[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 184 (Sunday, October 25, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S6591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CORONAVIRUS

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit all news 
organizations and hit them hard at a time when they have rarely been so 
essential to the American people and our communities.
  News organizations have had to severely trim their staffs, while 
coping, as we all have had to do, with the pandemic's health threats 
and uncertainties. It is a great credit to our Fourth Estate that so 
many news organizations nonetheless have managed to produce such heroic 
work in meeting this vital challenge.
  Most news outlets have had to transition to an online distribution 
model in distributing their reporting during this pandemic. These 
valiant efforts have included those by online-only news organizations 
such as ``Vermont Digger,'' in Vermont. The New York Times recently 
recognized the vital work of such Vermont news outlets as ``Vermont 
Digger'' and ``Seven Days'' in the face of these unprecedented 
challenges.
  Vermont stands almost alone in the Nation in our State's successful 
efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Much of that can be attributed 
to the bold steps taken by State and local communities and leaders at 
all levels, including Governor Phil Scott, to follow the science in 
promoting mask wearing and social distancing. Sensible and responsible 
leadership, and strong and steady reporting by Vermont's news 
organizations, have produced ``a high degree of social trust,'' as the 
Washington Post has reported.
  Recently ``Vermont Digger'' was recognized by the Local Independent 
Online News Association for its local coverage of COVID-19, and that 
recognition is richly deserved.
  Vermonters know that in troubling times like these, we fare best when 
we make the difficult but important decisions to protect our families, 
our neighbors, and our communities. This pandemic continues to rage, 
but I am proud that my fellow Vermonters are once again leading the 
Nation in our efforts to conquer out this virus.

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