Maggie Hassan

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to legislative session and be in a period of morning business, with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 14; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that upon the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the nomination of Gary Gensler to be a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission; further, that the postcloture time on the Gensler nomination be considered expired at 11:45 a.m.; finally, that if cloture is invoked on the Mallory nomination, all postcloture time be considered expired at 3:30 p.m.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, for the information of Senators, there will be two rollcall votes at 11:45 a.m. in relation to the Gensler and Mallory nominations and two rollcall votes at 3:30 p.m. on the Mallory nomination and cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 937, relating to COVID-19 hate crimes.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Bisson's Sugar House, a New Hampshire institution that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. March is Maple Month in New Hampshire, where maple producers across our State produce more than 90,000 gallons of maple syrup, and the Bisson family represents three generations of this great and tasty tradition. Lazzare Bisson and his nephew Armand found Bisson's Sugar House in Berlin in 1921, and ran the business together successfully for 15 years. Lazzare then passed the business on to Armand and his wife, Juliette. In 1953, they constructed a new sugar house to support their growing business, and since then, they have welcomed families from New Hampshire and beyond to see their work each spring. The Bisson family has prioritized preserving the traditional sugaring experience, while also modernizing their operations in order to provide high-quality, delicious maple products to their customers. Each year, the Bisson family taps more than 3,000 trees, and they still boil their sap on a wood-fired evaporator built by Armand and Juliette more than 50 years ago. During the height of the sugaring season in March and April, they make candy with the same evaporator they have used since the 1940s. Since 1988, Bisson's Sugar House has been run by Armand and Juliette Bisson's niece Muriel and her husband Lucien Blais. For many families, an annual trip to Bisson's Sugar House marks the beginning of spring. As the sugar business has passed from generation to generation, the Bisson family's work has encouraged Granite Staters to treasure our past and embrace the future. I hope you will join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bisson's Sugar House and sending them best wishes for a successful harvest and many more years of sharing their traditions with the people of New Hampshire.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I call up amendment No. 1344 and ask that it be reported by number.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I believe that every single Member of this body agrees that remote learning is taking an enormous toll on our students, teachers, and our students' families, and that we need to safely get students back into the classroom. This amendment would ensure that educational agencies receiving relief funds will within 30 days develop and make publicly available a plan for the safe return to in-person instruction. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this commonsense amendment to support an objective that we all share: getting our students safely back in their classrooms.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for 2 minutes equally divided.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Vernis Jackson of Portsmouth as February's Granite Stater of the Month. Jackson is the founder of the Seacoast African American Cultural Center and played a critical role in establishing the African Burying Ground in downtown Portsmouth. Jackson moved to Portsmouth from her hometown of Savannah, GA, in 1963 and in 1974 joined another Granite Stater in organizing the first chartered organization, Kwanza, for African-American women in New Hampshire. The group worked to support young people and communities on the Seacoast; however, Jackson felt that there was more that she could do to elevate African-American achievements in the State. In 2000, Jackson founded the Seacoast African American Cultural Center, which holds concerts, educational programs, and exhibits to help highlight the contributions, both modern and historical, that individuals of African descent have made to communities on the Seacoast and around the world. Jackson, who taught for 38 years in the Portsmouth school system, wanted to make sure that the center could be used as a resource for students. Thanks to Jackson's leadership, the center works closely with schools across Portsmouth, including holding art exhibits for middle school students and providing scholarships for high school students of color. In 2016, the center featured an exhibit featuring dolls of color, and last year it hosted an exhibit showcasing photos from former President Barack Obama's White House photographer Pete Souza. Jackson also helped lead efforts in Portsmouth to establish the African Burying Ground, which commemorates the spot where 13 individuals of African descent were buried in the 18th century. Jackson's work to elevate the stories and culture of African Americans on the Seacoast and around the world represents the best of New Hampshire's efforts to create a more informed, inclusive, and just State that is welcoming of all people and backgrounds. I am honored to recognize her efforts and wish the center continued success.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, during this impeachment trial, our country has re-lived the chilling and un-American assault on the foundations of our democracy. New video footage reinforced both the brutality of the rioters and also the heroism of members of law enforcement who--just barely--prevented further loss of life. The personal threat of that day, however, is not nearly as troubling as the threat to our democracy. After listening to the arguments from the House Managers and former President Donald Trump's defense, I voted to convict the former President. As dangerous as Donald Trump's actions were over the course of the months, days, and hours leading up to the violent insurrection, my vote was less about holding Trump as an individual accountable than it was about protecting our country from similar threats in the future, at his hands or at the hands of others. Impeachment is not designed to punish--it was included in our Constitution to protect the Republic from abuses of power and tyranny. I voted to protect the America that we know and love because January 6, 2021, will be our future if we tolerate what the impeachment trial showed was Trump's concerted campaign to prevent the peaceful transition of power. Of all the things former President Trump did, it is actually what he did not do once he knew the Capitol was