pecially increasing penalties for crimi- Most, if not all, States already make But it was focused on law enforce- nals who ambush or lure law enforce- killing a police officer a specific crime, ment. We had the Palmer police chief ment officers for the purpose of com- and, of course, murder and assault are there. We had members of the police mitting crimes against them—dramati- crimes in all 50 States and Territories. department from Anchorage there be- cally enhancing penalties. So it is unclear that this bill will in- cause we were focused on so many This is something that I think the crease deterrence, and the bill is very things that came out of that day—9/11. vast majority of us in the Senate agree broad, covering not only murder and But honoring our first responders is with. attempted murder but also any assault something that I think America Now, I take the opportunity to go against hundreds of thousands or per- learned—that we need to respect the running most days, whether I am here haps millions of people. men and women epitomized by the po- or back home. And when I go running One new crime created by the bill is lice and firemen who went up the on Capitol Hill, what I see every morn- death eligible, raising historic con- Tower. Many of them knew they were ing—and I saw it this morning—are po- cerns about executing the innocent and going to die, and they did that. They lice officers. No matter the time of the death penalty being arbitrarily ap- did that to protect us, and there was day, Capitol Police are sitting in their plied. this newfound respect for our first re- vehicles or on patrol. Their sole pur- This bill has not gone through the sponders that came out of the tragedy pose is to protect this institution and regular order, with no hearings on such of 9/11. the Members. a sweeping change in the balance of Now, in my remarks to my fellow This morning, as I usually do when I State and Federal criminal law. veterans in Palmer at the American run past them sitting in their car, I For many years, the Heritage Foun- Legion post last Friday, I did mention just gave them a thumbs-up. Thank dation, the Hoover Institution, the that one of the elements of what is you. Thank you. We respect you, and Federalist Society, and congressional happening in our country, unfortu- we certainly have your back. Republicans have all spoken out nately, is that these memories are fad- So that is why I am offering this leg- against the expansion of Federal crimi- ing. They are fading, and in some ways islation today. I hope my Senate col- nal law. It is not just conservatives. the respect for the police is not just leagues can come together to support There is bipartisan support for that fading. It is being reversed. this. I think it would be inconceivable view and broad consensus among crimi- You see these movements, these na- to vote against this bill, especially now nal law experts and the Federal judici- tional movements of defunding our po- when we are seeing these kinds of hei- ary itself. lice—a horrible idea, in my view. My nous activities like we saw in Comp- The Judicial Conference of the U.S. State needs more law enforcement, not ton, CA. But we also want to send a courts has testified to Congress against less. We have seen on our TV screens message to our first responders and law the over-criminalization of Federal and our social media channels that enforcement: We are watching. We are law, citing the burdens they already there are people—criminals—who are going to pass laws to disincentivize face.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.019 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5694 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 And former Reagan Attorney General women and making Native commu- rather than changing the subject and Ed Meese wrote for the Hoover Institu- nities safer, and I ask that the Senate putting forward a bill that everybody tion over 20 years ago, in 1999, high- take up its consideration immediately. knows can’t pass, I wish our Demo- lighting the following problems with As if in legislative session, I ask cratic colleagues would join me and my over-criminalization of Federal law. He unanimous consent that the Judiciary colleague from Alaska in doing some- warned about these: Committee be discharged from further thing we can do, something modest but An unwise allocation of scarce resources consideration of S. 2843, the Violence constructive that would help to dimin- needed to meet the genuine issues of crime; Against Women Reauthorization Act, ish the risks that our law enforcement An unhealthy concentration of policing and the Senate proceed to its imme- folks take every single day. So, Mr. power at the national level; diate consideration; further, that the President, I object. An adverse impact on the federal judicial system; bill be considered read a third time and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- Inappropriately disparate results for simi- passed; and that the motion to recon- tion is heard. larly situated defendants, depending on sider be considered made and laid upon The Senator from Alaska. whether essentially similar conduct is se- the table with no intervening action or Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I lected for federal or state prosecution; debate. want to thank my colleague from A diversion of congressional attention The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Pennsylvania. I know he and I both from criminal activity that only federal in- objection? share a passion on this issue. I think vestigation and prosecution can address; The Senator from Pennsylvania. the vast majority of the Senators share The potential for duplicative prosecutions at the state and federal levels for the same Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, reserv- a passion on this issue—that we should course of conduct, in violation of the spirit ing the right to object, I have to say be standing here in the U.S. Senate to of the Constitution’s double jeopardy protec- this sounds a lot like yet another at- make sure our law enforcement knows tion. tempt to just change the subject and that we have their backs. I think the Senate should consider obfuscate. As Senator TOOMEY just mentioned, those warnings and should not rush to I was on this floor earlier this week. this is happening all across the coun- approve such a measure without hear- The Senator from Alaska has just spo- try. The men and women who put on ing testimony and a long and careful ken about his goal here. Both of us the uniform to protect us are being tar- study. have slightly different approaches to geted simply because they wear the Therefore, I object. try to achieve the same thing, which is uniform to protect us. If this is not an The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- to discourage these attacks on law en- issue that cries out for some kind of tion is heard. forcement officials. action, some kind of discussion to pre- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2843 It seems like almost every day we vent this and tell these brave men and Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I would read about some horrific attack on women, whether in Alaska or Pennsyl- like to take this opportunity to call at- men and women across the country vania or New Mexico, that we have tention to key legislation that address- just because they are police. It is abso- their backs, I don’t know what that es violence, and this piece of legisla- lutely appalling, and we are trying to topic is—I don’t know what that issue tion should come to the floor. That is do everything we can to discourage is. the Violence Against Women Reauthor- that, to create disincentives, and to Unfortunately, Senator TOOMEY tried ization Act. make sure that violent criminals know to move his legislation the last couple VAWA reauthorization expired over a that they will pay a very steep price if of days, and it was thwarted. Now my year and a half ago, on February 15, they commit the appalling kinds of legislation to send the message that we 2019. Funding continues, but key im- acts that we have seen. are not going to let criminals get away provements are being delayed by the I commend the Senator from Alaska with these kinds of heinous crimes, lack of reauthorization. for an approach to this. Yet, again, our that the Senate is watching, and that The Violence Against Women Reau- Democratic colleagues refuse to sup- we have the backs of law enforcement thorization Act of 2019 is supported by port this effort and instead say: Let’s and their families—that is a really im- all 47 Democratic Senators. The House change the subject to VAWA. portant message to send right now. passed the bill 236 to 158. Thirty-three Well, let’s talk a little bit about I am disappointed in my colleague House Republicans voted yes on that VAWA. Look, there is a very real prob- for objecting. We will continue to work bill. lem with violence against women. I on this issue and, as Senator TOOMEY The bill would extend VAWA for 5 don’t know anyone who would dispute mentioned, the violence issue, which is years, through 2024, while making key that. And VAWA, the legislation, has a a hugely important issue in my State improvements. number of programs, some of which are for my constituents. But right now, I As the vice chairman of the Senate very constructive. think we should be acting on the issue Committee on Indian Affairs, I know I voted in favor of the last reauthor- we are seeing, and that issue is, there how critical VAWA reauthorization is ization of VAWA because I do think it is a movement across the country that to Indian Country. is that important, and I have led the is really focused on perpetrating vio- Data from the U.S. Department of effort in this body to ensure that crime lence against the men and women who Justice indicates that Native women victims—very much including women— are sworn to protect us. I can’t believe face murder rates that are more than get the resources they are supposed to anyone here thinks that is a good 10 times the national average murder get from the Crime Victims Fund, movement, but it is happening in rate. There are more than 5,000 cases of which they historically have not been. America right now. We need to send a missing American Indian and Alaska But the fact is, it is a big bill, it is a message that it is unacceptable and Native women, and 55 percent of Native complicated bill, and there are mul- that we are going to do everything in women have experienced domestic vio- tiple programs, and some of it is very our power to stop it. lence. More than four in five American controversial. I yield the floor. Indian and Alaska Native women expe- So the way we have actually gotten The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- rience violence in their lifetime. an outcome and achieved something ator from South Dakota. Without the enactment of a VAWA with VAWA is through a bipartisan Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask reauthorization, these Tribes will lack process. That is what was done in the unanimous consent that the vote the jurisdictional tools they need to past, and that effort has been under- scheduled for 1:30 p.m. be allowed to keep their communities safe. way. Senator ERNST, working with start at this time. The House-passed bill strengthens Senator FEINSTEIN, has tried to find The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Tribal sovereignty, provides important common ground. I think they are not objection, it is so ordered. protections for LGBT people, and bars quite there yet. But this legislation is The question is, Will the Senate ad- dating partners convicted of domestic not that bill. It is not that effort. vise and consent to the Johnston nomi- violence from having handguns. This is a bill that our Democratic nation? The bill would make a real difference colleagues have declared they know Mr. ROUNDS. I ask for the yeas and in preventing violent crimes against has no chance of actually passing. So nays.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.021 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5695 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a riod of morning business, with Sen- relationship second. That has been the sufficient second? ators permitted to speak therein for up American focus. The Trump negotia- There appears to be a sufficient sec- to 10 minutes each. tions reversed it. They believed that ond. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without many in the Arab world were tired of The clerk will call the roll. objection, it is so ordered. the Palestinians holding their foreign The legislative clerk called the roll. (The remarks of Mr. COTTON per- policy hostage, and they flipped it and Mr. THUNE. The following Senators taining to the introduction of S. 4609 said: Why don’t we start negotiating are necessarily absent: the Senator are printed in today’s Record under with the Arab world first and see if from North Carolina (Mr. BURR), the ‘‘Statements on Introduced Bills and they want to open up trade negotia- Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. CAP- Joint Resolutions.’’) tions with Israel and be able to sta- ITO), the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. Mr. COTTON. I yield the floor. bilize those negotiations? JOHNSON), the Senator from Kansas The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- It has worked. Not only has it (Mr. MORAN), the Senator from Georgia ator from Oklahoma. worked in two countries—in a single (Mr. PERDUE), and the Senator from f day signing an agreement—but there are multiple other nations that are Florida (Mr. SCOTT). ABRAHAM ACCORDS Further, if present and voting, the currently looking at this same deal Senator from Florida (Mr. SCOTT) Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, a few with Israel to say: Yes, we still need to would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ days ago, Flight 971 took off from Tel resolve the issues in the Palestinian Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Aviv Airport. You may say: Of course territory. Yes, that is still very impor- Senator from California (Ms. HARRIS), the flight took off from Tel Aviv; that tant. But these nations can work to- the Senator from Vermont (Mr. SAND- happens every day—but not like this ward peace and unity together as they ERS), and the Senator from Arizona flight. You see, Flight 971 took off from resolve their differences. (Ms. SINEMA) are necessarily absent. Tel Aviv Airport, flew south, directly They signed a document dealing with The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there over Saudi Arabia, which hasn’t hap- relationships diplomatically, but they any other Senators in the Chamber de- pened, and landed in Abu Dhabi be- also signed something they called the siring to vote? cause the United Arab Emirates has Abraham Accords Declaration. Let me The result was announced—yeas 77, formed a peace agreement with Israel— read this accord to you because it is nays 14, as follows: recognizing its right to exist, opening significant. It begins with this simple up Embassies in Israel and in the [Rollcall Vote No. 183 Ex.] statement: United Arab Emirates, beginning trade YEAS—77 We, the undersigned, recognize the impor- in commerce. Just days ago, the first tance of maintaining and strengthening Alexander Feinstein Portman cargo aircraft took off and flew, taking peace in the Middle East and around the Baldwin Fischer Reed world based on mutual understanding and Barrasso Gardner Risch supplies, technology, medicine—en- Bennet Graham Roberts gagement between the Nation of Israel coexistence, as well as respect for human Blackburn Grassley Romney and the Arab nation of the United Arab dignity and freedom, including religious Blunt Hassan freedom. Rosen Emirates, forming a new alliance in Boozman Hawley Rounds That is a significant statement. Na- Braun Heinrich the Middle East. Rubio tions have spoken of religious freedom, Brown Hoeven Sasse Flight 971 is significant because 971 is Cardin Hyde-Smith Scott (SC) the country code if you are going to but it has not thrived there. Carper Inhofe Shaheen The document goes on to say: Casey Jones call the United Arab Emirates. The re- Shelby We seek tolerance and respect for every Cassidy Kaine turn flight, by the way, leaving from Smith Collins Kennedy person in order to make this world a place Stabenow Abu Dhabi and flying back to Israel is Coons King where all can enjoy a life of dignity and Cornyn Lankford Sullivan Flight 972—the country code for Israel. hope, no matter their race, faith, or eth- Cortez Masto Leahy Tester That first flight that took off, on the nicity. Cotton Lee Thune outside of the plane were emblazoned We support science, art, medicine, and Tillis Cramer Loeffler commerce to inspire humankind, maximize Toomey three words—one in English, one in He- Crapo Manchin human potential and bring nations closer to- Cruz McConnell Udall brew, and one in Arabic—all trans- Daines McSally Van Hollen lated, the word ‘‘peace.’’ gether. Duckworth Murkowski Warner It is a new day. And this week, when We seek to end radicalization and conflict to provide all children a better future. Durbin Murphy Whitehouse President Trump and the Foreign Min- Enzi Paul Wicker We pursue a vision of peace, security, and Ernst Peters Young isters from the United Arab Emirates prosperity in the Middle East and around the and from Bahrain and the Prime Min- world. NAYS—14 ister of Israel all stood at the White It was a document many people said Blumenthal Klobuchar Schatz House and spoke of each other in a new Booker Markey Schumer would never be signed, but it is a stake Cantwell Menendez Warren partnership and then all sat at a table in the ground to say it is a new day in Gillibrand Merkley Wyden and signed documents together, begin- the Middle East in peace negotiations Hirono Murray ning a new relationship not just with and a pivot, as Prime Minister NOT VOTING—9 UAE but also with Bahrain, it was a re- Netanyahu said. Burr Johnson Sanders markable day in world history. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Capito Moran Scott (FL) In 70 years of Israel’s history, only Qatar, Amman, Morocco, Sudan, and Harris Perdue Sinema two nations that are Arab nations have Lebanon should take notice and should The nomination was confirmed. recognized Israel’s right to exist, see the benefit to economic trade and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under even—Jordan and Egypt. In 1 day, two engagement, to confronting Iranian in- the previous order, the motion to re- more nations joined—the UAE and fluence in the area that tries to desta- consider is considered made and laid Bahrain. It was significant to be able bilize so much of the Middle East, upon the table, and the President will to see the journey on that and to be pushing back on terrorism, and devel- be immediately notified of the Senate’s able to hear the Foreign Ministers of oping partnerships in science and action. Bahrain and UAE compliment Presi- health and technology and prosperity The Senator from Arkansas. dent Trump, Mike Pompeo, and Jared for everyone in the region. That hap- f Kushner for their leadership and, as pened this week. the Foreign Minister from Bahrain f LEGISLATIVE SESSION said, President Trump’s statesmanship in this process. THE MIDDLE EAST It was a negotiation that was turned Mr. LANKFORD. There is something MORNING BUSINESS on its head. For decades, American ne- happening on Monday that much of the Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask gotiators have tried to work to solve world has missed as well in the Middle unanimous consent that the Senate the issues with the Palestinians first East. For a year, there has been a proc- proceed to legislative session for a pe- and then to work to solve every other ess ongoing to be able to confront Iran.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.024 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 Iran has actively stated they are going deal between Serbia and Kosovo that While we are focused on COVID, to continue to pursue their nuclear am- leaves Serbia to actually officially rec- rightfully so for our own health, while bitions. They have actively stated they ognize Kosovo. Again, that may not we focus on our economy, rightfully so, are going to pursue weapons deals. seem like a big deal to many other peo- and while we focus on the issues of ra- They have actively stated they want to ple, but to Oklahomans—many of cial inequality, rightfully so, we can- continue to break the arms embargo. whom have served in our 45th and who not lose track of the issues we also Some of our allies have stood silent, have served there in Kosovo, helping to need to be engaged in around the but Iran has discussed purchasing protect and stabilize that country and world. It is important that America weapons of all types from all places. provide security there in that region— continue to be a leader in diplomacy We used to be united—regardless it is very significant to us to be able to and a leader in bringing religious lib- whether it was nuclear or not—that see peace breaking out between Serbia erty and freedom and opportunity for Iran should not continue to accelerate and Kosovo. all people. that. As the largest exporter of ter- I am pleased that, while many people Whether you are in Hong Kong, as we rorism in the world, we should confront in the world don’t even pay attention discussed before, or whether you are in what Iran is trying to do—continue to to what is happening in Serbia and Abu Dhabi, all people deserve the rec- provide heavy arms. Kosovo, the Trump administration has, ognition of their humanity and respect As of Monday, the United States will and their diplomatic team has been and an opportunity to be able to live move into a different mode with Iran. very engaged in negotiating that and their lives with freedom. Let’s con- As of midnight Sunday night, snap bringing to them some stability. tinue to stand for the values that de- back sanctions begin on Iran on Mon- Interestingly enough, in the negotia- fine us and define us together. day. And that is a different moment for tions both Serbia and Kosovo also I yield the floor. us as a nation, to say we have stated as agreed to designate Hezbollah as a for- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- a country, now through multiple Presi- eign terrorist organization and to rec- ator from Maine. ognize Jerusalem as the capital of dencies, that we will not allow Iran to f be a nuclear power or to continue to Israel and to be able to move their em- bassies to Jerusalem, which is another CORONAVIRUS arm itself in such a way to do its affirmation of what is happening in the neighbors harm. Mr. KING. Mr. President, I am sure When snap back sanctions occur on Middle East in the string of what is on- you and I and all the Members of this going. Monday, all of our allies should be body remember that night in late One last comment that many people aware that the United States is stead- March. It was late at night. I remem- may have missed, we all grieve for fast in that commitment. We would ber standing in the back of the Cham- what is happening in Lebanon. That ex- ber to see one of the truly historic ask you to join us in that as well. periment in multiracial, multifaith, Over the past few months, thousands votes. It was a unanimous vote of the and cooperative government has been a of troops have come back home from U.S. Senate to pass the CARES Act. It struggle, but they have been a strong- was an amazing achievement to see the the Middle East—from Syria, from hold for religious tolerance in Lebanon. Iraq, from Afghanistan. By the end of Senate and the Congress come together Watching the hundreds of people who in that way with the White House, with this year, we will have 4,500 troops still were killed and thousands who were in- the President, to help meet the needs in Afghanistan; that is from a high just jured in the explosion at their docks in a few years ago of 100,000 boots on the of the American people. Beirut was painful for the entire world. When we passed that bill back in ground. The United States has stepped up as March, September seemed a long way Ongoing negotiations for peace con- being the top donor to humanitarian away. We thought we had provided tinue between Afghan leadership and aid to Lebanon during this time period, enough aid for small businesses. It the Taliban. Those are problems that and we are engaging in multiple ways. have existed for decades and in some At the end of the day, if we are going turns out we didn’t. We thought we had areas, generations. to help Lebanon be stable, we have to provided enough aid for people, unfor- While I don’t believe Afghanistan help that experiment in democracy tunately, who have fallen into unem- will suddenly break out and be a bas- there in the Middle East to be able to ployment through no fault of their own tion of peace for the world, we do have thrive with transparency. but the fault of this dreaded COVID, a responsibility to help them where we I partnered with Senator MURPHY but we didn’t provide enough. can but also an obligation to protect and several other colleagues to help set We hoped that we had provided our sons and daughters. Our blood and our Nation’s priority to help Lebanon enough for first responders, for schools, our treasures spilled in Afghanistan for rebuild, including to utilize the U.S. for healthcare professionals, for test- decades. We shouldn’t lose the invest- International Development Finance ing, and for all the things that were ment of that blood and treasure. But it Corporation, called the DFC, to help necessary to get us out of this terrible is good to see so many people coming them in their infrastructure projects; pandemic. It turns out that wasn’t the home. to push out China, which is trying to case. Here we are in September facing In Europe, a free-trade agreement is work their way into the Middle East a renewed version of this virus that is actively being negotiated with the UK. and dominate there; to allow the peo- now spreading in parts of the country We are pleased to be able to partner ple of Lebanon to decide their own fu- that weren’t affected back in March. with such a special-relationship coun- ture; to leverage leadership in the I want to address, No. 1, that we try like the United Kingdom. We have International Monetary Fund to pre- must do something. We have to respond had a long-lasting friendship with them vent multilateral bailouts that don’t to the needs of the American people since we settled a little conflict in 1776 allow for real reforms in their banking just as we did in March. I don’t under- and another dustup in 1812. That spe- system; and to push out corruption and stand why this time it seems to be a cial relationship with the UK should push out Hezbollah. partisan issue; why this time we can’t continue on with a very good trade There are things we can do that are have the same spirit that we had then agreement. not of a partisan nature on which Sen- of negotiation, of give and take, of I am pleased that the administration ator MURPHY and I cooperate together compromise to reach a bill that all re- continues to push forward in the area to be able to help push for Lebanon. It alize now was a really significant ac- of trade—an area that it is amazing to is important that they continue to be a complishment. me how many people didn’t even notice stable force in the region. This is a real For some reason, now it just seems was the powder keg of Europe that just time of testing for them as a country. to be much harder. I understand the recently was resolved. I am proud the administration has concern about the debt and the deficit. For generations, the area around Ser- pushed our diplomats in Lebanon to be I used to be a Governor. I know about bia, Kosovo have been a hotbed area for able to find ways where we can prac- balancing budgets. States have to bal- conflict. tically help now and long term for real ance their budgets, but now is not the In the past few weeks, the Trump ad- reforms for them. There is a lot going time. If we don’t take further action to ministration has negotiated a peace on around the world. shore up the economy and protect the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.029 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5697 people who are being impacted by this, native in the midst of a recession, and This blue State-red State stuff bothers the fiscal cost in the long run will be neither of which makes any sense for me. worse. The revival of the economy will the American people. They have either I don’t know how many emergency take longer. The cost to the Treasury to cut or raise taxes. Those aren’t good appropriations for natural disasters, will be greater than what we are pro- options. wildfires, floods, and hurricanes I have posing to spend now. By the way, I can only speak for the voted for. It never occurred to me to I believe and I hope that we are mov- Maine budget. I don’t know how other ask what color the State was. It never ing slowly toward some kind of agree- State budgets work. But in Maine occurred to me. We are a community. ment that will allow us to provide the about one-third of our budget—between This is one country. I don’t ask how support to the American people and the 25 percent and 35 percent of our State Florida voted if there is a hurricane American economy that will make budget—goes back to our communities. that strikes that State or Georgia or such a difference in how we are able to It goes to the capital city of Augusta, Alabama, which is being hit right now. cope with this terrible disease over the makes a U-turn, and goes back into the If they need help, we should provide it. next several months—at least through towns and cities across Maine, mostly But what we are seeing now is a slow- the end of the year. That is really the in the form of general-purpose aid to motion fiscal hurricane that is hitting mission that is before us. education, also in the form of revenue many, if not all, of the States of the The Democrats made a proposal back sharing, and in other kinds of grants United States. We should come to- in May. They passed the Heroes Act of and contracts. gether and help them. As for this busi- over $3 trillion. They have moved. The When we talk about the State, it ness about that, well, we don’t want to Speaker and the minority leader here sounds like we are talking about these bail out somebody’s pension program, have moved $1 trillion. They made a big, impersonal entities, but we are look, this is an easy calculation. The counteroffer a few weeks ago of about really talking about towns—small Treasury Department is capable of $2 trillion. The White House appar- towns—and school districts. That is making the calculation. What were ently, over the last couple of days, has where a lot of this impact is going to your revenues last year? What were said we are now talking about some- fall. your projections before COVID? What thing at $1.5 trillion to $2 trillion as a It is a double-edged sword that cuts is the difference? That is what we are solution. The parties are moving, and I both ways. It is hurting people—the talking about. hope today that they will continue to people who are being laid off, the peo- Make no mistake, we are talking discuss and that the table will have ple who are going to have to be laid off, about real, concrete, on-the-ground people sitting at it trying to find a so- whether they are in a town or city, a losses of jobs and losses of the services lution. I think there is hope that we county or the State. That hurts the that those jobs provide. Whether they can do that. economy. Those are people who are are public health workers, first re- I deeply hope that we can come to an buying things in the stores, going to sponders, firefighters, or police—yes, agreement. Schools across the country restaurants, and going to grocery police—they are who are being im- are seeing, unbelievably, additional ex- stores. They are going to places to buy pacted here, and it is we as citizens penditures in all areas to try to get clothes, and if they can’t do that, then, who are the customers of those services back to normal, to try to get back into the entire economy is pulled down. who need the protection and who need the classroom. If they are going to do If we don’t help the States and the the services they provide. They are that, they need more buses. They are cities and towns in this situation, the who are being hurt. going to need more teachers. They are estimates are that it is going to hit I hope that we can come to an agree- going to need more people. They are GDP by 2 to 3 percent. That is huge. ment and that we can get over this going to need more cleaning materials. That is a huge economic loss that is nonsense that this is somehow a blue They are going to need all kinds of ad- going to translate into a fiscal loss for State-red State thing and that we are ditional expenditures they weren’t an- us and a tragic loss for the American bailing out States that were not pru- ticipating. people. dent. I am tired of hearing that. We are Small businesses are continuing to The estimate in Maine is a $1.4 bil- talking about people’s lives here. We teeter. I hear awful stories about small lion shortfall of our State budget over are talking about the protection of businesses that between now and the the next 3 years—a half-billion dollars public services. We are talking about end of the year are in danger of closing in this fiscal year that we are in right teaching our kids. We are talking their doors forever. That would be a now. about people who are providing the tragedy for our country. Towns and cities across Maine are al- We are continuing to see people lose ready starting to furlough first re- basic protections that we all take for their jobs. We are continuing to see sponders. Who is it that works for the granted in our daily lives. people on unemployment. We are con- towns? Who is it that works for the cit- Really, I have two simple messages: tinuing to see people who can’t put ies? Police and fire are the biggest One, let’s make a deal. Two, that deal food on the table because the aid that components. They are not hiring peo- should include support for those people we provided in the CARES Act in ple. I think we need to face the fact and institutions in our States, in our March ran out at the end of July. that those who are opposing aid to our cities, and in our smallest towns so I am urging, No. 1, discussions. That cities and towns are the people who are that they will have the wherewithal to is pretty obvious. I hope that the rep- defunding the police. That is who is be able to help us all get through this resentatives of the two parties and rep- defunding the police because their thing together. That is what this is all resentatives of the White House can budgets are going to be cut if they about, and those are the people on the come together and reach an agreement. don’t get some assistance from this ground who are helping us get through Part of this agreement has to contain body and this government. this together. within it support for States, towns, and Let’s be real. Let’s talk about facts. We can do this. We proved in March cities. They are suffering, too, and they Let’s talk about the real impact of our that we could do it. I think we must are providing the very services that the lack of attention to this issue. This is and can and will do it again. people need in this pandemic. a personal tragedy for these families, I yield the floor. States can’t borrow money the way and it is one more blow to the econ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we can. They have to balance their omy. ator from Utah. budget on a year-to-year basis. If they By the way, this is not a blue State (The remarks of Mr. LEE pertaining are being clobbered by the effects of issue. Here are some States whose to the introduction of S. 4608 are print- this disease, not only in expenditures budgets have been hit by more than 10 ed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘State- but in loss of revenues, they only have percent by the loss of revenues caused ments on Introduced Bills and Joint two choices. I have been there. They by the COVID: Alaska, which is not Resolutions.’’) only have two choices. One is drastic much of a blue State; Indiana; Kansas; Mr. LEE. I yield the floor. cuts, and the other is raising taxes, Kentucky; Montana; Oklahoma; and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- neither of which is an acceptable alter- Iowa. Those States are hurting, too. ator from Maryland.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.031 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5698 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF tool for social control. Maduro has ada embraced not only democratic DEMOCRACY completely ignored the Venezuelan principles and human rights of good Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today I people’s call to return to democracy governance but also the principle that rise to commemorate the International and is using the current global pan- we have a right to challenge the com- Day of Democracy. Since 2007, Sep- demic as an opportunity to consolidate pliance with those commitments in tember 15 has offered an opportunity his own power. any other member state. It is not each year to reflect on the democratic In addition to addressing quasi-dicta- interfering in their internal matters; it values that we cherish and to recom- torships in the Western Hemisphere, we is holding them to the commitments mit ourselves to promoting them must maintain pressure on the so- they made in the Helsinki Final Act. Democracy is fragile. It must be con- around the world. called ‘‘last dictator’’ of Europe, stantly tended to and protected to sur- The democratic project is especially Belarusian President Aleksandr vive and flourish. Therefore, while we important at this moment. Although Lukashenko. While Lukashenko’s near have a responsibility to monitor the some communities are experiencing three-decade rule has been full of cor- status of democracy in other parts of greater rights and freedoms than ever rupt power grabs and crackdowns and dissent, his behavior surrounding the the world, we have a parallel duty to before, there is also an alarming trend safeguard and tend to our democracy of democratic backsliding in many cor- recent Presidential election dem- onstrates a new level of lawlessness. here at home. I cannot remember a ners of the globe. more dangerous time for American de- Countries that were becoming in- Lukashenko refused to certify opposing candidates and then imprisoned them. mocracy since the Civil War. creasingly open and egalitarian are To protect our democracy, we must moving back toward authoritarianism He claimed victory through clearly fraudulent election results. He re- protect the ability of every individual under unlawful, oppressive leaders. to exercise her or his right to vote. In Meanwhile, countries that were al- stricted the free flow of information by shutting down the internet and tar- the middle of a pandemic, that means ready unfree are suffering even more expanding the ability to vote by mail geting journalists. And he oversaw the disturbing civil and human rights so that we do not force people to brutal repression of protesters, includ- abuses. choose between participating in our de- ing many instances of Belarusian secu- If we turn a blind eye to these devel- mocracy or protecting their health. opments, it will embolden bad actors to rity forces repeatedly torturing de- We need to make sure that State and continue undermining freedom, peace, tained civilians. Lukashenko knows local election boards get the resources and equality. The United States must that the Belarusian people are ready they need to cover the costs of mail-in lead all democracy-loving people in for a new democratic chapter that does voting, and we need to defend the calling out subversions of democratic not include him. Instead of stepping strength, integrity, and impartiality of rights wherever they exist and holding aside to serve the interests of his coun- the U.S. Postal Service. those responsible to account. try, he has abandoned the rule of law Our President also openly invites for- One country that requires our urgent in order to protect his own power. eign powers to interfere in our elec- attention is China. The Government of It is no surprise that Lukashenko has tion, and his encouragement has been China has not adhered to democratic appealed to Vladimir Putin to endorse effective. The same external factors norms for a long time, but we should this tyrannical approach. President that we know influenced the elections never allow that failure to normalize Putin is, after all, a veteran when it in 2016 are once again actively planning ongoing human rights abuses such as comes to destabilizing democracies. He to interfere in the upcoming election. the vicious opposition to the Uighurs. has done so not only in his own coun- Regardless of party affiliation, we International nongovernmental orga- try of Russia, where he overcomes dis- should all be able to unite in pursuit of nizations have documented China’s sent by changing the constitution to a healthy, functioning democracy. mass surveillance, arbitrary detention, secure his rule and poisoning political That requires us to take action against torture, and political indoctrination of opponents, but also in other parts of the foreign actors seeking to spread these communities for no reason other the world. That includes his contin- misinformation and divide Americans than their religious and cultural dif- uous attempts to undermine our de- for their own benefit. ferences. mocracy here in the United States. When we fail to protect democracy in We must do everything possible to President Trump has completely the United States, it has consequences fight for the freedom and equality of failed to hold Vladimir Putin account- all over the world. After he was con- the Uighurs to help end this atrocity. able for abusing his own people’s fronted about his recent brutal crack- We also need to stand up for the human rights and attacking the United down on protesters, journalists, and op- rights of the people of Hong Kong. Bei- States. Even worse, President Trump position members, Belarus President jing’s attempt to circumvent Hong appears to have taken a page out of Lukashenko said that the United Kong’s independent legal system with a Putin’s book, suggesting that if he States ‘‘should sort out their own af- far-reaching, oppressive national secu- were not reelected this November, he fairs’’ before attempting to interfere in rity law is dangerous and in complete may not accept the results of that elec- Belarus. His statements made clear disregard of the one-country, two-sys- tion. It is a sad commentary on the that President Trump and his adminis- tem principle. I am likewise disturbed state of our domestic affairs that we tration and supporters’ undemocratic that the Hong Kong government have to take such a ludicrous state- behavior is eroding our credibility on inexplicably postponed the September ment seriously. We know that global the global stage as a voice for human regional elections for another year. democracy is in trouble when the lead- rights. Let today, International Day The people of Hong Kong deserve to see er of the United States is copying un- for Democracy, be a reminder for us to their democratic aspirations realized democratic heads of state instead of stand up in defense of democracy, and protected. I am pleased that there condemning them. whether we are talking about China, is bipartisan, strong support in the These are but a few snapshots of Venezuela, Belarus, or here in our own U.S. Senate and in the House for the what is happening in many countries backyard. The world is counting on us. around the world. If there is anything I suggest the absence of a quorum. people of Hong Kong, and I joined with The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. UBIO that I have learned in my many years Senator R in introducing legisla- BRAUN). The clerk will call the roll. tion to make that clear. of public service, it is that we can The legislative clerk proceeded to China is certainly not the only place never take democracy—and all the call the roll. where democratic rights are threat- freedoms, rights, and opportunities it Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ened. We need to look closer to home, entails—for granted. My work in the ask unanimous consent that the order as well, to countries like Venezuela. In House and the Senate on the Helsinki for the quorum call be rescinded. Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro’s illegal re- Commission really embodies that com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without gime has produced one of the worst hu- mitment to stand up for human rights. objection, it is so ordered. manitarian crises by plundering the The Helsinki Final Act made it clear Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I country’s resources for personal gain that all States in Europe, the former ask unanimous consent that I be al- and using the distribution of food as a Soviet Union, United States, and Can- lowed to use, during my remarks, two

