Ben Cline

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, rather than working across the aisle to advance a bipartisan highway bill, as they are attempting to do in the Senate, House Democrats have jammed a partisan bill through to the floor that puts America on a road to nowhere. This bill is nothing but a partisan wish list that prioritizes the Green New Deal agenda over the core needs of our Nation's infrastructure, like roads and bridges. In fact, the bill before us would actually prevent the building of new roads, ripping away the ability of States to prioritize the needs of local communities. I was sent to Washington to ensure our government is transparent and accountable for every action it takes. Spending $1 out of every $2 to comply with Green New Deal mandates is absolutely ludicrous. I will not accept a deal that puts big cities and Big Government over the interests of the American taxpayers who I represent in rural America. We are willing and open to negotiating realistic ways to rebuild our highways and infrastructure, but it must be done in a fiscally responsible manner and not through deficit spending. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this misguided piece of legislation.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Amherst County High School girls softball team for winning this year's Class 4 State Championship. It was a defensive game all around, and Amherst County's pitcher, Dylan McNerney, kept the Lancers in it with an incredible performance, striking out 10 batters. With the game tied at zero at the end of regulation, it took extra innings for the Lancers to pull off a victory against the Hanover Hawks. Before the final inning began, head coach Samantha Thacker told the team: ``This is our time, this is our inning, we have got to stay settled and be patient,'' and they did just that. In the top of the eighth, two errors by the Hawks put runners on base for Amherst County with one out. When Kayleigh Combs stepped up to bat, she put the ball into play, and an overthrow allowed Cheyenne Wall to race home from third giving the Lancers a one to nothing lead. Soon after, a wild pitch brought Maegan Lloyd home adding another run to the board. With a two to nothing lead heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Lancers were able to keep the Hawks scoreless, securing the team's first ever State softball title. Congratulations to the players and coaches on a great season, they have earned it.

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Anne Seaton, who went to be with the Lord on April 23, 2021. Anne was a pillar of the Sixth District of Virginia, but her light shone well beyond the valley. Charitable at heart, Anne and the Mehnert family served as missionaries in Jamaica and hosted refugees from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to help provide comfort and aid to those afflicted. In the valley, Anne was a passionate supporter of Grace Christian School and Wilson High School, as well as one who helped fundraise for the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. Further, Anne was active in local politics, including the successful campaign of her husband Scott to the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. Anne was the founder of the Republican Women of Greater Augusta and inspired many to get involved in the community. Above all, though, it was Anne's family and her faith that defined her. A loving wife to Scott, mother to Joscelyn Hodge and her husband Christopher, Phillip, Samuel, and Daniel, friend and daughter, Anne was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and was a member of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Anne has a grandchild due in December. Anne not only believed in her faith, but she lived it as exemplified through her life's work. Living through our faith is a lesson we can all learn from the late great Anne Seaton. Anne is greatly missed and will not soon be forgotten. Recognizing Amherst County High School Girls Softball Team