being attacked and his own Vice President, among others, was being threatened that was most troubling. Should there be any doubt that Trump intended to disrupt the certification of votes and encourage the violence that desecrated the Capitol, his decision to allow it to continue for hours should dispel that uncertainty. If he had not intended the violence when it began, his failure to exercise his power to secure the Capitol and protect those inside was itself a violation of his oath of office and merits conviction and disqualification from holding future office. Before Trump's refusal to engage in the peaceful transfer of power, the public could gather outside the Capitol; families could play soccer on the weekends, and tourists could take photos of this temple of democracy. Before COVID, the public could even walk right in, after being properly screened. But throughout the impeachment trial, we came to work through fences and barbed wire. There was no open space for the public because we have lost the common understanding that the Capitol is place where we spar with words, not physical violence. It is fitting that the trial concluded right before we mark the birthday of George Washington, who helped establish some of the bedrock principles of our democracy not simply through his service as our first President, but by voluntarily surrendering the office, peacefully. Our union that Washington helped birth and that Lincoln managed to preserve is still fragile, and it cannot be taken for granted. We will need to continue the work of investigating what led to the grim events of January 6 as well as what happened on that day, and we will need to take steps to make clear that acts of tyranny will not be tolerated in our country. We have considerable work ahead to bring our country together and strive for greater opportunity for all, both in the face of this pandemic and beyond. I am committed to continuing that work and showing the American people and the world that we are resilient, strong, and willing to renew our commitment to government of, for, and by the people. Thank you.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am proud to recognize Elliot Perry of Bedford as January 2021's Granite Stater of the Month. Elliot, a fourth grader at Bedford Memorial Elementary School and an ambassador for the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock--CHaD--has started a fundraising campaign to build two accessible playgrounds at CHaD locations in Lebanon and Manchester to help improve the experience of children who visit these facilities. Elliot was born nearly 4 months early and given only an 18-percent chance to live. The medical professionals at CHaD worked hard to ensure that Elliot received the best care that they could provide and 121 days later, Elliot went home with his mom and dad. Since then, Elliot has been one of CHaD's best ambassadors and has helped raise more than $100,000 for the organization that he and his parents credit with saving his life. Last year, Elliot launched a new effort to support the patients at CHaD. The 121 Club that Elliot founded aims to raise $121,000 to build two sensory-neutral playgrounds that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act's Standards for Accessible Design at CHaD locations in Lebanon and Manchester. With the help of his friends and neighbors, Elliot has already raised a little more than $80,000 for his cause. Elliot hopes that these new playgrounds will provide an outlet for any family who wishes to take a break during longer visits, as well as provide a safe space for children of all abilities to play and develop their motor skills. Elliot embodies the best of New Hampshire. His drive to help others, along with his empathy and inclusivity, has made an enormous difference, especially for children facing particularly difficult challenges and their families. I wish Elliot the best as he continues fundraising to reach his goal, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize the Sophomore Student Council at Gorham Middle & High School as December's Granite Staters of the Month. When a vendor accidentally sent extra chocolate as part of the Sophomore Student Council's fundraiser, the students launched a new effort. Instead of reselling the surplus chocolate to benefit their class, they decided to sell the extra chocolate to benefit their school's food pantry. Like most events this year, the Sophomore Student Council modified a fundraiser that they would typically hold in-person to be an online event. One of the participants in the fundraiser, the aunt of Sophomore Student Council Representative Emma LaPierre, bought three boxes of chocolate to benefit her niece's class. However, instead of receiving the expected three boxes of chocolate, she received three entire cases of chocolate. The vendor, World's Finest Chocolate, was alerted to the mistake, but due to safety concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, said that they could not take the chocolate back. Emma, along with other members of the Sophomore Student Council, decided that rather than sell the extra chocolate to profit their class, they would use the additional funds to benefit their school's food and supply pantry. After selling the chocolate at a reduced rate, the students successfully raised $200 for the pantry, which provides weekend meals, snacks, and school supplies to any student in need. Following the students' efforts, a local paper published an article about the fundraiser, which inspired a couple in the community to send a $100 check to the school to benefit their food and supply pantry. Emma and the other students in Gorham's Sophomore Student Council exemplify the way that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in a community. Their selfless decision to raise money on behalf of a community-wide resource, rather than keep the funds for their class, helped to spur other acts of kindness in their community from which the whole school and community benefited. I am honored to recognize their efforts and proud that their efforts reflect the Granite State's core value--the belief that individuals should step up when they see a problem--and that when they do, their actions have a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community. The Gorham Sophomore Student Council has done just that.