Political Quotes

“Madam President, we are back for our second week in the Senate after spending some time working remotely to help flatten the coronavirus curve. We are getting used to the temporary new normal-- social distancing during hearings, floor votes, and meetings; masks; a lot of conference calls and Skype calls instead of in-person meetings; lots of hand washing and hand sanitizer; and as many staff working remotely as possible. We are committed to doing the essential work of the American people, and they are depending on us to do it in the safest way possible. Responding to the coronavirus continues to be at the top of the agenda. Last week, we held a number of coronavirus-related hearings, including a hearing on coronavirus testing and a hearing on the impact the pandemic has had on the airline industry. When people think about what the Senate does, they tend to think about voting on bills and debating on the floor, but the truth is, committee work is some of the most important work we do here in Washington. Committees are where we review nominees' qualifications, hear from experts in various fields, develop legislation, and conduct essential oversight of government programs. The work we do in coronavirus-related committee hearings will inform any future coronavirus legislation we might consider. This week, the Senate Banking Committee will be voting on the nomination of Brian D. Miller to be Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery at the Treasury Department.…”