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.034 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5699 exhibits of the Federal aid application racial justice? What do we do to help Now, guess what else we saved. We form. low-income students? How do we help saved enough money to permanently The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without people who are especially hurt by a fund historically Black colleges. How objection, it is so ordered. pandemic? about that? Filling out all this form f Well, 7 years ago, I said: Would you didn’t save the government money; it be willing to write us a letter, each of cost the government money. So we FAFSA you, and tell us exactly what to do to were able, in one act, to save 20 million Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I eliminate the complexity of this families—many of them minority fami- am here this morning to talk about a FAFSA? What they said was that most lies and most of them low income—the hearing that we had in the Health, of these questions are unnecessary and trouble of filling out those 22 questions Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- that the Federal Government doesn’t and permanently fund Black colleges. mittee this morning that affects 20 need to know the answer to these ques- So now we have legislation, Senator million families who have to fill this tions to decide whether you are eligible JONES and I and others—and there are out every year. This is called the for a Pell grant or eligible for a student many Senators who have been involved FAFSA. Usually, there is an adjective loan. That is what they all said. So the in this, in addition to Senator MURRAY. ahead of it. It is called the ‘‘dreaded’’ four witnesses who had testified looked Senator BOOKER has had an interest, FAFSA. at each other and said: We don’t need and Senator COLLINS, Senator KING, There are 400,000 Tennessee families to write you separate letters. We will Senator BURR. Again, I mentioned Sen- who fill it out every year. If you want write you one letter because we all ator BENNET earlier. You can see Re- to go to college and you need a Pell agree on what to do. So they did. publicans and Democrats all see the grant or a student loan, you have to Senator BENNET and I introduced leg- wisdom of this, as well as every witness fill this out—108 questions. And then islation called the FAST Act that we have ever had who comes before us. after you fill it out, the way it has would reduce this to the size of a post- So we have a new bill that says: Let’s been working and still works today, card. It only had two questions on it. get rid of 53 questions and turn this you have to send in the information on Well, that was too simplified. What we into this. That is what the hearing was 22 of the questions to two different found out, for example, was that the about today. agencies: one to the IRS and one to the State of Indiana and the State of Ten- Now, why wouldn’t we do that? Al- Education Department. And then they nessee have their student aid, and they most everyone says we should. Should go through an elaborate process to rely on some of this information to de- we deliberately require 20 million fami- check to see whether you have made cide what aid to give in addition to the lies to answer 53 unnecessary questions any mistake. Federal aid. So we took the questions that discourage many low-income stu- So let’s say you are a homeless stu- off this, and then they would have to dents from going to college? Should we insist on that? I don’t think so. dent or a student in foster care or you ask the questions, so we really hadn’t According to the Congressional Budg- are not able to identify your parents or solved any problems. et Office, this would probably mean you are living with your grandparents So we kept working. Senator MUR- that about 400,000 more students would or any of those people have an aversion RAY, the Democratic leader of our com- apply for Pell grants. That is what the to filling out 108-question Federal mittee, and I worked together on this Pell grant is for. It is to encourage low- forms or giving their information to during these 7 years, and we began to income students who want a ticket to the government twice, then you don’t make some progress. The progress we the head of the line, a ticket called go to college. That is what happens. made first was with the Obama admin- higher education, a ticket that the col- In Tennessee, we have had a Gov- istration, and they agreed to what lege board said increases your earnings ernor named Bill Haslam in the legisla- sounded like a simple change. They by $1 million over your lifetime if you ture that said everybody in Tennessee just administratively allowed you to get a 4-year degree, and this is our ef- without a degree, that you can have 2 use your previous year’s tax returns fort to help low-income students get more years of college free, but first you rather than your current year’s tax re- that ticket to a better life and a better have to fill out this Federal form. They turns to fill out the 22 tax questions on education and more money. say this is the single biggest impedi- this form. You can imagine how hard it So why wouldn’t we do it and why ment to having the opportunity to would be to use this year’s tax returns, wouldn’t we do it during this pan- have those 2 free years of higher edu- so that was a big help. demic? This has to be the strangest cation in our State. Then the Trump administration put year of college in a century—at least a So you would think somebody would this 108-questionnaire on an app so you century. Students are stressed out, do something about that, right? Well, can use your iPhone to fill it out. Now, families are stressed out, and then we somebody has or at least has been try- that would be pretty hard for me, but I are going to add to the stress by say- ing to. Here is what it could be. This is have seen a lot of the youngsters in ing: And in addition, your friendly Fed- 33 questions. Almost everybody agrees Tennessee in the Sevier County High eral Government, in order for you to that this is better than this—the State School, for example, who went right to get a Pell grant, is going to insist that counselors, the Governors, the teach- work. They did a pretty quick job of you answer 53 questions that everybody ers, the students, the families. You doing this. That helped a lot. says are unnecessary for the govern- could fill it out more easily. It keeps Then, Senator MURRAY and I, Sen- ment to determine whether you are eli- many fewer students from walking ator JONES from Alabama and Senator gible for the loan or for the grant. away from the opportunity to go to SCOTT from South Carolina—last year And then there is one final reason we college. we introduced a bill called the FU- should do it. The act that Senator So you would ask: Why don’t you TURE Act, and the FUTURE Act did MURRAY and Senator JONES and Sen- pass it? Well, Mr. President, that is ex- two things. It said that for 22 of the ator SCOTT and I introduced and be- actly what Senator MICHAEL BENNET, questions here, the ones that you have came law last year with President the Democratic Senator from Colorado, to give to the government twice—you Trump’s signature, the one that saved and I said 7 years ago in a hearing be- give it to the Education Department enough money to permanently fund fore the Senate Education Committee and you give it to the IRS, and then historically Black colleges, that is when we had four witnesses and we they check to see if you made a mis- going to take a couple of years to im- talked about this. And I said at the take, and if they do, they slow down plement. So if we go ahead and pass the end: There seems to be a lot of agree- your aid. We said: Let’s simplify that. law that turns this into this before the ment about this. Why don’t the four of Let’s just say all you have to do is end of this year, we can do both of you experts—and these are people who check a box, and the IRS will answer them at the same time. work in financial aid who try to help those 22 questions for you. That is a I think the American people would students and who try to help minority law now, and it will take a couple of feel pretty good about the U.S. Con- students. I mean, this is the kind of years to implement because, again, we gress that, in the midst of a pandemic, stuff we are talking about all over are talking about 20 million families a finished its work on such an important America today. What do we do about year. So we saved them that trouble. piece of legislation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.036 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5700 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 Our hearing today was well attended. some of the reporters—know this is the this young girl needed help as soon as We had four of the same witnesses who person we call our Alaskan of the possible. came 7 years ago and said: There is no Week, but sometimes we call them our In so many of our Native commu- need to ask all these questions. Nobody Alaskans of the Week. nities and rural communities, there is needs them. Nobody needs the answers. This week, we are going plural in a no hospital. There is barely even a All it does is turn away from college big way. This week, we are recognizing medical clinic sometimes. So she need- students whom we want to encourage an entire community for how this com- ed to be medevacked. to go. munity—the whole community—band- While Karl communicated with the Now, think about that. That is a de- ed together to literally help save a pilot over his headset, other commu- liberate act by the Federal Govern- young child who was sick and needed nity members began calling people in ment not to change that. It doesn’t medical attention. the community asking for help. Ida save any money. It doesn’t eliminate Before I get into the story, let me Nelson made calls and jumped on her any fraud. All it does is turn away say that, in Alaska, community is ev- four-wheeler and headed to the airport. from college the people whom we want erything. Living in one of the most Community leader Christina Salmon, to encourage to have a chance to go. magnificent places in the world is not whose sister is Alexanna Salmon—who I am hopeful that the hearing today without its challenges. We depend on was our Alaskan of the Week in 2017, and our repeated efforts will help us each other. Communities often come by the way—made around 32 phone create approval of this before the end together to help each other. Typically, calls. Health aide Amanda Bybee, Jeff of the year. Since nobody tells me they in our rural communities, traditional Bringhurst, and so many others started are against it, you would think we knowledge is critical and so is hard- calling and rallying this community, would do it. Sometimes people say: won ingenuity and determination to and they all came out. They all came Well, we need to agree on everything overcome many of the challenges in out in any kind of vehicle with lights before we pass anything. Sometimes living in the great State of Alaska. that they had—trucks, cars, ATVs, that is true. But when something is I would like to transport you to one kids on four-wheelers, many still in this important, when it affects this of those communities. It is the village their pajamas. This was in the middle many families, and when it comes at a of Igiugig in Southwest Alaska. Rich in of the night. They arrived to provide time when families are under stress Native traditions, Igiugig is home to enough light on the runway for the anyway, let’s turn a 108-question around 70 year-round residents, grow- pilot to see the landing strip. They FAFSA into a 33-question FAFSA. ing to over 200 in the summer months. staggered the vehicles facing east and Let’s allow that to be implemented by The name ‘‘Igiugig’’ originated from running the whole length of the run- the Federal Government at the same a Yupik word meaning ‘‘like a throat way, lighting the medevac pilot’s way. They waited intensely. Ida Nelson time last year’s law is implemented, that swallows water,’’ referring to the told a reporter: and let’s make it simpler and easier for village’s location where the Kvichak I was anxious and nervous. . . . I was like, deserving Americans to go to college. River meets Iliamna. Going all the way back to the pur- ‘‘so what if that was my baby (waiting for There are lots of other things we that) plane?’’ What if it was my young girl need to do about higher education. We chase of Alaska from Russia over 150 who needed lifesaving help? years ago, Igiugig has maintained a need more accountability. We need to They waited for the plane to touch commercial fishing and subsistence- deal with student loans. There are down, for the girl to be transferred, and based economy. They have been incred- many things we need to do. We have for the plane to take off again. All of had a lot of discussions about those. ibly innovative with alternative energy this happened with the lights provided We are not going to get agreement on there—wind and hydro—and most im- by the community in a makeshift that this year, but just as we were able portantly, this community has main- lighting of the runway. to do for the historically Black col- tained a strong sense of connection By this time, it was around a little leges last year and the first step of the with each other, which is so important past 1:30, closer to 2 o’clock, but when FAFSA, I think it would be wise to fin- for communities like this. This is evi- the plane took off, the community, of ish the job. denced by what happened just a few course, was in a celebratory mood. I was very pleased with our hearing. weeks ago when a young girl needed to ‘‘We were pumped up,’’ Karl Hill said. I am grateful to Senator MURRAY for be airlifted out of the community to ‘‘It was really an amazing feat that we her kind comments this morning that Anchorage—some 250 miles away—for were able to pull together so quickly’’ she made and for her friendship and her medical help, and nearly every member in the middle of the night. He added, willingness to work with me on this, of the community pitched in to help. ‘‘It was really a nice evening.’’ and I would hope that, for the benefit What happened? Here is what hap- That young girl who needed to be of those 20 million families, we would pened. On the night of August 28—so medevacked and airlifted in Anchorage have some success. about 3 or 4 weeks ago—around 11:30 is now back in the community, and she I suggest the absence of a quorum. a.m., the Tribal administrator and vil- has recovered, thank God. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The lage council vice president Karl Hill LifeMed Alaska, which provided the clerk will call the roll. was sitting at home when he saw the medevac, posted a photo on social The legislative clerk proceeded to LifeMed Alaska flight, which he knew media with the following caption: call the roll. was coming in to help this young girl, ‘‘What appears to be a blurry, dark Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask circling above the small runway. photo is actually a view of what an unanimous consent that the order for Over 200 of our communities aren’t amazing community can do with a lot the quorum call be rescinded. connected by roads. They aren’t con- of determination,’’ lighting a runway, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nected by roads, so a lot of them have saving a life. Indeed. objection, it is so ordered. very small airports and landing strips. We are so proud to be a State full of f Karl got this phone call when the such tight-knit communities that work pilot was above circling. There was a together every day to make Alaska so RECOGNIZING IGIUGIG, ALASKA problem with the runway lights; they special. We are particularly proud as Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, it is weren’t working. He ran out to the air- we recount the events of August 28 in Thursday, and as you know, it is one of port to try to turn the lights on manu- Igiugig and so grateful to everyone in my favorite times of the week. ally. That didn’t work, so he got into the community who came out in the The Presiding Officer has the good his plane—he was one of only two pi- middle of the night, some in their paja- fortune of listening to a number of the lots in the village with a plane. He got mas, to make sure that young girl ‘‘Alaskan of the Week’’ speeches when on the plane just to talk to the pilot, could get the medical help she needed. I get to come down to the floor—typi- who was circling above, over the head- Thank you to Igiugig for being such cally every Thursday—to talk about a set. That pilot who was on the medevac an amazing community with great de- person or group of people who are doing flight told him he was getting low on termination, great heart, and great in- great things for my State. As I said, so fuel. He wouldn’t be able to circle novation. Congratulations to all of you many of my colleagues here—even much longer, and he couldn’t land. But for being our Alaskans of the Week.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.037 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5701 I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- ture motion having been presented question is on agreeing to the motion. jority leader. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the The motion was agreed to. f clerk to read the motion. f The senior assistant legislative clerk EXECUTIVE SESSION read as follows: EXECUTIVE SESSION CLOTURE MOTION We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to proceed to executive session to move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- move to proceed to executive session to nation of Andrea R. Lucas, of Virginia, to be consider Calendar No. 709. consider Calendar No. 603. a Member of the Equal Employment Oppor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tunity Commission for a term expiring July question is on agreeing to the motion. question is on agreeing to the motion. 1, 2025. The motion was agreed to. Mitch McConnell, Cindy Hyde-Smith, The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The John Thune, John Hoeven, John Booz- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the nomination. man, David Perdue, Steve Daines, Pat clerk will report the nomination. The senior assistant legislative clerk Roberts, Thom Tillis, Lamar Alex- The senior assistant legislative clerk read the nomination of Edward Hulvey ander, John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, read the nomination of Keith E. Roger F. Wicker, Mike Braun, John Meyers, of Maryland, to be a Judge of Sonderling, of Florida, to be a Member Barrasso, Richard C. Shelby, Tim of the Equal Employment Opportunity the United States Court of Federal Scott. Claims for a term of fifteen years. Commission for a term expiring July 1, f 2024. CLOTURE MOTION LEGISLATIVE SESSION CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- move to proceed to legislative session. send a cloture motion to the desk. ture motion having been presented The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- under rule XXII, the Chair directs the question is on agreeing to the motion. ture motion having been presented clerk to read the motion. The motion was agreed to. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the The senior assistant legislative clerk f clerk to read the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows: EXECUTIVE SESSION read as follows: CLOTURE MOTION CLOTURE MOTION We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- move to proceed to executive session to nation of Edward Hulvey Meyers, of Mary- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- consider Calendar No. 708. nation of Keith E. Sonderling, of Florida, to land, to be a Judge of the United States The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen be a Member of the Equal Employment Op- years. question is on agreeing to the motion. portunity Commission for a term expiring Mitch McConnell, Roy Blunt, Mike The motion was agreed to. July 1, 2024. Rounds, Todd Young, Pat Roberts, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mitch McConnell, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Cindy Hyde-Smith, John Thune, Kevin clerk will report the nomination. John Thune, John Hoeven, John Booz- Cramer, Thom Tillis, Michael B. Enzi, The senior assistant legislative clerk man, David Perdue, Steve Daines, Pat James Lankford, John Barrasso, Joni read the nomination of Jocelyn Sam- Roberts, Thom Tillis, Lamar Alex- Ernst, Lamar Alexander, Rob Portman, uels, of Maryland, to be a Member of ander, John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, Steve Daines. Roger F. Wicker, Mike Braun, John the Equal Employment Opportunity Barrasso, Richard C. Shelby, Tim f Commission for a term expiring July 1, Scott. 2021. LEGISLATIVE SESSION f CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I LEGISLATIVE SESSION move to proceed to legislative session. send a cloture motion to the desk. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- move to proceed to legislative session. question is on agreeing to the motion. ture motion having been presented The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The motion was agreed to. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the question is on agreeing to the motion. f clerk to read the motion. The motion was agreed to. The senior assistant legislative clerk f EXECUTIVE SESSION read as follows: CLOTURE MOTION EXECUTIVE SESSION We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby EXECUTIVE CALENDAR move to proceed to executive session to move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I consider Calendar No. 706. nation of Jocelyn Samuels, of Maryland, to move to proceed to executive session to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The be a Member of the Equal Employment Op- consider Calendar No. 588. portunity Commission for a term expiring question is on agreeing to the motion. July 1, 2021. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The motion was agreed to. Mitch McConnell, Cindy Hyde-Smith, question is on agreeing to the motion. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The John Thune, John Hoeven, John Booz- The motion was agreed to. clerk will report the nomination. man, David Perdue, Steve Daines, Pat The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The senior assistant legislative clerk Roberts, Thom Tillis, Lamar Alex- clerk will report the nomination. read the nomination of Andrea R. ander, John Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, The senior assistant legislative clerk Lucas, of Virginia, to be a Member of Roger F. Wicker, Mike Braun, John read the nomination of John Charles the Equal Employment Opportunity Barrasso, Richard C. Shelby, Tim Hinderaker, of Arizona, to be United Scott. Commission for a term expiring July 1, States District Judge for the District 2025. f of Arizona. CLOTURE MOTION LEGISLATIVE SESSION CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk. move to proceed to legislative session. send a cloture motion to the desk.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.038 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5702 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- LEGISLATIVE SESSION experience and were rated well-quali- ture motion having been presented fied by the American Bar Association. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Each nominee also was reviewed by clerk to read the motion. MORNING BUSINESS judicial screening committees that we The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I established, including a Southern Dis- read as follows: ask unanimous consent that the Sen- trict judicial screening committee, CLOTURE MOTION ate proceed to legislative session for a chaired by former Federal judge Pat- rick Murphy, and a Northern District We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- period of morning business, with Sen- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the ators permitted to speak therein for up committee, chaired by former Federal Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby to 10 minutes each. judge David Coar. Each nominee re- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ceived screening committee approval nation of John Charles Hinderaker, of Ari- objection, it is so ordered. based on their qualifications and their zona, to be United States District Judge for record as judges. the District of Arizona. f I want to say that I recognize and re- Mitch McConnell, Martha McSally, Tom JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS spect the opposition that has been ex- Cotton, Roger F. Wicker, John Cornyn, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to pressed to two of the Republican picks Lamar Alexander, John Barrasso, Roy in this package, Judges Dugan and Blunt, Marco Rubio, Richard Burr, speak about the package of four Illi- nois district court nominees who are McGlynn. Mike Crapo, Rob Portman, Kevin These nominees have made state- Cramer, John Thune, Steve Daines, scheduled to receive votes on the floor ments and expressed views with which John Boozman, James Lankford. this week. In my State, Democrats and Repub- I disagree, particularly on matters in- volving reproductive rights. f licans have long worked together in a These nominees would not have been respectful, bipartisan way to select LEGISLATIVE SESSION Democratic picks in our Illinois sys- Federal judges. tem, but under the system, Democrats Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I For example, when two Illinois va- move to proceed to legislative session. and Republicans have to work together cancies opened up on the 7th Circuit in on bipartisan packages, and neither The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 2017, back before Senate Republicans side gets everything their way. question is on agreeing to the motion. decided to abandon the circuit court While I disagree with statements The motion was agreed to. blue slip, we were able to negotiate a that Judges Dugan and McGlynn have package of two well-qualified nomi- f made, I agreed to this package of nomi- nees, Amy St. Eve and Michael nees as part of our bipartisan State EXECUTIVE SESSION Scudder, who both were confirmed by process, and I will support all four the Senate unanimously. nominees in the package. For district court vacancies, Illinois I also want to briefly discuss the has a longstanding ‘‘three to one’’ sys- Democratic pick in this package, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR tem. Judge Franklin Valderrama. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Under this system, the President’s For the past 14 years, he has served move to proceed to executive session to party gets to select the candidates for as an associate judge on the Circuit consider Calendar No. 815. three out of four district court vacan- Court of Cook County. He has exten- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The cies, and the other party gets to select sive experience both as a judge and as question is on agreeing to the motion. the candidate for the fourth. Then the a practitioner and is highly respected. The motion was agreed to. parties negotiate until they reach When a Chicago-based Federal judge- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The agreement on packages of nominees ship became vacant last year, we put clerk will report the nomination. that can move forward to confirma- out a public call for applications. An The senior assistant legislative clerk tion. extraordinary group of 50 candidates read the nomination of Roderick C. Under this system, Democrats and applied. Our screening committee vet- Young, of Virginia, to be United States Republicans have to work together and ted them all, and Judge Valderrama District Judge for the Eastern District compromise. Neither side gets every- was at the top of the list. of Virginia. thing they want, but for several dec- I believe he will be an outstanding addition to the Federal bench in Chi- CLOTURE MOTION ades, this bipartisan process has kept cago. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I both parties at the table and has served send a cloture motion to the desk. Illinois well. f The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- During President Trump’s tenure, HONORING RYAN PHILLIP ture motion having been presented there have been two packages of Illi- HENDRIX under rule XXII, the Chair directs the nois district court nominees that we Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise clerk to read the motion. have negotiated with the senior Mem- today to pay tribute to Sheriff Deputy The senior assistant legislative clerk ber of the Republican congressional Ryan Phillip Hendrix, 34, of Henderson- read as follows: delegation—Representative JOHN SHIM- ville who passed away on Thursday, KUS—and the White House. CLOTURE MOTION September 10, 2020, while in the line of The first was a package of four Chi- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- duty. He was born December 9, 1985, in ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the cago nominees—now judges—that in- Asheville, North Carolina to his par- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby cluded Democratic pick Mary Rowland, ents Donald L. and Heidi J. Hendrix. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- a former Federal public defender and Ryan was a devoted Christian and at- nation of Roderick C. Young, of Virginia, to the first openly LGBT judge on the tended Grace Blue Ridge Church with be United States District Judge for the East- Chicago bench. Pastor Chas Morris. ern District of Virginia. The second package of Illinois nomi- Shortly after graduating from Hen- Mitch McConnell, Mike Braun, Mike nees, which we negotiated throughout dersonville Christian School in 2004, Rounds, Marsha Blackburn, Todd 2019 and agreed upon last December, in- Ryan enlisted with the U.S. Marine Young, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Lindsey cludes Federal Magistrate Judge Iain Graham, Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, Corps and graduated as a lance cor- Chuck Grassley, Kevin Cramer, Lamar Johnston of Rockford; Illinois 3rd Judi- poral marine in 2005. He was in the Ma- Alexander, Pat Roberts, John Booz- cial Circuit Judge David Dugan of rine Reserves for 5 years and volun- man, John Cornyn, Mike Crapo, James Madison County; Illinois 20th Judicial teered to serve a tour of duty in Iraq in E. Risch. Circuit Judge Stephen McGlynn of St. 2006. Ryan began his career with the Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Clair County; and the Democratic pick, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office as a consent that the mandatory quorum Judge Franklin Valderrama of the detention officer in June 2012. In May calls for the cloture motions be waived. Cook County Circuit Court. 2015, he completed basic law enforce- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without All of the nominees in the current Il- ment training and became a patrol dep- objection, it is so ordered. linois package have significant judicial uty and later a field training officer.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.047 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5703 He was an active member of the Hen- mater, Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, the more than 25,000 players who have derson County Sheriff’s Office SWAT AL. She was the chairwoman of the played in the league, and showcase the team and was assigned as a patrol de- Stillman House Restoration Com- work the NFL is doing to ensure its tective to Charlie Squad. mittee for 13 years. Under her leader- second century is just as successful as Ryan excelled in sports, especially ship, the historic Stillman House was the first. baseball and soccer, and enjoyed fish- placed on the Alabama Historic Reg- I wish the league all the best as it ing, hunting, biking, kayaking, and ister and National Register of Historic embarks into its second century as the camping. Ryan’s children, Elloree and Places. She was also successful in plac- foremost steward of ‘‘America’s Merritt, were the love of his life and al- ing Stillman College on the Alabama Game.’’ ways his greatest priority. He spent all Register of Landmarks and Heritage, f of his free time with them and contin- designating the campus as an Alabama ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ually involved them in outdoor activi- Historic District. ties. He enjoyed teaching them how to Outside of her professional career, raise animals and spending time with Mrs. Davis was heavily involved with CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF their extended family of grandparents, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the SPECIAL OLYMPICS ARKANSAS aunts and uncles, and many cousins. West Alabama United Way Campaign, ∑ Ryan had a keen instinct and could Habitat for Humanity, and several Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise see things most couldn’t. He was swift other local endeavors. Additionally, today in light of a significant anniver- to action and was very intuitive while Melissia was a dedicated member of sary for a crucial organization in the possessing a magnanimous heart. He Elizabeth Baptist Church, where she state of Arkansas. Fifty years ago, would choose not to fight with a fool, taught Sunday school and served as a Special Olympics Arkansas was found- but rather help them to find a better matron. Not only did Melissia live a ed under the idea of an equal and op- way. Ryan loved to bring humor to life of service, she embodied it. portune Arkansas. On this special day every situation, and even during the Melissia’s many accomplishments of celebration, I would like to recog- roughest times, you would always see a and contributions to the State of Ala- nize and thank Special Olympics Ar- smile on his face. bama will long be remembered. kansas for its dedication to a virtuous Ryan tragically lost his life during Melissia was passionate about her mission that has transformed my State the early morning hours of September hometown of Kennedy, AL, and she in more ways than one. 10, 2020, while in the line of duty. As served as one of its strongest advo- Special Olympics Arkansas was de- the world slept, Ryan responded to as- cates. She will be remembered for her signed to fulfill and uphold a specific sist a family in need of help when they great sense of humor and style. vision to transform communities became innocent victims of a violent Melissia touched the lives of many through sports and education. To make encounter. over the years, and she will be greatly this ambition a reality, the organiza- We all know the tragic outcome, but missed. tion provides individuals with intellec- Ryan refused to let the story end there. I offer my deepest condolences to tual disabilities the opportunity to While his death will leave a giant void Melissia’s husband, Burkles Davis, II, participate in year-round sports and in the hearts of those who love him, he and her two children, Alecia Nicole athletic training. Just as Special continues to exemplify a servant’s Davis and Burkles ‘‘Trey’’ Davis, III, Olympics Arkansas has a positive im- heart even in passing. Ryan was also an and to all of their loved ones as they pact on the field, it is also a powerful organ donor and will continue helping celebrate her life and mourn her pass- and effective catalyst for social change strangers for a lifetime, even after ing. off the field. By offering a range of pro- making the ultimate sacrifice. He was f gramming efforts that encompass doing the job he was born to do and health, education, community building 100TH BIRTHDAY OF THE NFL died doing the job he loved. and leadership, Special Olympics Ar- As the U.S. Senator from North Caro- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I rise kansas is doing exactly what it set out lina, I am forever grateful for Ryan’s today to commemorate the 100th birth- to accomplish. service to our State and Nation. He day of the National Football League. Since its inception, the organization gave his life protecting his fellow citi- On September 17, 1920, 15 people who has seen increasing and overwhelming zens, and we will never forget the sac- shared a love of football met in an demand. Special Olympics Arkansas rifice he made. automobile showroom in Canton, OH, has 15,000 participating athletes and f to form what would become the Na- 5,000 volunteers. Additionally, it offers tional Football League. From these training in 15 different sports with 240 REMEMBERING MELISSIA DAVIS humble beginnings, the NFL has grown statewide competitions and has cul- Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, today I into a preeminent American sports tivated participation in all 75 of the wish to honor the life of Mrs. Melissia league and become a fixture in Amer- State’s counties. While the trans- Davis of Kennedy, AL, who passed ican life. Today’s NFL is an American formative power of sports is at the or- away on September 7, 2020. She will be institution that brings together mil- ganization’s core, competition is mere- remembered as a dedicated public serv- lions of individuals of all ages, races, ly a gateway to creating avenues for ant who was committed to bettering and backgrounds through a shared love individuals, both with and without in- her community and State. for the game of football. In fact, last tellectual disabilities, to experience Melissia worked diligently for 26 season, the NFL concluded the celebra- personal growth, find joy and gain con- years as the State representative in my tion of its 100th season with a stunning fidence. The addition of several new U.S. Senate Office in Tuscaloosa, AL. Super Bowl championship that was programs such as the Inclusive Health She covered the West Alabama region, viewed by over 100 million Americans. Program, Unified School Program, and specifically serving the counties of At the same time, the NFL has never the Unified Leadership Program has Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marion, forgotten its roots in Ohio. Every year, proven tremendously valuable in Pickens, and Tuscaloosa. I first met millions of football fans travel to Can- breaking down barriers and creating Melissia when she was working for the ton, which now hosts the Pro Football accepting and inclusive communities. Internal Revenue Service, and I was Hall of Fame and the accompanying Thanks to Special Olympics Arkansas, eager to hire her. I knew she would be Hall of Fame game that rings in every our State has experienced great social an exemplary employee. Over the new NFL season. Today, in an effort to progress and meaningful change over years, Melissia gained a deep under- commemorate the League’s 100th birth- the past 50 years. standing of constituent services and re- day, Canton and the Cleveland Browns I cannot thank Special Olympics Ar- mained dedicated to working with Fed- will host my hometown Cincinnati kansas enough for its continued dedica- eral, State, and local agencies on be- Bengals in a classic rivalry game, tion to creating an environment where half of my constituents. known as the Battle of Ohio. The game enhanced opportunity and acceptance Melissia served with distinction on will highlight the formation of the take center stage. Arkansas citizens of the board of trustees of her alma league and its origins in Canton, honor all backgrounds, their families, and our

