[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 53 (Thursday, March 19, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CORONAVIRUS

  Mr. THUNE. Madam President, yesterday the Senate passed the Families 
First Coronavirus Response Act, which is bipartisan legislation that 
will provide critical relief to American workers, families, and small 
businesses.
  Two weeks ago, the Senate passed the first phase of Congress's COVID-
19 response, and that was $8.3 billion in funding for coronavirus 
research, testing, and medical care. Yesterday's bill was the second 
phase of that response. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act 
will ensure that all Americans can access coronavirus testing at no 
cost.
  The bill also ensures expanded telehealth access for Medicare 
recipients during this outbreak, which I strongly support. As a 
resident of a rural State, I have long been a supporter of telehealth 
for the expanded healthcare access it can deliver for rural 
communities. The value of telehealth isn't limited to rural States. 
During an outbreak like this, for example, telehealth services can help 
keep patients--particularly vulnerable, elderly patients--out of 
doctors' offices and hospital waiting rooms. Patients can use a phone 
call or the internet to check in with their doctors for minor 
complaints or medication followups, instead of having to venture out 
and be exposed to possible coronavirus infection. I am very pleased 
that Medicare patients will have greater access to telehealth services 
during this outbreak.
  The largest part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act 
focuses on providing economic support for families during this 
difficult time. The bill makes provisions for paid sick leave and paid 
family and medical leave for American workers, particularly for those 
who might not otherwise have access to these benefits. It also invests 
additional money in unemployment insurance where benefits are available 
for those who need them.
  I am pleased we were able to pass this bipartisan bill that the House 
produced, but there is more work to be done. The House bill touches on 
only a small part of what is needed to help Americans weather the 
storm, which is why Senate Republicans are currently working to develop 
the third phase of Congress's response.
  Our legislation will address three priorities: providing direct, 
immediate assistance to American workers and families; giving our 
economy, especially our small businesses, the necessary support to 
weather the storm; and, of course, most importantly, providing medical 
professionals with the resources they need to fight this virus.
  I have been working closely with colleagues on the Senate Commerce 
and Finance Committees to develop the parts of the legislation that 
will address tax relief, particularly for small businesses, and support 
for industries that have been directly impacted by this pandemic, 
including the airline industry, which has taken a devastating hit from 
this outbreak.
  The Senate will be here as long as it takes to get this additional 
legislation to the President's desk.
  These are difficult days. This is new territory for most of us, and 
there is a lot of uncertainty in the air. Americans are worried about 
their own health and that of their loved ones. They are worried about 
what this outbreak will mean for their jobs and their financial health. 
It is a difficult time for our country. We are going to get through 
this.
  America has faced big challenges before, and we have come through 
them even stronger. This time will be no different. I see the strength 
of America everywhere I look--in the dedicated doctors and nurses 
putting their lives on the line to care for the sick and our first 
responders who are always at the forefront of the response to any 
crisis and the truckdrivers and grocery store employees and delivery 
workers who keep on doing their jobs in the face of the outbreak, 
ensuring all of us have the essentials we need. It is also in the 
thousands of ordinary Americans who are stepping up to help their 
neighbors--running to the grocery stores for elderly or sick 
individuals, providing childcare for those who can't telework, and 
looking out for those who are struggling financially. This is what will 
get us through.

  I and my colleagues in Congress will continue to do our part to 
ensure that our country has everything it needs to weather this crisis 
and to defeat this disease.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CORNYN. Madam 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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