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I rise to honor the career of New Hampshire State Trooper Scott Frye, who recently retired from the force. A native of Milford, NH, Scott served with the New Hampshire State Police for more than 22 years as a road trooper, a member of the narcotics unit, and most recently as head of the executive protection detail. During his time in executive protection, Scott served under three Governors, including for 4 years during my time as Governor. Through our work together, I saw firsthand Scott's commitment to the Granite State. He always sees the big picture; he can step into a room and immediately assess it and the people in it, both as a security risk, but also for need. Scott can find a way to connect with and put almost anyone at ease. As a result, he is greeted as a welcome friend wherever he goes in New Hampshire. While Scott served for nearly a dozen years on the security detail of Governors, he never lost sight of his commitment and obligation to protect the safety of every person in New Hampshire. Scott's experience and deep understanding of the Granite State were an important benefit to those he worked with. When we would travel to sites of natural disasters during my time as Governor, Scott always had a sense about who needed to be checked in with and what a community or a public safety official needed in challenging times. Even when his day ended and he was officially off-duty, if he were on his way home and an extra State trooper was needed, he would be there to help in any way that he could. Perhaps nothing exemplifies Scott's dedication, bravery, and heroism more than when he was driving Governor John Lynch in 2012 and they witnessed an accident. A car had gone through a guardrail, fallen into an embankment, and caught fire. Scott pulled over, and along with an off-duty firefighter, freed a man who was trapped in the vehicle--just seconds before it was engulfed in flames. For his lifesaving action, Scott was honored with a number of awards, including a Carnegie Medal, a national honor that recognizes those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Throughout his service, Scott approached everything with humor, kindness, and patience. He never complained, and he always served with an incredible amount of professionalism. Above all, Scott's main commitment was to his family. His service would not have been possible without the support and love of his wife Susan, his sons Zachary and Matthew, and his extended family. I am grateful for Scott's friendship and his years of dedication to the people of New Hampshire. His retirement is well-deserved, and I know that he will continue to look for ways to improve his community and the entire Granite State. I hope that you will join me in recognizing the years of service of State Trooper Scott Frye.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Jo-Ann Clark of Stratham as November's Granite Stater of the Month. Jo-Ann is a Gold Star mother who, 10 years ago, lost her son, Army Specialist Christopher Journeau, to suicide. After learning about the benefits that companion animals can bring to veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder--PTSD--the same condition that Christopher suffered from, Jo-Ann started an organization in her son's name to fund adoptions of shelter animals by veterans. Jo-Ann's son, Christopher, served a year in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and returned home with undiagnosed PTSD. When Christopher took his own life 6 months later, Jo-Ann was devastated. Over time, she learned about the symptoms of PTSD and recognized that her son had exhibited these symptoms when he returned home from his deployment. During her research, Jo-Ann also learned that, for some people, a companion animal can help to mitigate the impacts of PTSD. Jo-Ann began to research national organizations that help veterans adopt pets, but she found that many veterans faced significant hurdles in the process. In response, Jo-Ann founded Chris' Pets for Vets to make it easier for veterans to adopt companion animals from local shelters. Among other things, the organization pays the pet adoption fees to ensure that cost isn't a barrier for any veteran. Since its founding in 2015, Jo-Ann has helped approximately 400 veterans adopt companion animals at various shelters throughout New Hampshire. Despite health concerns that she herself has faced, Jo-Ann has invested an incredible amount of her time and energy into making Chris' Pets for Vets a success. Jo-Ann's determination to turn her own loss into productive and positive support for veterans has helped hundreds of veterans avoid the confusion and despair that accompanies PTSD. Her commitment is also consistent with the Granite State's long tradition of military service and support for veterans. Jo-Ann understands the importance of supporting veterans in every aspect of their lives, and through Chris' Pets for Vets, she is both honoring her son's memory while making a real difference in veterans' lives. I am honored to recognize her efforts.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, I am proud to recognize Brielle Paquette of Salem as October's Granite Stater of the Month. Brielle is using her creative talents as a videographer to help remove the stigma around mental illness and to help inspire her friends and neighbors to open up about their mental health struggles. Brielle grew up in a family of photographers and filmmakers. From an early age, she found her passion in filmmaking. As she got older, Brielle recruited her young cousins to participate in music videos that she would direct and film, all with the hope of putting a smile on people's faces. Brielle also grew up in a family with loved ones who experienced mental health challenges. Brielle's father struggled with alcohol abuse, and her mother lives with anxiety. Brielle developed an anxiety disorder, which she did not talk about with anyone, that left her feeling isolated from her peers. When she entered high school, Brielle decided to use her talents with a video camera to help break down the stigma around mental illness. In 2019, Brielle submitted a PSA to a competition held by New Futures, a New Hampshire organization that seeks to promote health and wellness in the State. Brielle wanted to highlight the high rate of mental illness in young adults. To film the video, Brielle went to a crowded area in Boston with a sign that read ``20-50 percent of adolescents struggle with mental illness. Hug to show support for people who are struggling.'' Brielle then tied a blindfold on herself and accepted hugs from strangers as her mom filmed from afar. Brielle won the People's Choice Award for that video and since then has filmed other PSAs aimed at destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging people to open up about their struggles. She also uses her platform as Miss Londonderry to promote this important message. Additionally, as a member of her school's women empowerment club, she is working on the early stages of a new PSA on body positivity. I am proud to recognize Brielle for her efforts to break down the barriers that too often prevent us from talking about mental illness. By using her talents to help facilitate conversations about a difficult issue and raising awareness around mental health, Brielle exemplifies what it means to be a Granite Stater. I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from New Mexico for his remarks just now. I rise today to join him and my other Democratic colleagues in opposing Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court. I want to begin by acknowledging the nature of the moment that we are in right now. We are mere days from an election day, during an election period in which tens of millions of Americans have already voted. We are grappling with a global pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 220,000 Americans, and millions are out of work. Yet, rather than focusing on providing the comprehensive relief that lives and livelihoods are depending upon, Republicans have instead made pushing this nomination through their top priority. The American people deserve better. One of the most solemn responsibilities of a U.S. Senator is providing advice and consent with regard to a Presidential Supreme Court nomination. This is a lifetime appointment to the highest Court in our land, which will impact the lives of every single person in this country. The consequences of this nomination are far-reaching, and right now there is perhaps no more consequential issue than healthcare. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress have been relentless in their attempts to sabotage our healthcare system, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and eliminate the healthcare protections that millions of people depend on. But for years, Republicans have failed legislatively to repeal this law. So now, instead, they have turned to the courts. President Trump said he wants to ``terminate'' the Affordable Care Act, and has said that he would nominate judges who would do just that. One week after this election, just 9 days away, the Supreme Court will hear the lawsuit supported by the Trump administration to repeal the entire Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with preexisting benefits. It is no secret that this is why Senate Republicans have rushed Judge Barrett's nomination through. For some of my colleagues, this nomination is a means to an end, a way to finally repeal the Affordable Care Act, a law that has helped so many. For the American people, however, this isn't a game. Over the course of the last several weeks, people in my home State of New Hampshire and across the country have spoken out about what the repeal of this law would mean for them, just as they have spoken out each time that Republicans have tried to take coverage away. I recently heard from Michelle and Joe O'Leary of Atkinson, NH. Michelle and Joe's son Matty was diagnosed with a rare brain condition at the age of 4. Right now, Matty is doing well, but he requires a lifesaving brain infusion treatment at the hospital, from 4 to 6 hours every 2 weeks. His father said that the minute that they miss an infusion, Matty's health would begin to decline rapidly. Joe and Michelle said that on top of all of the challenges that their family experiences on a day-to-day basis, they still have to wake up each morning fearing the implications if the Supreme Court overturns the healthcare law--fearing what will happen if coverage is taken away and they can't access the treatment that their beloved Matty needs. Joe and Michelle shared the details of this deeply personal healthcare story in order to preserve healthcare for their son and millions of others. They shouldn't have to. No one in America should have to plead with their legislators to not take their healthcare away. No one should. But they do, in the wealthiest country on Earth. Joe and Michele are not alone. If Judge Barrett is confirmed and becomes the Court's deciding vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act, an estimated 20 million Americans could lose their healthcare coverage. Making matters worse, in pushing this nomination through, my colleagues could undermine healthcare in the midst of a devastating pandemic. And just as we are learning that the long-term effects of this virus will likely mean that treatment for some will be ongoing for a lifetime, the Senate Republicans are moving to overturn the Affordable Care Act--just when it is needed most. It is unconscionable. Potentially ripping away healthcare from millions of Americans is just one of the many things at stake. Women's reproductive freedom is at risk. President Trump has said that he will only nominate judges who would overturn Roe v. Wade, and Judge Barrett has repeatedly criticized this landmark ruling that provides women with the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, control their own destinies, and be full citizens of the United States of America. Equality for LGBTQ Americans is also at risk. Just this month, two Justices on the Supreme Court indicated their desire to overturn the decision Obergefell v. Hodges, which delivered marriage equality to so many. Judge Barrett has previously defended the dissenting opinion in that case. And voting rights are at risk. Judge Barrett refused to acknowledge the fact that communities of color face disproportionate obstacles in voting. Nor would she acknowledge what every lawyer and, really, most high school students know--that voter intimidation is illegal and antithetical to our basic principles. Judge Barrett would not even give a straight answer when asked if Presidents should commit to a peaceful transition of power, an essential element of our democracy and one that we have held up as an example to the rest of the world throughout our history. And despite asserting that she is independent and not swayed by politics, Judge Barrett's refusal to acknowledge that climate change is real--after acknowledging other scientific facts, such as the infectious nature of COVID-19 and that cigarettes can cause cancer-- reveals her alignment with and responsibility to a far-right, climate- change-denying agenda. Our founding documents gave us the flexibility and the tools to grow in our understanding of what individual freedom means and who is entitled to it. These tools have given us the power to create change and move forward, to unleash the talent and energy of previously marginalized citizens. Our country has prospered, thrived, and led as a result. But Judge Barrett's views and her judicial philosophy are not rooted in that belief. She, instead, would constrain individual liberty and empower corporations and put the progress that so many have fought for at risk. Republicans have moved this nomination forward in contradiction of the rules that they themselves invented in 2016. Our society and our democracy rely on the idea that all sides of political debate will play by the same rules. That means, when any faction loses, it does so knowing that it will have a fair chance in the next round. When that understanding is disrupted, it destabilizes our democracy, and it sows confusion and chaos. My Senate Republican colleagues' actions make it clear they believe that the rules do not apply to them and that they do not care about destabilizing our democracy in this way. We should not vote on a Supreme Court nomination while an election is actually underway. For the first time in American history, we are voting on a Supreme Court nominee just days before election day. My Republican colleagues have shown they will stop at nothing to get this nominee through no matter how many rules they break and no matter how many Americans' rights are threatened. They are doing so all while