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.017 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 communities are forever grateful for Through Tom’s work, the right to ha- S. 881. An act to improve understand and five decades of hard work and dedica- bilitation in non-segregated settings forecasting of space weather events, and for tion to a better tomorrow.∑ was established. The ruling in other purposes. f Pennhurst v. Halderman was the fore- The message further announced that runner of the 1999 Olmstead v. LC Su- the House has passed the following REMEMBERING THOMAS KANE preme Court decision, establishing the bills, in which it requests the concur- GILHOOL right to treatment and services in com- rence of the Senate: ∑ Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I munity-based settings. Since that case, H.R. 2574. An act to amend title VI of the rise to recognize and pay tribute to nearly 200,000 people have moved from Civil Rights Act of 1964 to restore the right Thomas Kane Gilhool, who championed abusive, segregated settings where to individual civil actions in cases involving the rights of inclusion for children and they had been deprived of dignity, re- disparate impact, and for other purposes. H.R. 3659. An act to establish an Anti-Bul- adults with disabilities and changed spect, and their basic needs. Tom public policy in our country for all peo- lying Roundtable to study bullying in ele- Gilhool’s work made it possible for mentary and secondary schools in the United ple with disabilities. His work was piv- millions of children and adults with in- States, and for other purposes. otal in affirming the constitutional tellectual and developmental disabil- H.R. 4979. An act to direct the Director of right of children with disabilities to a ities to avoid such places. the National Science Foundation to support public education, increasing commu- The cases Tom Gilhool argued laid STEM education and workforce development nity-based services for people with de- much of the foundation for the passage research focused on rural areas, and for velopmental disabilities, and creating of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities other purposes. a pathway for people with autism and H.R. 4990. An act to direct the National In- Act. Judith Gran, a long-time col- stitute of Standards and Technology and the other developmental disabilities to league of Tom Gilhool at the Public In- National Science Foundation to carry out re- leave institutions and live with neigh- terest Law Center said, ‘‘Tom was the search and other activities to promote the bors, friends, and family. most effective civil rights lawyer of his security and modernization of voting sys- Tom Gilhool was an originating generation. Without his vision and tems, and for other purposes. member of Philadelphia’s Community strategic gifts, [people with disabil- H.R. 7909. An act to facilitate access to Legal Services. At the start of his ca- ities] might not have the right to edu- child care services safely and securely during the COVID–19 pandemic. reer, he helped to organize, train, and cation and the right to live in the com- then represented the Philadelphia Wel- H.R. 8162. An act to express the sense of munity.’’ Congress that the Secretary of Education fare Rights Organization and the Resi- In 2012, Pennhurst v. Halderman was should provide certain waivers to commu- dents Advisory Board, as well as other cited by Chief Justice John Roberts in nity learning centers, and for other purposes. organizations representing residents in upholding the constitutionality of key The message also announced that the low-income neighborhoods. The rec- provisions of the Patient Protection House has passed the following bill, ognition agreements he secured em- and Affordable Care Act in the Na- with an amendment, in which it re- powered those organizations to effec- tional Federation of Independent Busi- quests the concurrence of the Senate: tively represent welfare recipients and ness v. Sebelius. public housing tenants and served as S. 2683. An act to establish a task force to When my father was elected Gov- assist States in implementing hiring require- models that were replicated through- ernor of Pennsylvania in 1986, he asked ments for child care staff members to im- out the country. Tom to serve as Secretary of Edu- prove child safety. Tom Gilhool’s seminal accomplish- cation. Tom worked hard for the chil- ment was his groundbreaking represen- dren of Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1989. At 4:55 p.m., a message from the tation of plaintiffs in the Pennsylvania Thomas Gilhool’s tremendous con- House of Representatives, delivered by Association for Retarded Citizens tributions to the lives and rights of Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- (PARC) v. the Commonwealth of Penn- people with disabilities and their fami- nounced that the House has passed the sylvania, the Nation’s first civil rights lies are immeasurable. His accomplish- following bill, in which it requests the case brought on behalf of children with ments will continue to benefit all peo- concurrence of the Senate: disabilities. Kate Fialkowski, sister of ple with disabilities and inspire all who H.R. 2694. An act to eliminate discrimina- two boys represented in the case, re- continue to work to protect the rights tion and promote women’s health and eco- members Tom as ‘‘an intellectual and freedoms of people with disabil- nomic security by ensuring reasonable work- place accommodations for workers whose giant, lawyer, and legal historian,’’ ities.∑ someone ‘‘who used his gifts not for ability to perform the functions of a job are self-aggrandizement, but instead to f limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a re- lated medical condition. raise up the lives of others, including MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT those with intellectual and develop- f A message from the President of the mental disabilities.’’ Prior to this case, MEASURES REFERRED United States was communicated to children with disabilities were all but the Senate by Ms. Neiman, one of his The following bills were read the first excluded from attending public secretaries. and the second times by unanimous schools. The decree of the U.S. District consent, and referred as indicated: Court for the Eastern District of Penn- f H.R. 2574. An act to amend title VI of the sylvania in 1972 paved the way for the EXECUTIVE MESSAGE REFERRED Civil Rights Act of 1964 to restore the right 1975 passage of the Education for All to individual civil actions in cases involving Handicapped Children Act, now known As in executive session the Presiding disparate impact, and for other purposes; to as the Individuals with Disabilities Officer laid before the Senate a mes- the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, Education Act—IDEA—which affirmed sage from the President of the United and Pensions. every child’s right to a free and appro- States submitting a nomination which H.R. 2694. An act to eliminate discrimina- priate public education in the least re- was referred to the Committee on tion and promote women’s health and eco- strictive environment. Homeland Security and Governmental nomic security by ensuring reasonable work- place accommodations for workers whose Tom Gilhool’s work on PARC v. Affairs. (The message received today is print- ability to perform the functions of a job are Pennsylvania led to another landmark limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a re- case on behalf of people with disabil- ed at the end of the Senate pro- lated medical condition; to the Committee ities. In Pennhurst State School and ceedings.) on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hospital v. Halderman, 1981, Tom f H.R. 3659. An act to establish an Anti-Bul- Gilhool was lead counsel for residents lying Roundtable to study bullying in ele- of Pennhurst State School and Hos- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE mentary and secondary schools in the United pital, the residential home to almost At 12:18 p.m., a message from the States, and for other purposes; to the Com- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and 3,000 people with intellectual and de- House of Representatives, delivered by Pensions. velopmental disabilities. By 1968, Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- H.R. 4979. An act to direct the Director of Pennhurst was exposed as an over- nounced that the House has passed the the National Science Foundation to support crowded, violent, and abusive setting. following bill, without amendment: STEM education and workforce development

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research focused on rural areas, and for COTTON, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. PORTMAN, poses; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. BURR, Mr. WICKER, rity and Governmental Affairs. Education, Labor, and Pensions. Mr. INHOFE, Mr. BOOZMAN, and Ms. By Mr. KING (for himself and Mr. H.R. 4990. An act to direct the National In- COLLINS): BLUMENTHAL): stitute of Standards and Technology and the S. 4605. A bill to amend title 18, United S. 4615. A bill to establish a competitive National Science Foundation to carry out re- States Code, to punish criminal offenses tar- grant program to support the development, search and other activities to promote the geting law enforcement officers, and for implementation, and evaluation of success- security and modernization of voting sys- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- ful educator and school leader professional tems, and for other purposes; to the Com- diciary. development programs on family engage- mittee on Rules and Administration. By Mr. SCOTT of Florida: ment that will increase the capacity of edu- H.R. 7909. An act to facilitate access to S. 4606. A bill to authorize the President to cators and school leaders to work with fami- child care services safely and securely during use military force for the purpose of securing lies to develop and support the social-emo- the COVID–19 pandemic; to the Committee and defending Taiwan against armed attack, tional learning of children; to the Com- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. and for other purposes; to the Committee on mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and H.R. 8162. An act to express the sense of Foreign Relations. Pensions. Congress that the Secretary of Education By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Mr. should provide certain waivers to commu- JONES): ROUNDS): nity learning centers, and for other purposes S. 4607. A bill to provide forgiveness for S. 4616. A bill to direct the Secretary of to the Committee on Health, Education, paycheck protection program and economic Agriculture to transfer certain National For- Labor, and Pensions. injury disaster loans related to COVID–19 est System land to the State of South Da- made to businesses that are located in an f kota, and for other purposes; to the Com- area for which the President declared a mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME major disaster related to Hurricane Laura or By Mr. BOOKER: Hurricane Sally, and for other purposes; to S. 4617. A bill to provide supplemental ap- The following bill was read the first the Committee on Finance. propriations for the cleanup of legacy pollu- time: By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. COTTON, tion, including National Priority List sites, S. 4618. A bill making emergency supple- Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Ms. certain abandoned coal mining sites, and for- mental appropriations for disaster relief for MCSALLY, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. CRUZ, merly used defense sites, to replace lead the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and Mr. RUBIO, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. DAINES, drinking water service lines, to provide for other purposes. Mr. BLUNT, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Ms. grants under certain programs, and to amend ERNST, Mr. RISCH, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, the Clean Air Act to prohibit the issuance of f Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. ROM- new major source air pollution permits in EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF NEY, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. THUNE, Ms. overburdened communities, and for other MURKOWSKI, Mr. HOEVEN, and Mr. COMMITTEES purposes; to the Committee on Environment TILLIS): and Public Works. The following executive reports of S. 4608. A bill to amend the By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Mr. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide nominations were submitted: TILLIS): for the portability of professional licenses of By Mr. INHOFE for the Committee on S. 4618. A bill making emergency supple- members of the uniformed services and their Armed Services. mental appropriations for disaster relief for spouses, and for other purposes; to the Com- Air Force nomination of Maj. Gen. James the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and mittee on Armed Services. C. Dawkins, Jr., to be Lieutenant General. for other purposes; read the first time. By Mr. COTTON: By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. CRUZ, and Army nominations beginning with Brig. S. 4609. A bill to withdraw normal trade re- Mr. BARRASSO): Gen. Sean C. Bernabe and ending with Brig. lations treatment from, and apply certain S. 4619. A bill to amend the National Envi- Gen. Patrick D. Frank, which nominations provisions of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974 ronmental Policy Act of 1969 to impose time were received by the Senate and appeared in to, products of the People’s Republic of limits on the completion of certain required the Congressional Record on September 14, China, and to expand the eligibility require- actions under the Act, and for other pur- 2020. ments for products of the People’s Republic poses; to the Committee on Environment and By Mr. GRAHAM for the Committee on the of China to receive normal trade relations Public Works. Judiciary. treatment in the future, and for other pur- By Mr. LEE: Toby Crouse, of Kansas, to be United poses; to the Committee on Finance. S. 4620. A bill to amend the National Envi- States District Judge for the District of Kan- By Mr. BLUMENTHAL (for himself, sas. ronmental Policy Act of 1969 to impose time Mr. CARPER, Mr. BROWN, and Ms. Aileen Mercedes Cannon, of Florida, to be limits on the completion of certain required HIRONO): United States District Judge for the South- S. 4610. A bill to require facemasks in Fed- actions under the Act, and for other pur- ern District of Florida. eral facilities to prevent the transmission of poses; to the Committee on Environment and J. Philip Calabrese, of Ohio, to be United SARS–CoV–2, and for other purposes; to the Public Works. States District Judge for the Northern Dis- Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. trict of Ohio. ernmental Affairs. MERKLEY, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. MUR- James Ray Knepp II, of Ohio, to be United By Mr. JONES: RAY, and Ms. HARRIS): States District Judge for the Northern Dis- S. 4611. A bill to direct the Secretary of S. 4621. A bill to provide tax relief for per- trict of Ohio. Agriculture to establish a grant program to sons affected by certain 2020 disasters; to the Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, to be United address the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic Committee on Finance. States District Judge for the Southern Dis- on State and local fairs, and for other pur- By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. GRA- trict of Ohio. poses; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nu- HAM, Mr. WARNER, Mr. SCOTT of Anna Maria Ruzinski, of Wisconsin, to be trition, and Forestry. South Carolina, Mr. KAINE, and Mr. United States Marshal for the Eastern Dis- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. CARPER): trict of Wisconsin for the term of four years. GRASSLEY, Mr. TESTER, Mr. PERDUE, S. 4622. A bill to amend the Act entitled Gregory Scott Tabor, of Arkansas, to be and Mr. TILLIS): ‘‘Act to provide for the establishment of the United States Marshal for the Western Dis- S. 4612. A bill to designate methamphet- Brown v. Board of Education National His- trict of Arkansas for the term of four years. amine as an emerging threat, and for other toric Site in the State of Kansas, and for (Nominations without an asterisk purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- other purposes’’ to provide for inclusion of were reported with the recommenda- ary. additional related sites in the National Park System, and for other purposes; to the Com- tion that they be confirmed.) By Mr. BOOZMAN (for himself, Mr. WICKER, Mr. INHOFE, and Mr. PAUL): mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. f S. 4613. A bill to amend the Fairness to By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Contact Lens Consumers Act to prevent cer- Mr. SCOTT of Florida): INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND tain automated calls and to require notice of S. 4623. A bill to establish a temperature JOINT RESOLUTIONS the availability of contact lens prescriptions checks pilot program for air transportation, The following bills and joint resolu- to patients, and for other purposes; to the and for other purposes; to the Committee on tions were introduced, read the first Committee on Commerce, Science, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation. By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. and second times by unanimous con- By Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and DURBIN): sent, and referred as indicated: Mr. SANDERS): S. 4624. A bill to strengthen American eco- By Mr. TILLIS (for himself, Mr. KEN- S. 4614. A bill to amend title 39, United nomic resiliency and equitably expand eco- NEDY, Mr. GRAHAM, Mrs. LOEFFLER, States Code, to provide that the United nomic opportunity by launching a national Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. States Postal Service may provide certain competition, promoting state and local stra- SCOTT of Florida, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. basic financial services, and for other pur- tegic planning, encouraging innovation by

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.012 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 the public and private sectors, and by sub- tional Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week; and September 11, 2020, announcements of stantially investing federal resources in re- considered and agreed to. the establishment of full diplomatic rela- search and development; to the Committee By Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. tions between the State of Israel and the on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. LANKFORD): United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. S. Res. 704. A resolution honoring the ac- and the Kingdom of Bahrain are historic MANCHIN, and Ms. CANTWELL): complishments of General Thomas P. Staf- achievements; to the Committee on Foreign S. 4625. A bill to direct the Secretary of the ford and recognizing his contribution to the Relations. Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to United States Space Program; considered By Mr. CRAMER (for himself and Ms. encourage and expand the use of prescribed and agreed to. ROSEN): fire on land managed by the Department of By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. S. Res. 710. A resolution commemorating the Interior or the Forest Service, with an CANTWELL, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. WHITE- the High Holidays celebrated and commemo- emphasis on units of the National Forest HOUSE, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. ROSEN, rated by the Jewish people in the United System in the western United States, and for Mr. TILLIS, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BRAUN, States, in Israel, and around the world, and other purposes; to the Committee on Energy Mr. COONS, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. KING, recognizing the many accomplishments and and Natural Resources. Mr. GARDNER, Ms. WARREN, Mr. contributions of the Jewish community in By Mr. WICKER (for himself, Mr. BURR, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. THUNE, and the United States; to the Committee on the THUNE, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mrs. Mrs. SHAHEEN): Judiciary. FISCHER): S. Res. 705. A resolution proclaiming the S. 4626. A bill to establish data privacy and week of September 21 through September 25, f data security protections for consumers in 2020, to be ‘‘National Clean Energy Week’’; ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS the United States; to the Committee on considered and agreed to. Commerce, Science, and Transportation. By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina (for S. 511 By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself and Mr. himself, Mr. BOOKER, Mrs. HYDE- At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, SMITH, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. WYDEN): the name of the Senator from West BROWN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. VAN S. 4627. A bill to modify the Federal cost Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO) was added as a share of certain emergency assistance pro- HOLLEN, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. JONES, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. COONS, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. cosponsor of S. 511, a bill to promote vided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster and protect from discrimination living Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to WARREN, and Mr. LANKFORD): S. Res. 706. A resolution expressing support modify the activities eligible for assistance organ donors. for the designation of September 2020 as under the emergency declaration issued by S. 877 ‘‘Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month’’ in the President on March 13, 2020 relating to order to educate communities across the At the request of Mr. BOOKER, the COVID–19, and for other purposes; to the United States about sickle cell disease and name of the Senator from California Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- the need for research, early detection meth- (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- ernmental Affairs. ods, effective treatments, and preventative sponsor of S. 877, a bill to prohibit the By Mr. GRASSLEY: care programs with respect to complications S. 4628. A bill to provide for a 1-year exten- sale of shark fins, and for other pur- from sickle cell disease and conditions re- poses. sion of the Public-Private Partnership Advi- lated to sickle cell disease; considered and sory Council to End Human Trafficking; to agreed to. S. 946 the Committee on the Judiciary. By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. BALDWIN, the names of the Senator from Maine SCHUMER, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. (Ms. COLLINS), the Senator from Rhode Mr. BROWN, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. REED, BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) and the Sen- Mr. WARNER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. CASEY, Mr. COONS, Ms. CORTEZ ator from Alabama (Mr. JONES) were SHAHEEN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and Mr. MASTO, Mr. CRUZ, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, HEINRICH): Mr. HEINRICH, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. added as cosponsors of S. 946, a bill to S. 4629. A bill to address issues involving KAINE, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. MARKEY, direct the Comptroller General of the the People’s Republic of China; to the Com- Mr. MCCONNELL, Mr. MERKLEY, Mrs. United States to complete a study on mittee on Foreign Relations. MURRAY, Mr. PETERS, Mr. ROBERTS, barriers to participation in federally f Mr. SCHUMER, Ms. SMITH, Mr. WAR- funded cancer clinical trials by popu- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND NER, Ms. WARREN, Mr. WICKER, and lations that have been traditionally Mr. WYDEN): SENATE RESOLUTIONS S. Res. 707. A resolution recognizing Sep- underrepresented in such trials. The following concurrent resolutions tember 1, 2020, as ‘‘National Poll Worker Re- S. 1053 and Senate resolutions were read, and cruitment Day’’; considered and agreed to. At the request of Mr. COONS, the referred (or acted upon), as indicated: By Ms. HASSAN (for herself, Mrs. CAP- name of the Senator from New Jersey ITO, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. CASEY, Ms. (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor By Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. COLLINS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and Mr. of S. 1053, a bill to establish a universal YOUNG, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. WYDEN): CRAMER, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. BLACK- S. Res. 708. A resolution supporting the personal savings program, and for BURN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. WYDEN, Mrs. designation of September 18, 2020, as ‘‘Na- other purposes. GILLIBRAND, and Mr. MARKEY): tional Concussion Awareness Day’’; to the S. 1123 S. Res. 701. A resolution urging the Gov- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and At the request of Mr. COONS, the ernment of Burma to hold free, fair, inclu- Pensions. sive, transparent, participatory, and credible By Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. elections on November 8, 2020; to the Com- MENENDEZ, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. CARDIN, WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S. mittee on Foreign Relations. Mr. CRAMER, Mr. COONS, Mr. BLUNT, 1123, a bill to transfer and limit Execu- By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. Ms. ROSEN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. tive Branch authority to suspend or re- CRAPO, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. strict the entry of a class of aliens. CARDIN, Mr. KING, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, WYDEN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. REED, Mr. S. 1136 Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. COONS, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. KAINE, Mrs. BLACK- BOOKER, Mr. HAWLEY, and Mrs. CAP- BURN, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. HOEVEN, At the request of Mr. HOEVEN, the ITO): Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. MORAN, Mr. BEN- name of the Senator from South Da- S. Res. 702. A resolution designating Sep- NET, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. CASEY, Mr. kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- tember 2020 as ‘‘National Prostate Cancer ROMNEY, Mr. JONES, Mr. SULLIVAN, sponsor of S. 1136, a bill to amend title Awareness Month’’; considered and agreed Mr. WARNER, Mr. HAWLEY, Mr. KING, 10, United States Code, to authorize to. Mr. GARDNER, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. concurrent use of Department of De- By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. BRAUN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Ms. fense Tuition Assistance and Mont- CORNYN, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. BEN- MCSALLY, Ms. SMITH, Mr. THUNE, Ms. NET, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. CASEY, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. WICKER, Mrs. GILLI- gomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve bene- DUCKWORTH, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. FEIN- BRAND, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. BOOKER, fits, and for other purposes. STEIN, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. Mr. JOHNSON, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. S. 1182 HEINRICH, Mr. KAINE, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, LANKFORD, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Mr. CAS- At the request of Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Ms. MCSALLY, Ms. SIDY, Mr. BOOZMAN, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. the name of the Senator from Mis- ROSEN, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, Mrs. HYDE- sissippi (Mr. WICKER) was added as a TILLIS, Mr. UDALL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, SMITH, Ms. ERNST, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. BOOKER): PAUL, and Ms. MURKOWSKI): cosponsor of S. 1182, a bill to designate S. Res. 703. A resolution designating the S. Res. 709. A resolution expressing the the facility of the United States Postal week beginning September 14, 2020, as Na- sense of the Senate that the August 13, 2020, Service located at 201 West Cherokee

