this amendment strikes an unfair hospital wage index earmark that would benefit just three States: Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Delaware. It would give preferential treatment to them for the consideration of the area wage index. The benefit comes at the expense of poor Americans that are living in rural areas and make the payout disparities between rural and urban hospitals worse than they already are. If you have rural hospitals in your State and you vote against this amendment, what you are doing is taking money from those hospitals; you are making these disparities worse. It is a multibillion dollar earmark. Get that, a multibillion dollar earmark. It has nothing to do with COVID relief and does not belong in this bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey.
On the recordMarch 5, 2021
Share
More from Marsha Blackburn
Jul 25, 2026
Cyberattacks continue to grow in size, frequency, and complexity in critical U.S. institutions, including in America’s schools.
Jul 31, 2026
“The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women for women, and its founders would be appalled that the organization is now allowing biological males to become members and undermine the legacy of real women who helped build…
Aug 1, 2026
The Daughters of the American Revolution was founded by women for women, and its founders would be appalled that the organization is now allowing biological males to become members.
Jun 13, 2026
“National Police Week is an important time to recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers have made to serve and protect our communities,” said Senator Blackburn.





