On the recordMarch 23, 2020
Mr. President, 24 hours ago, we thought we would have this legislation passed and that it would be on its way to the House of Representatives and, soon this week, on its way to the President for his signature so we could respond to the crisis we are in. This legislation about which you have heard several speeches tonight is the answer to the crisis--the economic crisis--just like two other pieces of legislation we passed in the last 2 weeks that were signed by the President and that responded to the public health crisis. America is suffering. I don't have to tell you the stories of personal hardship and the loss--particularly economic but now real life loss--because of this virus. This serious health crisis is quickly becoming a serious economic crisis. Through no fault of their own, Americans have been sidelined to fight the virus, and the economy is unraveling as a result of the public health crisis. Every hour, more people are being laid off. Every hour, more businesses are closing their doors. Every hour, families are being forced to figure out how they are going to pay their bills. Without a doubt, this is a crisis. Hundreds of thousands of people this week are going to the unemployment office, but you wouldn't know it by watching the Senate Democrats as they drag their feet on much needed relief for Americans. It is not just for Americans; it is to get the entire economy moving. So how has this evolved to the point that it has now? No.…