people across the country are pleading with us to come together to provide more support amid a public health and economic crisis. My Senate Republican colleagues' priorities are clear, and they are an outrage. I cannot support a lifetime nomination of an individual who puts the healthcare and basic civil rights of millions of Americans at risk. I will oppose Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, today I would like to honor the life of a woman who made immense contributions to improve the lives of children throughout New Hampshire, Miriam Stahl. Originally from the Midwest, Miriam moved to New Hampshire to be near her family, and once here, she began working at a critical community resource and early intervention center called the Richie McFarland Children's Center. Founded in 1971, the Richie McFarland Children's Center works to provide social and therapeutic programs for children, including those who experience disabilities. This center helps children learn, grow, and thrive, while also empowering families and working to meet the needs of every child. The center and its remarkable staff are often the first professional resources made available to a family and child grappling with developmental challenges. To say that the center serves as a lifeline is an understatement. According to her colleagues, the Richie McFarland Children's Center would not be what it is today without Miriam's vision and leadership. Miriam served as the executive director of the center for a decade, and she believed passionately in the power of early intervention to help children develop. During her tenure, Miriam did all that she could to use her talent, energy, and quiet determination to prioritize the needs of children and to provide them with vital support. Her advocacy was clear, no nonsense, and nonjudgmental. She made inroads as a result. After she retired, she remained in New Hampshire and remained close with her colleagues at the center. Miriam passed away last month at the age of 88, and she will be sorely missed. Her legacy, though, will live on through her family and through the lasting impact she made on children and families throughout New Hampshire. I hope that you join me in honoring the life of a champion for all children, Miriam Stahl.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, first of all, I would like to thank my colleague from Hawaii for her remarks just now and for her commitment to a more equal, more just United States of America. I rise tonight to join my colleagues in mourning the loss of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg was a brilliant jurist and a persistent patriot. Her belief in our country and her vision and imagination as a lawyer left our Nation stronger and more just. As a litigator, she fought and she won fights for women's equality. And on the Court, she was a powerful voice for justice, whether in the majority or in dissent. Throughout her career and through the final days of her life, she was a powerful voice calling for every American to be recognized equally and to be treated with dignity, regardless of gender or personal circumstances, and the progress and inclusion that she helped build throughout her life is a testament to both her tenacity and her unmatched legal mind. It is also an illustration of what is possible in our country when we reaffirm and stay true to our values. Justice Ginsburg's vision of what it means to be an American and what it means to be free changed lives. She helped move our country toward a more perfect union, and we have to continue her unfinished work. Like many of my colleagues, I stopped by the Supreme Court over the weekend. It was incredible to see the outpouring of sheer reverence and to see the number of people who came on foot, on bicycle, in cars to pay their respects. I overheard one mom explain to her children: ``A lot of people loved her.'' Then, a couple of seconds later, she added for the children: ``And I want you to understand how important she was to our country.'' I hope we all take the time to think about the meaning of Justice Ginsburg's life and what this loss means for our country. Honoring the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg means continuing to fight for the more equal America that she fought for throughout her entire career. Unfortunately, though, in a week in which America has reached a terrible milestone of 200,000 COVID-19 deaths, the Senate majority leader and Senate Republicans have made their priorities clear. Instead of working with Democrats to pass the comprehensive COVID-19 relief bill that the American people so badly need, my colleagues across the aisle are focused on using all of the Senate's time before the election to rush through the President's choice for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, and they are doing so in contradiction of the rules that they themselves invented in 2016, despite the fact that this election is not just imminent, it is already underway with voters casting their ballots in States across the country. Our society and our democracy rely on the idea that all sides of political debates will play by the same rules. That means when any faction loses, it does so knowing that it will have a fair chance in the next round. When that understanding is disrupted, it destabilizes our democracy, leaving people feeling disenfranchised. It is wrong, and it produces chaos and confusion, and it demonstrates a dangerous trend. My Republican colleagues are making clear that they do not think the rules apply to them. It is worth taking a closer look at exactly why they are violating the rules that they set for themselves and applied to President Obama's nominee just 4 years ago and what the impact of their backward priorities will be for the American people. Right now, the Trump administration's lawsuit to repeal the entire Affordable Care Act and its protections for people with preexisting conditions is pending before the Supreme Court and, as you have heard from my colleagues, scheduled to be argued after the election. Make no mistake, rushing through this nomination is a last-ditch effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act through the courts after failing to do so legislatively for years. Even worse, the Republicans would undermine healthcare in the midst of a devastating pandemic, just when it is needed most. Invalidating the ACA will also mean that those who survive COVID-19-- and, as a result, will have preexisting conditions for the rest of their lives--will no longer be protected by the ACA when they seek insurance coverage. Taking away healthcare from millions of Americans is just one of the many things at stake. Women's rights, voting rights, civil rights, workers' rights, so much of what Justice Ginsburg stood for--they are all at risk. Senate Republicans are not just intent on filling this Supreme Court seat; they are intent on filling this seat with a person who will strip away some, if not all, of these rights. The stakes could not be higher, and the priorities of the American