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, there is no denying that Congress must take action to improve our Nation's crumbling infrastructure. But, sadly, bipartisan negotiations have hit a roadblock, and the infrastructure legislation on the floor this week is a go-at-it-alone, my-way-or-the- highway bill. Instead of focusing on traditional infrastructure, Democrats have chosen to prioritize the left's Green New Deal agenda. This bill includes an estimated $276 billion for Green New Deal-related mandates, requirements, and programs. To put that into perspective, $1 out of every $2 spent by this legislation is tied up in Green New Deal goals. Further, this bill reduces flexibility for States to meet their own unique infrastructure needs and fails to streamline major project reviews, which typically face a 6-year delay. To make matters worse, the spending increases proposed in this bill rely heavily on more deficit spending. There are no pay-fors, which will only further fuel inflation and increase the cost of goods like gas and food. We need commonsense solutions that truly work to improve our roads, bridges, railways, and rural broadband. I am pleased to hear that there are bipartisan negotiations underway to achieve these goals, but this bill this week veers off the road and into a partisan ditch. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' later this week on H.R. 3684.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, despite our Nation sitting on the edge of a fiscal cliff, the Biden administration continues to propose trillions upon trillions of dollars in new taxpayer spending. Sadly, yet not unexpectedly, the American people are beginning to see the consequences of taking their hard-earned tax dollars for continued and unprecedented levels of deficit spending. The Consumer Price Index has increased 5 percent from this time last year, which marks the fastest rate of inflation since right before the economic crisis in 2008 and a nearly 13-year high. This is in addition to producer prices rising 6.6 percent over the past year, the fastest increase on record. I don't care what the reasons are; I know that Americans are feeling it right now in their pocketbooks. Rising inflation at this rate is the same thing as a tax, and American consumers are feeling it as they shop for the essentials. Gasoline is 56 percent more expensive today than it was 12 months ago. Transportation services are up 11 percent since last year. Together, food and energy prices have increased 3.8 percent, which is the fastest rate since 1992. Middle-class families are paying the price for the lack of fiscal responsibility shown by this administration. It is time to get our fiscal house in order to ensure our children and our children's children are left a thriving economy.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Heritage High School girls track and field team in Lynchburg, Virginia, for winning their second consecutive Virginia Class 3 State championship. The Heritage Pioneers racked up 74 points at the title meet with only five girls. Star student athlete junior, Alaysia Oakes said: ``Our coach always calls us the SEAL team. We go into states with five people, and it was definitely a tough battle,'' she continued, ``but everybody did what they needed to do. Just stayed strong. We knew it was going to be a battle, but we didn't back down, so I'm proud of us.'' Oakes captured three events, and seniors Tya Blake, Kaelynn Hawkins, Graysen Arnold, and Jalasia Jones helped the Pioneer's pour on the points. Oakes came away as the individual State champion in the triple jump, long jump, and 100-meter dash, while placing second in the 200-meter and 400-meter dash; all making for a tremendous showing from the junior phenom. This team is a shining example of hard work paying off. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches on an incredible season. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for this talented group.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the Grace Christian School Warriors baseball team for their come-from-behind victory in this year's Virginia Association of Christian Athletics State championship. Down to the last 12 outs, the Warriors trailed 4-0. But thanks to some timely hits, their comeback started as they were able to put one run on the board in the fourth. In the bottom of the fifth, things really started turning in Grace Christian's favor. A few hits, some heads-up base running, and costly errors made by their opponents gave the Warriors a 5-4 lead. However, the lead didn't last long, as the Bulldogs from Westover Christian Academy scored two in the top of the sixth. But the Warriors battled back, tying the game in the bottom half of the inning. Grace Christian's MVP pitcher, Isaiah Riddle, mastered Westover hitters in the top of the seventh, meaning it all came down to the Warriors' bats. First baseman Justin Hain led off with a base hit, then stole second, and moved to third on a wild pitch. With another wild pitch, Hain sprinted home and secured Grace Christian the title. Truly, it ain't over till it's over. Congratulations to the players, coaches, parents, and staff on an incredible season and a well-deserved win.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, author and avid golf fan P.G. Wodehouse once remarked: Golf ``is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.'' Fittingly, I rise today to recognize Grace Christian School of Staunton, whose golf team won its first Virginia Association of Christian Athletics State championship. The Warriors shot an 18-hole total of 355 in the championship tournament at the Club at Ironwood to overcome its closest competitor by 32 strokes. Caleb Maas led the Warriors with an impressive 86, while Preston Fitzgerald and Maddie Helmick each shot a pair of 87s, with Isaiah Farlow carding a 95. Maas, Fitzgerald, and Helmick were also named to the all-State team for their performances throughout the season. Madam Speaker, I congratulate the athletes, coaches, and staff on an excellent season. I wish them all the best of luck moving forward. And keep hitting them straight.

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my unwavering support for the United States' greatest ally in the Middle East and the region's only democracy, Israel. When I visited the region, I saw firsthand the proximity of the danger Israelis face on a daily basis. With the Gaza Strip controlled by the Iranian-funded terror group Hamas, rockets are always pointing at the Jewish state. It is estimated that the militant group has more than 30,000 rockets and mortars at their disposal. For the past week, Israel and its people have been bombarded by more than 3,000 rockets launched from within Gaza. Thank goodness for the Iron Dome, which, despite being overwhelmed, saved countless lives. While some on the other side of the aisle and in the media attempt to draw a moral parallel between Hamas and Israel, there is simply no comparison to be made. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: ``You cannot equate a democracy that values life with a terror organization that glorifies death.'' Israel has an absolute right to defend itself, and while they make every effort to keep Palestinian civilians from harm, Hamas continues to intentionally target population centers, seeking death and destruction. Hamas is not interested in peace. They are not interested in working toward a lasting solution. Their only objective is to eliminate the Jewish state. Why some would choose to back Hamas despite its atrocious human rights record is beyond me. Why back a regime that stifles free speech, prosecutes and assaults the press, treats women as second-class citizens, and has laws on the books that condemn its own citizens to death simply for selling land to a Jewish person? Madam Speaker, it is mind-boggling. I stand with Israel, and in doing so, I stand for peace. Congratulating Grace Christian Golf Team

