Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Pages S1861-S1862]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CORONAVIRUS
Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, on September 11, America was attacked by
evil. Thousands of our countrymen were murdered by terrorists. In an
instant, the Nation was gripped with fear and anxiety. And as our
buildings burned, we mourned the loss of our fellow Americans, but as
we mourned, we also became very united as a country. We came together
and stood as one against a common enemy. That unity laid a foundation
for our victory, and it helped our military men and women deliver
justice to those who sought to destroy us.
Now, we confront a similar challenge. Unlike the 9/11 attacks, our
enemy today is faceless. We can't see or hear that enemy. We can't send
our Armed Forces to hunt it down and protect us, but much like our
response to the terrorist attacks nearly 20 years ago, we must unite as
a country. The threat we face is perhaps the greatest since World War
II. So much like our response to the terrorist attacks 20 years ago, we
will be united.
Never before have we shuttered so much of our country: businesses
closing, restaurants particularly, all kinds of--just stay at home, in
other words. Never before has our society changed so much, seemingly
overnight.
The coronavirus issue could prove as deadly as any war in recent
history, and that is why it is everyone's responsibility to do their
part.
In Congress, we have already passed legislation to provide emergency
relief, and our job isn't done yet. Further, unprecedented economic and
public health support is on the way, but what we do in Washington and
State capitols across our country is only one part of that solution. It
is the civic duty of every community, every family, and every
individual to enlist in this fight.
Make no mistake, our Nation is at war--a war on our own soil. This
war and this enemy aren't like anything that we fought before. Our
strategy and tactics will be different, but the stakes are just as
high.
This war will not be waged on foreign lands with tanks or guns or
troops. It will be waged right here in hospitals and public places and
in homes and with personal responsibility, personal
[[Page S1862]]
sacrifice, and patience on the part of our people.
It is on every American to exercise these values: Do not gather in
large groups. Don't hoard crucial goods. Keep your distance from those
you must be near. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands,
covering your cough and sneeze, and cleaning commonly used surfaces.
Work from home if you can. Check on your neighbors. Call your
relatives. Offer to help each other, especially the most vulnerable. We
are all in this together.
Much as we did before, we must shed party labels and put aside
partisan politics. We must band together and hold on to our national
identity, our families, and, most importantly, our faith.
Throughout history, Americans have risen to the occasion when
confronted with crises. I am confident this time will be no different.
It is up to each and every American to fight the spread of this
deadly virus. Countless lives depend on it. The days and months ahead
will be tough for everyone. But just like post-World War II, a safer, a
healthier, and a more prosperous United States of America is just
around the corner
I yield the floor.
____________________