[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 48 (Thursday, March 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CORONAVIRUS

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, last week, Congress provided billions in 
funding to address the coronavirus outbreak. These funds will help 
support virus research, testing, and medical care. Congress is now 
looking at other measures that may be required, including measures to 
address the economic impact of the virus. The House may consider an 
economic response measure today, but my understanding is that its bill 
does not yet reflect an agreement with the White House, which will be 
needed to move any stimulus package.
  I want to echo the leader's comments from yesterday and say that this 
is not a time for partisanship, and it is very important that we work 
together on matters related to the coronavirus so that we can get 
needed legislation passed in a timely fashion.
  More Americans are testing positive for the virus each day--including 
eight people in my home State of South Dakota--and it is our 
responsibility as Members of Congress to work together to ensure that 
our country has the resources it needs to combat and defeat this 
disease.
  There is no doubt that things are stressful right now. Americans are 
understandably worried about their own health and the health of their 
loved ones. But we have a lot of dedicated people working to keep 
Americans safe, from nurses and doctors to public health officials. 
Everyone is focused on making sure we do what we need to do to limit 
the spread of this virus. And all of us, of course, can help in that 
effort by paying attention to the guidance we are given, whether it is 
advice about washing our hands or avoiding large gatherings or a 
request to stay home for a while.
  It is a challenging time, but America has been through challenging 
times before and emerged from them stronger. I am confident that if we 
pull together, that is what will happen again.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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