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Roanoke native and World War II Navy veteran Suttie Economy, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 95. While Economy was proud of his service and the time he spent on the USS English in the South Pacific, he never forgot his fellow veterans who didn't make it home. Economy made it his life's mission to honor soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who gave their lives for the cause of American freedom. Known for his efforts to maintain the Roanoke War Memorial, driving around town in his red, white, and blue Yugo, and handing out Juicy Fruit gum, Economy made an impression whenever he went. In 2008, he said one of his proudest moments was having marble flower vases added to the Star City's war memorial after years of lobbying, urging folks to: ``Never forget those veterans.'' His daughter said his work was never about him, but rather, it was always about the veterans who served and gave their lives. With traffic stopped, a police officer standing at attention, and members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association serving as pallbearers, Economy was laid to rest with the respect he deserved. Fair winds and following seas, Suttie.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Riverheads High School football team of Augusta County, Virginia, who recently won the Commonwealth's class 1 State football champion. After a close first quarter, the Gladiators scored 34 points in the second quarter, propelling them to a resounding 65-29 victory or the Galax Maroon Tide. Riverheads has now won a notable five consecutive State titles. Senior running back Zac Smiley, who led the team with 121 rushing yards, said: ``It almost feels normal, but it's not.'' The Riverheads' running game had been strong all season, which allowed the Gladiators to catch the Maroon Tide off guard with an impressive three passing touchdowns, culminating in an all-around unstoppable offense. When asked what the pressure was like to win again, Head Coach Robert Casto said: ``We didn't get caught up in all of that stuff.'' He said their victory ``was just a byproduct of the hard work these kids have put in.'' Indeed, every State championship is earned, not given, and this squad certainly earned it. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and staff on their remarkable accomplishment.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, our Nation is in a crisis. We are facing a real crisis at our southern border. As I speak, hundreds of migrants are crossing into the United States right now because the Biden administration has made it clear to the world that the border is open and the rule of law will not be upheld. Now, instead of working on solutions to address the ongoing border crisis, the majority has brought forward legislation that would cripple our Nation's screening process for individuals entering at U.S. ports of entry. Currently, a right to counsel does exist, but it only occurs once a screening turns from questions on the admissibility of people or goods to a custodial interrogation relating to a criminal offense. More efficient, says my colleague from the other side. This bill would place a significant burden on the men and women of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who, prior to the pandemic, processed over 1 million people daily at various ports of entry. The CBP regularly conducts over 17 million secondary inspections each year. That is not more efficient with this legislation. This legislation would severely limit the CBP's ability to ensure thorough inspections of all travelers, not only those referred to secondary inspection, creating unnecessary delays and significant impacts on daily operations. This bill misuses taxpayer dollars, puts the interests of foreign citizens above the interests of American citizens. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, there is no denying that we need to support an all-of-the-above solution for energy policy to secure our energy independence. But the Green New Deal which was recently introduced, yet again, seeks to fundamentally change our way of life, cripple American businesses, and explode our national debt--$93 trillion, with a T, which is how much their proposal will cost over the next 10 years. Let's put that into perspective. $93 trillion is more money than the Federal Government has spent for the entire period from 1979 until the present. Madam Speaker, that is absurd. Worse yet, how do the Democrats propose that we pay for it? By raising the taxes, of course, up to 70 percent. This is outrageous. It crushes jobs, costs an average American household nearly $700,000 through 2029, provides paychecks for people unwilling to work, abolishes airplanes, cows, and fossil fuels, and would require rebuilding and retrofitting every building in America. This is a crazy policy.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rion-Bowman VFW Post in Harrisonburg, Virginia, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1921, VFW Post 632 was the first Veterans of Foreign War chapter founded in the Shenandoah Valley and is one of the oldest in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Combat veterans of every conflict since World War I have called this post home, and it has been led by 73 dedicated commanders over the years. Current Senior Vice Commander Christopher Rexrode noted the significance of celebrating this milestones during the pandemic, which has forced far too many veterans' clubs across the country to close. He is thankful his post has been able to keep its doors open and continue to serve as a place for veterans to gather, connect, and share experiences and comradery on a daily basis. Congratulations to VFW Post 632 on this great achievement, and I wish them another 100 years of success.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, my friend, for his work on this issue, and I thank the chairman for his work on this issue and their great leadership on this important initiative. Madam Speaker, in 2010, the National Bankruptcy Conference Small Business Working Group released and presented to Congress a report that identified a problem regarding small businesses and the bankruptcy law, and recommended amendments to the code to add a new chapter for small business reorganizations. As a result of this recommendation, I introduced the Small Business Reorganization Act, which was signed into law in August of 2019, and I am pleased to say it has been a great success for small businesses. It is my understanding that 80 percent of small business debtors have chosen to proceed under subchapter V, and preliminary data indicates that these cases are achieving confirmation far more often than small businesses who filed prior to SBRA. However, the Small Business Reorganization Act implemented only a month before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the State-mandated temporary closure of thousands of businesses. Seeing the need to ensure that this new lifeline would be even more impactful, the CARES Act passed in March 2020 increased the amount of debt a business can have to be eligible for small business bankruptcy procedures from $2.7 million to $7.5 million and allowed debtors experiencing hardship because of COVID-19 to modify bankruptcy reorganization plans entered into before the law was enacted. I have heard from bankruptcy judges and lawyers in the Western District of Virginia who have said that their experience with the Small Business Reorganization Act has been extremely positive. According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, as of last Sunday, 1,651 cases have been filed. In addition, according to the Federal Judicial Center's Integrated Database, as of September 30, 2020, there were 759 subchapter V cases filed in the 6 months from the time the debt limit was raised to the end of fiscal year 2020, with information on liabilities available for 548 of these cases. Of those, 28 percent involved debtors whose liabilities exceeded the original limit of $2.7 million. These debtors would not have been eligible for subchapter V without the temporary increase provided by the CARES Act. Without this bill to keep the debt limit at $7.5 million for another year while we continue to navigate this pandemic, about 30 percent of businesses that would choose to use it would no longer be eligible. Preservation of the business benefits both the creditor, which should receive a higher recovery because of the debtor's restructuring than they would if the business liquidated, and the debtor, who will now be able to remain in business rather than liquidating. Our districts depend on their small businesses. They are hotels, convenience stores, restaurants, and pharmacies. Those who endeavor to open and run a small business are proud of their work and their standing in our communities. Unfortunately, they also take on a sometimes-insurmountable financial burden. As we have seen over the last year, when they are forced to close, it has a great impact on the rest of us. That is why the year- end spending and relief package omitted recovery rebate payments from bankruptcy estates and blocked utilities from stopping or denying service to some individuals in bankruptcy. This bill would extend those provisions by 3 months but wouldn't affect other provisions in that law that are already scheduled to expire later in 2022. I am proud to have introduced this legislation along with Chairman Nadler to support our small businesses and our families, and I urge its passage.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1446 and the last bill we spoke about, H.R. 8. These bills continue the systematic and coordinated attempt by the Democratic Party to undermine our Second Amendment rights. I was sent to Washington by my constituents to uphold and defend the Constitution. I will not stand by and allow our rights to be stripped away. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that these bills will save lives. However, nothing in them would have stopped any of the recent mass casualty shootings that have occurred in our country. Rather than go after criminals who break the law, Democrats want to create a false narrative that will criminalize private gun ownership. Democrats will tell you that these bills close loopholes, but the loophole they believe exists is that law-abiding Americans are even able to own guns in the first place. The sole objective of this gun control package is to remove constitutional safeguards and put in place criminal penalties that would unjustly go after responsible gun owners. The Second Amendment is crystal clear, the right to bear arms shall not be infringed. Our Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution to protect us from a tyrannical government, and wrote the Second Amendment to ensure that the rights of Americans to protect themselves was secured. These outrageous proposals put government between the American people and their constitutional freedoms to protect themselves, protect their families, and protect their communities, and I vote ``no.''

