[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 214 (Thursday, December 17, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7571-S7572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              Coronavirus

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, 2020 has been a year of immense 
challenges. We are in the middle of an unprecedented economic and 
public health crisis. Small businesses have been forced to shutter or 
are barely staying afloat. Workers are out of jobs through no fault of 
their own, and folks are stressed about feeding their families and 
keeping a roof over their heads. Healthcare workers are exhausted--
pressed to their breaking points from treating patients with COVID.
  But, thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With the 
recent FDA vaccine emergency use authorization, Michiganians and 
Americans are finally starting to receive much needed reinforcements to 
combat and to control this virus.
  Although there is light at the end of the tunnel, we know the next 2 
or 3 months or more are going to be difficult. We cannot let our guard 
down. We must continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and 
wash our hands. We all can--and we must--play an important role in 
defeating this virus, and we can do that if we work together.
  Working together is the key to get through this pandemic. We know 
what happens when we work together here in this Chamber. Early on in 
this pandemic, we worked together to pass the CARES Act, which provided 
vital resources and support to keep families and workers afloat.
  We worked together to pass additional aid for small businesses, for 
testing, for healthcare providers, and for hospitals. And, right now, 
we need to

[[Page S7572]]

once again come together and work together to pass another round of 
help. We have done it before, and we did it when case counts were far 
lower than they are now.
  We need to summon the same sense of urgency, and we must come 
together at the end of this week and pass meaningful bipartisan and 
comprehensive COVID relief. We must prove to the American people that 
bipartisan negotiation is not a relic of the past.
  As I talk to Michiganians each and every day, the message is very 
clear. They want us to put partisan politics aside and solve the very 
real challenges confronting our country.
  Finding common ground and bringing people together has always been my 
approach to serving Michigan and the people of this Nation. This past 
year, I am proud to say, we worked together to advance legislation on 
priorities that not only addressed the pandemic but also tackled issues 
facing Michiganians and people across this country each and every day.
  On a bipartisan basis, we have been able to pass legislation out of 
Congress on a number of topics, whether it has been expanding 
apprenticeship opportunities for veterans, closing loopholes that pose 
a threat to our national security, saving taxpayer dollars, protecting 
the Great Lakes, which is one of our Nation's most precious natural 
resources, hiring more agricultural inspectors at our Nation's ports of 
entry, or improving the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver 
program.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle for their partnership with me in advancing these 
priorities. I know there is no shortage of differences among us, but 
when we put personal politics aside and focus on addressing the problem 
at hand, I know we can get results.
  As we enter this next session of Congress, I am hopeful that we can 
build on some of the progress we have made. Whether it is supporting 
small businesses, lowering prescription drug costs, ensuring our Nation 
remains a global leader in innovation, or getting through this public 
health and economic crisis, there is much more that can be done in the 
next Congress when we are all willing to reach across the aisle to find 
lasting solutions.
  Two years ago, I delivered George Washington's Farewell Address on 
the Senate floor. It is an annual tradition here in the Senate. In that 
address, President Washington warned of the dangers of tribalism and 
political polarization in our country. We cannot forget President 
Washington's message, particularly during these uncertain and daunting 
times. We cannot let polarization prevent us from doing the people's 
work. Let us build on that spirit of bipartisanship. Let us work 
together to get things done. Our constituents demand it.
  This week, we can again work in a bipartisan way to pass a COVID 
relief bill that makes a difference to everyone suffering from this 
pandemic.
  I yield the floor.