Possible and on testing the American People really deserve to know that when we began, as you said, mr. President it, was literally a standing start. We didnt have information on the coding of the coronavirus until midfebruary but americas cdc labs and Public Health labs did their level best. By the end of february we had done less than 10,000 coronavirus tests but as you Just Announced a few moments ago, last week we cleared 100 million tests all across the country. It is extraordinary. We have the capacity to do three million tests a day. It is a testament to American Innovation and the leadership youve provided. Also, mr. President , weve delivered to nearly 14,000 Nursing Homes in america point of care tests already and are making it possible for us to really keep focus on the most vulnerable. As you know only 8 of those who have contracted the coronavirus are in Nursing Homes but 40 of those that have lost their life have been in Nursing Homes. So weve surged those resources and s
Objection. The senator from ohio. Mr. Portman thank you. Mr. Portman thank you. Im on the floor today to tug about the coronavirus pandemic and what we can and should do here w in the United States sene and congress as a whole. To actually address the ongoing problem. We are not out of the woods yet. We have a Health Care Crisis and of course an economic crisis as a consequence of that. We have done some good bipartisan work over the past six months. In fact not many people realize the past five or six bills with strong bipartisan majority. What people know about most is that it is when the cares act to gut 97 votes here on the floor of the senate, 970. So we have in the past been able to figure a out a way to come together as republicans and democrats as americans to be able to address this crisis. We need to do it again because we still do have a crisis. We still do have an acceptably high levels of people getting in fact did, hospitalized in being in the icu fatalities in their econ
Disinformation is a major topic we need to discuss. We need to share our experiences in dealing with china. A forum where we can review all aspects of the chinese presence in europe, globally, and how we deal with that. They plan to kick this off. We are looking for a date in the near future. Trying to do scheduling. I think we are resigned to the fact that this may have to be virtual. Step in person. Just given the pandemic requirements. The deputy secretary has agreed to participate in a number of conversations. Directors of all the Member States will gather and have this on their agenda. The german presidency. That is an opportunity for Member States to engage. At both member state experiences and overall approach. I hope we can kick this off. We can see this as a longterm project. So we can really Exchange Ideas and experiences. Thank you. I dont think anyone would disagree that this will be a long project. As you know, i and members of introducettee legislation to strengthen ameri
Our nation recently observed the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of september 11, 2001. Nearly two decades later we continue to mourn the nearly 3,000 lives lost that terrible day and keep their loved ones in our prayers. This committee and the department of Homeland Security were established in the wake of 9 11 to help prevent future attacks on our soil. Regardless of who was chairman weve held regular hearings examining worldwide threats with leaders from the department of Homeland Security, fbi, and National Counter Terrorism Center. And regardless of who has occupied the white house, whether democrat or republican, weve received cooperation in that effort. Today was supposed to be no different. Unfortunately as we see from the empty chair in front of us mr. Wolf is not here to represent the department of Homeland Security. Let me be clear about how we got here. The committee began engaging with the department over three months ago to secure participation alongside his col
Acting deputy Homeland Security secretary Ken Cuccinelli and the head of the National Counterterrorism center. The fbi director said at the hearing that the fbi has not seen widespread voter fraud. Wisconsin senator ron johnson chaired this two hour, 40 minute hearing. Good morning. This hearing will come to order. I want to first welcome and thank our witnesses, christopher wray, the director of the federal bureau of investigation, christopher miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism center, and kenneth cuccinelli, the senior official performing the duties of the deputy secretary. This is our annual threat hearing. When i take a look at all of the threats that this committee has considered and all of the threats facing this nation, i think its pretty interesting, you know, how many hearings weve held on so many of these things. Before i proceed, i guess i would ask for unanimous consent to have my written Opening Statement be entered in the recor record. If you consider t