Donald M. Payne: “I thank Mr. Larsen for allowing me this time to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the bill before us…”

“I thank Mr. Larsen for allowing me this time to speak. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the bill before us, H.J. Res. 7. I am pleased that President Biden announced this week that he will end the COVID-19 national emergency declaration on May 11. This will provide a reasonable path to winding down the pandemic measures without leaving States and cities caught off guard with sudden shifts in their budgets. COVID was a once-in-a-lifetime emergency, and an abrupt end to the spending under the emergency declaration would cause chaos for Americans. The wind down aligns with the administration's previous plans to give cities, States, businesses, and taxpayers at least 60 days' notice prior to the termination of the emergency declaration. Mr. Speaker, this is sensible policymaking, and it is a welcome change from the prior administration's frantic, poorly-considered, and dangerous approach to any sort of emergency, including COVID. I agree with the President's plan to wind down the emergency declaration, and I know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle agree with this plan, as well. Why? Because this bill was rushed to the floor without allowing our committee to review it, without soliciting input from any of the cities or States that would be impacted. Nobody has been working with the Senate or the White House to find a solution that makes sense. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.”