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.025 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5707 Street in Brookhaven, Mississippi, as (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor (Ms. MCSALLY) and the Senator from the ‘‘Deputy Donald William Durr, Cor- of S. 3441, a bill to amend the Federal Delaware (Mr. COONS) were added as co- poral Zach Moak, and Patrolman Deposit Insurance Act to provide ex- sponsors of S. 4150, a bill to require the James White Memorial Post Office ceptions to the prohibition on partici- Secretary of the Treasury to provide Building’’. pation by individuals convicted of cer- assistance to certain providers of S. 1508 tain offenses, and for other purposes. transportation services affected by the At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the S. 3677 novel coronavirus. name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the S. 4154 RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. names of the Senator from Connecticut At the request of Mr. CRAMER, the 1508, a bill to amend title 18, United (Mr. MURPHY) and the Senator from names of the Senator from Massachu- States Code, to provide enhanced pen- Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ MASTO) were added setts (Ms. WARREN) and the Senator alties for convicted murderers who kill as cosponsors of S. 3677, a bill to re- from South Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS) were or target America’s public safety offi- quire the Occupational Safety and added as cosponsors of S. 4154, a bill to cers. Health Administration to promulgate amend the Bank Service Company Act S. 2259 an emergency temporary standard to to provide improvements with respect At the request of Mr. CASEY, the protect employees from occupational to State banking agencies, and for name of the Senator from Alabama exposure to SARS–CoV–2, and for other other purposes. (Mr. JONES) was added as a cosponsor purposes. S. 4186 of S. 2259, a bill to amend the Family S. 3693 At the request of Mr. COONS, the Violence Prevention and Services Act At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the names of the Senator from Oklahoma to make improvements. name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. (Mr. LANKFORD) and the Senator from S. 2667 MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of Illinois (Mr. DURBIN) were added as co- At the request of Mr. ALEXANDER, the S. 3693, a bill to amend the Agricul- sponsors of S. 4186, a bill to provide name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. tural Marketing Act of 1946 to foster grants to States that do not suspend, COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. efficient markets and increase com- revoke, or refuse to renew a driver’s li- 2667, a bill to amend the Higher Edu- petition and transparency among pack- cense of a person or refuse to renew a cation Act of 1965 to make it easier to ers that purchase livestock from pro- registration of a motor vehicle for fail- apply for Federal student aid, to make ducers. ure to pay a civil or criminal fine or that aid predictable, to amend the Fed- S. 3756 fee, and for other purposes. eral Pell Grant program, and for other At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the S. 4255 purposes. name of the Senator from Wisconsin At the request of Mr. WARNER, the S. 2886 (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Montana At the request of Ms. MCSALLY, the sor of S. 3756, a bill to direct the Sec- (Mr. DAINES) was added as a cosponsor names of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. retary of Agriculture to establish a re- of S. 4255, a bill to amend the CARES CORTEZ MASTO), the Senator from newable fuel feedstock reimbursement Act to establish community invest- Rhode Island (Mr. REED), the Senator program. ment programs, and for other purposes. from Maryland (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) and S. 3814 S. 4258 the Senator from Michigan (Mr. At the request of Mr. BENNET, the At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the PETERS) were added as cosponsors of S. name of the Senator from New Hamp- name of the Senator from Mississippi 2886, a bill to prohibit the use of animal shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor testing for cosmetics and the sale of sponsor of S. 3814, a bill to establish a of S. 4258, a bill to establish a grant cosmetics tested on animals. loan program for businesses affected by program for small live venue operators COVID–19 and to extend the loan for- S. 2898 and talent representatives. At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the giveness period for paycheck protec- S. 4299 name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. tion program loans made to the hard- At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the YOUNG) was added as a cosponsor of S. est hit businesses, and for other pur- 2898, a bill to amend title 5, United poses. name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor States Code, to provide for a full annu- S. 4003 of S. 4299, a bill to provide grants for ity supplement for certain air traffic At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the controllers. name of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. tourism and events support and pro- motion in areas affected by the S. 3067 BROWN) was added as a cosponsor of S. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19), At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, her 4003, a bill to improve United States and for other purposes. name was added as a cosponsor of S. consideration of, and strategic support 3067, a bill to amend title XVIII of the for, programs to prevent and respond S. 4375 Social Security Act to combat the to gender-based violence from the At the request of Mr. ALEXANDER, the opioid crisis by promoting access to onset of humanitarian emergencies and name of the Senator from Mississippi non-opioid treatments in the hospital to build the capacity of humanitarian (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) was added as a co- outpatient setting. actors to address the immediate and sponsor of S. 4375, a bill to amend title At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, long-term challenges resulting from XVIII of the Social Security Act to her name was added as a cosponsor of such violence, and for other purposes. make permanent certain telehealth S. 3067, supra. S. 4106 flexibilities under the Medicare pro- S. 3072 At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the gram related to the COVID–19 public At the request of Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, name of the Senator from Louisiana health emergency. the name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. CASSIDY) was added as a cosponsor S. 4380 (Mr. LEE) was added as a cosponsor of of S. 4106, a bill to amend the Public At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the S. 3072, a bill to amend the Federal Health Service Act to provide for hos- names of the Senator from Colorado Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to pro- pital and insurer price transparency. (Mr. GARDNER) and the Senator from hibit the approval of new abortion S. 4129 New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were drugs, to prohibit investigational use At the request of Mr. WICKER, the added as cosponsors of S. 4380, a bill to exemptions for abortion drugs, and to name of the Senator from Nebraska provide redress to the employees of Air impose additional regulatory require- (Mrs. FISCHER) was added as a cospon- America. ments with respect to previously ap- sor of S. 4129, a bill to amend the Inter- S. 4397 proved abortion drugs, and for other nal Revenue Code of 1986 to reinstate At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, purposes. advance refunding bonds. his name was added as a cosponsor of S. 3441 S. 4150 S. 4397, a bill to provide for research At the request of Mr. JONES, the At the request of Mr. REED, the and education with respect to uterine name of the Senator from Delaware names of the Senator from Arizona fibroids, and for other purposes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.019 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 S. 4429 RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. nually. Hill houses and ensures mission At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, Res. 672, a resolution designating Sep- readiness for some of our best and the name of the Senator from Massa- tember 2020 as National Democracy brightest personnel, including the 75th chusetts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a Month as a time to reflect on the con- Air Base Wing, the 388th Fighter Wing, cosponsor of S. 4429, a bill to direct the tributions of the system of government and the 419th Reserve Fighter Wing. Secretary of Defense to conduct a of the United States to a more free and It is also home to the Ogden Air Lo- study regarding toxic exposure by stable world. gistics Complex, which repairs and members of the Armed Forces deployed AMENDMENT NO. 2621 maintains some of our most cutting- to Karshi Khanabad Air Base, Uzbek- At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the edge aircraft, including the F–22 istan, to include such members in the name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Raptor, the F–16 Fighting Falcon, the open burn pit registry, and for other MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor A–10 Thunderbolt II, the T–38 Talon, purposes. of amendment No. 2621 intended to be and, of course, the F–35A Lightening II, S. 4435 proposed to S. 178, a bill to condemn the most advanced fighter jet in the At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the gross human rights violations of ethnic world. names of the Senator from Virginia Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, and call- The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Cen- (Mr. WARNER) and the Senator from ing for an end to arbitrary detention, ter on Hill has since 1959 been respon- Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) were torture, and harassment of these com- sible for supporting the Minuteman added as cosponsors of S. 4435, a bill to munities inside and outside China. Intercontinental Ballistic Missile pro- prohibit the closure of postal facilities f gram, the ground-based leg of our nu- during the COVID–19 public health clear triad. emergency. STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED Just a short distance west of the BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTION S. 4442 base, the Utah Test and Training At the request of Mr. WARNER, the By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. COT- Range contains the largest block of name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. TON, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mrs. special-use airspace in the continental DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. BLACKBURN, Ms. MCSALLY, Mr. United States. The range provides an 4442, a bill to amend subtitle A of title BOOZMAN, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. RUBIO, ideal location for the testing and eval- II of division A of the CARES Act to Mr. CRAMER, Mr. DAINES, Mr. uation of weapons and training grounds provide Pandemic Unemployment As- BLUNT, Mrs. LOEFFLER, Ms. for combat, ensuring that our airmen sistance to individuals with mixed in- ERNST, Mr. RISCH, Mrs. HYDE- are prepared to win any conflict we come sources, and for other purposes. SMITH, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. enter into with decisive and conclusive S. 4515 BRAUN, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. COR- airpower. At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the NYN, Mr. THUNE, Ms. MUR- There is no question that Hill Air name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. KOWSKI, Mr. HOEVEN, and Mr. Force Base oversees vital national se- COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. TILLIS): curity assets for the U.S. Air Force. 4515, a bill to provide funding for inter- S. 4608. A bill to amend the The Air Force and our country are bet- net-connected devices and associated Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to ter off as a result of its existence. Yet internet connectivity services. provide for the portability of profes- there is something even more impor- tant that makes Hill the exceptional S. 4535 sional licenses of members of the uni- place that it is, and that is its people. At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, formed services and their spouses, and the name of the Senator from Pennsyl- for other purposes; to the Committee The patriotism, work ethic, and com- munity support are unmatched any- vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- on Armed Services. sponsor of S. 4535, a bill to authorize Mr. LEE. Mr. President, tomorrow where else in the country—or in the the President to award the Medal of marks an important day in our Na- world for that matter. Every commander who serves a 2- Honor to Waverly B. Woodson, Jr., for tion’s history—the birth of the U.S. Air year rotation at Hill always says the acts of valor during World War II. Force. For 73 years, countless brave Amer- same thing—that the community’s sup- S. CON. RES. 17 ican women and men have protected port is stronger at Hill Air Force Base At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the our liberty and our homeland from the than at any other base where any one name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. skies. They have embarked on air com- of them happens to have served. DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor bat missions, guarded our bases and I am proud to say that, in Utah, we of S. Con. Res. 17, a concurrent resolu- missile sites, and undertaken heroic go above and beyond to aid our mili- tion authorizing the use of the rotunda rescues. They have flown, fought, and tary and to support their families, as of the Capitol for the lying in state of won in the air on behalf of our great well we should. According to the 2019 the remains of the last Medal of Honor country. This year also marks another ‘‘Support of Military Families’’ report, recipient of World War II, in order to important anniversary in my home Utah ranks among the top destinations honor the Greatest Generation and the State—the 80th year of Hill Air Force for military families transitioning to a more than 16,000,000 men and women Base’s service to that mission. new duty station. Two of the three who served in the Armed Forces of the In 1939, Congress approved the con- highest ranking Air Force installations United States from 1941 to 1945. struction of an air depot in Northern are in Utah—Hill Air Force Base and S. RES. 566 Utah. The following year, on January the Roland R. Wright Air National At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the 12, the surrounding community came Guard Base in Salt Lake City. name of the Senator from Maryland together and broke ground to create The key reason for this has been (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) was added as a co- what is now known as Hill Air Force Utah’s work to improve professional li- sponsor of S. Res. 566, a resolution Base. Ever since then, it has played an cense reciprocity for military spouses. commemorating the 80th Anniversary invaluable role in building up our Air Among the many challenges that mili- of the Katyn Massacre. Force and supporting our air men and tary families face, one of the greatest S. RES. 663 women throughout World War II, is that spouses working in fields re- At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the Korea, Vietnam, and the conflicts that quiring occupational licenses often suf- names of the Senator from Minnesota we still face today. fer huge setbacks as a result of the bar- (Ms. SMITH) and the Senator from Tucked between the beautiful riers put in place by these occupational Maine (Ms. COLLINS) were added as co- Wasatch Mountains on the east and the licensing regimes in the various States. sponsors of S. Res. 663, a resolution Great Salt Lake on the west, Hill Air Faced with a 50–State patchwork supporting mask-wearing as an impor- Force Base is today home to 22,000 U.S. quilt of licensing laws, these spouses tant measure to limit the spread of the military personnel. It is the largest are forced to spend thousands of dollars Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19). single-site employer in the State of and sometimes thousands of hours on S. RES. 672 Utah—providing nearly $1.5 billion in top of those thousands of dollars just At the request of Mr. GRAHAM, the jobs each year, with an overall eco- to obtain licensure every single time name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. nomic impact of about $3.7 billion an- they move to a new State, even if they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.021 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5709 have previously acquired years or even nothing to preempt the State’s rightful porary reprieve. It put a spotlight on decades of experience in licensure in authority to set licensing standards the crimes of the Chinese Communist another State. Oftentimes, by the time within each State. Party, and it used our market as lever- the new license in the new State and in We owe a great debt of gratitude to age to advance our interests. Of course the new duty station has been proc- the men and women who give so much the Chinese Communist Party didn’t essed, it is already time for the family to protect our Nation, whether on the like that—not one bit; neither, sadly, to move, yet again, for the next mili- land, the seas, or in the skies. This bill did many bankers and businessmen tary assignment. is a simple, just, constitutionally here in America, who seemed a little This isn’t fair. It is not right. It is sound solution that will lessen some of more concerned about making money not how we ought to treat the families the burden placed on them. It will not than pressuring Communist China to of our brave military men and women. fix all of the problems, and it will not reform. This China lobby pushed hard The Department of Labor estimates make easy all of the sacrifices that are to get rid of the annual vote and give that 13 percent of military spouses are made by our military spouses and their China permanent most favored nation unemployed, and a more recent Depart- families, but it will make some of it status, and 20 years ago this week, they ment of Defense study put the rate easier. That is the least we can do. finally won. even higher, at 24 percent. This, need- As we commemorate the birthday of Here is how Senator Joe Biden de- lessly and unjustly, burdens military the Air Force and the anniversary of fended his vote at the time to give a members and their families. In some Hill Air Force Base this week, this big gift to Communist China. He said: instances, it prevents servicemembers bill’s passage is the least we can do for Trade concessions are all one-way in this from reenlisting, and, in others, it pre- our military and their families. We deal. They drop tariffs. They drop non-mar- vents spouses from entering their de- need to get this passed. I invite all of ket barriers. They agree to increased protec- sired fields in the first place. my colleagues to join me in securing tion of our intellectual property laws. Thankfully, some States have al- its immediate passage. That is what Joe Biden said at the ready taken steps to move forward in time, but is that what actually hap- By Mr. COTTON: the right direction. They have already pened? Were all the trade concessions S. 4609. A bill to withdraw normal stepped up to the plate to address this ‘‘one way,’’ as he predicted? In fact, trade relations treatment from, and problem in a meaningful way. In fact, they were, but not the way Joe Biden apply certain provisions of title IV of thanks to the diligent work of two intended because all the trade conces- the Trade Act of 1974 to, products of prominent Utah lawmakers, Senator sions ended up benefiting Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, and to Todd Weiler and State Representative while devastating America. Brian Greene, my home State has been expand the eligibility requirements for products of the People’s Republic of The main consequence of that deci- one of the first to allow licensure reci- sion was to make it harder to put tar- procity for military spouses as long as China to receive normal trade relations treatment in the future, and for other iffs on China in response to human they meet certain established criteria. rights and trade abuses, and it sent a I commend Senator Weiler and Rep- purposes; to the Committee on Fi- strong signal to businesses and banks resentative Greene for their efforts, nance. that China was open for business for and I am encouraged to see other Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, 20 years good. The gold rush to China was on. States following the example set by ago this week, Joe Biden and other Utah. politicians from both parties gave a In the two decades that followed, The Federal Government has a role gift to the Communist Party: perma- America invested more than $200 bil- to play here, too. While occupational nent most favored nation status. lion in China. Most of that money went licensing is a field that is generally Permanent most favored nation sta- to building factories and training controlled by the State, we have a role tus is a trade privilege we grant most workers over there, while our factories to play insofar as the activities of the countries that are members of the were dismantled and our workers were States. The regulations imposed by the World Trade Organization. It places laid off. States end up impacting our military lower tariffs and fewer restrictions on In the 6 years that followed that families. Military readiness and talent those countries’ goods. But historically vote, manufacturing employment retention, as well as movement of our our trade laws have treated hostile plunged by 18 percent as cheap Chinese troops across the Nation and through- countries differently—Communist goods flooded our market and as our out the world, fall under the oversight countries, countries that cheat on factories were dismantled and responsibilities of Congress. We at the trade, human rights abusers; in other offshored to China. national level should be doing every- words, countries exactly like Com- The vote to give trade privileges to thing in our power to ensure that li- munist China. Communist China is just more evi- censing laws are friendly and flexible A few of those countries, like Cuba dence of the alternate reality that poli- and certainly not hostile to or prohibi- and North Korea, are denied most fa- ticians like Joe Biden have been living tive of the activities of military vored nation status outright. What few in for decades. There is a consistent spouses and their families. goods their miserable socialist econo- pattern. They treat our enemies like That is why I am introducing the mies produce face steep tariffs, sanc- friends and our friends like enemies, Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act. tions, and other restrictions, which is and the American people suffer because This bill will simply ensure that, when one reason you don’t see too many of it. servicemembers are relocated on mili- ‘‘Made in North Korea’’ items on your Twenty years of getting ripped off by tary orders, their spouses can receive local store shelves. China is more than long enough. That reciprocity for professional licenses Other countries historically have is why I am introducing a bill that across State lines regardless of where faced a yearly review of their trading would repeal China’s permanent most within the United States they might be privileges with the United States in favored nation status and return us to reassigned. which the President and Congress can the older way, where China’s trade sta- In order to receive reciprocity under assess the human rights and trade tus would be assessed by the President this bill, a license would have to be in abuses ongoing in those countries and and Congress every year. good standing, according to the re- then determine whether it is in our in- My bill would make businesses think quirements of the jurisdiction that terests to grant those trading privi- twice before sending more American issued the license in the first place, and leges for another year. jobs overseas to China, and it would the spouse must still comply with the Communist China was one of those add new human rights and trade stand- State’s standards of practice, of dis- countries subject to yearly review—at ards that China must work toward to cipline, and the fulfillment of any con- least it was until 20 years ago. This qualify for most favored nation status. tinuing education requirements. yearly review led the spirited debates This would put a spotlight on the Com- As a State function, protected under about whether Communist China munist Party’s most recent crimes, in- principles of federalism and explicitly should be stripped of its trading privi- cluding its use of slave labor and con- by the Tenth Amendment, the bill does leges or whether it deserved a tem- centration camps in Turkestan.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.025 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 Ultimately, repealing China’s most (f) SURVEY.—The State shall prepare a sur- Whereas the National League of Democ- favored nation status would force reg- vey that is satisfactory to the Secretary of racy political party has repeatedly failed to ular votes in Congress, so politicians the exact acreage and legal description of uphold and protect the rights of ethnic and like Joe Biden would have to go on the the Federal land to be conveyed under sub- religious minorities since coming to power section (a). in 2015; record about whom they serve—the (g) COSTS OF CONVEYANCE.—As a condition Whereas, as of March 31, 2020, during the American people or the interests of the on the conveyance under subsection (a), the first four years of Aung San Suu Kyi’s civil- Chinese Communist Party. State shall pay all costs associated with the ian government, over 500 lawsuits against conveyance, including the cost of— more than 1,000 individuals have used Bur- By Mr. THUNE (for himself and (1) the appraisal under subsection (c); and ma’s legal system to repress peaceful expres- Mr. ROUNDS): (2) the survey under subsection (f). sions critical of the Tatmadaw, civilian gov- S. 4616. A bill to direct the Secretary (h) PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF LAND.— ernment, and Aung San Suu Kyi, resulting in of Agriculture to transfer certain Na- Any proceeds received by the Secretary from the imprisonment of journalists, such as tional Forest System land to the State the conveyance under subsection (a) shall Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, of South Dakota, and for other pur- be— ethnic activists, and student protestors; (1) deposited in the fund established under Whereas the Political Parties Registration poses; to the Committee on Energy and Public Law 90–171 (commonly known as the Law of 2010 limits the right to form and join Natural Resources. ‘‘Sisk Act’’) (16 U.S.C. 484a); and political parties only to full citizens, thereby Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask (2) available to the Secretary until ex- severely curtailing the political participa- unanimous consent that the text of the pended, without further appropriation, for tion of religious and ethnic minorities, in- bill be printed in the RECORD. the maintenance and improvement of land or cluding Rohingya, those of Chinese and In- There being no objection, the text of administration facilities in the Black Hills dian descent, internally displaced popu- the bill was ordered to be printed in National Forest in the State. lations across Rakhine, Kachin, and Shan states, and Burmese refugees in Thailand, the RECORD, as follows: (i) ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.—Notwith- Bangladesh, and elsewhere in the region, S. 4616 standing section 120(h)(3)(A) of the Com- prehensive Environmental Response, Com- many of whom had citizenship documents Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- pensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 canceled and who face multiple hurdles in resentatives of the United States of America in U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)(A)), the Secretary shall not gaining citizenship documentation; Congress assembled, be required to provide any covenant or war- Whereas the Government of Burma insti- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ranty for the Federal land conveyed to the tuted a blackout, that is still ongoing as of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Gilt Edge State under this Act. September 1, 2020, of mobile internet services Mine Conveyance Act’’. and restricted internet service quality in SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. f Rakhine and Chin States, beginning in June In this Act: SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS 2019, thereby inhibiting the ability to hold (1) FEDERAL LAND.—The term ‘‘Federal free and fair elections in these areas and fur- land’’ means all right, title, and interest of ther exacerbating difficulties in aid distribu- the United States in and to approximately SENATE RESOLUTION 701—URGING tion and access to potentially life-saving in- 266 acres of National Forest System land THE GOVERNMENT OF BURMA formation since the onset of COVID–19; within the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Bound- TO HOLD FREE, FAIR, INCLU- Whereas the Government of Burma con- ary, as generally depicted on the map. tinues to curtail freedom of the press and (2) MAP.—The term ‘‘map’’ means the map SIVE, TRANSPARENT, civil society—which are critical foundations entitled ‘‘Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act’’ PARTICIPATORY, AND CREDIBLE for free and fair elections—as evidenced by and dated August 20, 2020. ELECTIONS ON NOVEMBER 8, 2020 government directives to block independent and ethnic media sites, and the anticipated (3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Mr. YOUNG, means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting restrictions by the Union Election Commis- Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. through the Chief of the Forest Service. sion on voter education and election observa- DURBIN, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. (4) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means State tion activities; of South Dakota. MERKLEY, Mr. WYDEN, Mrs. GILLI- Whereas Burma’s 2015 election saw the dis- SEC. 3. LAND CONVEYANCE. BRAND, and Mr. MARKEY) submitted the enfranchisement of significant segments of (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the terms and following resolution; which was re- the population, particularly of Rohingya conditions described in this Act, if the State ferred to the Committee on Foreign ethnicity, but also including those of Chi- submits to the Secretary an offer to acquire Relations: nese and Indian descent, Muslims, and other the Federal land for the market value, as de- internally displaced persons; S. RES. 701 termined by the appraisal under subsection Whereas ongoing conflict in 2015 was used (c), the Secretary shall convey the Federal Whereas the Union Election Commission of to justify the cancellation of elections in 7 land to the State. Burma announced that the country will hold townships and more than 400 ward and vil- (b) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The convey- general elections on November 8, 2020; lage tracts, mostly in Kachin, Shan, and ance under subsection (a) shall be— Whereas Burma’s previous elections were Kayin states; (1) subject to valid existing rights; characterized by controversy, conflict, and Whereas Burma’s 1982 citizenship law (2) made by quitclaim deed; and disenfranchisement instigated by the mili- stripped Rohingya of their Burmese citizen- (3) subject to any other terms and condi- tary of Burma (the ‘‘Tatmadaw’’), including ship and subsequent policies rendered them tions as the Secretary considers appropriate in May 1990, November 2010, the April 2012 stateless and disenfranchised, despite having to protect the interests of the United States. special elections, and November 2015; the right to vote as recently as 2010 and abil- (c) APPRAISAL.— Whereas the ongoing Tatmadaw offensives ity to serve in parliament as recently as 2015; (1) IN GENERAL.—Before submitting an offer in Rakhine, southern Chin, Kachin, and Whereas in 2017, the Tatmadaw commenced under subsection (a), the State shall com- northern Shan states continue to cause sig- a genocide against Rohingya civilians in plete an appraisal to determine the market nificant displacement of ethnic groups, cre- Rakhine state, causing over 740,000 Rohingya value of the Federal land. ating substantial challenges for the Union refugees to flee into Bangladesh, joining over (2) STANDARDS.—The appraisal under para- Election Commission to generate a verified 200,000 who had been previously displaced in graph (1) shall be conducted in accordance comprehensive voter list and set up polling prior waves of anti-Rohingya violence, re- with— stations in conflict affected areas; sulting in more than 1,000,000 Rohingya refu- (A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Whereas provisions in the 2008 Constitu- gees not present in Burma for the election; Federal Land Acquisitions; and tion of Burma allocate 25 percent of par- Whereas the Government of Burma has not (B) the Uniform Standards of Professional liamentary seats to the military, conferring created conditions conducive to repatriation Appraisal Practice. exceptional powers to the Tatmadaw and and political and electoral participation of (d) MAP.— thereby affording the Tatmadaw consider- Rohingya refugees and has not made (1) AVAILABILITY OF MAP.—The map shall able power to suppress basic rights, includ- progress on the most crucial of the 88 rec- be kept on file and available for public in- ing freedoms of expression, assembly, and as- ommendations of the Rakhine Advisory spection in the appropriate office of the For- sociation; Commission identified by Rohingya refugees est Service. Whereas constitutional amendments pro- as prerequisites to voluntary repatriation, (2) CORRECTION OF ERRORS.—The Secretary posed by the Union Parliament’s Charter including freedom of movement, provision of may correct any errors in the map. Amendment Committee that aimed to de- civil documentation, and a transparent path- (e) CONSIDERATION.—As consideration for mocratize the Burmese Constitution and en- way to restoration of full citizenship; the conveyance under subsection (a), the sure equal rights, including voting rights, for Whereas the Tatmadaw’s senior generals State shall pay to the Secretary an amount all citizens of Burma were defeated by mili- have been sanctioned by the United States equal to the market value of the Federal tary lawmakers, further enabling the mili- Government for perpetrating gross human land, as determined by the appraisal under tary to exercise outsized power and influence rights violations and are subject to ongoing subsection (c). the country’s electoral processes; investigations into their conduct by both the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.023 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5711 International Criminal Court and the Inter- Credible Elections (PACE), and the Carter Whereas educating people in the United national Court of Justice; and Center, to ensure that the general elections States, including health care providers, Whereas the United Nations Special in Burma meet international standards of about prostate cancer and early detection Rapporteur on the Situation of Human free and fair elections, including by seeking strategies is crucial to saving the lives of Rights in Myanmar stated on July 13, 2020, full and unimpeded access to all aspects of men and preserving and protecting families: ‘‘The people of Myanmar deserve a free and the electoral process for international and Now, therefore, be it fair election this November and this includes domestic observers; and Resolved, That the Senate— respect for the right to vote regardless of (6) calls on the President to consider sanc- (1) designates September 2020 as ‘‘National one’s race, ethnicity or religion, freedom of tioning individuals within the Government Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’’; expression and assembly, and access to infor- of Burma, the Tatmadaw, and among mili- (2) declares that steps should be taken— mation and a free press. It will also require tary associated businesses and (A) to raise awareness about the impor- that steps are taken now to assure that ultranationalist groups, whom the United tance of screening methods for, and treat- those in conflict areas will be able to exer- States Government determines undermine ment of, prostate cancer; cise their rights.’’: Now, therefore, be it free, fair, inclusive, transparent, (B) to encourage research— Resolved, That the Senate— participatory, and credible elections in (i) to improve screening and treatment for (1) recognizes the importance of free, fair, Burma or the safety of such elections. prostate cancer; inclusive, transparent, participatory, and f (ii) to discover the causes of prostate can- credible elections in Burma and that the 2020 cer; and elections mark a critical juncture in Bur- SENATE RESOLUTION 702—DESIG- (iii) to develop a cure for prostate cancer; ma’s democratic process; NATING SEPTEMBER 2020 AS and (2) stands with the people of Burma in ‘‘NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER (C) to continue to consider ways to im- their ambition for sustainable peace, a gen- AWARENESS MONTH’’ prove access to, and the quality of, health uine democracy, and the realization of fun- care services for detecting and treating pros- damental human rights for all; Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. (3) calls upon the President and the Sec- CRAPO, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. tate cancer; and (3) calls on the people of the United States, retary of State to— CARDIN, Mr. KING, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, interest groups, and affected persons— (A) support Burma’s democratic transition, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. COONS, Mr. BOOK- (A) to promote awareness of prostate can- including by emphasizing the importance to ER, Mr. HAWLEY, and Mrs. CAPITO) sub- that transition of this election as well as of cer; mitted the following resolution; which (B) to take an active role in the fight to the Government of Burma undertaking a was considered and agreed to: credible and sustainable process of genuine end the devastating effects of prostate can- national and ethnic reconciliation; S. RES. 702 cer on individuals, families, and the econ- (B) support free, fair, inclusive, trans- Whereas more than 3,100,000 men in the omy; and parent, participatory, and credible elections United States are living with prostate can- (C) to observe National Prostate Cancer in Burma, including by working to ensure cer; Awareness Month with appropriate cere- that the Tatmadaw and its affiliates do not Whereas 1 in 9 men in the United States monies and activities. interfere with vigorous public debate or the will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in mechanism of the electoral process and that their lifetimes and 1 in 41 men in the United f other government officials do not use official States will die from prostate cancer; resources for electioneering; Whereas prostate cancer is the most com- (C) call for a ceasefire in all Burmese monly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the SENATE RESOLUTION 703—DESIG- states and localities to ensure that conflict second-leading cause of cancer-related NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING is not used as an excuse to deny people the deaths among men in the United States; SEPTEMBER 14 , 2020, AS NA- right to vote; Whereas the American Cancer Society esti- TIONAL HISPANIC-SERVING IN- (D) support the right to vote for internally mates that, in 2020, 191,930 men will be diag- STITUTIONS WEEK displaced persons, refugees, and other Bur- nosed with, and more than 33,330 men will mese communities outside of Burma, with die of, prostate cancer; Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself, Mr. specific attention to the disenfranchised Whereas 40.9 percent of newly diagnosed CORNYN, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. BEN- Rohingya people; prostate cancer cases occur in men under the NET, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. CASEY, Ms. (E) condemn any action taken by the gov- age of 65; DUCKWORTH, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. FEIN- ernment, political parties, military, or Whereas the odds of developing prostate STEIN, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. Union Election Commission to limit civil so- cancer rise rapidly after age 50; ciety participation in the election, including Whereas African-American men suffer HEINRICH, Mr. KAINE, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, prohibitions on voter education and election from a prostate cancer incidence rate that is Mrs. LOEFFLER, Ms. MCSALLY, Ms. observation, or otherwise restrict civil soci- significantly higher than that of White men ROSEN, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. ety or humanitarian space in the lead up to and have more than double the prostate can- TILLIS, Mr. UDALL, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, the election or in the post-election period; cer mortality rate than that of White men; Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. BOOKER) submitted (F) ensure that United States-based social Whereas having a father or brother with the following resolution; which was media companies, including Facebook, not prostate cancer more than doubles the risk considered and agreed to: allow their platforms to be used as vehicles of a man developing prostate cancer, with a for spreading misinformation or advocating higher risk for men who have a brother with S. RES. 703 violence or voter intimidation to suppress the disease and the highest risk for men with Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are voter participation; and several affected relatives; degree-granting institutions that have a full- (G) ensure that the Department of State’s Whereas screening by a digital rectal ex- time equivalent undergraduate enrollment of 2020 Country Report on Human Rights Prac- amination and a prostate-specific antigen at least 25 percent Hispanic students; tices includes an extensive evaluation of the blood test can detect the disease at the ear- Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions Burmese election, including an assessment lier, more treatable stages, which could in- play an important role in educating many of inclusivity, participation, and inter- crease the chances of survival for more than underprivileged students and helping those ference; 5 years to nearly 100 percent; students attain their full potential through (4) calls upon the United States Govern- Whereas only 31 percent of men survive higher education; ment, in partnership with the international more than 5 years if diagnosed with prostate Whereas 539 Hispanic-Serving Institutions community, to ensure that the Union Elec- cancer after the cancer has metastasized; operate in the United States; tion Commission functions as an inde- Whereas there are typically no noticeable Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions rep- pendent electoral management body that es- symptoms of prostate cancer in the early resent 17 percent of all nonprofit institutions tablishes a regulatory framework that fos- stages, making appropriate screening crit- of higher education, yet serve 26.8 percent of ters fair, open, and transparent electoral ical; all students and 67 percent of all Hispanic processes, and that the Tatmadaw publicly Whereas, in fiscal year 2020, the Director of students, enrolling 2,533,333 Hispanics; affirms that it will honor the results of such the National Institutes of Health will sup- Whereas, as of September 2020, the number elections; port approximately $287,000,000 in research of ‘‘emerging Hispanic-Serving Institu- (5) calls upon the Secretary of State and projects focused specifically on prostate can- tions’’, defined as institutions that do not the Administrator of the United States cer; yet meet the threshold of 25 percent Hispanic Agency for International Development to Whereas, in fiscal year 2020, Congress ap- full-time equivalent enrollment but serve a work with like-minded regional and inter- propriated $110,000,000 for the Prostate Can- Hispanic student population of between 15 national organizations, such as the Inter- cer Research Program of the Department of and 24.9 percent, stands at 352 institutions national Foundation for Electoral Systems, Defense; operating in 34 States and Puerto Rico; the International Institute for Democracy Whereas ongoing research promises further Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are and Electoral Assistance, the Asian Network improvements in prostate cancer prevention, located in 25 States, the District of Colum- for Free Elections, People’s Alliance for early detection, and treatment; and bia, and Puerto Rico;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.033 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are landing sites, and completed each of the es- SENATE RESOLUTION 705—PRO- actively involved in stabilizing and improv- sential steps in the final preparation for the CLAIMING THE WEEK OF SEP- ing the communities in which the institu- upcoming Moon landing, including the first TEMBER 21 THROUGH SEP- tions are located; rendezvous around the Moon; Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are Whereas General Stafford and his crew won TEMBER 25, 2020, TO BE ‘‘NA- leading efforts to increase Hispanic partici- the National Academy of Television Arts and TIONAL CLEAN ENERGY WEEK’’ pation in science, technology, engineering, Sciences Special Trustees ‘‘Emmy’’ Award and mathematics (commonly referred to as for initiating development of and taking the Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. CANT- ‘‘STEM’’); first colored images from space; WELL, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Whereas Hispanic-Serving Institutions are Whereas General Stafford set the record Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. TILLIS, engines of economic mobility and a major for the fastest speed traveled by a human Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. COONS, contributor to the economic prosperity of during the return of the Apollo 10 mission, a Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. KING, Mr. GARDNER, the United States; record standing today and documented in the Whereas, of the institutions of higher edu- Guinness World Book of Records, at 24,791 Ms. WARREN, Mr. BURR, Mr. MANCHIN, cation ranked by Opportunity Insights based miles per hour or Mach 36; Mr. THUNE, and Mrs. SHAHEEN) sub- on the economic mobility of the graduates of Whereas General Stafford’s final space mitted the following resolution; which those institutions, 7 of the top 10, including mission took place in 1975 as commander of was considered and agreed to: the top-ranked institution, are Hispanic- the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, during which Serving Institutions; General Stafford and Cosmonaut Alexei S. RES. 705 Whereas celebrating the vast contributions Leonov shook hands upon docking, com- Whereas, across the United States, clean of Hispanic-Serving Institutions to the pleting the first international space flight and readily abundant forms of energy are United States strengthens the culture of the and helping set into motion the end of the United States; and powering more homes and businesses than Cold War; ever before; Whereas the achievements and goals of Whereas General Stafford received the Hispanic-Serving Institutions deserve na- Whereas clean energy generation is readily Nobel Peace Prize nomination for his role in available from zero- and low-emissions tional recognition: Now, therefore, be it this mission; sources; Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas General Stafford left NASA in Whereas the clean energy sector is a grow- (1) recognizes the achievements and goals 1975 to serve as commander of the Air Force ing part of the economy and has been a key of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the Test Flight Center at Edwards Air Force driver of economic growth in the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Base; Rico; Whereas General Stafford, as Air Force States in recent years; (2) designates the week beginning Sep- Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Develop- Whereas technological innovation can fur- tember 14, 2020, as ‘‘National Hispanic-Serv- ment, and Acquisition, established require- ther reduce costs and increase deployment of ing Institutions Week’’; and ments for and initiated development of the clean energy sources; (3) calls on the people of the United States first stealth aircraft, the F-117A, which was Whereas the ‘‘2020 U.S. Energy and Em- and interested groups to observe the week the only stealth attack aircraft in the world ployment Report’’ found that— with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and for 25 years, and initiated the Air Force programs to demonstrate support for His- (1) at the end of 2019, the energy sector in roadmap for the Advance Superiority Fight- panic-Serving Institutions. the United States employed 6,800,000 individ- er still in use today; uals; and f Whereas, just prior to his retirement in 1979, General Stafford wrote the specifica- (2) in 2019, the energy sector in the United SENATE RESOLUTION 704—HON- tions for and initiated the development of States generated more than 120,000 new jobs; ORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS the Advance Technology Bomber, now Whereas the scaling of clean energy is es- OF GENERAL THOMAS P. STAF- known as the B-2 Stealth Bomber, the only sential to reducing harmful pollution; FORD AND RECOGNIZING HIS stealth bomber force in the world today, and Whereas clean energy jobs are inherently CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED initiated the development of the AGM-129 local, contribute to the growth of local STATES SPACE PROGRAM Stealth Cruise Missile; economies, and cannot be outsourced due to Whereas, from 1991 to 1993, General Staf- the on-site nature of construction, installa- Mr. INHOFE (for himself and Mr. ford led NASA’s efforts to repair and service tion, and maintenance; and LANKFORD) submitted the following the Hubble Telescope and was presented with Whereas innovative clean energy solutions resolution; which was considered and the NASA Public Service Award; and clean energy jobs are part of the energy agreed to: Whereas, in 2011, General Stafford was future of the United States: Now, therefore, S. RES. 704 awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Tro- be it phy for pioneering achievements that have Whereas General Thomas Patten Stafford led the way to the Moon, to greater inter- Resolved, That the Senate— was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on Sep- national cooperation in space, and to a safer (1) proclaims the week of September 21 tember 17, 1930, to Thomas and Mary Ellen United States; through September 25, 2020, to be ‘‘National Stafford; Whereas General Stafford completed over Clean Energy Week’’; Whereas General Stafford graduated with 507 hours in space flight time and flew more (2) encourages individuals and organiza- honors from the United States Naval Acad- than 127 types of aircraft and helicopters tions across the United States to support emy in 1952, after which he joined the newly during his career, along with 4 kinds of commonsense solutions that address the eco- formed United States Air Force; spacecraft and 3 types of boosters; nomic, environmental, and energy needs of Whereas General Stafford entered the Whereas General Stafford has advised sev- the United States in the 21st century; United States Air Force Experimental Test eral presidents on space policy and is cur- (3) encourages the Federal Government, Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in rently the Chairman of the NASA Advisory States, municipalities, and individuals to in- 1958 and graduated in 1959, receiving the A.B. Task Force on the International Space Sta- Honts Award as the outstanding graduate, vest in clean, low-emitting energy tech- and thereafter becoming an instructor and tion; nologies; and writing flight performance and aero- Whereas September 17, 2020, marks General (4) recognizes the role of entrepreneurs and dynamics textbooks for the school; Stafford’s 90th birthday; and small businesses in ensuring the energy lead- Whereas, in 1962, General Stafford was cho- Whereas General Stafford has given a life- ership of the United States in the global sen among the second group of astronauts by time of service to the Nation as a member of marketplace and supporting low-cost, clean, the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- the Armed Forces, at NASA, and in other po- and reliable energy in the United States. istration (NASA) to serve in projects Gemini sitions within the Executive branch: Now, and Apollo; therefore, be it Whereas General Stafford developed tech- Resolved, That the Senate— niques for and piloted Gemini VI in 1965, (1) recognizes General Stafford’s immense completing the first rendezvous in space, and contribution to the Space Race and the commanded Gemini IX in 1966, dem- United States’ advancement in space policy onstrating 3 different types of rendezvous, and exploration; including the rendezvous that would be used (2) commends General Stafford for his ex- in future Apollo lunar missions; traordinary dedication and service to the Whereas, in 1969, General Stafford com- United States throughout his distinguished manded Apollo 10, piloted the first lunar career; and module to descend within 9 miles of the (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to Moon, designated the first lunar landing site, transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution performed reconnaissance of future Apollo to General Stafford.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.035 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5713 SENATE RESOLUTION 706—EX- (2) encourages the people of the United Whereas concussions can affect physical, PRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE States to hold appropriate programs, events, mental, and social health, and a greater DESIGNATION OF SEPTEMBER and activities during Sickle Cell Disease awareness and understanding of proper diag- 2020 AS ‘‘SICKLE CELL DISEASE Awareness Month to raise public awareness nosis and management of concussions is crit- of preventative care programs, treatments, ical to improved outcomes; and AWARENESS MONTH’’ IN ORDER and other patient services for those suffering Whereas the Senate can raise awareness TO EDUCATE COMMUNITIES from sickle cell disease, complications from about concussions among the medical com- ACROSS THE UNITED STATES sickle cell disease, and conditions related to munity and the public: Now, therefore, be it ABOUT SICKLE CELL DISEASE sickle cell disease. Resolved, That the Senate— AND THE NEED FOR RESEARCH, f (1) supports the designation of September EARLY DETECTION METHODS, 18, 2020, as ‘‘National Concussion Awareness EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS, AND SENATE RESOLUTION 707—RECOG- Day’’; PREVENTATIVE CARE PRO- NIZING SEPTEMBER 1, 2020, AS (2) recognizes that mild traumatic brain GRAMS WITH RESPECT TO COM- ‘‘NATIONAL POLL WORKER RE- injury (mTBI), otherwise known as a ‘‘con- CRUITMENT DAY’’ cussion’’, is an important health concern; PLICATIONS FROM SICKLE CELL (3) commends the organizations and indi- DISEASE AND CONDITIONS RE- Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. viduals that raise awareness about mild LATED TO SICKLE CELL DIS- BLUNT, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. BALDWIN, traumatic brain injury; EASE Mr. BENNET, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. (4) encourages Federal, State, and local Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina (for BOOKER, Mr. BROWN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. policymakers to work together— (A) to raise awareness about the effects of himself, Mr. BOOKER, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, CASEY, Mr. COONS, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, concussions; and Ms. STABENOW, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. BROWN, Mr. CRUZ, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. HEIN- RICH, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Mr. KAINE, Mr. (B) to improve the understanding of proper Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. diagnosis and management of concussions; MANCHIN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MCCON- CASSIDY, Mr. JONES, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. and COONS, Mr. YOUNG, Ms. WARREN, and NELL, Mr. MERKLEY, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. (5) encourages further research and preven- Mr. LANKFORD) submitted the following PETERS, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SCHUMER, tion efforts to ensure that fewer individuals resolution; which was considered and Ms. SMITH, Mr. WARNER, Ms. WARREN, experience the most adverse effects of mild agreed to: Mr. WICKER, and Mr. WYDEN) submitted traumatic brain injury. S. RES. 706 the following resolution; which was f Whereas sickle cell disease (referred to in considered and agreed to: S. RES. 707 this preamble as ‘‘SCD’’) is an inherited SENATE RESOLUTION 709—EX- blood disorder that is a major health prob- Resolved, That the Senate— lem in the United States and worldwide; (1) recognizes September 1, 2020, as ‘‘Na- PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE Whereas SCD causes the rapid destruction tional Poll Worker Recruitment Day’’; SENATE THAT THE AUGUST 13, of sickle cells, which results in multiple (2) recognizes the need for, and apprecia- 2020, AND SEPTEMBER 11, 2020, medical complications, including anemia, tion of, the service of poll workers; and ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE ES- jaundice, gallstones, strokes, restricted (3) encourages eligible people to help TABLISHMENT OF FULL DIPLO- blood flow, damaged tissue in the liver, America vote in the 2020 election by serving MATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN spleen, and kidneys, and death; as poll workers. THE STATE OF ISRAEL AND THE Whereas SCD causes acute and chronic epi- f sodes of severe pain; UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND Whereas SCD affects an estimated 100,000 SENATE RESOLUTION 708—SUP- THE STATE OF ISRAEL AND THE individuals in the United States; PORTING THE DESIGNATION OF KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN ARE HIS- Whereas approximately 1,000 babies are SEPTEMBER 18, 2020, AS ‘‘NA- TORIC ACHIEVEMENTS born with SCD each year in the United TIONAL CONCUSSION AWARE- Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. States, with the disease occurring in ap- NESS DAY’’ proximately 1 in 365 newborn African-Amer- MENENDEZ, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. ican infants and 1 in 16,300 newborn His- Ms. HASSAN (for herself, Mrs. CAP- CRAMER, Mr. COONS, Mr. BLUNT, Ms. panic-American infants, and can be found in ITO, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. CASEY, Ms. ROSEN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, individuals of Mediterranean, Middle East- COLLINS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, and Mr. Mr. PERDUE, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. BAR- ern, Asian, and Indian origin; WYDEN) submitted the following reso- RASSO, Mr. REED, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. Whereas more than 3,000,000 individuals in lution; which was referred to the Com- KAINE, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Ms. STABENOW, the United States have the sickle cell trait mittee on Health, Education, Labor, Mr. HOEVEN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. and 1 in 13 African Americans carries the MORAN, Mr. BENNET, Mr. ALEXANDER, trait; and Pensions: Whereas there is a 1 in 4 chance that a S. RES. 708 Mr. CASEY, Mr. ROMNEY, Mr. JONES, child born to parents who both have the Whereas mild traumatic brain injury, oth- Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. WARNER, Mr. sickle cell trait will have the disease; erwise known as a ‘‘concussion’’, is an im- HAWLEY, Mr. KING, Mr. GARDNER, Mr. Whereas the life expectancy of an indi- portant health concern for children, teens, SCHATZ, Mr. BRAUN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, vidual with SCD is often severely limited; and adults; Ms. MCSALLY, Ms. SMITH, Mr. THUNE, Whereas the Centers for Disease Control Whereas, according to information from Ms. SINEMA, Mr. WICKER, Mrs. GILLI- and Prevention has reported, based on the the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- BRAND, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. evidence available as of September 2020, that tion— JOHNSON, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. LANKFORD, individuals of all ages who are affected by (1) there are as many as 1,600,000 to SCD are at increased risk of developing se- 3,800,000 sports-related concussions annually; Mrs. LOEFFLER, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. BOOZ- vere illness from the Coronavirus Disease (2) as many as 5,300,000 individuals live MAN, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. SCOTT of South 2019 (COVID–19); with a disability because of a traumatic Carolina, Mrs. HYDE-SMITH, Ms. ERNST, Whereas, while hematopoietic stem cell brain injury; Mr. CRAPO, Mr. PAUL, and Ms. MUR- transplantation (commonly known as (3) from 2001 to 2012, the rate of emergency KOWSKI) submitted the following reso- ‘‘HSCT’’) is currently the only cure for SCD department visits for sports- and recreation- lution; which was referred to the Com- related injuries involving a diagnosis of con- and advances in treating the associated com- mittee on Foreign Relations: plications of SCD have occurred, more re- cussion or traumatic brain injury, alone or search is needed to find widely available in combination with other injuries, more S. RES. 709 treatments and cures to help individuals than doubled among children 19 years of age Whereas President Donald J. Trump, with SCD; and or younger, and, in 2012, an estimated 329,290 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Whereas September 2020 has been des- children were treated in the United States Israel, and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, ignated as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness for sports- and recreation-related injuries Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Su- Month in order to educate communities that included a diagnosis of concussion or preme Commander of the United Arab Emir- across the United States about SCD, includ- traumatic brain injury; and ates, announced on August 13, 2020, an agree- ing early detection methods, effective treat- (4) current data sources may only capture ment on the full normalization of relations ments, and preventative care programs with 1 out of every 9 concussions across the between Israel and the United Arab Emir- respect to complications from SCD and con- United States; ates; ditions related to SCD: Now, therefore, be it Whereas the seriousness of concussions Whereas President Donald J. Trump, Resolved, That the Senate— should not be minimized in athletics, and re- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of (1) supports the goals and ideals of Sickle turn-to-play and return-to-learn protocols Israel, and King Hamad al Khalifa of Bah- Cell Disease Awareness Month; and can help ensure recovery; rain, announced on September 11, 2020, an

