Comprehensive response addressing not just the medical priorities but the Economic Impact this virus has had on so Many American families. We provided funding for coronavirus testing, medical care, personal protective equipment for frontline medical personnel, vaccine and treatment development, for veterans, nutrition programs, first responders, Unemployment Benefits, elementary schools, high schools and colleges, farmers and ranchers. The coronavirus aid relief and Economic Security act or thes act, the third relief act we pass provided 350 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program to help Small Businesses keep employees on the payroll during this crisis. When the program ran out of money we provided another 310 billion to ensure as many Small Businesses as possible were able to take advantage of this help. Thes act appropriated 293 billion for direct payment to american citizens to help them get through this difficult time. At this point Government Agencies are focused on getting a
Main screen. We are senators that he is that videoconference option hit the mute button until it is your turn to ask questions. If there is a Technology Issue we will move to the next senator until the issue is resolved. I remind all senators and the nominees the fiveminute clock still applies. For senators using the video option, youll notice a screen labeled clock showing how much time is remaining at 30 seconds i will tap the gavel to remind them the time is almost expired. To simplify the speaking order we have agreed to go by seniority for this first hybrid meeting. Thank you to those of you who are here today and keeping the capital complex safe and functioning while we honor our constitutional duty. Covid19 has challenged our sense of normalcy and tested every institution of daily life that we know. The crisis has had a major impact on the Economic Health of our country and the major responses been required. Congress and the administration of taken bold, dramatic steps for the e
The republican leader has called the senate back into session during a time when there is significant risks to members of this chamber and the staff who make the place function. This is a time of national emergency. We should be working to provide our country with the relief and support that is so direly needs but this is only the second day of business and leader mcconnell called the senate back into session and there will be no votes here on the floor, not one vote and so far there is no plan, no plan at all to consider Courtney Kube related legislation. If we are going to be in session with an elevated health risk why doesnt leader mcconnell help us work on issues related to Courtney Kube . Last night confirmed a noncontroversial nominee to the Nuclear Regulatory commission. The next nominee is for a counterintelligence post, no doubt important but unrelated to Courtney Kube. s nomination has been delayed by a republican senator. When the republican leader reasons we must process no
Necessary vote. Vote on the reauthorization bill continues today with the final vote on legislation this afternoon. And now live to the senate floor. The chaplain, dr. Black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Almighty god, guide our lawmakers today to think of themselves as your faithful servants, eager to do your bidding. May they strive less for success and more for faithfulness, realizing that you expect dependability from them. Give them the wisdom to believe that though they may plant and water the seeds of our nations destiny, only you can bring the harvest. As they look to you, the lord of the harvest, soothe their doubts and calm their fears. And, lord, we thank you for the many courageous staffers who enable the senate to function. We pray in your gracious 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
We will get the details later this hour with a wall street journal congressional reporter. A leading Public Health expert on what is next as some areas of the country begin to slowly reopen. The impact this virus is having on native American Communities with representative deb haaland of new mexico. Our phone lines are open. We want to hear from you. For those of you out west if you are a medical professional, please dial in. We would love to hear from you. Good tuesday evening. We begin with the official numbers courtesy of john hopkins university. Worldwide the number of cases, 4. 25 million. The death toll in excess of 291,000. Joining us from baltimore is dr. Leana wen. She is the visiting professor at George Washington university. Today it was announced the Washington Post new opinion contributor and Baltimore City Health Commissioner from 2014 to 2015. Dr. Wen happy to be with you. Host i want to begin with new projections new 4, the withy august death toll could exceed 147,000.