Tim Burchett

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a report from the Associated Press detailing the detention of AP reporter Thein Zaw by Burmese authorities. [From the AP, Mar. 12, 2021] Myanmar Court Extends Detention of AP Journalist Yangon, Myanmar (AP).--A court in Myanmar extended on Friday the pretrial detention of an Associated Press journalist who was arrested while covering demonstrations against a coup. He is facing a charge that could send him to prison for three years. Thein Zaw, 32, was one of nine media workers taken into custody during a protest on Feb. 27 in Yangon, the country's largest city, and has been held without bail. His next hearing at the Kamayut Township court will be on March 24. Friday's hearing, which Thein Zaw attended via videoconference, came at the end of his initial remand period. Thein Zaw and at least six other members of the media have been charged with violating a public order law, according to his lawyer, Tin Zar Oo, and the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Separate hearings were held Friday for the other detained journalists. Tin Zar Oo and one of Thein Zaw's brothers were allowed into the courtroom to take part in the 10-minute videoconference. Tin Zar Oo said she was able to submit documents giving her power of attorney for the case, but only at the next hearing might be allowed to submit a bail application. A representative of the U.S. Embassy was also present, said Aryani Manring, a spokeswoman for the mission. Thein Zaw had not been seen by his lawyer or any of his family members since his arrest. Tin Zar Oo said visits at lnsein Prison, where her client is being held, are not allowed because of coronavirus concerns, so his family has been dropping off food and supplies for him at the gate. Tin Zar Oo said that her client looked healthy during Friday's hearing, but he suffers from asthma at night. She said Thein Zaw's brother noted that he had lost weight. Thein Zaw was arrested as he was photographing police, some of them armed, charging down a street at anti-coup protesters. A video shows that although he stepped to the side of the street to get out of their way, several police rushed over and surrounded him. One put him in a chokehold as he was handcuffed and then taken away. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, 38 journalists have been detained since the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1. Nineteen are still incarcerated. The group says it has verified the detentions of more than 2,000 people as well as 69 deaths. On Friday, local media in Shan State in eastern Myanmar reported that a freelance journalist from Poland had been beaten and arrested by security forces. The online Kanbawza Tai News said a foreign photojournalist was arrested Thursday while taking pictures of a protest in the city of Taunggyi. A photo provided to the news site shows a man trapped against a wall with one arm raised as he is surrounded by about 10 soldiers. Germany's dpa news agency said the man, Robert Bociaga, 30, has been working for the news service, and it has not been able to contact him. ``We are deeply shocked by the arrest and apparent mistreatment of Robert Bociaga,'' said the agency's editor- in-chief, Sven Goesmann. ``This is an intolerable and unacceptable attack on the freedom of the press and, even in this brutal form, is unfortunately not an isolated case.'' The Polish Foreign Ministry confirmed the arrest of a Polish journalist and said it was trying to contact the detained man and obtain information about his health and legal situation. Earlier this week, Myanmar authorities canceled the licenses of five local outlets that had extensively covered the protests. Mizzima, Democratic Voice of Burma, Khit Thit Media, Myanmar Now and 7Day News have continued operating despite being barred from broadcasting or publishing on any media platform. The Associated Press and many press freedom organizations have called for the release of Thein Zaw and the other detained journalists. The U.S. government, in addition to criticizing the coup and the violence of Myanmar's security forces, has condemned the crackdown on the press in the Southeast Asian nation. ``We are deeply concerned about the increasing attacks on the freedom of expression, including for members of the press. We call for the release of journalists and for all others who have been unjustly detained,'' U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters in Washington on Thursday. Even during Suu Kyi's time in office, journalists were often sued for their reporting. In the highest-profile case, two journalists working for the Reuters news agency were arrested in 2017 while working on a story about military violence directed at Myanmar's Rohingya minority. They were accused of illegally possessing official documents and sentenced to seven years behind bars before being freed in 2019 in a mass presidential pardon.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Zaw has been jailed for covering the violence leveled against anti-coup demonstrators in Burma. Thanks to Mr. Zaw and other journalists on the ground, we know what is going on in Burma is pure evil. The autocratic strongmen leading this coup are using deadly force to crack down on all dissenting speech. Burmese authorities, under the direction of these military thugs, are actively murdering demonstrators, arresting thousands, and imprisoning international reporters covering the situation. Senseless violence, military rule, and imprisoning political opponents all fly directly in the face of the democratic values we cherish as Americans. Today, this Chamber has the opportunity to condemn the hostile takeover of the Burmese Government, defend the demonstrators looking for peace, and stand up for democracy in Burma. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support both H. Res. 134 and H.R. 1112.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, a few weeks ago, Frank Cagle, my close friend and a good Libertarian conservative, passed away after a battle with cancer. Frank was a brave American who served with the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam war. Following his service, he attended college and worked for newspapers across the South. In 1982, Frank came to east Tennessee to work at the Knoxville News Sentinel as a copy editor. His passion was reporting on State and local politics. Frank put his commentary into action, serving as deputy to Knoxville Mayor, Victor Ashe, and working as campaign manager on Congressman Van Hilleary's 2002 bid for Governor. He later returned to journalism, writing columns and analyzing policy for Knox TN Today, WATE, and back at the Knoxville News Sentinel. Frank focused his career on delivering unbiased political reporting, and his contributions will leave a long-lasting impression on all of us in east Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate Frank's life and recognize his dedication to our community on the House floor. Rest in peace, my good friend.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, today is International Women's Day, and I rise to celebrate three special women who are in my life. My mother, Joyce Burchett, was the youngest of seven. One of her brothers was actually killed by the Nazis shortly after D-day in the Second World War. She flew planes in World War II to help with the war effort. That is my wonderful mama right there. She was doing that when my dad was off fighting the Japanese during the Second World War. She was the youngest of seven, as I stated, and she didn't even have electricity until she was a senior in high school. This is my wife, Kelly, and my daughter, Isabel. Kelly was a single mom when I met her. Being a mom is already a really tough job, and doing it alone is even tougher. I am blessed to raise Isabel along with Kelly and to be a father to her. She has been one of the greatest joys in my life. They both have been. My mother was and Kelly and Isabel are strong and determined women. They influence and inspire me every day, and I am grateful to have them in my life.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, my Democrat colleagues say that the 2020 election was the least corrupt and most secure in our Nation's history. But if that is true, Madam Speaker, then why are they pushing an 800- page bill to fix it?

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, the number one second baseman on the team. The bill you are about to vote on is the gravy train, and the final stop before it goes off the cliff is this Chamber, Mr. Speaker. It costs $1.9 trillion, and only 9 percent goes to addressing the coronavirus. It is easy to understand why my colleagues across the aisle are so eager to vote for this massive bailout, because everything in it is for political paybacks: $300 billion for mismanaged governments in blue States; $100 million for a subway for Speaker Pelosi; even Mr. Schumer gets a bridge to nowhere. There is way too much dadgum pork in here for special interests that have nothing to do with addressing the coronavirus. This was drafted for the politicians in D.C., not my constituents in east Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I will proudly vote ``no'' on this so-called relief package.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, February is Black History Month, as we all know. Today, I rise to recognize WJBE, Knoxville's only Black-owned radio station and a media cornerstone in our community. WJBE was originally founded by the godfather of soul, James Brown, and WJBE actually stood for, back then, James Brown Enterprises. It was reorganized in 2013, thanks to the efforts of my good friend and former colleague in the Tennessee General Assembly, Joe Armstrong, along with his partner and station manager, Gene Thomas, Jr. WJBE has grown into a unique home for Knoxville's Black voices. On WJBE, musicians showcase their talents, business owners promote their services, and public officials share how the latest policies impact the people they represent, and that is me included. Thanks to this station, the successes and stories of the local Black community are heard year-round, not just during Black History Month. WJBE is an invaluable part of east Tennessee's culture, Mr. Speaker, and I am proud to share the station's story here on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Gary Rankin and the Alcoa High School football team on their sixth consecutive State championship title. On Saturday, December 4, at the Tennessee Blue Cross Bowl, Alcoa defeated Milan High in an impressive 35-0 shutout. This win marks the Tornadoes' 19th State championship and Coach Rankin's 16th overall, both of which are high school football records in Tennessee. It is certainly a proud day to represent this team in the Halls of Congress. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, schools and their sports teams had to adjust and readjust. Coach Rankin and his players were faced with a season like none other, but they put in the hours, they persevered, and they came out on top. This championship is a remarkable achievement that I am sure this group of players will remember for the rest of their lives. I know I speak for many in east Tennessee when I say: Congratulations, and go Tornadoes. Recognizing Bishop Richard Stika