people are clear. We should follow the rules that the Republicans created in 2016. We should focus on COVID-19 relief. And we should not confirm a nominee until after the next President is inaugurated. Ruth Bader Ginsburg believed in an America where equality would win out, where everyone played by the same rules in liberty and justice--in fact, in liberty ensured by justice. It would be a good thing if all of my colleagues who have the privilege of serving in this Chamber would reflect on that to honor the giant we just lost. God speed, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and God bless the United States of America I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Kristina Folcik of Tamworth as September's Granite Stater of the Month. As a survivor of domestic violence, Kristina transformed her own healing process into a way to support other survivors by hiking 100 miles nonstop across some of New Hampshire's steepest peaks. She was the first person to ever finish that portion of the Appalachian Trail in one single trek. Kristina is an endurance athlete who has held multiple Fastest Known Times, which is a title given to individuals who have clocked the fastest time on a particular route, including hiking trails. She even raced professionally for a while, but stopped when her now-former husband started becoming abusive after she would win a race. For the last 2 years, Kristina worked with Starting Point, a nonprofit organization in New Hampshire that helps survivors of domestic and sexual violence, to successfully separate from her abusive husband. In an effort to heal from this harrowing and traumatic experience, Kristina decided to attempt a 100-mile, nonstop hike. In the lead-up to announcing her decision to attempt this extraordinary feat, Kristina revealed publicly on social media that she had recently divorced from her abusive husband and that she was going to complete this 100-mile trek and dedicate it to women who have been in abusive relationships. Much to her surprise, following her announcement, many women began to share their stories of abuse with Kristina, and some even publicly shared their experiences. Kristina turned her hike into a fundraiser, asking people to donate to the organization that had helped her leave her abusive marriage. It was not until Kristina had successfully completed the hike 36 hours later that she realized the fundraiser had raised more than $1,000 for Starting Point. Apart from breaking records, Kristina also owns Rockhopper Races LLC, which hosts races in the White Mountains and raises money for organizations that maintain and preserve New Hampshire's beautiful natural resources. Kristina not only achieved an incredible athletic feat, but also made a difference in the lives of others by having the courage to speak out about her past trauma. Kristina's strength is an inspiration and reflects the kind of determination to build strength through outreach and mutual support that the Granite State is known for. I am proud to recognize her efforts.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Cornyn for his partnership and support his call. I urge my colleagues to support our legislation, the Jenna Quinn Law, and I, too, look forward to its being passed as part of wrapup this evening. Every child has the fundamental right to be safe, to be treated with dignity, to be cared for, and to have the opportunity to seize their vast potential. Sexual abuse robs children of those rights. Too often, these horrific crimes go unrecognized or unreported, and children are left in dangerous situations without access to safety and justice. During my time as Governor of New Hampshire, I worked with Republicans and Democrats to sign into law a bill that mandated that child abuse prevention be taught as a part of the health education curriculum, and I am proud to work with Senator Cornyn to strengthen these efforts on a national level. The Jenna Quinn Law would better protect children from sexual assault by helping ensure that teachers, caregivers, and other adults working with children are equipped with the tools and knowledge to prevent, recognize, and report sexual abuse and exploitation. It would also ensure that children receive age-appropriate education on how to recognize and report these heinous acts. By encouraging States to provide training and education on child sexual abuse recognition and prevention, we can help keep our young people safe. But we know that there is much more work ahead of us. The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating challenges that many vulnerable people face, including children who are abused, and as reporting of abuse has gone down during this pandemic, experts have made clear that it is because many children have been out of view of the people who often provide support and make reports, including teachers and school officials. So as we work to pass the Jenna Quinn Law today, we also have to focus on passing a broader bipartisan reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide even more tools to support children and families who are struggling. It is our duty to nurture and protect all of our country's children, and the Jenna Quinn Law is a strong step to help move us forward in meeting that responsibility. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation and to work together on additional bipartisan measures to protect the safety and well-being of children across the country. Again, I thank my friend from Texas for his leadership in moving this important bill forward, and I look forward continuing to work with him on these issues. I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I want to start by thanking the Senator from Minnesota for her remarks just now. I rise with her and to join Senator Duckworth and our colleagues in responding to the shameful comments that President Trump reportedly made about our servicemembers. I want to begin by thanking Senator Duckworth for leading us in this effort and for her service to our country, as I thank all of the Members of the U.S. Senate and all of the staff of the U.S. Senate who have served their country and all of their families. One of our Nation's greatest strengths is the countless Americans who, throughout our history, have been willing to sacrifice everything to keep us safe and preserve our freedom. In New Hampshire, we are proud to be home to a high percentage of servicemembers, veterans, and their families. In my experience, people in my State--and all across the country--revere the bravery and sacrifices of those who serve and those who have served. We may disagree about policy matters, including those that impact when and where servicemembers are deployed, but the respect that we have for servicemembers, veterans, and their families must be undisputed. It is the President's duty to honor the sacrifices of our troops, to care for them, to support them and their fallen comrades. The role of the President of the United States of America is not just limited to being the Commander in Chief. Presidents should