On the recordMarch 5, 2021
Mr. President, on a bipartisan basis, the December COVID relief bill included emergency assistance to private and parochial schools, reimbursing for things such as disinfectants, technology, and PPE. Guidelines prioritize schools serving low-income students. The current bill has money for private and parochial schools but, incredibly, does not allow reimbursement for COVID-related expenses in a COVID relief bill. It does allow arbitrary guidelines restricting which schools are eligible. My amendment goes back to the bipartisan language agreed to in December, prioritizing schools with low-income students and addressing COVID expenses. I urge colleagues to support these schools serving 10 percent of America's children, 7 percent of children in poverty, to support their families. Please support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
