[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 2, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, on a totally different matter, 
obviously and unfortunately, this turmoil is not the only great 
challenge before us. Lest we forget, the healthcare fight against the 
worst viral pandemic in a century is still upon us. Our Nation is 
trying to smartly and safely reopen. Just as small businesses in some 
cities are sweeping up broken glass, American workers and entrepreneurs 
across the Nation are trying to rebuild the shattered prosperity our 
Nation was experiencing just a few months ago. Meanwhile, beyond our 
shores, our enemies and adversaries would be only too eager to catch 
the United States with our guard down.
  So there is plenty of work before the Senate, and unlike the 
Democratic House of Representatives, which I understand may next appear 
here in Washington in about a month--in about a month--the Senate is 
present and working.
  We are continuing to conduct oversight of our historic rescue 
package, the CARES Act, as it continues taking effect. I expect we will 
soon consider further bipartisan legislation to help the Paycheck 
Protection Program--the signature policy from Senators Rubio and 
Collins that has kept tens of millions of Americans employed--continue 
to work for our country.
  As we pivot toward reopening, the Senate is also working on 
significant COVID-related legal protection so our Nation's schools, 
healthcare workers, and employers are not swamped with frivolous 
lawsuits and taxpayer dollars do not just stimulate the pockets of 
trial lawyers.
  At the same time, critical vacancies remain throughout the Federal 
Government, and qualified nominees stand ready to fill them. So the 
Senate will work through two nominees to the Federal district courts 
and a number of important executive branch positions, including 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities; 
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense; and the new Special Inspector 
General for Pandemic Recovery.
  What is more, we also have all the important legislation that needed 
to get done before the pandemic arrived in the first place. This month, 
we will turn to bipartisan legislation led by Senators Gardner and 
Daines to provide stable support for the Land and Water Conservation 
Fund and lasting stewardship of our natural resources. Their bill will 
safeguard our Nation's public lands for recreation and conservation and 
help generations of Americans continue to access and enjoy these 
treasures.
  In the coming weeks, our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee 
will begin marking up the 60th consecutive, annual National Defense 
Authorization Act. I know our colleagues need no reminder of how 
important that task is; neither do our men and women in uniform. The 
COVID-19 crisis makes it more urgent, not less urgent, that we continue 
to authorize investments in our servicemembers and their families and 
in advancing and accelerating our national defense strategy. From 
honing our competitive edge against would-be rivals on land and sea to 
expanding our reach in the air and space, achieving our Nation's 
strategic priorities begins right here this month with the NDAA.
  So Congress's to-do list is clear, and the Senate is manning its 
essential post, working to get the American people's business done.

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