also lead by example and represent the values of the American people. Unfortunately, President Trump has, yet again, expressed his disdain and lack of understanding of why people sacrifice for our freedom and democracy. This is a failure of leadership, and it is a failure of basic citizenship that is out of step with most Americans. Last year, I joined a bipartisan group of Senators to travel to burial grounds in both France and Belgium, as we paid our respects to our World War II fallen servicemembers. It was the honor of a lifetime. It was also deeply personal, as my dad served in the Battle of the Bulge. Standing on those hallowed grounds was a powerful reminder of the loss of war, of those heroes who gave everything to fight against fascism and to protect freedom. We owe these heroes our profound gratitude and our deepest respect. Yet, when speaking of servicemembers who were killed or captured, the President referred to these heroes as ``suckers'' and ``losers.'' For such words to come from the President of the United States is an affront to all that we stand for, and it is beneath the office that he holds. Unfortunately, these comments were not surprising given the President's long line of denigrating comments against those who have served, including the late Senator John McCain, Gold Star families, and other American heroes. The resolution that we are introducing today recognizes the unmeasurable debt that we owe to those who have valiantly served our country, as well as their families. This resolution condemns the repeated disrespect that this President has bestowed upon them. My colleagues on both sides of the aisle have seen the hurtful comments President Trump has made about members of our military. Every single one of us should condemn them. I will close with this: My father didn't talk about his service in World War II very often, but he did talk about his unit, a group of men who came from as diverse backgrounds as our country is large. They had their disagreements. They didn't agree on politics. But they came together every day to win that war. Of course, they knew that their lives depended on their unity, their cohesion, but they knew something else too, and this is what my dad always reminded us of. Sometimes, at the breakfast table, he would look up at us and say: ``What are you doing for freedom today?'' It was a question he had the right to ask because he was remembering his unit of men from all over the country, from all different life experiences, who knew that freedom, their country--our country--the United States of America, is worth fighting for. I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Kendra Smith of Nashua as August's Granite Stater of the Month. At a time when so many are facing financial uncertainty, Kendra is selflessly working to provide substantial and popular hot meals to community members in need amid this public health and economic crisis. Kendra has lived in Nashua for 29 years and knows her community well. As a food service assistant in New Hampshire's school system and an entrepreneur who founded a soul food cuisine catering business early last year, Kendra is exceedingly familiar with how food insecurity affects children and teenagers in Nashua. When schools began to shut down due to COVID-19, Kendra knew that many students in her community were at risk of going hungry without school-provided meals. Kendra, whose background in catering and food service has given her plenty of practice serving a lot of food on a tight budget, started a program to help get hot meals to those in need. Feed the Children is a nonprofit organization that Kendra started through her catering company, Soel (Simply Offering Edible Love) Sistas, LLC. Her organization is fueled by the generosity of people in her community, who support the effort by, among other things, making small donations and holding food drives. Twice a week, Kendra and her team drive to neighborhoods around Nashua and distribute hot meals to families in need, while following social distancing guidance. Menu items include burgers, chicken and rice bowls, chips, granola bars, and fruit. Food insecurity affects communities across our State and our country, and in times like these, it is especially important that we come together to support those in need. I am proud to recognize Kendra's initiative, generosity, and pragmatism in naming her August 2020's Granite Stater of the Month. She exemplifies the best of New Hampshire and shows what can be done when we come together as a community during challenging times.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been clear that we would need a sustained response to mitigate the damaging health and economic impact facing the American people. When Republicans and Democrats came together to pass the CARES Act in March, I, along with my Democratic colleagues, made clear that we would need to stand ready to provide additional, robust support as the situation demanded. This afternoon we have been hearing from our colleagues. I thank Senator Stabenow for gathering us here. I thank Senator Coons for the way he just illustrated in such personal, direct terms the way this pandemic and all of its ripple effects are impacting his constituents, as they are impacting my constituents and constituents of every single Member of the U.S. Senate. Unfortunately, the Trump administration and Washington Republicans have not met the challenges facing the American people today with any sense of urgency, and the cost of that inaction has been seen all across the country. But, today, Senate majority Leader McConnell decided to act as if this were just any other Thursday--just any other Thursday for the Republicans in the Senate. Well, it is not just any other Thursday for our constituents. Back in May, House Democrats passed a substantial relief bill called the Heroes Act, but for months, Republicans refused to even acknowledge the necessity of providing more relief. In the 3 months since the House acted, the pain that our citizens are experiencing has only grown. Cases have skyrocketed. The United States of America is approaching 160,000 Americans killed by this virus. Small businesses have shuttered, and millions of people have lost their jobs. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to downplay the significant toll that this virus has taken. Earlier this week he said this of the COVID- 19 death toll: ``It is what it is.'' Just yesterday, he again claimed that the virus would simply go away. Not recognizing the gravity of this threat has significantly harmed Americans and America. While Congress can't undo the damage that has been done, I am urging my colleagues to come together on a response that will lead us forward. Throughout this week, I have joined with my colleagues to come to the floor and to lay out some of the priorities that we are focused on and to share what we are hearing from people all across our States. The cost of inaction grows every single day. Millions of Americans lost enhanced unemployment benefits and with it the ability to feed their families and pay their rent. People will lose their homes now to evictions. By the way, their landlords will feel the ripple effect when they can't pay their rent. Their grocers will feel the ripple effect when they can't buy groceries. The economic pain will spread and spread and spread. Lack of supplies and testing capacity--a national disgrace months into this pandemic--is hindering the ability to slow the spread of the virus and, of course, hindering the ability of people to get back to work and school safely. Schools are struggling to open without the adequate guidance that the Federal Government could provide and without resources that they need to keep teachers, staff, students, and families safe. States and local communities are accelerating cuts and, with it, adding to job losses and lost economic activity. Americans are hurting. They are hurting in red States, and they are hurting in blue States. They are crying out for help. One of the great privileges of this job is that people come forward with their ideas, with their hopes, with their fears. They share incredibly personal details about the challenges that they face and then are also so willing to share with us their successes too. We get to witness our constituents and work with them in difficult times and in good times, and they are willing to share that with us. They demonstrate to us day in and day out what it means to be a member of a community, what it means to come together and solve a problem. They do it in their businesses. They do it on school boards. They do it without regard to political party or walk of life. The least we could do in the U.S. Senate on this Thursday, over this weekend, over the next week, is follow their example, represent them at their best, display that American ingenuity, innovation, pragmatism, compromise, can-do spirit. In the process we could save lives; we could begin to rebuild our economy; and we could demonstrate to the rest of the world that we know how to come together and work for what is best for all of us. We must help our constituents. We must act. Our country cannot wait any longer I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN

Ms. HASSAN. Madam President, in New Hampshire and all across the country, school supplies are lining the shelves of stores, but school board members, teachers, and parents are still wrestling with the decisions about what exactly this school year will look like. No matter if schools open fully remote, fully in person or a hybrid of both, we have to do all we can to ensure that young people receive a quality education while also keeping students, school faculty, and their families safe. Just as schools are trying to make decisions, just as administrators, educators, and families are trying to figure out what this school year will look like in their communities, they have been met by a lack of resources and clear guidance from this administration and from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We have known for months that schools would face enormous challenges this fall, and Federal delays have only made the situation more challenging across the country. For months, the Senate majority leader stalled action on an additional COVID-19 relief package, saying that he felt ``no urgency.'' But school districts across this country have felt plenty of urgency. Instead of giving them time and appropriate resources to plan, Senator McConnell kicked the can down the road. Now he has released a completely inadequate and unacceptable proposal that provides too few resources to schools and would actually withhold aid if schools don't fully reopen in person. My Democratic colleagues and I have focused on an approach that would actually help schools navigate the year ahead. We proposed $430 billion to help schools implement public health protocols, address the challenges of students who have fallen behind, and provide quality education to all students regardless of how schools reopen. This proposal would help address some of the most pressing issues facing our students. When I talk to educators back home in New Hampshire, a common theme I hear from students and educators is that they need more and better high-speed internet access to support online learning. This is a challenge both for remote and also in-person learning. For instance, last week, Kevin Carpenter, principal of Kennett High School in North Conway, told me that part of his school's reopening plan requires expanding broadband capacity at the school. This would enable students to access online materials in every classroom and minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 by minimizing physical transitions from class to class. Other educators have noted that in many areas of our State, families are still having trouble accessing an adequate broadband connection and devices that can support online learning throughout the day at home. Just as Senator Klobuchar referenced some of the conversations she has had in Minnesota, in a discussion I had in New Hampshire earlier this summer, a teacher in the Gilmanton School District said that some parents were taking their children to the parking lots of their school to do their schoolwork from the car because it was the only way they could access a Wi-Fi connection. Too many students are at risk of falling behind because they lack broadband access. Our proposal includes $4 billion in funding to help ensure that all K-12 students have adequate home internet connectivity and devices during the pandemic, which is a priority that I have been fighting for throughout the last several months. I urge my Republican colleagues to support this proposal and to work with Democrats to deliver sufficient relief without any further delay. As we approach the upcoming school year, our families and educators are facing unprecedented, heart-wrenching uncertainty. Even in areas where the infection rates are low and schools are well-resourced, the lack of testing capacity and the lack of clear guidance from this administration, for example, on what to do if a teacher or a student tests positive for the virus are exacerbating the effects of this awful pandemic. Inaction and ineptitude are making a truly difficult set of challenges much, much worse, and at a certain point, inaction and ineptitude are indistinguishable. Congress must address these needs so that our educators can overcome these immense challenges and do what they do best--help our children learn and grow. Thank you. I yield the floor.

Ms. HASSAN. Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for her leadership in this area, and her capacity to understand not only the policy that we need to address and change but also the practical impacts it will have on not only her constituents but people all over the United States of America. I want to thank Senator Van Hollen as well for gathering us all this afternoon to focus, as we need to, on the needs of our young people, our students, their educators and their families in these coming months. (Mrs. BLACKBURN assumed the Chair.)