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, the American entrepreneurial spirit is the bedrock of our Nation's economy, creating good-paying jobs, solving everyday problems, and providing the goods and services we rely on. I rise today to celebrate the A.G. Heins Company, which rode the entrepreneurial spirit from humble beginnings to 100 years of success in our community. Currently in its fourth generation of family ownership, the A.G. Heins Company has long provided building materials to the east Tennessee region. The company provides necessary resources to complete projects of all sizes, from individual household repairs, to construction at the University of Tennessee. Staying in business for 100 years is no easy accomplishment, and the A.G. Heins Company persevered through many challenging economic times, such as the Great Depression and the Second World War. The company's history is a reminder that small businesses can grow and innovate even in the face of adversity, Mr. Speaker. I extend my congratulations to the Heins family as they celebrate their 100th year in business this month, and I wish them many more years of success.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bishop Richard Stika of the Knoxville Diocese. This week, Bishop Stika is celebrating his 35th year as an ordained priest of the Catholic Church, a remarkable career milestone. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Bishop Stika received a Catholic education from elementary school through college. He capped off his theological education by earning a master of divinity from Kenrick Seminary. Bishop Stika was ordained a priest on December 14, 1985, and for nearly 24 years he served in several different parishes in the St. Louis area. One of his greatest achievements during this time was coordinating the visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Louis in 1999, Mr. Speaker. On March 19, 2009, he became bishop of the Knoxville Diocese, and Bishop Stika has been making strong spiritual connections with east Tennesseans ever since. At 11 years in the Knoxville Diocese, Bishop Stika is the longest serving bishop in our diocese. Bishop Stika and I share many values, including a strong belief in protecting the lives of the unborn. Bishop Stika has made a positive impact on many east Tennesseans throughout his tenure, and, Mr. Speaker, I am confident he will continue to be a leader in our community. Celebrating A.G. Heins Company

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your friendship and your kindness to the 435th most powerful person in Congress--that would be me. I really do, brother, and I am going to miss you. Mr. Speaker, after six terms representing Tennessee's First Congressional District, Dr. Phil Roe is retiring at the end of this year. Dr. Roe has focused his career in the House of Representatives on fighting for our Nation's veterans and using his medical background to tackle those tough healthcare issues. As a matter of fact, during one of the State of the Union addresses, someone dropped in the back. I turned back to Congressman Roe and I said, ``Somebody has dropped,'' and before I could get ``dropped'' out of my mouth, he was already out of the row providing medical care to him. When I arrived in Washington almost 2 years ago, Dr. Roe was the first person to reach out and offer advice about serving in this Chamber. He was a mentor throughout my first term, and we bonded over our faith by attending weekly prayer breakfasts together. His mentorship has quickly turned into a friendship over the last 2 years-- and he is an excellent guitar player, Mr. Speaker. As a legislator, Dr. Roe has always looked out for America's brave servicemen and -women. He served as chairman and lead Republican on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, helping pass bipartisan bills to improve healthcare benefits for our brave veterans. Armed servicemembers deserve the very best for their sacrifices, and Dr. Roe was always in their corner. Congress will be different next year without Dr. Roe, and I will miss working with him on the issues most important to east Tennesseans. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Roe on a strong career in Congress, and I wish him the very best in retirement. Congratulating Coach Gary Rankin

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Senator Lamar Alexander, who is retiring from the United States Senate after 18 years in office. My friend, Senator Alexander, has led a strong career representing Tennesseeans at the State and Federal levels. Senator Alexander was Governor of Tennessee from 1979 to 1987. As Governor, he revamped the economy by cutting regulations to attract new businesses and jobs and reformed our public education curriculum. Following two terms as Governor, Senator Alexander was president of the University of Tennessee and served as Secretary of Education in President George Herbert Walker Bush's administration. He returned to elected office in 2002, winning Tennessee's open U.S. Senate seat. In Congress, Senator Alexander demonstrated strong leadership and legislated in the best interests of all Tennesseeans. Among his many achievements are the SUPPORT Act, comprehensive legislation to fight the opioid epidemic, and, as of late, the Great American Outdoors Act, which will preserve the Smokies and other national parks for years to come. Senator Alexander and I are fond of the same quote from our friend Alex Haley: ``Find the good and praise it.'' There is a lot of good in Lamar Alexander, and I thank him for his many years of service.