Effectively winding down their businesses for a period of time through no fault of their own. Major industries that are nation relies on testing business virtually dry up overnight. Again, not due to any business decision been made but because of appropriate directives from Public Health experts. And, madam president , most important of all, our Healthcare System ander our doctors, nur, and other frontline professionals are gearing up for what seems very likely to be the most significant nationwide challenge they have faced in generations. At every level, this new challenge is testing our nation and our institutions. Yesterday my home state of kentucky reported its first coronavirus related death. Our thoughts are with the family, runs a neighbor in Bourbon County who are mourning. I spoke with the Governor Beshear yesterday and were continuing to stay in close touch. The bluegrass has now confirmed 25 total cases to date. And we are heeding the silver warning of dr. Fauci if this is what dr. Fauci said. Things will get worse before they get better. It is abundantly clear that our nation cannot afford partisan politics as usual. This is a moment for bold and bipartisan action. Thats what thehe senate did earlier this month when we passed billions of dollars in targeted funding to assist medicalon professionals and responders in every state and ease of the initial shock to Small Businesses. And thats what the senate needs to expand on this week, bold and bipartisan action. Yesterday evening the house finally completed its work on their Coronavirus Relief proposal, made a number of changes, and sent the paperwork over here to the senate. I knowo senators on both sides are eager to assist workers, families and Small Businesses with the financial fallout of this extraordinary period. So, madam president , as i said yesterday afternoon, Senate Republicans are convinced that the houses noncoverage the bill can only be the beginning, the beginning of our efforts to support our Health System assist individual americans and families as well as stabilize the u. S. Economy. So last night a group of republican senators confirmed with secretary mnuchin. Capital to meet with our entire conference today. Were continuing urgent talks on for the legislation that will address headon the three major priorities we have spent the last several days discussing in depth. Number one, we need to provide more direct assistance for American Workers and families. Number two, we need further strong steps to secure our economic foundation, most especially our Small Businesses. In particular it seems increasingly clear that the houses effort to mandate that Small Businesses provide new worker benefits just as many Small Businesses themselves are insignificant jeopardy might even be actually harmful unless we urgently address a broader package that includes more and broader Small Business relief. And third, of course, the foundational priority is to continue providing all the support that our medical professionals need as they fight this new virus on the front lines. These conversations are ongoing. We are making progress. The house of m representatives y have left town with the senate is right here at work. We are crafting a major legislation that the American People deserve in the face of this major challenge. And its my intention that the senate will not adjourn until we have passed significant and bold new steps above and beyond what the house has passed to help our strong nation and our strong underlying economy weather this storm. Now, before i conclude this morning i wanted to take a moment to echo and amplified the updated guidance that our Public Health experts and the white house rolled out yesterday. As president trumpda said yesterday, the next two weeks are an important opportunity. Our nation have a major stay in how long the partial spread within the United States before it is contained. Following the commonsense steps laid out by the White House Coronavirus task force can significantly reduce each americans risk of being exposed or spreading the virus within communities. First, obviously those who feel sick, stay at home. Those who feel sick, stay at home. Unwell children should be kept at home, anyone with questions about their symptoms should contact their medical provider. Wherever possible, americans should engage in work or school from home. Those who cannot, including those whose in person Job Functions are central to our government or our nation must take especially seriously the cdcss guidelines for health and hygiene. Especially washing hands and social distancing. All americans have been strong urge to avoid eating or drinking out to avoid discretionary travel, and to avoid visiting Nursing Homes or retirement facilities and less, and less to provide critical assistance. Some of these recommendations sound like basic common sense. Others of them would have sounded almost unthinkable just a few weeks ago. It is almost impossible to exaggerate the pace of change over the past weeks and days. But americans are strong. We are resilient. This is ourud proud nation witha world changing history. And we have come through far greater challenges than this. This is not a time for fear or panic. Now, madam , madam president r country is facing an unprecedented Public Health emergency with severe and potentially longlasting economic consequences. As covid19 spreads, our local Health Officials and Health Experts tell