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[Page S1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST--SCHUMER BILL
Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, in a moment, Democrats will ask the
Senate's consent to take up and pass several measures that would
immediately help American workers and American families cope with the
impacts of coronavirus, including paid sick leave for workers,
emergency unemployment insurance, and much needed assistance to States
overburdened by Medicaid costs, known as FMAP.
These provisions are all included in legislation that will soon be
passed by the House. Many of these policies have already been enacted
by other countries dealing more successfully with the coronavirus than
our country is.
These policies are targeted directly at the workers and families
impacted by its spread. They are not going to the big, wealthy
corporations or powerful people or wealthy people. They are going right
at the workers and families--average working people who need the help.
Now, the Republican leader this morning called these provisions ``an
ideological wish list.'' President Trump referred to them as
``goodies.''
If helping a construction worker who is laid off as a result of the
virus is part of an ideological wish list, then God help those who
believe that. If giving infected workers paid sick leave is a goody,
then God help those who think that. If making sure our States,
localities, hospitals, and first responders are compensated for their
efforts is ideological, is a goody, those who believe those things have
lost touch with the needs and aspirations of the American people, and
they need to talk to some real people who have been impacted by the
coronavirus, instead of sitting in their ideological towers.
With the comments made by the President and the Republican leader,
they have revealed their own ideology--that even in a time of public
crisis and need, the President and the Republican leader are more
willing to entertain corporate tax cuts and bailing out industries than
helping American workers and families.
The Senate should pass these bills today. The Republican leader
should not be sending the Senate home for the weekend without taking
action to help people who are or will soon be really hurting.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the
immediate consideration of the Schumer bill that is at the desk, that
the bill be considered read three times and passed, and the motion to
reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no
intervening action or debate.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
The Senator from Nebraska.
Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, this
concept is under discussion, and it is a centerpiece of negotiations
between the House Democrats and Secretary Mnuchin, which are ongoing.
This Chamber will be in session next week to ensure that we are
taking needed actions to appropriately respond to the coronavirus.
I object.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
The Democratic leader.
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