Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thought about every day I would rise to emphasize the number of Americans who have died in the last 24 hours because…”

“I thought about every day I would rise to emphasize the number of Americans who have died in the last 24 hours because of COVID-19, some 3,000-plus; 300,000 Americans have already died, a half a million are expected to lose their life by the beginning of the year. It is crucial that we, without ceasing, pass a COVID-19 package that includes a lifeline for families that are trying to survive: cash payment; unemployment; more money for vaccines; more testing; more money to stop evictions; more money for small businesses, restaurants, and our transportation community. But more importantly, children are losing parents. And the holiday season is coming, and many are not even thinking about another surge like we had from Thanksgiving. Madam Speaker, I beg of America to prayerfully commemorate, celebrate, love this holiday season, but it should be a skinny season to save lives. Save lives. And we must pass a COVID-19 package, not leave until we get it done. Americans are dying, and that means that we have to stand up, and stand up for them, and I am here on the floor to stand up for them. ____________________”