Brian Schatz: “just to point out, this amendment only applies to surface transportation, Amtrak and passenger rail in particular. I…”

“just to point out, this amendment only applies to surface transportation, Amtrak and passenger rail in particular. I think it is counterproductive. I understand the point that the Senator from Ohio is making. But the problem right now--look, I don't think President Biden or the head of Amtrak or Secretary Buttigieg or anyone else is, at all, planning to implement any kind of mask mandate in the foreseeable future. But he said something that I agree with, which is that COVID is going to be with us for the foreseeable future and there will be new variants. And if it looks the same, it looks same. But if it is, say, 10 times as virulent, 100 times as deadly and airborne, then I do think public health officials should be able to consult with Agencies to try to figure out what measures ought to work. And for those reasons, I oppose this amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 1210 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment.”