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agreement on the full normalization of rela- cratic Jewish State of Israel and a viable, SA 2658. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. CORNYN tions between Israel and the Kingdom of democratic Palestinian state—living side-by- (for himself, Mr. BRAUN, and Ms. HASSAN)) Bahrain; side in peace, security, and mutual recogni- proposed an amendment to the bill S. 924, to Whereas the United Arab Emirates is the tion. amend the Child Abuse Prevention and first Gulf Arab state to announce formal re- f Treatment Act to require training and edu- lations with Israel, followed closely by Bah- cation to teachers and other school employ- rain; SENATE RESOLUTION 710—COM- ees, students, and the community about how Whereas, under each agreement, the two MEMORATING THE HIGH HOLI- to prevent, recognize, respond to, and report countries agree to the establishment of re- DAYS CELEBRATED AND COM- child sexual abuse in primary and secondary ciprocal embassies and the exchange of Am- MEMORATED BY THE JEWISH education. bassadors; PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES, SA 2659. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. SMITH) Whereas opening direct ties between Israel proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1160, to and the United Arab Emirates could begin to IN ISRAEL, AND AROUND THE amend the Child Abuse Prevention and transform the region by spurring economic WORLD, AND RECOGNIZING THE Treatment Act to increase support for men- growth, enhancing technological innovation, MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND tal health. and forging closer people-to-people relations; CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE JEWISH f Whereas the agreements could promote in- COMMUNITY IN THE UNITED vestment, tourism, direct flights, security, STATES TEXT OF AMENDMENTS telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, and the environment; Mr. CRAMER (for himself and Ms. SA 2657. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. Whereas the United States, Israel, and the ROSEN) submitted the following resolu- RUBIO) proposed an amendment to the United Arab Emirates share a commitment tion; which was referred to the Com- bill S. 1646, to designate the commu- to promoting stability through diplomatic mittee on the Judiciary: nity-based outpatient clinic of the De- engagement, increased economic integra- partment of Veterans Affairs in St. Au- S. RES. 710 tion, and closer security coordination; gustine, Florida, as the ‘‘Leo C. Chase Whereas Israel and the United Arab Emir- Whereas the Jewish community in the Jr. Department of Veterans Affairs ates will partner with the United States to United States has contributed in varied and launch a Strategic Agenda for the Middle significant ways to all areas of life in the Clinic’’; as follows: East to expand diplomatic, trade, and secu- United States since Jewish immigrants first On page 2, line 2, insert before the period rity cooperation; arrived on the shores of the United States in the following: ‘‘or the ‘Leo C. Chase Jr. VA Whereas President Donald J. Trump, His 1654; Clinic’ ’’. Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al- Whereas, in 2020, the High Holidays recog- Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and nized and celebrated by the Jewish people in SA 2658. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States and around the world will CORNYN (for himself, Mr. BRAUN, and Israel announced on September 11, 2020, the begin on September 18, 2020, with Rosh Ha- Ms. HASSAN)) proposed an amendment establishment of full diplomatic relations shanah, and conclude on September 28, 2020, to the bill S. 924, to amend the Child between Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain; with Yom Kippur; Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Whereas the United States, Bahrain, and Whereas Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Israel said in a joint statement that ‘‘open- Year, begins at sundown on September 18, to require training and education to ing direct dialogue and ties between these 2020, the first day of Tishrei, 5781 on the He- teachers and other school employees, two dynamic societies and advanced econo- brew calendar; students, and the community about mies will continue the positive trans- Whereas Rosh Hashanah is also known as how to prevent, recognize, respond to, formation of the Middle East and increase ‘‘Yom Teruah’’, the Day of Sounding of the and report child sexual abuse in pri- stability, security, and prosperity in the re- Shofar, the ancient ram’s horn; mary and secondary education; as fol- gion’’; Whereas the traditional greeting for Rosh lows: Whereas opening direct ties between Israel, Hashanah in Hebrew is ‘‘Shana Tova the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain u’Metukah’’, which means ‘‘have a happy Strike all after the enacting clause and in- could begin to transform the region by spur- and sweet new year’’; sert the following: ring economic growth, enhancing techno- Whereas Yom Kippur, the Day of Atone- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. logical innovation, and forging closer people- ment, begins at sundown on September 27, This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Jenna Quinn to-people relations; 2020, the tenth day of Tishrei, 5781 on the He- Law’’. Whereas these historic agreements could brew calendar, and is the holiest day of the SEC. 2. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS FIELD help advance peace between Israel and other year for the Jewish people, who spend the INITIATED GRANTS. Arab nations and further diplomatic open- day praying united as one people; and Section 105(a) of the Child Abuse Preven- ings throughout the region; Whereas the traditional greeting for Yom tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106(a)) is Whereas, in 2019, His Highness Sheikh Kippur in Hebrew is ‘‘G’mar Hatima Tova’’, amended by adding at the end the following: Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahan proclaimed the which means ‘‘may you be inscribed in the ‘‘(8) CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS FIELD year 2019 ‘‘the Year of Tolerance’’ in the book of life’’ and is an offering of a healthy, INITIATED GRANTS.—The Secretary may United Arab Emirates and also established peaceful, and fulfilling year: Now, therefore, award grants under this subsection to enti- the Abrahamic House of Fraternity as a be it ties, for periods of up to 5 years, in support project designed to promote religious diver- Resolved, That the Senate— of field-initiated innovation projects that ad- sity and tolerance; (1) demonstrates solidarity with, and sup- vance, establish, or implement innovative Whereas support for peace between Israel port for, members of the Jewish community evidence-based or evidence-informed child and her neighbors has longstanding bipar- in the United States, in Israel, and through- sexual abuse awareness and prevention pro- tisan support in Congress and among the out the world; grams by— American people; (2) recognizes and celebrates the many ac- ‘‘(A) improving student awareness of child Whereas these agreements build upon the complishments and contributions of the Jew- sexual abuse, including how to recognize, decades-long leadership of the United States ish community in the United States; prevent, and safely report child sexual abuse; in helping Israel broker peace treaties with (3) recommits to combating all forms of ‘‘(B) training teachers, school employees, Egypt and Jordan and promoting peace talks anti-Semitism, which threaten Jews and and other mandatory reporters and adults between Israel and Syria, Lebanon, and the non-Jews alike; and who work with children in a professional or Palestinians; and (4) wishes the Jewish people of the United volunteer capacity, including with respect to Whereas the parties pledged to continue States and around the world a ‘‘Chag recognizing child sexual abuse and safely re- their efforts to achieve a just, comprehen- Sameach’’ (‘‘happy holidays’’ in Hebrew) and porting child sexual abuse; or sive, and enduring resolution to the Israeli- a sweet new year full of peace and pros- ‘‘(C) providing information to parents and Palestinian conflict: Now, therefore, be it perity. guardians of students about child sexual Resolved, That the Senate— abuse awareness and prevention, including f (1) congratulates the Governments and how to prevent, recognize, respond to, and people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND report child sexual abuse and how to discuss and the Kingdom of Bahrain on reaching PROPOSED child sexual abuse with a child.’’. these historic agreements; (2) encourages other Arab nations to estab- SA 2657. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Mr. RUBIO) SA 2659. Mr. MCCONNELL (for Ms. lish full relations with Israel with the vision proposed an amendment to the bill S. 1646, to SMITH) proposed an amendment to the of realizing full peace between Israel and all designate the community-based outpatient of its Arab neighbors; and clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs bill S. 1160, to amend the Child Abuse (3) reaffirms its strong support for a nego- in St. Augustine, Florida, as the ‘‘Leo C. Prevention and Treatment Act to in- tiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Chase Jr. Department of Veterans Affairs crease support for mental health; as conflict resulting in two states—a demo- Clinic’’. follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.041 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5715 Strike all after the enacting clause and in- (c) GRANTS TO STATES.—Section 106 of the the nomination of John M. Barger of sert the following: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act California to be a Member of the Fed- (42 U.S.C. 5106a) is amended— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. eral Retirement Thrift Investment (1) in subsection (a)— This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Supporting (A) in paragraph (6)— Board. Family Mental Health in CAPTA Act’’. (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ f SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE CHILD ABUSE PRE- after the semicolon; and AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO VENTION AND TREATMENT ACT. (ii) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- MEET (a) NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE.—Section serting the following: 103(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and ‘‘(D) training in early childhood, child, and Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I have 5 re- Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5104(b)) is amend- adolescent development and the impact of quests for committees to meet during ed— child abuse and neglect, and the long-term today’s session of the Senate. They (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘effective impacts of adverse childhood experiences; have the approval of the Majority and and programs,’’ and inserting ‘‘evidence-based Minority leaders. and evidence-informed programs,’’; ‘‘(E) training to improve coordination among child protective service agencies, en- Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- (9) as paragraphs (6) through (10), respec- tities providing health care services (includ- tively; and ing mental health and substance use disorder ate, the following committees are au- (3) by inserting after paragraph (4), the fol- services), and community resources, for pur- thorized to meet during today’s session lowing: poses of conducting evaluations related to of the Senate: substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect; ‘‘(5) maintain and disseminate, as appro- COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES and priate, information that describes best prac- The Committee on Armed Services is tices for making appropriate referrals re- ‘‘(F) training regarding the links between child abuse and neglect and domestic vio- authorized to meet during the session lated to, and addressing, the health, mental of the Senate on Thursday, September health, and developmental needs of victims lence, and approaches to working with fami- of child abuse or neglect;’’. lies with mental health needs or substance 17, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hear- use disorder;’’. ing. (b) RESEARCH AND ASSISTANCE ACTIVI- (d) APPLICATION.—Section 204(7) of the COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES TIES.—Section 104 of the Child Abuse Preven- Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5105) is (42 U.S.C. 5116d(7)) is amended to read as fol- The Committee on Armed Services is amended— lows: authorized to meet during the session (1) in subsection (a)— ‘‘(7) a description of the criteria that the of the Senate on Thursday, September (A) in paragraph (1)— entity will use to— 17, 2020, at a time to be determined, to (i) by striking subparagraph (F) and insert- ‘‘(A) select and fund local programs, and conduct a hearing. ing the following: how the lead entity will take into consider- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS ‘‘(F) effective approaches to interagency ation the local program’s ability to— collaboration between the child welfare pro- ‘‘(i) collaborate with other community- The Committee on Foreign Relations tection system, the juvenile justice system, based organizations and service providers is authorized to meet during the ses- and other relevant agencies engaged with and engage in long-term and strategic plan- sion of the Senate on Thursday, Sep- children and families that improve the deliv- ning with respect to community-based and tember 17, 2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a ery of services and treatment (including re- prevention-focused programs and activities hearing. lated to domestic violence, mental health, or designed to strengthen and support families COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, substance use disorders) for continuity of to prevent child abuse and neglect; AND PENSIONS treatment plan and services as children tran- ‘‘(ii) meaningfully partner with parents in sition between systems;’’; the development, implementation, oversight, The Committee on Health, Edu- (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (N) and and evaluation of services; cation, Labor, and Pensions is author- (O) as subparagraphs (P) and (Q), respec- ‘‘(iii) reduce barriers to access to commu- ized to meet during the session of the tively; nity-based and prevention-focused programs Senate on Thursday, September 17, (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (M) and activities designed to strengthen and 2020, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing. the following: support families to prevent child abuse and COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY ‘‘(N) methods to address geographic, racial, neglect, including for diverse, underserved, The Committee on the Judiciary is and cultural disparities in the child welfare and at-risk populations; or system, including a focus on access to serv- ‘‘(B) develop or provide community-based authorized to meet during the session ices; and prevention-focused programs and activi- of the Senate on Thursday, September ‘‘(O) evidence-based and evidence-informed ties designed to strengthen and support fam- 17, 2020, at 10:15 a.m., to conduct a busi- programs to prevent child abuse and neglect ilies to prevent child abuse and neglect, and ness meeting and executive session on in families that have not had contact with provide a description of how such activities nominations. are evidence-based or evidence-informed;’’. the child welfare system;’’; and f (iv) in subparagraph (P), as redesignated by SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. clause (ii), by striking ‘‘subparagraph (O)’’ The Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (Q)’’; and ment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is amended— Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘para- (1) in section 3, by amending paragraph (5) ask unanimous consent that the Sen- graph (1)(O)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph to read as follows: (1)(Q)’’; and ‘‘(5) the terms ‘Indian’, ‘Indian Tribe’, and ate now proceed to the en bloc consid- (2) in subsection (b)— ‘Tribal organization’ have the meanings eration of the following Senate resolu- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) given the terms ‘Indian’, ‘Indian tribe’, and tions, which were submitted earlier as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; ‘tribal organization’, respectively, in section today: S. Res. 702 through S. Res. 707. (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- There being no objection, the Senate lowing: cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b);’’; proceeded to consider the resolutions ‘‘(2) CONTENT.—The technical assistance (2) by striking ‘‘tribe’’ each place such en bloc. under paragraph (1) shall be designed to, as term appears (other than in section 3(5)) and Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I applicable, promote best practices for ad- inserting ‘‘Tribe’’; and ask unanimous consent that the reso- dressing child abuse and neglect in families (3) by striking ‘‘tribal’’ each place such with complex needs, such as families who term appears (other than in section 3(5)) and lutions be agreed to, the preambles, have experienced domestic violence, sub- inserting ‘‘Tribal’’. where applicable, be agreed to, and the stance use disorders, and adverse childhood f motions to reconsider be considered experiences.’’; and made and laid upon the table, all en (C) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated— NOTICE OF INTENT TO OBJECT TO bloc. (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ PROCEEDING The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without after the semicolon; I, Senator JACKY ROSEN, intend to objection, it is so ordered. (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- object to proceeding to the nomination The resolutions (S. Res. 702, S. Res. riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 703, S. Res. 704, S. Res. 705, and S. Res. (iii) by adding at the end the following: of John M. Barger, of California, to be ‘‘(E) ways to reduce geographic, racial, and a Member of the Federal Retirement 706) were agreed to. cultural disparities in the child protection Thrift Investment Board dated Sep- The preambles were agreed to. system, which may include engaging law en- tember 17, 2020. (The resolutions, with their pre- forcement, education, health, and other rel- Mr. President, I rise today to deliver ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD evant systems in such efforts.’’. my formal notice of intent to object to under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE6.038 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE S5716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 17, 2020 The resolution (S. Res. 707) was DESIGNATING THE CLINIC OF THE Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous agreed to. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- consent that the Cornyn substitute (The resolution is printed in today’s FAIRS IN BEND, OREGON, AS amendment at the desk be agreed to; RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- THE ‘‘ROBERT D. MAXWELL DE- that the bill, as amended, be read a tions.’’) PARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- third time and passed; and that the FAIRS CLINIC’’ motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ask unanimous consent that the Com- objection, it is so ordered. DESIGNATING THE COMMUNITY- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- The amendment (No. 2658), in the na- BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC OF charged from further consideration of ture of a substitute, was agreed to as THE DEPARTMENT OF VET- S. 4027 and the Senate proceed to its follows: immediate consideration. ERANS AFFAIRS IN ST. AUGUS- (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The TINE, FLORIDA, AS THE ‘‘LEO C. Strike all after the enacting clause and in- CHASE JR. DEPARTMENT OF clerk will report the bill by title. sert the following: VETERANS AFFAIRS CLINIC’’ The senior assistant legislative clerk SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. read as follows: This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Jenna Quinn Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I A bill (S. 4072) to designate the clinic of Law’’. ask unanimous consent that the Com- the Department of Veterans Affairs in Bend, SEC. 2. CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS FIELD mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- Oregon, as the ‘‘Robert D. Maxwell Depart- INITIATED GRANTS. charged from further consideration of ment of Veterans Affairs Clinic’’. Section 105(a) of the Child Abuse Preven- S. 1646 and the Senate proceed to its There being no objection, the com- tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: immediate consideration. mittee was discharged and the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ‘‘(8) CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AWARENESS FIELD proceeded to consider the bill. INITIATED GRANTS.—The Secretary may clerk will report the bill by title. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I award grants under this subsection to enti- The senior assistant legislative clerk ask unanimous consent that the bill be ties, for periods of up to 5 years, in support read as follows: considered read a third time and passed of field-initiated innovation projects that ad- A bill (S. 1646) to designate the commu- and that the motion to reconsider be vance, establish, or implement innovative nity-based outpatient clinic of the Depart- considered made and laid upon the evidence-based or evidence-informed child ment of Veterans Affairs in St. Augustine, table. sexual abuse awareness and prevention pro- Florida, as the ‘‘Leo C. Chase Jr. Depart- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without grams by— ment of Veterans Affairs Clinic’’. ‘‘(A) improving student awareness of child objection, it is so ordered. sexual abuse, including how to recognize, There being no objection, the com- The bill (S. 4072) was ordered to be prevent, and safely report child sexual abuse; mittee was discharged and the Senate engrossed for a third reading, was read ‘‘(B) training teachers, school employees, proceeded to consider the bill. the third time, and passed as follows: and other mandatory reporters and adults Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I S. 4072 who work with children in a professional or ask unanimous consent that the Rubio Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- volunteer capacity, including with respect to recognizing child sexual abuse and safely re- amendment at the desk be considered resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, porting child sexual abuse; or and agreed to; the bill, as amended, be ‘‘(C) providing information to parents and considered read a third time and SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF ROBERT D. MAX- guardians of students about child sexual WELL DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS passed; and that the motion to recon- AFFAIRS CLINIC. abuse awareness and prevention, including how to prevent, recognize, respond to, and sider be considered made and laid upon (a) DESIGNATION.—The clinic of the Depart- the table. ment of Veterans Affairs located at 2650 NE report child sexual abuse and how to discuss The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Courtney Drive, Bend, Oregon, shall after child sexual abuse with a child.’’. objection, it is so ordered. the date of the enactment of this Act be The bill (S. 924), as amended, was or- The amendment (No. 2657) was agreed known and designated as the ‘‘Robert D. dered to be engrossed for a third read- Maxwell Department of Veterans Affairs to as follows: ing, was read the third time, and Clinic’’ or the ‘‘Robert D. Maxwell VA Clin- passed. (Purpose: To modify the designation of the ic’’. f community-based outpatient clinic of the (b) REFERENCE.—Any reference in any law, Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Au- regulation, map, document, paper, or other SUPPORTING FAMILY MENTAL gustine, Florida) record of the United States to the clinic re- HEALTH IN CAPTA ACT On page 2, line 2, insert before the period ferred to in paragraph (1) shall be considered to be a reference to the Robert D. Maxwell Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the following: ‘‘or the ‘Leo C. Chase Jr. VA ask unanimous consent that the Com- Clinic’ ’’. Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. f mittee on Health, Education, Labor, The bill (S. 1646), as amended, was or- and Pensions be discharged from fur- dered to be engrossed for a third read- JENNA QUINN LAW ther consideration of S. 1160 and the ing, was read the third time, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Mr. Senate proceed to its immediate con- passed as follows: President, I ask unanimous consent sideration. S. 1646 that the Committee on Health, Edu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cation, Labor, and Pensions be dis- objection, it is so ordered. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The clerk will report the bill by title. resentatives of the United States of America in charged from further consideration of Congress assembled, S. 924 and the Senate proceed to its im- The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows: SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF LEO C. CHASE JR. mediate consideration. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A bill (S. 1160) to amend the Child Abuse FAIRS CLINIC. objection, it is so ordered. Prevention and Treatment Act to increase support for mental health. (a) DESIGNATION.—The community-based The clerk will report the bill by title. outpatient clinic of the Department of Vet- The senior assistant legislative clerk There being no objection, the com- erans Affairs located at 207 Stratton Road, read as follows: mittee was discharged, and the Senate St. Augustine, Florida, shall after the date A bill (S. 924) to amend the Child Abuse proceeded to consider the bill. of the enactment of this Act be known and Prevention and Treatment Act to require Mr. MCCONNELL. I further ask designated as the ‘‘Leo C. Chase Jr. Depart- training and education to teachers and other unanimous consent that the Smith ment of Veterans Affairs Clinic’’ or the ‘‘Leo school employees, students, and the commu- substitute amendment at the desk be C. Chase Jr. VA Clinic’’. nity about how to prevent, recognize, re- considered and agreed to; that the bill, (b) REFERENCE.—Any reference in any law, spond to, and report child sexual abuse in as amended, be read a third time and regulation, map, document, paper, or other primary and secondary education. record of the United States to the facility re- passed; and that the motion to recon- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be considered There being no objection, the com- sider be considered made and laid upon to be a reference to the Leo C. Chase Jr. De- mittee was discharged, and the Senate the table with no intervening action or partment of Veterans Affairs Clinic. proceeded to consider the bill. debate.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17SE6.052 S17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with SENATE September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S5717 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (iii) by adding at the end the following: MEASURE READ THE FIRST objection, it is so ordered. ‘‘(E) ways to reduce geographic, racial, and TIME—S. 4618 cultural disparities in the child protection The amendment (No. 2659), in the na- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ture of a substitute, was agreed to as system, which may include engaging law en- forcement, education, health, and other rel- understand there is a bill at the desk, follows: evant systems in such efforts.’’. and I ask for its first reading. (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) (c) GRANTS TO STATES.—Section 106 of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Strike all after the enacting clause and in- Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act clerk will read the bill by title for the sert the following: (42 U.S.C. 5106a) is amended— first time. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) in subsection (a)— The senior assistant legislative clerk This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Supporting (A) in paragraph (6)— read as follows: Family Mental Health in CAPTA Act’’. (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ A bill (S. 4618) making emergency supple- SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE CHILD ABUSE PRE- after the semicolon; and VENTION AND TREATMENT ACT. (ii) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- mental appropriations for disaster relief for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020, and (a) NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE.—Section serting the following: 103(b) of the Child Abuse Prevention and ‘‘(D) training in early childhood, child, and for other purposes. Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5104(b)) is amend- adolescent development and the impact of Mr. MCCONNELL. I now ask for a ed— child abuse and neglect, and the long-term second reading, and in order to place (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘effective impacts of adverse childhood experiences; the bill on the calendar under the pro- programs,’’ and inserting ‘‘evidence-based and visions of rule XIV, I object to my own and evidence-informed programs,’’; ‘‘(E) training to improve coordination request. (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through among child protective service agencies, en- (9) as paragraphs (6) through (10), respec- tities providing health care services (includ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- tively; and ing mental health and substance use disorder tion is heard. (3) by inserting after paragraph (4), the fol- services), and community resources, for pur- The bill will receive its second read- lowing: poses of conducting evaluations related to ing on the next legislative day. ‘‘(5) maintain and disseminate, as appro- substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect; f priate, information that describes best prac- and tices for making appropriate referrals re- ‘‘(F) training regarding the links between ORDERS FOR MONDAY, lated to, and addressing, the health, mental child abuse and neglect and domestic vio- SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 health, and developmental needs of victims lence, and approaches to working with fami- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of child abuse or neglect;’’. lies with mental health needs or substance ask unanimous consent that when the (b) RESEARCH AND ASSISTANCE ACTIVI- use disorder;’’. Senate completes its business today, it TIES.—Section 104 of the Child Abuse Preven- (d) APPLICATION.—Section 204(7) of the tion and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5105) is Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, Sep- amended— (42 U.S.C. 5116d(7)) is amended to read as fol- tember 21; further, that following the (1) in subsection (a)— lows: prayer and pledge, the morning hour be (A) in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(7) a description of the criteria that the deemed expired, the Journal of pro- (i) by striking subparagraph (F) and insert- entity will use to— ceedings be approved to date, the time ing the following: ‘‘(A) select and fund local programs, and for the two leaders be reserved for their ‘‘(F) effective approaches to interagency how the lead entity will take into consider- collaboration between the child welfare pro- use later in the day, and morning busi- ation the local program’s ability to— ness be closed; further, that following tection system, the juvenile justice system, ‘‘(i) collaborate with other community- and other relevant agencies engaged with based organizations and service providers leader remarks, the Senate proceed to children and families that improve the deliv- and engage in long-term and strategic plan- executive session to resume consider- ery of services and treatment (including re- ning with respect to community-based and ation of the Meyers nomination; and fi- lated to domestic violence, mental health, or prevention-focused programs and activities nally, that notwithstanding rule XXII, substance use disorders) for continuity of designed to strengthen and support families the cloture motions filed during to- treatment plan and services as children tran- to prevent child abuse and neglect; day’s session ripen at 5:30 p.m. sition between systems;’’; ‘‘(ii) meaningfully partner with parents in (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (N) and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the development, implementation, oversight, objection, it is so ordered. (O) as subparagraphs (P) and (Q), respec- and evaluation of services; tively; ‘‘(iii) reduce barriers to access to commu- f (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (M) nity-based and prevention-focused programs the following: ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 3 P.M. ON and activities designed to strengthen and MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2020 ‘‘(N) methods to address geographic, racial, support families to prevent child abuse and and cultural disparities in the child welfare neglect, including for diverse, underserved, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if system, including a focus on access to serv- and at-risk populations; or there is no further business to come be- ices; ‘‘(B) develop or provide community-based fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- ‘‘(O) evidence-based and evidence-informed and prevention-focused programs and activi- programs to prevent child abuse and neglect sent that it stand adjourned under the ties designed to strengthen and support fam- previous order. in families that have not had contact with ilies to prevent child abuse and neglect, and the child welfare system;’’; and provide a description of how such activities There being no objection, the Senate, (iv) in subparagraph (P), as redesignated by are evidence-based or evidence-informed;’’. at 5:02 p.m., adjourned until Monday, clause (ii), by striking ‘‘subparagraph (O)’’ September 21, 2020, at 3 p.m. SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (Q)’’; and f (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘para- The Child Abuse Prevention and Treat- graph (1)(O)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph ment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is amended— NOMINATIONS (1)(Q)’’; and (1) in section 3, by amending paragraph (5) Executive nomination received by (2) in subsection (b)— to read as follows: the Senate: (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) ‘‘(5) the terms ‘Indian’, ‘Indian Tribe’, and as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; ‘Tribal organization’ have the meanings THE JUDICIARY (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- given the terms ‘Indian’, ‘Indian tribe’, and SHARON E. GOODIE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, TO lowing: ‘tribal organization’, respectively, in section BE AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA FOR THE TERM OF FIFTEEN ‘‘(2) CONTENT.—The technical assistance 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- YEARS, VICE PATRICIA A. BRODERICK, TERM EXPIRED. under paragraph (1) shall be designed to, as cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b);’’; applicable, promote best practices for ad- (2) by striking ‘‘tribe’’ each place such f dressing child abuse and neglect in families term appears (other than in section 3(5)) and CONFIRMATIONS with complex needs, such as families who inserting ‘‘Tribe’’; and have experienced domestic violence, sub- (3) by striking ‘‘tribal’’ each place such Executive nominations confirmed by stance use disorders, and adverse childhood term appears (other than in section 3(5)) and the Senate September 17, 2020: experiences.’’; and inserting ‘‘Tribal’’. THE JUDICIARY (C) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated— The bill (S. 1160), as amended, was or- IAIN D. JOHNSTON, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE UNITED STATES (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLI- after the semicolon; dered to be engrossed for a third read- NOIS. ing, was read the third time, and FRANKLIN ULYSES VALDERRAMA, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE NORTHERN riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and passed. DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS.

