We have the moral and economic duty to invest in the American Rescue Plan.

I was critical of the lack of a national strategy under President Trump.

I just want to say I totally agree with you on that, and that is certainly something that we need to continue to look at.

This pandemic is taking a devastating toll on families and communities all around our Nation.

With a new administration, and a new Congress, and a new commitment, we can optimize a new beginning.

As Chairman Pallone said during our organizing meeting last week, this committee has a rich history of bipartisan cooperation and hard work.

Unfortunately, the Trump administration failed to prepare and provide reasons for a national vaccination campaign.

Thank you, Madam Chairwoman.

I do think, and I've said all along, that we need a national strategy, which is what Biden is trying to accomplish.

This is the new COVID bill. Under that bill, we would invest an additional $20 billion in a national vaccination program.

I think the new Members are probably going to be more active than some of the older Members, unfortunately.

I hope my Republican colleagues will join me without delay in supporting this new bill that the Biden administration is putting forward.