[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       BUSINESS BEFORE THE SENATE

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, as we rapidly approach the end of the 
session, Senators are working in earnest to finish a bipartisan 
government funding bill as well as an emergency Federal relief package.
  Over the past several weeks, the bipartisan Gang of 8 came together 
to provide a framework for an agreement on emergency COVID relief. That 
framework has been the basis of discussions between the four 
congressional leaders: Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader 
McConnell, and myself. Secretary Mnuchin has been in our talks as well, 
representing the President.
  Yesterday we had two very long and very productive meetings. Our 
final discussion stretched late into the evening.
  As we race the clock to reach a final accord before the end of the 
year, we are close to an agreement. It is not a done deal yet, but we 
are very close.
  Now, for Democrats, this has always been about getting the American 
people the relief they need in the time of an acute national crisis, of 
an emergency to so many Americans. This has been about delivering a 
lifeline to Americans who were laid off, through no fault of their own, 
families struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table, small 
businesses hanging on for dear life.
  This has been about saving our schools, our healthcare system, and 
delivering the resources to produce and distribute the vaccine that 
should finally, finally help our country turn the corner and defeat 
this evil disease.
  We are on the precipice of achieving these goals. We Democrats would 
have liked to go considerably further, but this won't be the last time 
Congress speaks on COVID relief. Right now, we must address this 
emergency over the short term. But make no mistake, we will work in the 
future to provide additional relief as the country requires, but we 
need to provide a platform to build on. We need to address this 
emergency right now.
  At the end of one of the most difficult years in recent American 
history, a vaccine has given us all a reason for hope. Let's give the 
country another reason. The finish line is in sight. Everyone wants to 
get this done. Let's push through the few final meters and deliver the 
outcome that the American people very much need.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. 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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