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HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVER- Peyton has been very active with his troop, CELEBRATING REVEREND DOCTOR SARY OF THE FOUNDING OF participating in many scout activities. Over the GREGORY M. HOWARD DUANE VOLUME FIRE CO. INC. many years Peyton has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- OF VIRGINIA OF NEW YORK ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Pey- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ton has served his troop as Assistant Senior IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, September 17, 2020 Patrol Leader and attended the Seabase High Thursday, September 17, 2020 Adventure in the Bahamas. Peyton has also Mr. MCEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I would Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise contributed to his community through his like to take this opportunity to honor and rec- today to honor the tremendous commitment to Eagle Scout project. Peyton constructed two ognize Rev. Dr. Gregory M. Howard, a pastor, service and duty that the men and women of raised garden beds for Pharis Farm, an ante- academic, and author, who has dedicated his the Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. have shown bellum Clay County Historic Site outside of life to promoting community spirit in others. Dr. Howard has shown dedication and pas- to their community for the last 50 years. Liberty, Missouri. sion for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ In September of 1970, a small group of Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join through his many roles as a servant leader. Duane residents established the volunteer fire me in commending Peyton Thompson for his The Commonwealth of Virginia is indebted to company as a private corporation on land that accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of him for his years of service to our academic was donated in perpetuity to the Fire Depart- America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- and religious institutions, including his time as ment. Over the next two years, generous do- ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Hom- nations and fundraising helped the Duane Vol- iletics and Practical Theology at the Samuel unteer Fire Co. Inc. to become fully oper- f DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia ational, constructing a firehouse and obtaining Union University, and as immediate past presi- the necessary equipment. In 1972, the depart- IN RECOGNITION OF dent of the Baptist General Convention of Vir- ment entered into a longstanding contract with CONSTITUTION DAY ginia. He has shared his experiences and the Town of Duane to provide firematic oper- deep knowledge with us through his writing, ations, the scope of which have expanded including authoring Black Sacred Rhetoric: greatly today to provide many additional serv- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN The Gospel According to Religious Folk Talk ices. The Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. has OF VIRGINIA and Voices Crying Out in the Wilderness: highly trained and certified personnel up to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Theological Reflections Where Context Mat- paramedic level that can assist in any emer- ters. gency. Thursday, September 17, 2020 Dr. Howard’s leadership within the Black The Duane Volunteer Fire Co. Inc. em- Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise church has advanced the cause of social jus- bodies the spirit of the North Country, culti- today in recognition of the Anniversary of Con- tice, and I am confident that he will continue vating a strong sense of community and lend- stitution Day in the United States. On Sep- to lead that fight for years to come. He con- ing a helping hand whenever needed. These tember 17, 1787, our Founding Fathers met tinuously motivates us to work with humble volunteers not only aid their fellow neighbors and signed the most influential document that devotion to improve the lives of those around when emergencies arise, but also provide a shaped American history, the United States us. I have no doubt that he will continue to in- space to bring the community together. The Constitution. spire generations of young people to pursue a firehouse serves as an ad-hoc community On this day every year, we celebrate Con- life of service through faith, community, and center, used for a wide variety of purposes stitution Day to commemorate our Founding love. such as hosting town board meetings and Fathers working together to construct our su- serving as the local election site as well as the f preme law of the land. The United States Con- area’s food bank. The department truly is a stitution’s first three words—‘‘We The Peo- IN HONOR OF MAJOR GENERAL cornerstone of the community. ple’’—affirm that the government of the United KENNETH D. JONES On behalf of New York’s 21st District, I States exists to serve its citizens. Collectively, would like to thank the brave men and the U.S. Constitution is not only the source of HON. KEVIN BRADY women, past and present, of the Duane Vol- all government powers, but places limitations OF TEXAS unteer Fire Co. Inc. for their longtime commit- on the government that protects the funda- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to safeguarding the community. I con- mental unalienable rights of U.S. Citizens. gratulate them on their hard-earned achieve- Thursday, September 17, 2020 ments thus far and know they will continue to Today we honor Constitution Day to ensure Mr. BRADY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to be a pillar of support to the town for many all people broaden their knowledge on how recognize and honor Major General Kenneth years to come. the Constitution has shaped our history and D. Jones for his 38 remarkable years of lead- each and every one of our lives. Knowing the f ership and dedicated service in the United content of the U.S. Constitution is the key to States Army. HONORING PEYTON THOMPSON making sure that we operate within the param- General Jones was born and raised in Braz- eters established by our Founding Fathers. It os County and now calls Iola, Texas home. In HON. SAM GRAVES ensures that the Constitution remains a living, 1980, General Jones graduated from Texas breathing document and the bedrock of our OF MISSOURI A&M University, where he was a member of democracy. Only by knowing our freedoms IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Corps of Cadets’ V–1 Vipers. After grad- and rights are we able to safeguard them from uation, General Jones chose to serve his Thursday, September 17, 2020 attempts to dilute them. Only by knowing the country and was commissioned as a Second Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, boundaries of what’s permissible can we pre- Lieutenant, Ordnance Corps. General Jones I proudly pause to recognize Peyton Thomp- vent threats to the more perfect union that began his career as a Soldier in the 82nd Air- son. Peyton is a very special young man who was created over 200 years ago. All laid out borne Division during the Cold War, later com- has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- for us, together today, we celebrate unity, manding at the company, battalion, brigade, ship and leadership by taking an active part in freedom, and democracy. and major command levels. Throughout his the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you career, General Jones spent over 35 months earning the most prestigious award of Eagle rise with me in celebrating Constitution Day in deployed overseas in Southwest Asia. His de- Scout. the United States of America. ployment includes Operations Iraqi Freedom/

