[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 183 (Saturday, October 24, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6426-S6427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



     Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 4995, H.R. 4996, and H.R. 1585

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, H.R. 4995 is one that passed the House 
from Representative Engel to help address maternal health gaps and 
disparities in rural communities. The bill would provide grants at HHS 
to networks of healthcare providers and academic partners to expand 
obstetric capacity and improve trainings in underserved rural areas.
  The trainings would help to address implicit bias, which--more so 
than economic status, health status, or education level--can contribute 
to health negative outcomes for moms and their babies.
  Due to lack of specialists and geographic gaps, maternal health 
outcomes in rural Illinois are worse than in urban areas. So when it 
comes to responding to and tackling the urgent health challenges of the 
moment,

[[Page S6427]]

alongside addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, these bills can help close 
the disparities and gaps that exist in health care in America.
  H.R. 4996, sponsored by Congresswoman Robin Kelly from Illinois, 
passed the House in September. It closely mirrors a provision in 
legislation I have introduced in the Senate, the MOMMA Act. This 
critical legislation addresses our Nation's unconscionable disparities 
in maternal and infant mortality by ensuring mothers can maintain 
access to care and prevent pregnancy-related complications.
  The U.S. is 1 of only 13 countries in the world where the maternal 
mortality rate is worse now than it was 25 years ago. Nationwide more 
than 700 women die every year as a result of their pregnancy, and more 
than 70,000 others suffer severe, near-fatal complications. Across the 
country, women of color are four times more likely to die from 
pregnancy-related complications than white women. The COVID-19 pandemic 
has magnified these racial and ethnic health disparities that already 
existed. These gaps in our health system are unacceptable.
  Medicaid covers half of the births in Illinois. This policy would 
help thousands of mothers in Illinois and nationwide by enabling 
Medicaid to provide coverage for low-income mothers for up to 1 year, 
compared to the current limit of 60 days. It is time we turn the page 
on this unacceptable inequity in our healthcare system and address a 
real need across America.
  H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Act was signed into law 26 
years ago, and it must be reauthorized. This law has been a lifeline 
for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in my State of 
Illinois and across the country. Over a year ago, the House voted to 
reauthorize and strengthen VAWA. But the Republican-controlled Senate 
has refused to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
  For many Americans, home is not always a safe place, and the COVID-19 
pandemic has presented particular challenges for people facing abusive 
situations and domestic violence. It is shameful that Leader McConnell 
has refused to call this critical reauthorization to the Senate floor 
for a vote.
  It is long past time for the Senate to renew and strengthen VAWA.
  In order to proceed to the consideration H.R. 4995, the Maternal 
Health Quality Improvement Act of 2020; H.R. 4996, the Helping MOMS Act 
of 2020; and H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, 
I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Senator from Indiana.
  Mr. BRAUN. Mr. President, I object to proceeding to everything en 
bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
  Mr. DURBIN. I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Texas.