On the recordMarch 23, 2020
growing up, my dad used to tell me on a regular basis: ``You should never speak up unless you can improve upon the silence.'' I tried to take that to heart in my personal life and in my professional life. Today I feel like I can improve upon the silence. I have a deep conviction that the U.S. Senate is not living up to the expectations of the American people. The American people deserve a U.S. Senate as good as the American people. They deserve a U.S. Senate that is responsive when they need government most. I suppose it is fashionable these days to use so many of our institutions in society to elevate ourselves. Well, folks, this institution--this institution--its credibility is at stake. The American people need this institution to function. I was a U.S. marine after graduating from college, and I never saw a war. I never saw a national emergency or a major crisis. I am very straightforward about that, but I have to say, I was ready for a war. I was prepared for that big day when the United States of America really, really needed me, and I made sure all of my marines were prepared. We were prepared to do our duty when it mattered most. As it relates to this pandemic, I have to say that the American people are ready. Look around. It makes you proud. Are we not a unified people? Are we a Tribal people? There is a lot of conversation about that among political circles. Spend some time in my neighborhood. Spend some time back home in Indiana right now.…
Source
govinfo.gov




