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[Page S2636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE
Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, on a totally different matter,
obviously and unfortunately, this turmoil is not the only great
challenge before us. Lest we forget, the healthcare fight against the
worst viral pandemic in a century is still upon us. Our Nation is
trying to smartly and safely reopen. Just as small businesses in some
cities are sweeping up broken glass, American workers and entrepreneurs
across the Nation are trying to rebuild the shattered prosperity our
Nation was experiencing just a few months ago. Meanwhile, beyond our
shores, our enemies and adversaries would be only too eager to catch
the United States with our guard down.
So there is plenty of work before the Senate, and unlike the
Democratic House of Representatives, which I understand may next appear
here in Washington in about a month--in about a month--the Senate is
present and working.
We are continuing to conduct oversight of our historic rescue
package, the CARES Act, as it continues taking effect. I expect we will
soon consider further bipartisan legislation to help the Paycheck
Protection Program--the signature policy from Senators Rubio and
Collins that has kept tens of millions of Americans employed--continue
to work for our country.
As we pivot toward reopening, the Senate is also working on
significant COVID-related legal protection so our Nation's schools,
healthcare workers, and employers are not swamped with frivolous
lawsuits and taxpayer dollars do not just stimulate the pockets of
trial lawyers.
At the same time, critical vacancies remain throughout the Federal
Government, and qualified nominees stand ready to fill them. So the
Senate will work through two nominees to the Federal district courts
and a number of important executive branch positions, including
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities;
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense; and the new Special Inspector
General for Pandemic Recovery.
What is more, we also have all the important legislation that needed
to get done before the pandemic arrived in the first place. This month,
we will turn to bipartisan legislation led by Senators Gardner and
Daines to provide stable support for the Land and Water Conservation
Fund and lasting stewardship of our natural resources. Their bill will
safeguard our Nation's public lands for recreation and conservation and
help generations of Americans continue to access and enjoy these
treasures.
In the coming weeks, our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee
will begin marking up the 60th consecutive, annual National Defense
Authorization Act. I know our colleagues need no reminder of how
important that task is; neither do our men and women in uniform. The
COVID-19 crisis makes it more urgent, not less urgent, that we continue
to authorize investments in our servicemembers and their families and
in advancing and accelerating our national defense strategy. From
honing our competitive edge against would-be rivals on land and sea to
expanding our reach in the air and space, achieving our Nation's
strategic priorities begins right here this month with the NDAA.
So Congress's to-do list is clear, and the Senate is manning its
essential post, working to get the American people's business done.
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