On the recordMarch 22, 2020
I want to begin with my gratitude and respect for those on the frontlines in Georgia and across America today. The doctors, nurses, first responders, employees in our grocery stores and supply chains, and our State and local leaders who are leading the response on the ground at this perilous time--together, this is the best of America. Now, 17 days ago, I spoke from this podium and called on the country to come together to combat the outbreak of novel coronavirus. I asked the media, my colleagues in Congress, and leaders across our country to join me in putting politics aside and to put the health and safety of all Americans first. The next day in Congress, we came together to quickly pass $8.5 billion in emergency funding to support our response to this virus, which President Trump signed immediately. In March, the week after that, the President declared a national emergency, unleashing $50 billion to further mobilize testing, therapeutics, and care. Today we find ourselves in an even more serious and urgent situation. The health threat facing our Nation has intensified. Recent reports show the acceleration of infection. At the same time, people are losing their jobs; small businesses are closing; and fear is taking hold, while families are home with children out of school, and parents are out of work. This is why we must act immediately to pass the CARES Act, bringing in well over $1 trillion, with an economic impact being a multiple of that.…
