Raphael Warnock: “contrary to the suggestion from my colleague from Pennsylvania, this provision has everything to do with COVID-19…”

“contrary to the suggestion from my colleague from Pennsylvania, this provision has everything to do with COVID-19 relief. The thing about this terrible pandemic is that it has both illuminated and exacerbated longstanding disparities rooted in our racial past, and for too long, farmers of color have been left to fend for themselves, not getting the support they deserve from the USDA, making it even more difficult for them to recover from this pandemic. We have an opportunity here to lift all of our rural communities by aiming the aid where it is needed given our historic past, which is very much present. So I urge all of my colleagues to oppose this amendment that strips these communities that have been forgotten by our government of the relief that they so desperately deserve. It will have an adverse effect on the very relief that we are trying to provide to all rural communities. The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time has expired. Vote on Amendment No. 1010 The question is on agreeing to the amendment.”