Unusual session but critical. Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents a bipartisan and resolve to meet the coronavirus challenge head on. It represents a focusnt on families and workers with the objective to make them safer and economically supported. That will protect workers as we all doo our part to flatten the curve. Public Health Officials have made it clear the only chance we have c to prevent our system to be overwhelmed with the pandemic it is threatened to be for his as Many Americans to stay home as possible. It is however necessary for us to be here, to pass legislatio legislation, to respond on behalf of the American People through this daunting challenge. The closure the large parts of the economy must be temporarily shutec down cause severe disruption for businesses and workers we saw the impact of this yesterday when new Unemployment Insurance claims increased by more than 3 Million People 3 million individuals. Those that rely on them for support of their families and
Individuals, with Small Business owners. Ive seen something ive never seen before. Ive seen people who are concerned. Health, d about their concerned about their future. Mr. Speaker, this is something to address. Ive also seen something ive never seen before either and is people pulling together. People doing for each other. Other. Caring for each volunteering at food banks. Volunteering at service organizations. Workers health care putting their own health at risk to deliver services. Best of america as well. Mr. Speaker, it is our here, our responsibility to help these people to deliver to them. Is not a perfect bill. If i had an opportunity id change a number of things in it, to do, s what we need mr. Speaker. And mr. Speaker, more than anything, what we need to do is pray. D to we need to pray to the god the speaker pro tempore the entleman from maryland is recognized. Seconds toi yield 30 the gentleman from michigan, dan kildee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from michigan
Public Health Threat to the United States of america. Were in the midst of not just a threat in our own country, but a global coronavirus pandemic. More than 173,000 cases nationwide and more than 7300 people have died. What you see today on the floor of the United States senate is exactly the opposite of what were being advised as a nation we need to do. What you see today on the floor of the United States senate are staff people, thank you for being here, protective forces outside the chamber, and others who are invisible to those coming and going that are part of the ordinary business of the United States senate. You see, we did today what the president has told america we should not do, what medical experts have told us we should not do. We have taken unnecessary Airline Flights to come here to washington d. C. I was on the plane this morning from springfield illinois to chicago, there were six passengers on the plane. Most people are listening to the advice of the medical experts
We will come to order. Todays hearing will focus on the reauthorization of the fast act, the nations current surface transportation bill that expires on september 30. We will hear the priorities of key Public Transportation stakeholders. A longterm reauthorization bill is critical to providing the certainty of stability that transit agencies, cities andos d to make responsible transportation lighting decisions. Public transportation plays a key role in our nations economy there are over 400 30,000 workers employed and Public Transportation in the United States. Transit provides approximately 33 million trips every day. Taking Many Americans to and from work, school and medical appointments. Not just in big urban cities, but also small areas. We have found ourselves with yet another reauthorization where the Highway Trust Fund is a most significant issue that needs to be addressed. In order to advance a comprehensive longterm reauthorization bill. While this committee does not have juri
The gift of this day. In spite of challenges that often seem insurmountable, you remain our hope for the years to come. As our senators strive to meet the challenges of the coronavirus, validate their efforts with your divine blessing. You are the righteous judge who knows even the motives of our hearts. May your providential purposes be fulfilled in our nation and world. Touch this land we love with your healing hands. We pray in your powerful name. Amen. The president pro tempore please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Grassley mr. President. The presiding officer the senator from iowa. Mr. Grassley i ask to speak in morning business for one minute. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Grassley on friday, President Trump declared a National Emergency concerning the Novel Coro