July 30, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 129 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S5153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               VENEZUELA

  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, on one last subject, after I conclude 
my remarks, I will yield to my friend, colleague, and former roommate 
from Illinois, who will ask this body to take up and pass what I 
believe is a very important measure, temporary protected status for 
Venezuelans currently residing in the United States.
  Last week, the House passed bipartisan legislation that would grant 
these protections--a lifeline to families who are facing a forced 
return to unstable and dangerous situations in their country.
  Few nations, outside wartime, have endured the economic, 
humanitarian, and political devastation that Venezuela endures today. 
Hospitals and pharmacies lack basic medicines. The rate of violent 
crime has risen sharply, and 300,000 children are at risk of dying from 
malnutrition. Venezuela clearly meets the standard for temporary 
protected status. The situation is too dire and too dangerous for 
Venezuelan nationals to return to the country.
  So I am glad the House has taken action to pass these temporary 
protections on a bipartisan basis, and the Senate should follow suit. 
The President could have acted on his own to help Venezuelans living in 
America, but he has repeatedly denied congressional requests to extend 
TPS relief for them during this critical time of transition from the 
despotic regime of Nicolas Maduro. President Trump's inaction has 
compelled Congress to act.
  So I salute my friend, Senator Durbin, as well as Senator Menendez, 
our two leaders on this issue, as they ask the Senate to take up the 
House-passed TPS bill. I hope, earnestly, that our friends on the other 
side will let it go through.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum for a moment so I might confer with 
the Senator from Illinois.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.
  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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