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough, which is why I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 8 and to offer a motion to recommit the bill. This bill is nothing more than a coordinated effort by the authoritarian left to strip away the constitutional rights guaranteed to Americans by the Second Amendment. Instead of criminalizing the innocent actions of law-abiding gun owners, American citizens, we should be focused on stopping real crime in our local communities and enforcing the laws that are already on the books. One way we can do that is by ensuring that ICE is notified when unlawful aliens attempt to purchase a firearm illegally. The FBI reported just last month that NICS had over 10 million people listed as an illegal alien. In fact, this ranks as the number one prohibited category in the FBI's NICS Indices. Since 1998, over 28,000 illegal aliens have been denied a firearm after failing a NICS check. With over 2,700 in 2019 alone, this means over 28,000 criminals have been allowed to stay in the United States when ICE should have been alerted about their criminal act but were not. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8 fails to do anything to prevent crime, which is why I am offering this motion to recommit, so our Nation's laws are enforced. And if you will recall, this MTR passed in 2019 with a strong bipartisan majority. Mr. Speaker, if we adopt the motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on the Judiciary to consider my amendment to H.R. 8 to ensure that the FBI alerts ICE anytime an illegal alien is denied a firearm because of NICS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Parry McCluer High School boys indoor track and field team for once again winning the Virginia Class 1 State championship last week. This victory marks back-to-back State titles for this incredibly talented squad led by Coach Poluikis. After the Fighting Blues graduated a number of their starters last year, Poluikis wasn't sure if his team could go the distance. With only five Blues competing at the State tournament he said: ``I knew we could win, but everything had to go perfect.'' And everything did go perfectly. Trevor Tomlin swept the 1600 and 3200. Brenden Plogger won the 1000, and Zavery Wallace took the shot put. Kedryn Chandler contributed points with a second-place finish in the 3200 and a third-place finish in the 1600, while Omar Massenberg added points in the shot put. When all was said and done, Parry McCluer had come out with a two- point lead over runners-up Altavista. This win was made all the more impressive by the fact that all of the team's 58 points were scored in just four events. Congratulations to this Fighting Blues team on a remarkable season. You have earned it.

