Than 16 million americans have lost their jobs in only the last three weeks. A tragedy that is hard to even comprehend. As one journalist put it, were facing a Health Care Crisis with an economic crisis strapped to its back. That is why two weeks ago, the Senate Passed the largest rescue package in american history. The bipartisan cares act funneled more than 2 trillion into bold programs to help households, fund hospitals and Health Care Providers, and keep paychecks coming. Before we adjourned, i said the senate would stay nimble and prepare to react quickly as the legislation came online. So, mr. President , thats why we are here today. Much of the cares act is still being implemented. But one key program, one key program is already up and running. Its the Paycheck Protection Program from chairman rubio, chairman collins, senator cardin, and senator shaheen. It gives Small Businesses emergency capital so that workers can keep getting paychecks instead of pink slips. Just a few days
Diplomacy and here in these mostly now empty corridors weve shaped a bipartisan agreement on the largest rescue package in american history, which was sealed last night a few minutes after 1 00 in the morning when leader mcconnell and i came to the floor to announce we had an agreement. It was not a moment of celebration but rather one of necessity. Facing an unprecedented crisis, it was the duty of the senate to produce Bipartisan Legislation to send an immediate infusion of resources to our Public Health systems, state and local governments, Small Business and American Workers. As i said, from the start democrats had two main goals, a Marshall Plan for Public Health workers and hospitals on the front line and putting workers first, not corporations. Had we not asked for the Republican Party to recognize us by not Going Forward on those first two votes, this bill would have been much worse. Our actions made it much better. Not everything we wanted but much, much better. And were proud
3, 2010, president obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act into law. On that proud day, we took a monumental step forward for the health and Financial Security of the american people. We expanded new Health Coverage to 20 Million People and delivered better coverage to more than 150 million americans with Health Insurance through their employer. We apassed the Affordable Care act because we believe in the United States of america, health care would be a right, not a privilege. The late ted kennedy made that believe the fight of his life. Thanks to the leadership of president obama who has dedicated knowledgeable and strategic determine to succeed, thanks to the vision of our Committee Chairs crafting legislation and the courage of members of congress, thanks to outside mobilization of patient the affordable, care act stands today among the great pillars of American Health and Financial Security. Medicare, medicaid, Social Security and the Affordable Care act. Now we
Narrator the United States Public Health service, as it exists today, is a product of experience extending over nearly 150 years. It was originally created as a Marine Hospital service for the providing medical care for sick and disabled seamen. It was activated in an active congress signed by president john adams in 1798. The service was originally supported by a tax on american merchant seamen, but this was later abolished. The tax was collected by the collector of the customs of the treasury department. The Marine Hospital service came under the jurisdiction of that department, where it remains today. The first Marine Hospital in virginia, was purchased. The second built in boston, massachusetts. Some medical personnel were utilized by both the union and the confederacy for the care of wounded military forces. It frequently happened that medical officers of the early Marine Hospitals were the first physicians to diagnose diseases such as cholera and smallpox, which endangered ports
Coronavirus briefing with vermont governor phil scott to keep longterm commitment to coverage of the us senate. You can watch the remainder of this briefing on cspan. Org. Senate lawmakers are completing work on the third coronavirus economics to me was plan, final vote on the bill is expected today. Now live coverage of the u. S. Senate on cspan2. The president pro tempore the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. O god, our father, we lift up our hearts in prayer because we trust in you. Lord, we know well the weakness and the insecurity of our hold upon this life. Comfort those who have lost loved ones during this Global Health crisis. When we wrestle with sad memories of mortal loss, give us all the glorious hope of life eternal. Lord, provide our lawmakers with the confidence that your allsufficient grace and power will enable them to become more than conquerors during this time of trouble. Remind them t