[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H7061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
                          COVID RELIEF PACKAGE

  (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to implore my 
colleagues to come together and pass a COVID relief bill that will help 
communities that are still struggling to recover from this pandemic.
  Since the beginning of December, over 150 people a day have died from 
COVID-19 in Illinois. Across the Midwest, heat maps are glowing red 
with the increased rates of transmissions and deaths. We cannot wait 
any longer. Families and small businesses are looking for Congress to 
act. Time and time again, we have seen the House take action, only to 
have the GOP Senate ignore the crisis facing this country. The increase 
in empty chairs around kitchen tables and vacant storefronts will only 
continue if we do not take decisive action.
  Mr. Speaker, a recent study found that 1 in 3 African Americans know 
someone close to them who died of COVID-19. I fall into this category, 
as I lost my uncle in May, and I know many of my constituents do as 
well. Something has to be done. People need money now to meet their 
expenses. Businesses need support now to continue operating, and State 
and local governments need assistance now to provide services. Inaction 
is not an option.
  Mr. Speaker, lastly, I say Happy Hanukkah to all our Jewish friends.

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