Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Our budgets are under extreme stress. Arts fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We run our cities with a balanced budget which we are required to do by law. So what does that mean . How do we possibly do that in the face of this tremendous crisis . It means the cut jobs. It means eliminating services and staff at the same time. Our First Responders have been on the job since day one of this pandemic transporting those with covid to hospitals with Public Health initiatives keeping social and family order
I want to thank her for an sent the National League of cities in the National Association of counties for their sheer dedication to this issue on badly needed federal assistance as we continue to fight the covid19 pandemic. A quick note for members of the press joining us today, we will take questions after brief opening remarks. If you have a question, please put your name and media outlet in the chat and well call on you. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We r
More than 90 effectiveness in preventing the disease. This is very helpful news. And it is a trip to the innovative power of the private sector and efforts of congress and the Trump Administration to expedite the development of Covid Vaccines. A light at the end of the tunnel looks likeat its on the way. At the same time, madam president , it is essential esst minimize whats happening with covid right now. Cases are surging and are likely to surge further. Doctors and hospitals are struggling. Its essential we maintain key Safety Measures until those vaccines arrive. Number than everng we need to kp wearing masks, washing our hands and maintaining social distance. The more responsibly that we add, the more we can protect vulnerable members of the population and keep our doctors and hospitals from being overrun. Acting responsibly can alsols hp avert for the economic set of which would be a devastating blow to a lot of struggling businesses. I know its been a long, hard year and everyon
2 15 p. M. Eastern and we have live coverag here on cspan2. Earlier sators john thune and dick durbin talkn the ongoing coronavirus pandemic the governments response. Madam president , yesterday drugmaker madonna fired for emergency youth authorization from the fda for the Covid Vaccine and the fdas Vaccine Advisory Committee is scheduled to discuss pfizers Covid Vaccine next week and is excited to review maternals shortly thereafter. That it is entirely possible that by the end of december the fda will have authorized, not one, but two Covid Vaccines that are so far shown more than 90 effectiveness in preventing the disease. This is very hopeful news. It is a tribute to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of congress and the Trump Administration to expedite the development of Covid Vaccines. The light at the end of the tunnel looks like it is on the way and at the same time, madam president , it is essential would not minimize with happening with covid right now
Procedural vote for the nominee for the Credit Administration board. Now live coverage here on cspan2. The president pro tempore t senate will co to order. The chaplain, dr. Black, will the chaplain let us pray. Eternal master, continue to be our shelter from lifes storms and winds. You have provided us with your presence and a reminder in hebrews 13 5 that you will never leave or forsake us. May this knowledge of your watchcare sustain our senators through this challenging season. Grant that their work will become more meaningful and effective as they cultivate a greater awareness of your divine companionship. We pray in your loving name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united stat of america, and to the republic fowhich it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Grassley madam president . The presiding officer t senator from iowa. Mr. Graley one minute for morni