On the recordMarch 5, 2021
I am pleased to be joined by a host of my colleagues. The motions we are proposing are very simple and should attract wide support. Senators on both sides have said this must be a bipartisan process, but so far, it isn't. Not once did any of the 11 Senate subcommittees with jurisdiction over relevant aspects of this legislation meet to consider it--not once. What is the purpose of the Senate's system of expert committees if, as we consider one of the largest bills ever before this body, we are just going to act as if the committees never existed? We are for pandemic relief. What we are not for is a decade-long spending spree, rushed through this body, much of which has nothing to do with pandemic relief. Our motions would simply send this legislation back to committee for 3 days so it can be reviewed in a bipartisan manner. These motions would ensure that the legislation supports proven bipartisan programs before launching new programs or spending more money on programs that are already flush with cash. By midweek, we would have bipartisan legislation with committee input that is targeted to timely pandemic relief for those in need. I urge my colleagues to support these motions. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