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.001 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS E854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 17, 2020 Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn, and Enduring Free- neurial parents to teach us. His father, John, opened, and public parks including Memorial dom/Spartan Shield. owned a bicycle shop and ice cream parlor on Park, Palmetto Park and Swan Lake Iris Gar- During his time in the Army, General Jones Liberty Street across from my mother’s beauty dens have been upgraded. During his tenure, also found time to further his education and shop. The two of them created a partnership he encouraged Leadership in Energy and En- training, earning a master’s degree from the that resulted in my brothers and me spending vironmental Design (LEED) certification in new United States War College in 2008. He served our summers selling his ice cream from our construction and renovations to public build- in multiple flag officer assignments across the mother’s push carts in our neighborhood. I am ings to promote sustainability. country. After he earned the rank of Army Re- grateful that the relationship between our fami- He also expanded sports and recreational serve two-star general, General Jones was lies developed into a lifelong friendship be- opportunities by opening the City of Sumter promoted to Commander of the 81st Readi- tween us. Aquatics Center and the Palmetto Tennis Cen- ness Division in 2017. In this position, General Joe attended public schools in Sumter and ter. Joe also led the initiative to decrease va- Jones was responsible for ensuring his units— graduated from The Citadel in 1968. He was cant properties by more than 22-percent and a group amounting to 50,000 soldiers—were a Gold Star student and a Distinguished Air developed the PRIDE program to help 564 fully trained throughout the Southeastern Force Student and Graduate. Following col- owners clean up blighted properties. His ef- United States region. lege graduation, Joe went on to attend the forts to improve Sumter, were recognized During his career, General Jones exempli- University of South Carolina Law School, when the City was recognized as a Top 20 fi- fied excellence and service. He has earned where he served on the Editorial Board of the nalist in the 2019 All American City Competi- multiple decorations in his career, including South Carolina Law Review and published two tion hosted by the National League of Cities. Legion of Merit Medals, Bronze Star Medals, articles. He graduated and was admitted to Joe is a longtime member of The United and Meritorious Service Medals, to name a the Bar in 1971. States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and few. In his civilian career, General Jones After law school, Joe served in the U.S. Air was elected to the 28-member USCM Advi- worked for Hallmark Cards Inc. for 28 years Force as an administrative officer for the 728th sory Board. He also serves as Chair of the as a Plant Engineering Manager before decid- Tactical Fighter Support Squadron. When his Veteran Affairs Task Force and Vice Chair of ing to return to his roots in Texas, where he active duty service ended, he continued in re- the Membership Committee. works for the family insurance business in serve duty as a Staff Judge Advocate until He is married to the former Kathy Watson. Bryan as the Business Development and 1977. During that time, Joe joined the Bryan They have two children, Thomas (Bronwyn) Human Capital Manager. Law Firm and became a partner in 1975. His and Kate Price (Nick), and two grandchildren It is an honor to celebrate General Jones’ legal career focused on family law and work- Adelaide and Joe McElveen. The family at- leadership and unwavering commitment to our ers’ compensation. tends First Presbyterian Church, where Joe great country. I am proud to join his wife Joe served on the House of Delegates and has served as a deacon and an elder. Cheryl, their two daughters, and two grand- Board of Governors for the South Carolina Bar Madam Speaker, I ask you and my col- children to thank him for a long, devoted ca- Association, and as a board member of the leagues to join me wishing Mayor Joe reer of service and wish him well as he begins Workplace Litigation Group. He also received McElveen a happy and healthy retirement this next chapter of life. the Gold Compleat Lawyer Award by the from public life. He has demonstrated through f South Carolina School of Law in 1996. this lifetime of service that he is motivated by In addition to his success as a lawyer, Joe his love of his community and its people. He DEBATE ON H.R. 1668, THE IOT CY- is also dedicated to serving his community. He has given his time and his talents to ensure BERSECURITY IMPROVEMENT has served on the Sumter County Drug Abuse Sumter continues to grow and thrive. It is a ACT Council and as a member of the City of Sum- better place because of his service, and that ter Zoning Board of Adjustments and the City/ is a tremendous legacy of which he should be HON. ROBIN L. KELLY County Planning Commission. He has also extremely proud. OF ILLINOIS served as president of the Sumter Jaycees, f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Sumter Optimist Club and the Greater Thursday, September 17, 2020 Sumter Chamber of Commerce. He also CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE served on the board of the Sumter Family NFL Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, in YMCA and was recognized for his service by regards to a technical question from some of the March of Dimes and the Heart Associa- my colleagues, H.R. 1668 will set the min- HON. TIM RYAN tion. imum security policies and vulnerability disclo- OF OHIO Joe has also held elective office. He was sure guidance for the procurement of govern- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES elected to Sumter City Council for two years, ment Internet of Things devices. To ensure serving from 1984 to 1986. In 1986, he began Thursday, September 17, 2020 that devices do not slip through the cracks, representing Sumter County in the South Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today Section 7 of this bill includes a simplified ac- Carolina House, where he served on the Judi- with my fellow representative, Mr. Bob Gibbs, quisition threshold provision. The intent of this ciary and Rules Committee. He also served to wish the National Football League a happy section is to ensure that all contracts, even two terms as Majority Leader and left the 100th birthday. One hundred years ago today, those below the simplified acquisition thresh- State Legislature in 1996. In 2000, Joe ran for 15 people met in an automobile showroom in old, are subject to the standards and guide- and was elected Mayor of our hometown. Canton, Ohio to form what would become the lines developed under section 4 or the guide- With his retirement this year as Mayor of National Football League. From these humble lines published under section 5. Sumter, Joe leaves as the longest serving beginnings, the NFL has grown into a pre- f Mayor in the city’s history. He also leaves a eminent American sports league, comprised of TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH T. legacy of making the City of Sumter a better 32 teams from 22 states across the country. MCELVEEN, JR. place. I was pleased to work with the Mayor Over its first 100 years, the NFL has be- to secure federal funding to renovate an old come a fixture in American life. The league is HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN warehouse into a much-needed Intermodal an American institution that brings together in- Transportation Center. Later the Regional dividuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds OF SOUTH CAROLINA Transportation Authority honored me by nam- through a common enthusiasm for and appre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing the Center in my honor and I was present ciation for the game of football. Through good Thursday, September 17, 2020 for its dedication in 2008. We also worked times and bad, the NFL has consistently re- Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise closely together to bring resources and serv- flected the spirit of the American people, dis- today to pay tribute to a dear friend and the ices to economically distressed communities playing resilience, optimism, and resolve retiring Mayor of my hometown of Sumter, through three HOPE (Harvest Opportunity and through periods of war, economic distress, South Carolina. Joseph T. McElveen, Jr. is a Promoting Empowerment) Centers in the fed- natural disasters, and the current pandemic. dedicated public servant and an ardent advo- erally designated Sumter Columbia Empower- Last season, the NFL concluded the celebra- cate for Sumter. His leadership will be missed, ment Zone. tion of its 100th season with a thrilling Super but I know he will continue to be an active part As Mayor, Joe also oversaw a revitalization Bowl championship that was viewed by over of his beloved community. of Sumter’s historic downtown. The Sumter 100 million Americans. Joe McElveen and I share the hometown of Opera House was restored as a center for en- Although the league celebrated its 100th Sumter and are blessed to have had entrepre- tertainment, a new Public Safety Complex was season in 2019, the League’s 100th birthday

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.005 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E855 is a historic day as well. Today, in an effort to 2020—On the Motion to Suspend the Rules groundbreaking innovations in composite ma- commemorate this momentous occasion. my and Pass the Bill—YEA, and terials, military defense applications and most Cleveland Browns will host the Cincinnati Ben- Roll Call 184: S. 2193—Charge Act—On the notably an advanced carbon-fiber composite gals in a classic rivalry game, known as the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass the prosthetic foot that has improved the lives of ‘‘Battle of Ohio’’. The game will highlight the Bill—YEA. amputees. formation of the league and its humble roots f Israel Morejon: Founder and President of In- in Canton, honor the more than 25,000 play- tegrated Engineering Technology whose in- ers who have played in the league, and show- FLORIDA INVENTORS HALL OF ventions have provided innovative solutions case the work the NFL is doing to ensure its FAME 2020 INDUCTEES across multiple industries, most notably state- second century is just as successful as the of-the-art LED lighting technologies, Nano pro- first. HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS jectors, wireless modem technology, optical to- We, therefore, recognize the National Foot- OF FLORIDA mography for cancer detection systems, and ball League on its 100th birthday, and wish IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cutting-edge HVAC Load Reduction tech- the league all the best as it embarks into its Thursday, September 17, 2020 nology. second century as the foremost steward of Joshua Rokach: Florida Institute of Tech- ‘‘America’s Game.’’ Go Browns! Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise nology Professor who was the first to syn- today to honor the eight inventors who have f thesize major inflammatory triggers respon- been recognized as the 2020 Inductees of the sible for asthma, allergies, and inflammatory HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. To be named bowel disease, which revolutionized medical OF JOHN KUSMITCH as an Inductee, these inventors were nomi- research in allergy and inflammation and led nated by their peers nationwide and have un- him to develop a number of groundbreaking HON. JACK BERGMAN dergone the scrutiny of the Florida Inventors drug discoveries, including Singulair and OF MICHIGAN Hall of Fame Selection Committee. As a re- Flexeril. sult, their innovations have been identified as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Jean-Franc¸ois Rossignol: Co-Founder and significantly impacting the quality of life, eco- Chief Medical & Scientific Officer of Romark Thursday, September 17, 2020 nomic development, and welfare of their com- Laboratories and University of South Florida Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my munities, the residents of Florida, and the Affiliate Professor of Medicine whose break- honor to recognize the life and service of John United States. throughs in treatments for parasitic diseases Kusmitch of Kingsford, Michigan. Through his The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was led to his discovery of thiazolides, a new class extreme courage and selflessness, John has founded in 2013 at the University of South of antiparasitic agents, later discovered as a become an indispensable part of the state of Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Sen- new class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs Michigan. ate with Senate Resolution 1756, adopted on also used in the fight against novel infectious John enlisted in the United States Army in April 30, 2014. Its mission is to encourage in- diseases. August of 1949 at just 18. During the Korean dividuals of all backgrounds to strive toward Christine Schmidt: University of Florida Pro- War, he served in the 25th Infantry Division as the betterment of Florida and society through fessor and Chair of the J. Crayton Pruitt Fam- a motor transport operator, and was respon- continuous, groundbreaking innovation by ily Department of Biomedical Engineering sible for supervising and operating vehicles to celebrating the incredible scientific work that whose pioneering research in biomaterials transport personnel and cargo. The vital work has been or is being accomplished in Florida science led to her development of of motor transport operators like John were and by its citizens. decellularization techniques used in Avance the backbone of our military operations during Nomination to the Florida Inventors Hall of Nerve Graft, a biochemically processed nerve this conflict—providing advanced mobility both Fame is open to all Florida inventors (living or graft that benefits patients with peripheral on and off the battlefield. In April of 1951, dead) who are or have been residents of Flor- nerve damage. John was captured by hostile forces and en- ida. The nominee must be a named inventor Innovation and invention are the building dured 27 months of harsh conditions as a on a patent issued by the United States Pat- blocks of our nation. I applaud these highly Prisoner of War. ent and Trademark Office. The impact of the accomplished individuals and the organiza- Observed annually on the third Friday of inventor and his or her invention should be tions that support them in their quest to September, National POW/MIA Recognition significant to society, and the invention should change the world in ways that truly benefit hu- Day honors those who were Prisoners of War have been commercialized, utilized, or led to manity. It is because of the perseverance of and those who are still Missing in Action in important innovations. these inventors that future generations are en- service to their nation. We owe the men and The 2020 Inductees of the Florida Inventors couraged to reach beyond their limits and women in uniform who were captured, miss- Hall of Fame are: push the boundaries of innovation. ing, or unaccounted for a debt which can Christopher Batich: University of Florida f never be repaid. By coming together to honor Professor of materials science and engineer- those who stood up to defend and to serve, ing and biomedical engineering, who devel- HONORING THE BRAVE SERVICE the people of Michigan’s First District can en- oped groundbreaking treatments in patient OF CHARLES E. COOPER OF TEN- sure that the service and sacrifice of those in care, most notably the anti-bacterial surface NESSEE uniform is never forgotten. treatment material, Bioguard, which is used as Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the standard of care for advanced wound HON. MARK E. GREEN the service of John Kusmitch. Michiganders dressing and bacterial barriers in hospitals and OF TENNESSEE can take immense pride in knowing that the healthcare facilities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES First District is home to such a selfless indi- Nicholas Bodor: Founder and CEO of Bodor Thursday, September 17, 2020 vidual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish Laboratories, University of Florida Professor John all the best in his future endeavors. Emeritus and prolific inventor whose innova- Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speak- f tions in drug discovery established the field of er, I rise today to recognize Army Private First retrometabolic drug design and led him to de- Class Charles E. Cooper for his distinguished PERSONAL EXPLANATION velop a portfolio of novel drugs to treat numer- service to this nation. ous inflammatory disease processes. PFC Cooper served honorably in the United HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS Harvey Firestone (1868–1938): Founder of States Army during World War II, beginning in OF INDIANA Firestone Tire and Rubber Company whose 1942 at the age of 25. He was sent to Com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pioneering innovations revolutionized the com- pany K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment of mercial rubber industry, and who advanced the 4th Infantry Division, participating in rig- Thursday, September 17, 2020 scientific research in Florida and co-founded orous training exercises that included amphib- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, the Edison Botanic Research Corporation to ious assaults that would later be employed for I was not present for the following roll call develop a domestic source of natural rubber. the D-Day assault. On that fateful day, June 6, votes. Had I been present for them, I would Leslie Kramer: Vice President of Engineer- 1944, the 4th Infantry Division crossed the have voted as follows: ing and Manufacturing at TaiLor Made Pros- English Channel to the front lines of the War, Roll Call 183: H.R. 4894—Congressional thetics; scientist, engineer and entrepreneur assaulting a German-held beach under heavy Budget Justification Transparency Act of whose long career in industry led to enemy fire.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.008 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS E856 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 17, 2020 PFC Cooper’s regiment was one of the first ical components to finding a cure. The IN RECOGNITION OF SOUTHERN surface-borne Allied units to hit the beaches at COVID–19 pandemic and the daily challenges CRESCENT WOMEN IN BUSINESS Normandy, providing much-needed relief to facing the Usher syndrome community could INC. the 82nd Airborne Division. The division’s ad- not be more pressing and finding a cure more vancements took the Cotentin peninsula and paramount. HON. DAVID SCOTT resulted in the capture of Cherbourg. They I am proud to recognize the work of the OF GEORGIA also slowed the German Seventh Army’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES march toward Avranches, ultimately leading to Usher Syndrome Coalition, and the commit- the liberation of the Paris. ment to finding a cure for Usher syndrome. I Thursday, September 17, 2020 The 4th Division later crossed into Belgium stand with those who suffer from Usher syn- Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Madam and broke through the Siegfried Line, slowly drome and hope with the dedicated efforts of Speaker, I rise today to honor Ariel Shaw and progressing through the heart of Germany. On the Usher Syndrome Coalition, there will soon Southern Crescent Women In Business Inc. November 6, 1944, a severe, month-long bat- be a cure. Southern Crescent Women In Business Inc. tle broke out at the fortified Hurtgen Forrest, is a conglomerate of women-owned busi- resulting in PFC Cooper being mortally f nesses and women in business who are work- wounded by enemy fire. He died of his ing to change the economic landscape in the wounds on November 19, 1944, at the age of COMMEMORATING THE 100TH SEA- Southern Crescent. This organization seeks to 27. SON OF THE NATIONAL FOOT- level the economic playing field in assisting PFC Cooper will forever be memorialized as BALL LEAGUE (NFL) women-owned businesses, using its platform an American hero. We remember him for his to help strengthen and build key relationships. exemplary service and courageous spirit as he According to the U.S. Department of Labor modelled for servicemembers everywhere HON. BOB GIBBS Statistics, the fastest growing market of entre- what it means to sacrifice. As a monument of preneurs are women, and women have con- gratitude to his service, Wayne County in Ten- OF OHIO tributed more than $40 billion dollars in rev- nessee has chosen to dedicate a bridge in his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enue over the last ten years. With this in- honor. On behalf of the United States Con- crease, Southern Crescent Women In Busi- gress, I wish to pay tribute to this American Thursday, September 17, 2020 ness Inc. work to provide the foundational hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in our support that is needed for women-owned busi- nation’s hour of need. Mr. GIBBS. Madam Speaker, I rise today, nesses and women in business in the South- f with my fellow Representative Tim Ryan (OH– ern Crescent area and beyond and will help 13) to wish the National Football League a build upon important relationships with the key RECOGNIZING USHER SYNDROME happy 100th birthday. One hundred years ago stakeholders, and community and business AWARENESS DAY today, 15 people met in an automobile show- leaders to provide access of information and room in Canton, Ohio to form what would be- funding to women-owned businesses. HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN come the National Football League. From Understanding the challenges that women OF MASSACHUSETTS these humble beginnings, the NFL has grown entrepreneurs face, Southern Crescent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES into a preeminent American sports league, Women In Business Inc. has developed key partnerships with the banking and finance in- Thursday, September 17, 2020 comprised of 32 teams from 22 states across dustry to help open access to capital. This or- the country. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise ganization continues to bring influential lead- today to recognize Usher syndrome and, in Over its first 100 years, the NFL has be- ers in economic development, finance, and particular, to recognize the Usher Syndrome come a fixture in American life. The league is entrepreneurship in order to strengthen com- Coalition, a nonprofit organization based in an American institution that brings together in- munities, reach economic advancement and Massachusetts that is building and connecting dividuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds open opportunities for other dynamic women. the global Usher syndrome community to help through a common enthusiasm for and appre- Madam Speaker, please join me in recog- speed the search for a cure. This Saturday, ciation for the game of football. Through good nizing Ariel Shaw and Southern Crescent September 19, 2020, is Usher Syndrome Women In Business Inc. for their outstanding times and bad, the NFL has consistently re- Awareness Day. service in the Southern Crescent. flected the spirit of the American people, dis- Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disease f that affects at least 25,000 people in the playing resilience, optimism, and resolve United States. It causes deafness or hearing through periods of war, economic distress, HONORING THE FALLEN CLEVE- loss from birth, and retinal disease that slowly natural disasters, and the current pandemic. LAND CITY POLICE OFFICERS and progressively leads to blindness. Cur- Last season, the NFL concluded the celebra- rently, there are no treatments or cure for tion of its 100th season with a thrilling Super HON. MARCY KAPTUR Usher syndrome—but that can change with Bowl championship that was viewed by over OF OHIO awareness and support. Finding a cure has 100 million Americans. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES never been more urgent or more achievable. Some of the world’s most innovative re- Although the league celebrated its 100th Thursday, September 17, 2020 searchers are leading efforts to develop treat- season in 2019, the League’s 100th birthday Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, it is with ments for Usher syndrome at institutions is a historic day as well. Today, in an effort to terrible sadness and grief that I rise today, for across the country including in my home state commemorate this momentous occasion, the in my district the Cleveland community is lay- of Massachusetts. Scientists at Massachusetts Cleveland Browns will host the Cincinnati Ben- ing to rest two Cleveland City Police Officers, Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School and gals in a classic rivalry game, known as the whose fates were met far too early. Boston Children’s Hospital are pursuing prom- ‘‘Battle of Ohio’’. The game will highlight the Detective James Skernivitz, 53, was working an undercover drug operation when he and ising paths to treatment, including a stem cell formation of the league and its humble roots therapy trial and gene therapy strategies to his informant, Scott Dingess, 50, were am- in Canton, honor the more than 25,000 play- treat the vision loss and hearing loss caused bushed and killed, a tragic incident marking by Usher syndrome. ers who have played in the league, and show- Detective Skernivitz as the first on-duty officer As a nation, we need to do more to find a case the work the NFL is doing to ensure its to be fatally shot in Cleveland in more than a cure. Usher syndrome not only impacts our second century is just as successful as the decade. Officer Skernivitz was a devoted hus- families but our communities, our health care first. band to his wife Kristen, and father to Mat- system, our educational system, and our We, therefore, recognize the National Foot- thew, Bayleigh and Peyton. Officer Skernivitz economy. For the past six years, federal ball League on its 100th birthday, and wish was a brother, a son, and a friend to many. We are also mourning the terrible loss of spending on Usher syndrome has remained the league all the best as it embarks into its flat. This must change if there is to be any real Cleveland Police Officer Nick Sabo, 39, who second century as the foremost steward of progress toward finding a cure. was found dead as a result of a tragic and Targeted research supported by sufficient ‘‘America’s Game.’’ sudden suicide. Officer Sabo will be remem- funding and serious agency attention are crit- bered as a devoted husband to his wife