Mr. CLINE

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

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Stanley Police Officer Nick Winum, who was tragically killed in the line of duty this weekend. Originally a successful tomato farmer on the Eastern Shore, Officer Winum followed his calling to serve others and joined the Virginia State Police. After working for more than a decade as a State trooper, Officer Winum transitioned into the Stanley Police Department in 2016, where he served until his passing. For the last 15 years of his life, he put the well-being of his neighbors above his own, and our community is forever grateful for the sacrifice he made while keeping our streets safe. Officer Winum is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Cara; his children, Jedediah, Aubrey, Jackson, and Nicki; his granddaughter, Willa; as well as his parents, siblings, and 24 nieces and nephews. He is remembered as a man of honor and principle who loved the Lord, his family, and his country. To honor this patriot, those who knew him will continue to carry on his legacy of kindness, compassion, and service to others. I join his law enforcement colleagues in mourning his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution vests primary responsibility in State legislatures to set the times, places, and manner of congressional elections, allowing States and localities to determine how best to conduct elections that suit the needs of voters in their communities. But the bill before us today, and this amendment also, reverses the longstanding history of State control over the electoral process, makes unconstitutional changes to our election laws through a top-down Federal power grab, and places unprecedented limitations on political speech. Rather than strengthening the election process by working with Republicans to find bipartisan solutions, H.R. 1 was written without any input from Republican Members. Some of the most egregious provisions include mandating that States allow ballot harvesting, mandating same-day registration in all 50 States, abolishing the signature requirements for mail-in ballots, mandating absentee ballots be accepted up to 10 days after election day, mandating that States send ballots in the mail proactively, and, finally, forcing taxpayers to pay politicians to campaign for office. This bill is nothing more than an attempt by Democrats to cement their fragile and fleeting majorities at taxpayer expense. The bill would limit the free speech of my voters, use my voters' tax dollars to fund candidates, and violate the Constitution by superseding the Commonwealth's ability to determine their own laws on voter eligibility. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing this misguided and radical legislation.

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, the death of George Floyd last year led to communities across the Nation to come together to speak out against injustices, call for additional accountability and transparency in policing, and advocate for solutions that could move us forward together as a nation. But instead of working with Republicans to find a bipartisan solution, the Democrat majority has, once again, written a partisan bill to ram through the House with no committee markup, no open amendments, and no meaningful bipartisan collaboration. That is not what the American people sent us here to do. This legislation will impede the ability of good police officers to do their jobs effectively and uphold the rule of law. Our dedicated police officers who serve our communities work tirelessly to ensure that lawlessness does not prevail in our streets and neighborhoods. The effect of this bill on law enforcement is to levy unfunded mandates on local governments, force law enforcement to leave the profession, and, yes, defund the police. Madam Speaker, as you said, defund the police is not a slogan, but a policy demand. Madam Speaker, I will vote ``no'' on this, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mr. CLINE

Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, we all want to beat this virus, but you can't beat a COVID pandemic with 91 percent pork barrel spending in the bill. Only 9 percent of the funding in this bill is going to COVID programs. $1,400 checks at what cost? $13,000 per taxpayer? If we have any additional relief we need to pass for addressing COVID, it must be targeted, temporary, and tied to the pandemic. What is not targeted? $350 billion in State and local bailouts that reward States that continue to shut down their economies. What is not temporary? A $1.5 million bridge to Canada or $112 million for an underground subway to Silicon Valley. What is not tied to COVID? $86 billion to bail out the multiemployer pension plans that were poorly managed in Democrat-run States before the pandemic even started, $50 million in taxpayer dollars for abortion on demand. This liberal wish list masquerading as COVID relief will cripple our economy, harm our ability to reopen our Nation, and burden our children and grandchildren with unsustainable levels of debt. Madam Speaker, I strongly oppose this spending package, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.