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, American entrepreneurial spirit is the bedrock of our nation's economy, creating good-paying jobs, solving everyday problems and providing the goods and services we rely on. I rise today to celebrate one of East Tennessee's own, the A.G. Heins Company, which rode that entrepreneurial spirit from humble beginnings to 100 years of success. Currently in its fourth generation of family ownership, the A.G. Heins Company has long provided building materials to the East Tennessee region. The company provides necessary resources to complete projects of all sizes, from individual household repairs to construction at the University of Tennessee. Staying in business for 100 years is no easy accomplishment, and the A.G. Heins Company persevered through many challenging economic times, such as the Great Depression and the Second World War. The company's history is a reminder that small businesses can grow and innovate even in the face of adversity. I would like to extend my congratulations to the Heins family as they celebrate their 100th year in business this month, and I wish them many more years of success.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, with this body back to work this week, I was hoping we would be here to work and to address the ongoing health and economic crisis. Unfortunately, that is not the case. While small businesses and hardworking Americans struggle to get by, we are spending what little time we have left during this Congress voting on marijuana legislation. Mr. Speaker, we need to get our priorities straight and start governing responsibly. And we can do that right now by reopening the applications for the Paycheck Protection Program, which still has $133 billion available to small businesses and workers trying to get through this crisis. Luckily, there is a way around the obstruction that currently exists in this body. I am one of the 186 members on the discharge petition that would bring H.R. 8265 to the floor for a vote. This commonsense legislation would reopen the applications for the Paycheck Protection Program and give small businesses access to unspent money. Members of this body know how important this bill is in this current situation. It is a shame that those who set the floor schedule are focused on advancing partisan priorities rather than rising to meet the challenges facing our workers and small businesses.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, late last week, east Tennessee said goodbye to a beloved member of our community, Wanda Moody, a close, dear friend of mine, and mentor, who led incredible careers in the field of public service and education. She passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. Wanda was a strong, tough leader who spent her entire life making east Tennessee a better place, Madam Speaker. Wanda was a lifelong educator and early advocate for special education. In the late 1980s, after leaving the city school system, she fought to expand special education initiatives as an assistant commissioner of education under then-Governor Lamar Alexander. She later served a similar role developing special education programs for the City of Knoxville under then-Mayor Kyle Testerman. Wanda's success compelled her to run and win a seat on the Knox County Commission in 1986. She was one of the first women to serve on that legislative body. During her three decades as a Knox County Commissioner, Wanda asked tough questions and painstakingly reviewed budgets and financial documents. She wasn't shy of speaking up for increased government accountability and transparency, Madam Speaker. Wanda led the charge on many reforms that continue to influence Knox County government to this day. Even after leaving public office in 2006, Wanda remained active and influential in our community. Wanda was one of my oldest friends, and her mentorship will forever influence my public service career. Although she will be greatly missed, I am proud to celebrate Wanda's life and recognize her many contributions to our community. My friend, Wanda, will be missed.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, November is National Adoption Month, and I rise in celebration of all the families created and strengthened through the selfless act of adoption. Adoption has united countless children with loving, caring parents, and every child deserves to grow up in a safe home. Many children have had their lives significantly improved by adoptive parents seeking to raise them as their own. Adoption is a powerful act, Mr. Speaker, and devoted parents are essential to any child's development and success. My wife, Kelly, was a widow when we married. Soon after, I adopted her daughter, Isabel, and she is wonderful, Mr. Speaker, just like her mama. Being a father has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I will ever be thankful to both Kelly and Isabel for letting me be a part of their family. I am proud to stand on the floor of the House of Representatives, Mr. Speaker, today to honor all the families, including my own, that have gone through the adoption process. Folks adopt children for any number of reasons, but above all else, they do it out of love. I am the luckiest human on the face of the Earth, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, our country is still battling the opioid epidemic, and every day we hear heartbreaking stories of those lost to overdoses during this crisis. Congress must remain vigilant in the fight against opioids, especially synthetic fentanyl from China. China is the heart of the global fentanyl supply chain, and most fentanyl trafficked into the United States is produced in China. Sometimes Chinese fentanyl is shipped directly into our country, and other times it is brought across our northern and southern borders by smugglers working with Chinese drug dealers. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose, and unsuspecting drug users often purchase drugs cut with fentanyl. More and more Americans are dying from synthetic opioid overdoses. There were an estimated 31,000 deaths in 2018. The Chinese Government needs to go after the massive fentanyl operation in their country and should execute the dirtbag fentanyl drug dealers, smugglers, and producers. I was a cosponsor of the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, which was included in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which gives the President the authority to impose sanctions against countries failing to do their part to stop illegal opioid traffic. If the Chinese Government wants to avoid sanctions, they must bring the lowlifes running this massive fentanyl operation to justice.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, during the coronavirus pandemic, community organizations in east Tennessee stepped up to help our neighbors in need. I rise today to highlight the efforts of Random Acts of Flowers, which recently delivered its 500,000th bouquet; and to recognize the retirement of its founder, my good friend, Larsen Jay. In 2007, Larsen Jay was in the hospital recovering from an accident, and he noticed many patients weren't receiving visitors or flowers. He reflected on the amount of support he received and wanted others to have that encouragement, too. Larsen founded Random Acts of Flowers in 2008 to deliver repurposed flowers to local hospital patients and seniors in nursing homes. The nonprofit recycles arrangements donated from events like weddings and makes them into beautiful floral bouquets. Since opening its doors in Knoxville, the nonprofit has grown to serve folks in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay, Florida. Random Acts of Flowers has safely resumed operations after a pause during the coronavirus pandemic. Isolation continues to be a serious problem for seniors and those in poor health during this crisis, but outstanding organizations like Random Acts of Flowers are here to let our neighbors know they are loved and supported. Mr. Speaker, after reaching the milestone of delivering half a million bouquets, Larsen Jay announced his retirement from Random Acts of Flowers. He has long been active in community service, currently serving as chairman of the Knox County Commission. I know he will continue to find ways to make an impact in our community. I thank him for his efforts to make Random Acts of Flowers a successful and meaningful organization in east Tennessee and I congratulate the nonprofit on its 500,000th delivery.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, it is in the best interests of the United States of America to build and maintain strong partnerships with our allies across the globe. In that spirit, I rise today in recognition of our important relationship with one of those allies, the Republic of India. India, the world's largest democracy, is under constant threat from the Chinese Communist Party. The Chinese Communist Party has been acting aggressively towards India in recent years and infringing on Indian territory. India is an effective counterweight to the Chinese Communist Party's desire for dominance in southeast Asia, Madam Speaker, and a strong India is critical to preventing expansion of the Chinese Communist Party's global influence. I am proud to stand on the floor of the House of Representatives today with a strong, clear message for our friends in India: The United States supports you in your struggle against Chinese aggressors. Together, our two democratic, free nations will stand against the communism that only seeks to rob citizens of their individuality and beliefs.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Velazquez and Ranking Member Chabot for this opportunity as a freshman. It doesn't escape me that you all have allowed me to move forward with a meaningful piece of legislation as a freshman, and I can assure you that the people I represent thank you all very much. Mr. Speaker, small businesses, whether in urban centers or rural areas, deserve access to small business administration resources. The Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act is strong, bipartisan legislation that improves rural access to the SBA microloan program and will help ensure that community-based businesses, and not just the heavy hitters, have access to needed resources. As a former local mayor, I know the difference that easy access to loans, even small ones, can make for our American mom-and-pop shops. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, rural small businesses often don't get enough consideration from microloan providers. To incentivize interest in supporting our rural small businesses, this legislation would establish a 5 percent technical assistance grant for intermediaries who make 25 percent of their loans to these small businesses. Rural small businesses will have more opportunity to grow and innovate with the help of this legislation. This bill also improves transparency within the SBA microloan program so American taxpayers know their dollars are being invested responsibly. Under this legislation, Mr. Speaker, the SBA would update Congress with a portfolio risk analysis of microloans on an annual basis. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and the steps it takes to promote fair access to financial resources for every American small business. I am proud to work with my friend Representative Kim on this bill, and I thank him for his efforts to get it across the finish line. I also thank the chairwoman and the ranking member.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, the United States Congress needs to get back to work. We need to start working on the issues that deal with our constituents. One of those that is of great concern in Tennessee is invasive Asian carp. They are a nuisance in too many of our Nation's waterways, preventing folks from fully enjoying our Nation's lakes, rivers, and streams, and destroying our ecosystem. Many in my district, including the residents of Tellico Village, have expressed legitimate concerns to folks at TVA and others over Asian carp and their potential spread into our local waters, and I have been proud to work with them to tackle this issue. Madam Speaker, to control the spread of these pests, I have worked to secure $25 million in funding in fiscal year 2021. If approved by the Senate, these resources, combined with language in the Water Resources Development Act, would allow researchers to study the reproductive habits of Asian carp in the Tennessee and Cumberland River basins so we are better equipped to battle these invaders. I thank both the Committees on Appropriations and Transportation and Infrastructure for working with my office on these requests. Problematic Asian carp harass boaters, fishermen, and swimmers across this country of ours. My constituents are passionate about getting the Asian carp population under control and keeping them out of our waters. Madam Speaker, I look forward to working with them further on this important local issue.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2, the INVEST in America Act. There is no doubt America's roads need repair. The proposal before us, unfortunately, consists of empty promises and wasteful spending. During my tenure as a local elected official, I saw firsthand that large public works projects can happen without exploding deficits. While mayor of Knox County in Tennessee, my office leveraged resources to increase our paving capacity fivefold. It made significant progress on the largest public works project in county history, all while continuing to pay down our debt. These improvements didn't just happen. They required difficult discussions with a range of local stakeholders, while ensuring fiscal responsibility. At almost $1.5 trillion, Mr. Speaker, in spending, this bill doesn't attempt to find long-term solutions to our highway transportation needs. Instead, it increases bureaucratic red tape and explodes costs in a thinly veiled attempt to implement the partisan Green New Deal. Congress has spent $3 trillion on the COVID-19 virus in recent months. Simply put, this is unsustainable and is fiscally reckless at a time like this. I serve on the House Budget Committee, in which we haven't passed a budget in quite some time up here, and I am willing to work across the aisle to find some solutions that put people to work meeting our Nation's infrastructure needs without crippling future generations with mounds of debt. That is why this Congress needs to pass a real budget, Mr. Speaker, instead of piecemeal spending plans and election year messaging bills like this one. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2 and to get back to work doing real legislating in committees and on this hallowed House floor.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. America's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic depends on getting individuals comfortable with safely going back to workplaces, shops, and restaurants. H.R. 7010 represents a continued commitment to providing economic assistance to America's small businesses while our economy works towards this goal. Throughout east Tennessee, the Paycheck Protection Program is ensuring employers can pay their workers and cover operating expenses. H.R. 7010 will allow greater flexibility for this relief by extending the PPP loan forgiveness period from 8 to 24 weeks, eliminating duplicative program requirements, and providing small businesses with additional time to pay back loans as they get back on their feet. Members of the Committee on Small Business have a strong reputation of reaching across the aisle to work together, and I applaud the efforts of Mr. Roy and Mr. Phillips to craft clean legislation that meets the needs of small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill that delivers results for America's small businesses during this difficult time. It is great to see Chairwoman Velazquez and the ranking member, and I thank them for their leadership.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, when I was 5 or 6 years old, I had a Sunday school teacher tell me a story that relates to a little bit of what we are doing right now. A small child went missing in the Plains States. The community went in 100 different directions. They didn't find the child. There was no result. They final came together. They prayed to God, asking for wisdom. They ended up holding hands and walking across the prairie. They found that child. Mr. Speaker, this country needs to remember that, and this body needs to remember that. I think we need to put our partisanship aside. We need to quit bickering, and we need to ask Almighty God for wisdom and to do what is right.