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.012 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E857 Brienne, beloved father to his four children Constitution, a document that has embraced culture & Natural Resources Committee, and Isaiah, Elijah, Camryn, and Kinsley, and treas- freedom and been a shining light of democ- the Ethics and Interstate Cooperation Com- ured son, brother, friend and fellow officer. racy since its adoption in 1787. mittee. He currently serves as the Assistant The sudden deaths of Detective Skernivitz In 1787, at a time when it was unheard of, Minority Leader in the State Senate and as and Officer Sabo serve as a constant re- the founding fathers set out to establish a Chairman of the Orangeburg County Legisla- minder of the dangers and stresses put on bold, new way of life that warded against gov- tive Delegation. He has previously served as public safety officers every single day. Both ernmental tyranny and instead embraced free- Chairman of the South Carolina Legislative men lived and died as heroes and the Cleve- dom and democracy. The founders sought to Black Caucus and as a member of the South- land community will never forget their service replace the flawed and insufficient Articles of ern Regional Education Board, the Education and sacrifices. Confederation with a new document that bet- Oversight Committee, a member of the 2016 My sincerest condolences and prayers are ter encapsulated a balance between sov- Democratic National Platform Committee and with their families, the Cleveland Police De- ereignty and cohesion to guide the fledgling a member of the Governor’s Middle Grades partment, and the entire Cleveland community country. The framing process itself was gruel- Task Force. during this difficult time. ing, entailing several hour-long debates inside In 2004, I was proud to be on hand, when In their memory, I will request that American of a hot room in Philadelphia, during which the the Orangeburg County Council named a 500- flags be hoisted over the U.S. Capitol in their framers clashed over ideas of sovereignty, dis- acre site at the intersections of U.S. Highways memory and be presented to their families as tribution of power, and individual liberties. Out 301 and 176 the John W. Matthews Industrial a token of our everlasting gratitude for their ul- of this grueling process eventually arose the Park. Our alma mater, South Carolina State timate sacrifices to Protect and Serve. United States Constitution, which establishes also honored John in 2006 with the naming of the John W. Matthews, Jr. 1890 Extension f the United States government and outlines its relationship to the people, along with other Building. Last year, the South Carolina Senate CELEBRATING HISPANIC rules and inalienable rights guaranteed to its unveiled a portrait of their colleague, currently HERITAGE MONTH citizens. the longest serving South Carolina State legis- The Constitution serves as an example of lator. The portrait hangs in the Chamber. HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON American tenacity and embodies our commit- These honors are richly deserved and rep- resent the impact that John has had on his OF TEXAS ment to freedom, democracy, and honor. Since its adoption in 1787, dozens of other native state. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES countries have followed suit and have adopted In addition to his service in the General As- Thursday, September 17, 2020 measures to enhance freedom and democracy sembly, John has served his community in many other capacities. He has served as a Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, in their own lands. During this celebratory member of the South Carolina Education As- I rise today to recognize and celebrate His- week, we take a moment to pay respect to sociation, the Orangeburg County Education panic Heritage Month. Observed from Sep- this document, which has had such positive Association, the Clemson University Board of tember 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Herit- benefits for human civilization, both domesti- Visitors, the Medical University of South Caro- age Month honors those of Hispanic heritage, cally and abroad. lina Board of Trustees, the Winthrop Board of praises the extraordinary contributions that I ask that all Members join me in recog- Visitors, the Human Affairs Commission Board they have made to our society, and reaffirms nizing Constitution Week. of Trustees, the Voorhees College Board of our commitment to protecting their culture. f Trustees, and the Claflin University Capital Hispanic Americans are among the fastest Campaign Steering Committee. growing ethnic groups in the United States. TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN W. John has received numerous awards over For evidence, simply turn to my home state of MATTHEWS, JR. the years including induction into the South Texas. In the 30th District alone, Hispanic Carolina Black Hall of Fame and being named Americans account for nearly 40 percent of HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN Minority Business Advocate of the Year by the my constituents. The inclusion of their voices OF SOUTH CAROLINA U.S. Small Business Administration and South and values in the community make my district, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Carolina Primary Health Care Legislator of the and the United States, stronger as whole. Year. He is also a recipient of the South Caro- Sadly, as a result of systemic inequalities, Thursday, September 17, 2020 lina Independent Colleges & Universities Leg- Hispanic Americans face a higher risk of con- Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise islative Champion Award, the Wilkins Legisla- tracting and dying from the coronavirus. Addi- today to pay tribute to a dear friend and a true tive Leadership Award, the Ernest Finney tionally, many have been forced to choose be- public servant. Senator John Wesley Mat- Chairmen’s Award, the Orangeburg Chapter tween returning to work in unsafe environ- thews, Jr. is retiring after 46 years of service NAACP Exceptional Legislative Service ments or losing their jobs—quite literally a in the South Carolina State Legislature. He is Award, the Congressman Clyburn and Con- choice of life or death. renowned for his commitment to education gressman John Spratt Public Service Award, Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Hispanic and job creation especially in Berkeley, Cal- the SC Alliance for Mobile Infrastructure Elect- Heritage Month, let us be mindful of the pain houn, Colleton, Dorchester and Orangeburg ed Official of the Year Award and the National this community has felt these past few counties, which he proudly serves. His leader- Trends and Services Award of the Orangeburg months, and continue to push for the passage ship and tireless dedication will truly be Chapter of the Links, Inc. of bills—such as the HEROES Act, the missed. He has received honorary doctorates from DREAM and Promise Act, and Raise the John, a son of South Carolina, was born to South Carolina State University, the College of Wage Act—all of which would greatly improve Reverend John Wesley, Sr. and Victoria Wil- Charleston and the Medical University of the lives of our Hispanic brothers and sisters. liams Matthews. He is a graduate of South South Carolina. f Carolina State College (now University), John was married to the late Geraldine Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, and Hillard Matthews, and the couple had five chil- HONORING CONSTITUTION WEEK, Lincoln Electrical Institute. dren. He attends Pineville United Methodist SEPT. 17 THROUGH 23 John began his career as a public-school Church and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha teacher and rose to become a school prin- Fraternity. HON. HARLEY ROUDA cipal. He was also a small business owner. Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our col- OF CALIFORNIA These experiences led him to seek elective of- leagues join me in celebrating the tremendous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fice and he ran for the South Carolina State service John W. Matthews has provided to the House. He served as a State Representative State of South Carolina. He embodies the true Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 1975 to 1984, when he ran for the State definition of a servant leader, and his longevity Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today Senate. He has held the Senate District No. in the South Carolina General Assembly has to recognize Constitution Week, which is ob- 39 seat since 1985. left a lasting mark on the State and its citi- served during the week of September 17 While in the Senate, John served as a zens. We are all better for his service, and I through 23. This week is intended to com- member of the Senate Education, Finance, know he will continue to serve his community memorate the adoption of the United States Banking & Insurance Committee, the Agri- for years to come.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.016 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS E858 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 17, 2020 CONSTITUTION DAY HONORING DR. HELEN LEVINE served communities. She was the founding board chair of the Erie County Family Justice HON. JOE WILSON HON. CHARLIE CRIST Center, as well as a founder of the Alexa OF SOUTH CAROLINA OF FLORIDA Foundation, which serves child abuse and sexual assault survivors. We in Western New IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, September 17, 2020 York have not been the only beneficiaries of Thursday, September 17, 2020 Judge Bloch Rodwin’s good work; she has Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to been generous in providing the benefit of her Speaker, today is the 233rd anniversary of the honor Dr. Helen Levine, the Regional Vice widely sought-after expertise nation-wide to signing of the U.S. Constitution by our Found- Chancellor for External Affairs at the Univer- professionals in the criminal justice system, to ing Fathers in Independence Hall in Philadel- sity of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP), national media outlets and to academics. It is phia, Pennsylvania. The seven articles of the for her 14 years of service to the USF system appropriate that as a result of her work, Judge Constitution give clarity to our three branches and for being a remarkable and powerful force Bloch Rodwin has been the recipient of nu- of government: the executive, legislative, and for good in the Pinellas community. merous national, regional and local awards judicial branches, and explains the separating During a tenure that spanned multiple cam- and honors. of duties for each. pus administrations, Dr. Levine used her posi- I ask my honorable colleagues to join me in As an attorney, a retired member of the tion to fight for the advancement of higher thanking Judge Bloch Rodwin for her exem- United States Armed Forces, a Member of education. From her work championing the plary and courageous efforts, and in recog- Congress, and a member of the House Armed construction of the historic Kate Tiedemann nizing her extraordinary career and accom- Services Committee, I appreciate the Constitu- College of Business to her advocacy on behalf plishments. In specific, tangible ways, Western tion each day and hold fast to how the Found- of the internationally recognized La Florida New York and the United States have become more just because of the Judge’s good work, ing Fathers envisioned limited government to Project, which tells the story of Spanish Flor- and we are all in her debt. provide for expanded freedom. I encourage all ida, Dr. Levine has changed many lives for the Americans to read and discuss the U.S. Con- better. She is someone who has long lived up f stitution today with family, friends, coworkers, to the ideals of bipartisanship and civility, HONORING REVEREND LONNIE and others in honor and celebration of Con- working across the aisle with city councils, the AND ELISHA MITCHELL stitution Day. state legislature, and Congress to secure In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and funds for research, scholarship, and a more we will never forget September 11th in the HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS equitable University of South Florida St. Pe- Global War on Terrorism. OF WASHINGTON tersburg. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Madam Speaker, to speak for just one Thursday, September 17, 2020 RECOGNIZING DALE BRIGHT’S DIS- minute on the full legacy of Dr. Levine is im- TINGUISHED SERVICE TO LABOR- possible. She is a groundbreaking leader, a Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam ERS 242 champion for education, and a role model for Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifelong all who seek to improve the lives of others in service of Reverend Lonnie and Elisha Mitch- HON. ADAM SMITH their community. As she retires from her sen- ell. As the Pastor and First Lady of Bethel Afri- ior position at USFSP, it is my privilege to can Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend OF WASHINGTON Mitchell and his wife Elisha have faithfully and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wish her the best in all her future endeavors both personally and as a valued member of selflessly guided the Spokane community for Thursday, September 17, 2020 our community. nearly thirty years. Reverend Mitchell is retiring to empower a Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, f it is my privilege to rise to recognize Dale new generation of leaders to continue his work Bright on his many years of service as a la- HONORING JUDGE LISA BLOCH and take the church to its next level. He borer and then as the Political Director of La- RODWIN FOR HER DEDICATED leaves a remarkable legacy, and I’m grateful borers Local Union 242 and congratulate him SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY for the time we have spent together building unity in Spokane. His wisdom and perspective on his retirement. My staff and I were lucky to have the privi- HON. BRIAN HIGGINS were always valued and trusted in many cou- lege of working with Dale on labor rights for rageous conversations we had with diverse OF NEW YORK voices in our community. I’m glad that even in several years. Dale has always been a cham- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES retirement, Reverend Mitchell will continue to pion of workers’ rights and through his advo- Thursday, September 17, 2020 serve in new ways and be a force for unity, cacy he has been able to improve the lives of Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speak- security, and grace. countless workers in Washington. Dale has Madam Speaker, Lonnie became a pastor in er, I rise today to honor Erie County Family fought relentlessly to ensure everyone has ac- 1989 following his military service in the Court Judge Lisa Bloch Rod win as she retires cess to a fair and equal workplace including United States Army. In 1991, he was assigned living wages, good benefits, and more. He from the bench after over thirty years of public to Bethel A.M.E. by Bishop Vinton R Ander- was instrumental in implementing Community service. Throughout her career as a judge, son. Under Reverend Mitchell’s leadership, Workforce Agreements and apprenticeship uti- and previously as a prosecutor, Judge Bloch Bethel A.M.E. grew from 13 members to more lization throughout the region. This work has Rodwin’s dedication and ingenuity helped se- than 200. While Lonnie served from the pulpit, had a profound impact on historically cure the promise of equal justice before the Elisha served from the choir as a gospel sing- marginalized communities. These programs law more fully for victims of domestic violence er. She ministered to many through her music have proved to be incredibly successful and and others to whom it had previously too often and talent. During their time at Bethel A.M.E., helped many people start union careers. been denied. Lonnie and Elisha have focused on a mission Dale continually demonstrated time and As an assistant district attorney, Judge to love people—a mission as relevant today again that he is a community builder and pas- Bloch Rodwin was the founder of one of the as it was in 1991. sionate leader. Dale encouraged and helped first domestic violence bureaus in a prosecu- Reverend Mitchell and his wife Elisha have facilitate civic engagement and voter registra- tor’s office nationally. Her work helped change been long-term leaders in our community, tion among members of the Laborers Local the culture of the criminal justice system in helping found multiple nonprofits. In 1994, Union 242. His leadership, knowledge, and Western New York; in important ways Judge Lonnie and Elisha created Unity in the Com- personal efforts greatly contributed to one of Bloch Rodwin’s efforts led the re-shaping of munity, an event to showcase Spokane’s di- the strongest labor unions in the country. The that system to more comprehensively address versity and unite our community around re- thoughtfulness, work ethic, and enthusiasm the scourge of domestic violence and related spect, trust, and collaboration. In 1995, they Dale brought to the Laborers as Political Di- crimes with the vigor and the tenacity that jus- founded the AHANA Business and Profes- rector will be deeply missed by all. tice requires. sional Organization, a nonprofit that supported Madam Speaker, I thank Dale Bright for his After her appointment to the bench in 2007, minority and women-owned businesses in dedicated service to the Laborers 242 where and subsequent re-elections, Judge Bloch Spokane. Additionally, in the early 2000s, he never stopped working to advance the Rodwin continued this important work, devel- Reverend Mitchell and Elisha were key fund- rights of workers, and I wish him a happy re- oping and expanding programs to aid victims raisers for the Emmanuel Family Life Center, tirement. of domestic abuse and other crimes in under- a community center in the Perry District.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.020 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E859 In 2018, Lonnie joined me on a Civil Rights 14, resulting from a family emergency, and those who stood up to defend and to serve, pilgrimage to Alabama with the late Congress- September 15, 2020, due to a historic signing the people of Michigan’s First District can en- man John Lewis. On that pilgrimage, we ceremony at the White House of two agree- sure that the service and sacrifice of those in walked the steps of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther ments decades in the making. uniform is never forgotten. King as fellow Americans on a journey to- Had I been present for Roll Call Votes 183, Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize gether for a more perfect union. In 2017, Lon- H.R. 4894, the Congressional Budget Jus- the service of John Moddie. Michiganders can nie also joined me in Washington, D.C. to tification Act, and 184, S. 2193, the CHARGE take immense pride in knowing that the First open the House of Representatives in prayer. Act, I would have voted yea. These bills have District is home to such a selfless individual. I’ll forever be grateful for the lessons I have my full support, and I hope they are swiftly On behalf of my constituents, I wish John all learned from Reverend Mitchell. He has made signed into law. the best in his future endeavors. a difference in my life and so many others. Additionally, had I been present for Roll Call f Madam Speaker, I join the Bethel A.M.E. Votes 185 and 186, on ordering the previous congregation and the greater Spokane com- question and agreeing to H. Res. 1107, re- HONORING DANIEL L. ‘‘DAN’’ munity in wishing Lonnie and Elisha Mitchell spectively, I would have also voted yea. The GROSS the best in their future endeavors. They are, bills brought to the House floor by this rule are and will continue to be, important leaders in long overdue for consideration. In particular, HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS our community and an example to us all. Their H.R. 2694, the Pregnant Workers Fairness OF CALIFORNIA dedication and sacrifice have made them pow- Act, of which I am a cosponsor, is vitally im- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES erful role models we will greatly miss; though portant legislation. No woman should ever be Thursday, September 17, 2020 we know they’re never far away. forced to choose between a healthy preg- On behalf of the People’s House, I ask for nancy and her career, but for too long, that Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, everyone to join me in honoring Reverend has been the reality for many women. Despite I and the other members of the San Diego Lonnie and Elisha Mitchell’s service, which I existing laws, many workers still face preg- Congressional delegation, rise with admiration know will inspire generations to come. nancy discrimination, including job loss, hiring and respect to honor and recognize the tre- f discrimination, or an unsafe work environment. mendous legacy of Daniel L. ‘‘Dan’’ Gross, who retired from Sharp HealthCare as Execu- IN HONOR OF CHIEF EDWARD K. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act estab- tive Vice President of Hospital Operations on WAGNER lishes clear, reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, and further ensures that April 3, 2020. HON. CHRIS PAPPAS pregnant employees cannot be retaliated Born in Independence, Kansas, Dan’s early against, denied employment opportunities, or childhood experiences created the blueprint OF NEW HAMPSHIRE for his education, career and philanthropic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES be forced to take paid or unpaid leave due to their pregnancy. I look forward to supporting contributions. He experienced hospitals as a Thursday, September 17, 2020 this legislation, as well as others brought for- place for healing when serious medical issues Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today ward by this rule. meant repeated hospitalization for his mother. to honor Chief Ed Wagner, who is retiring after f He was also very interested in science. His 25 years of service to the citizens of New comparison of the hearts of five animals ‘‘off Hampshire. Chief Wagner served in the United HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE the farm’’ led to first place in the science fair States Marine Corps before joining the OF JOHN MODDIE when he was in 4th grade. Conway Police Department in 1995. Through- Like many San Diegans, in 1979 Dan came out his distinguished career, Chief Wagner HON. JACK BERGMAN to visit but decided to stay. Planning further has served as a patrolman, detective, ser- OF MICHIGAN education, he was attracted by California’s geant, lieutenant, and, most recently, as the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES outstanding higher education system—which Chief of Police since 2005. at that time was also affordable. He inter- Chief Wagner, a down-to-earth and sup- Thursday, September 17, 2020 viewed at all the San Diego hospitals but portive leader, has dedicated his career with Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my chose Sharp Memorial Hospital because of its the Conway Police Department to protecting honor to recognize the life and service of John commitment to professionalism. and serving Conway’s citizens and visitors. In Moddie of Iron Mountain, Michigan. Through While working his way up the clinical ladder retirement, Chief Wagner will be staying in his extreme courage and selflessness, John at Sharp, Dan realized his graduate education Conway where he will spend quality time with has become an indispensable part of the state goals earned a Masters in Nursing Administra- his family, including his first granddaughter, of Michigan. tion from San Diego State University and his EdynRose. John enlisted in the United States Army in Doctorate in Nursing Sciences from the Uni- Chief Wagner served in numerous roles at 1942 directly following his graduation from Ni- versity of San Diego. the Conway Police Department over the years, agara High School. After completing training at The first in his family to attend college; Dan but his commitment to community service Fort Sheridan, Camp Roberts, and Camp knows the importance of nurturing the next helped him easily adapt to the ever-changing Atterbury, John was shipped overseas to Ger- generation of health care providers. He has environment. He approached his work with the many. He fought for three months as a part of advised on curriculum at San Diego’s charter utmost professionalism, integrity, and courage. a field artillery unit, where he and his fellow Health Sciences High and Middle College His embodiment of these values served as a men in uniform fought to repel the last Ger- (HSHMC), and created internships at all Sharp model to other officers and will continue to be man offensive of WWII during the Battle of the hospitals for HSHMC students. a guiding principle in the Conway Police De- Bulge. John received a shrapnel wound and Dan’s childhood experience on a farm also partment for decades to come. was captured on December 19, 1944. His time had a role in leading him to Sharp, where he On behalf of my constituents in New Hamp- imprisoned as a POW would expose him to was able to contribute to cutting edge re- shire’s First Congressional District, I want to the horrific and inhumane treatment by the search in cardiac services, including Jarvik thank Chief Wagner and his family for their Nazis—facing severe hunger and the near Hearts, transplants, and left ventricular assist decades of dedication to our community. I constant fear of death. John and his fellow devices. Dan’s graduate education ensured congratulate him on his accomplished law en- POWs would eventually be freed as Allied that nurses played critical roles during exciting forcement career, and I wish him all the best forces advanced through the region. Upon re- times in clinical innovation. Patients through- in his well-deserved retirement. turn home, John married his wife, Betty, built out the country have also benefited, as he has f their home in Quinnesec, MI, and started their raised over $3 million for the American Heart/ PERSONAL EXPLANATION family. Stroke Association, consistently turning out the Observed annually on the third Friday of largest team for the annual fundraising walk September, National POW/MIA Recognition for research and education. HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER Day honors those who were Prisoners of War Dan has worked at Sharp for over four dec- OF ILLINOIS and those who are still Missing in Action in ades, moving from clinical care to overseeing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service to their nation. We owe the men and operations for four acute-care hospitals, three Thursday, September 17, 2020 women in uniform who were captured, miss- specialty hospitals including Sharp Mary Birch Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise ing, or unaccounted for a debt which can Hospital for Women & Newborns, the largest today regarding votes I missed on September never be repaid. By coming together to honor freestanding women’s hospital west of the

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17SE8.028 E17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with REMARKS Thursday, September 17, 2020 Daily Digest Senate Florida, as the ‘‘Leo C. Chase Jr. Department of Vet- Chamber Action erans Affairs Clinic’’, and the bill was then passed, Routine Proceedings, pages S5681–S5717 after agreeing to the following amendment proposed Measures Introduced: Twenty-five bills and ten thereto: Page S5716 resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. McConnell (for Rubio) Amendment No. 2657, to 4605–4629, and S. Res. 701–710. Pages S5705–06 modify the designation of the community-based out- Measures Passed: patient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Augustine, Florida. Page S5716 National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 702, designating September Robert D. Maxwell Department of Veterans Af- 2020 as ‘‘National Prostate Cancer Awareness fairs Clinic: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs was Month’’. Pages S5715–16 discharged from further consideration of S. 4072, to designate the clinic of the Department of Veterans National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week: Affairs in Bend, Oregon, as the ‘‘Robert D. Maxwell Senate agreed to S. Res. 703, designating the week Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic’’, and the bill beginning September 14, 2020, as National His- was then passed. Page S5716 panic-Serving Institutions Week. Pages S5715–16 Jenna Quinn Law: Committee on Health, Edu- Honoring General Thomas P. Stafford: Senate cation, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from fur- agreed to S. Res. 704, honoring the accomplishments ther consideration of S. 924, to amend the Child of General Thomas P. Stafford and recognizing his Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require contribution to the United States Space Program. training and education to teachers and other school Pages S5715–16 employees, students, and the community about how National Clean Energy Week: Senate agreed to to prevent, recognize, respond to, and report child S. Res. 705, proclaiming the week of September 21 sexual abuse in primary and secondary education, through September 25, 2020, to be ‘‘National Clean and the bill was then passed, after agreeing to the Energy Week’’. Pages S5715–16 following amendment proposed thereto: Page S5716 Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month: Senate McConnell (for Cornyn) Amendment No. 2658, in agreed to S. Res. 706, expressing support for the the nature of a substitute. Page S5716 designation of September 2020 as ‘‘Sickle Cell Dis- Supporting Family Mental Health in CAPTA ease Awareness Month’’ in order to educate commu- Act: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and nities across the United States about sickle cell dis- Pensions was discharged from further consideration ease and the need for research, early detection meth- of S. 1160, to amend the Child Abuse Prevention ods, effective treatments, and preventative care pro- and Treatment Act to increase support for mental grams with respect to complications from sickle cell health, and the bill was then passed, after agreeing disease and conditions related to sickle cell disease. to the following amendment proposed thereto: Pages S5715–16 Pages S5716–17 National Poll Worker Recruitment Day: Senate McConnell (for Smith) Amendment No. 2659, in agreed to S. Res. 707, recognizing September 1, the nature of a substitute. Pages S5716–17 2020, as ‘‘National Poll Worker Recruitment Day’’. Meyers Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- Pages S5715–16 sideration of the nomination of Edward Hulvey Mey- Leo C. Chase Jr. Department of Veterans Af- ers, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States fairs Clinic: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs was Court of Federal Claims. Page S5701 discharged from further consideration of S. 1646, to A motion was entered to close further debate on designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Augustine, sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the D809

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17SE0.REC D17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST D810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST September 17, 2020 Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent A motion was entered to close further debate on agreement of Thursday, September 17, 2020, a vote the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, Sep- sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the tember 21, 2020. Page S5701 Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- of the nomination of Jocelyn Samuels, of Maryland, ate took the following action: to be a Member of the Equal Employment Oppor- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- tunity Commission. Page S5701 tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5701 Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- ate took the following action: viding that Senate resume consideration of the nomi- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- nation at approximately 3 p.m., on Monday, Sep- tive Session. Page S5701 tember 21, 2020; and that notwithstanding Rule Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- XXII, the motions to invoke cloture filed during the tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5701 session of Thursday, September 17, 2020 ripen at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, September 21, 2020. Hinderaker Nomination—Cloture: Senate began Page S5717 consideration of the nomination of John Charles Hinderaker, of Arizona, to be United States District Lucas Nomination—Cloture: Senate began consid- Judge for the District of Arizona. Pages S5701–02 eration of the nomination of Andrea R. Lucas, of A motion was entered to close further debate on Virginia, to be a Member of the Equal Employment the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Opportunity Commission. Page S5701 sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the A motion was entered to close further debate on Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- of the nomination of Keith E. Sonderling, of Florida, sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the to be a Member of the Equal Employment Oppor- Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition tunity Commission. Pages S5701–02 of the nomination of Edward Hulvey Meyers, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- ate took the following action: of Federal Claims. Page S5701 Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- ate took the following action: tive Session. Page S5701 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5701 tive Session. Page S5701 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Young Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5701 sideration of the nomination of Roderick C. Young, Samuels Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for sideration of the nomination of Jocelyn Samuels, of the Eastern District of Virginia. Page S5702 Maryland, to be a Member of the Equal Employment A motion was entered to close further debate on Opportunity Commission. Page S5701 the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- A motion was entered to close further debate on sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the of the nomination of John Charles Hinderaker, of Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the of the nomination of Andrea R. Lucas, of Virginia, District of Arizona. Page S5702 to be a Member of the Equal Employment Oppor- Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- tunity Commission. Page S5701 ate took the following action: Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- ate took the following action: tive Session. Page S5702 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- tive Session. Page S5701 tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5702 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S5701 lowing nominations: Sonderling Nomination—Cloture: Senate began By 68 yeas to 26 nays (Vote No. EX. 182), consideration of the nomination of Keith E. Franklin Ulyses Valderrama, of Illinois, to be United Sonderling, of Florida, to be a Member of the Equal States District Judge for the Northern District of Il- Employment Opportunity Commission. Page S5701 linois. Pages S5683–90, S5717

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:45 Sep 18, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17SE0.REC D17SEPT1 SSpencer on DSK126QN23PROD with DIGEST September 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D811 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- receiving testimony from Lisa E. Gordon-Hagerty, viding that the motion to invoke cloture on the Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and Adminis- nomination be withdrawn. Page S5689 trator, National Nuclear Security Administration, By 77 yeas to 14 nays (Vote No. EX. 183), Iain Department of Energy; and Ellen M. Lord, Under D. Johnston, of Illinois, to be United States District Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Ad- Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. miral Charles A. Richard, USN, Commander, United Pages S5690–95, S5717 States Strategic Command, both of the Department Nomination Received: Senate received the fol- of Defense. lowing nomination: U.S. ENGAGEMENT IN THE INDO-PACIFIC Sharon E. Goodie, of the District of Columbia, to AND BEYOND be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years. Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Page S5717 a hearing to examine advancing U.S. engagement and countering China in the Indo-Pacific and be- Messages from the House: Page S5704 yond, after receiving testimony from Julie Chung, Measures Referred: Pages S5704–05 Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Measures Read the First Time: Pages S5705, S5717 Hemisphere Affairs, Philip T. Reeker, Acting Assist- ant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, and Executive Reports of Committees: Page S5705 David R. Stilwell, Assistant Secretary for East Asian Additional Cosponsors: Pages S5706–08 and Pacific Affairs, all of the Department of State. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: FIXING THE FAFSA Pages S5708–10 Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Additional Statements: Pages S5703–04 Committee concluded a hearing to examine fixing Amendments Submitted: Pages S5714–15 the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, after Notices of Intent: Page S5715 receiving testimony from Kim Cook, National Col- lege Attainment Network, Washington, D.C.; Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S5715 Rachelle Feldman, University of North Carolina, Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. Chapel Hill; Kristin D. Hultquist, HCM Strategists, (Total—183) Pages S5690, S5694–95 Englewood, Colorado; Judith Scott-Clayton, Colum- Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:45 a.m. and bia University Teachers College, New York, New adjourned at 5:02 p.m., until 3 p.m. on Monday, York; and Bridget Terry Long, Harvard Graduate September 21, 2020. (For Senate’s program, see the School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts. remarks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on BUSINESS MEETING page S5717.) Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favor- ably reported the nominations of J. Philip Calabrese, Committee Meetings and James Ray Knepp II, both to be a United States (Committees not listed did not meet) District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio, Aileen Mercedes Cannon, to be United States Dis- BUSINESS MEETING trict Judge for the Southern District of Florida, Toby Committee on Armed Services: Committee ordered favor- Crouse, to be United States District Judge for the ably reported 3 nominations in the Army and Air District of Kansas, Michael Jay Newman, of Ohio, Force. to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, and Anna Maria Ruzinski, to be NNSA BUDGET MATTERS United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a Wisconsin, and Gregory Scott Tabor, of Arkansas, to hearing to examine matters relating to the budget of be United States Marshal for the Western District of the National Nuclear Security Administration, after Arkansas, both of the Department of Justice.

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TRUMP FCC: FOUR YEARS OF LOST of 2020’’; H.R. 7163, the ‘‘VA FOIA Reform Act OPPORTUNITIES of 2020’’; H.R. 5843, the ‘‘Strengthening Oversight Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on for Veterans Act of 2020’’; H.R. 7785, to amend Communications and Technology held a hearing en- title 38, United States Code, to extend certain em- titled ‘‘Trump FCC: Four Years of Lost Opportuni- ployment and reemployment rights to members of ties’’. Testimony was heard from Ajit Pai, Chairman; the National Guard who perform State active duty; Michael O’Rielly, Commissioner; Brendan Carr, and H.R. 6092, the ‘‘Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Commissioner; Jessica Rosenworcel, Commissioner; Treatment and Research Act’’. H.R. 8247, H.R. and Geoffrey Starks, Commissioner. 7163, H.R. 5843, and H.R. 7785 were ordered re- ported, as amended. H.R. 6092 was ordered re- INSIDER TRADING AND STOCK OPTION ported, without amendment. GRANTS: AN EXAMINATION OF CORPORATE INTEGRITY IN THE COVID–19 ENFORCING THE BAN ON IMPORTS PANDEMIC PRODUCED BY FORCED LABOR IN Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on In- XINJIANG vestor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on Markets held a hearing entitled ‘‘Insider Trading and Trade held a hearing entitled ‘‘Enforcing the Ban on Stock Option Grants: An Examination of Corporate Imports Produced by Forced Labor in Xinjiang’’. Integrity in the COVID–19 Pandemic’’. Testimony Testimony was heard from public witnesses. was heard from public witnesses. WORLDWIDE THREATS TO THE Joint Meetings HOMELAND ALBANIA’S CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CSCE Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Worldwide Threats to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Com- Homeland’’. Testimony was heard from Christopher mission concluded a hearing to examine Albania’s Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation; and chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Christopher Miller, Director, National Counterter- Co-operation in Europe, after receiving testimony rorism Center, Office of the Director of National In- from Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania and telligence. OSCE Chair-in-Office. EXAMINING THE BARRIERS AND f SOLUTIONS TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, INCLUSION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 INTERIOR (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Senate ‘‘Examining the Barriers and Solutions to Diversity, No meetings/hearings scheduled. Equity, and Inclusion at the Department of the Inte- rior’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. House MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, hearing entitled ‘‘Cybersecurity Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee held a at NASA: Ongoing Challenges and Emerging Issues for markup on H.R. 8247, the ‘‘Veterans Comprehen- Increased Telework During COVID–19’’, 11 a.m., sive, Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act Webex.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 3 p.m., Monday, September 21 12 noon, Friday, September 18

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Monday: Senate will resume consideration Program for Friday: House will meet in Pro Forma ses- of the nomination of Edward Hulvey Meyers, of Mary- sion at 12 noon. land, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims, and vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Graves, Sam, Mo., E853 Rouda, Harley, Calif. E857 Green, Mark E., Tenn., E855, E860 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E854 Bergman, Jack, Mich., E855, E859 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E858 Schneider, Bradley Scott, Ill., E859 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E855 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E857 Scott, David, Ga., E856 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E853 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E856 Smith, Adam, Wash., E858 Brooks, Susan W., Ind., E855 Kelly, Robin L., Ill., E854 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E854, E857 McEachin, A. Donald, Va., E853 Stefanik, Elise M., N.Y., E853 Crist, Charlie, Fla., E858 McGovern, James P., Mass., E856 Webster, Daniel, Fla., E860 Davis, Susan A., Calif., E859 McMorris Rodgers, Cathy, Wash., E858 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E858 Gibbs, Bob, Ohio, E856 Pappas, Chris, N.H., E859 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E853

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