Jerry Moran

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 696, submitted earlier today.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. If there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 16; further, that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, and the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day and morning business be closed; finally, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of the Robinson nomination under the previous order.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I am pleased to be on the floor this evening, but I am here to discuss a significantly tragic issue that affects way too many Americans all across our country--certainly at home in Kansas--and that is the lack of treatment for mental health conditions and, in many instances, the consequence that comes from that--suicide. Sadly, veterans in particular face risks for suicide, and, unfortunately, COVID-19 has increased the problem. Veterans have a higher rate of suicide and mental health issues than people who have not served in our armed services. We know there is not a single explanation or reason for suicide, and there is no single treatment for prevention strategy. One veteran lost to suicide is one too many, and, of course, we all have the obligation to help those who have served our Nation--those who fought bravely for our country--to help fix this tragedy. Every day that we fail to act is another day we lose another 20 veterans to suicide. They need our help. I want to highlight one veteran who fought a battle with his mental health condition, CDR John Scott Hannon. Commander Hannon was a decorated Navy SEAL. I met his family through the Senator from Montana, Mr. Tester. He, like every other veteran, was more than just what his service record would show. His family and friends remember him as a passionate mental health advocate for veterans. He tried to help other veterans who faced the same challenges that he did. They say he had a gentle heart and a fierce belief in taking actions to tackle big challenges. Sadly, Commander Hannon lost his fight with post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, and the effects of a traumatic brain injury. He lost that fight in February 2018. He now lives on in the memories of his friends and family, and when S. 785 becomes law--the namesake of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act--he will be remembered even more--more by other Americans than his family and friends. I am proud to lead this effort in passage of this legislation, in its development, its creation, in the studies and efforts, the conversations that went on with my colleagues in the Senate, our colleagues in the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the veterans service organizations, and his family. I am proud to lead that effort with the Senator from Montana, the Senator who represents Commander Hannon's family. For several months now, our committee has been working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the White House to improve upon and advance S. 785. This bill will make necessary investments in suicide prevention. It will improve and support innovative research. It will make improvements and increase the availability of mental health care This bill establishes a grant program championed by Mr. Boozman, the Senator from Arkansas. The VA will be required to better collaborate with community organizations across the country, serving veterans. Senator Tester, Senator Boozman, and I come from rural States, and it is hard to find the services where they are necessary. If we can allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to deal with local organizations, we have a better chance of fighting suicide. This legislation represents a team effort. I appreciate Secretary Wilkie, David Ballenger, Cathy Haverstock, and Chris Anderson for their help and commitment in addressing mental health services. President Trump and his support for veterans is well recognized. The Second Lady, Karen Pence, has also been a long-time advocate for veterans' mental health, and I appreciate our conversations on this important topic. The staff at the White House and at the Domestic Policy Council--Joe Grogan, Brooke Rollins, James Baehr, and Virginia McMillin--deserve recognition as well. The Senate VA committee is known for its spirit of bipartisanship, and I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their input on this important legislation. Along with the lead sponsor of this legislation, Senator Tester, and the efforts I mentioned of Senator Boozman, I would recognize Senator Sullivan, Senator Tillis, Senator Cassidy, Senator Rounds, Senator Cramer--the Presiding Officer this evening--Senator Loeffler, Senator Blackburn, Senator McSally, and Senator Kaine for their substantive contributions to several primary sections of this bill. These contributions by our colleagues range from studies on overmedication and suicidality, the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on PTSD and TBI, a pilot program for post-traumatic growth, and many provisions that will provide more direct oversight of the VA to ensure the Department is equipped to better serve veterans. As a result, this bipartisan legislation has 51 cosponsors, and it received a unanimous 17-to-0 vote in the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs earlier this year, and today is the time we will pass this measure out of the Senate. I am calling on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do our part to make certain that every veteran has access to the lifesaving care and support they need. We need to ensure that every VA medical center is equipped with the proper personnel, evidence-based treatment options, and the best research-informed care to fit the needs of each veteran who walks through its doors. For veterans and servicemembers like CDR John Scott Hannon, we, in Congress, have the opportunity to take action to help them know they don't have to struggle alone. Our legislation will help connect these veterans and servicemembers to more resources and provide them with the tools they need to address the challenges related to their service. To my colleagues, we have a significant role and responsibility to combat this struggle, and here today we can do our part to make certain that, in their struggles, our veterans are equipped with the care and services they need to be successful, to win. We must take real and urgent action to tackle the challenges together. Additional Cosponsor to S. 785 Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senator from Rhode Island, Mr. Reed, be added as a cosponsor to S. 785.

Mr. MORAN. Thank you for that. I now ask unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. MORAN. I know of no further debate on the bill, as amended.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee- reported substitute be withdrawn; that the Moran substitute amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; and that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time.

Mr. MORAN. I yield to the Senator from Montana for his conversation and discussion about this legislation.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, let me extend the courtesies that were extended to me by the Senator from Montana, Mr. Tester. It has been a privilege to work with him on this and many other issues--many of them related to our Nation's service men and women and those who served and are now veterans. I appreciate that Senator Tester and I have the ability to work together to resolve differences and find common ground for the benefit of those who have served. Before I conclude my comments this evening, I would use this as a moment--on behalf of the Presiding Officer, on behalf of Senator Tester and me, and on behalf of all Members of the U.S. Senate--to express our gratitude to all who have served our country and express our respects and honor for those who are no longer with us, who, because of those battle wounds, have lost their lives to suicide. We express our condolences and sympathies to their family members and to their friends, and, in each and every instance, we recognize what sacrifice they have made for the benefit of each and every one of us here today and across the country. I would say to those family members that this legislation--we hope-- and the example that their loved ones demonstrated in their lives will be something that will inspire us to do the right thing and care for those who served. So I express my condolence and sympathies to the families, and I thank all who served, and I do so on behalf of all Members of the U.S. Senate. Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't thank the many dedicated staff members who helped this legislation through to this point: Emily Blair, who is with us on the Senate floor tonight, Tiffanii Woolfolk, Mark Crowley, Asher Allman, Scott Nulty, Pat McGuigan, David Shearman, and Caroline Canfield. In addition, thank you to Senator Tester's staff: Sophie Friedl, Dahlia Melendrez, and Tony McClain, the Kansan, as well as the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff members. Suicide is preventable, and with the passage of Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act tonight--here, moments ago--we take a stand to protect the lives of the people who have given us so much in their protection of each and every American. I yield the floor

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I also ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 498, S. 785.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 658 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to; that the preamble be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. I now ask for a second reading, and in order to place the bill on the calendar under the provisions of rule XIV, I object to my own request.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I understand that there is a bill at the desk, and I ask for its first reading.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it adjourn until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, August 6; further, 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; further, that following leader remarks, the Senate proceed to executive session and resume consideration of Calendar No. 645. I further ask that notwithstanding the provisions of rule XXII, the cloture motion with respect to Calendar No. 645 ripen at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow; finally, if cloture is invoked, the postcloture time expire at 1:30 p.m. and, if confirmed, the motion to reconsider be considered made, laid upon the table, and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. I ask unanimous consent that Senator Blumenthal, Senator Collins, and I be able to complete our remarks before the recess.

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

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, it is an honor and privilege to be here on the Senate floor today on this cause. Young athletes across this country dedicate years, sometimes decades, of their lives to earn their spot on the world stage representing the United States at the Olympics. Standing on that podium, they should be proud of their hard work that earned them that place, the honor of wearing our flag's colors at the Games. But no athlete--no athlete-- whether an amateur athlete or an Olympian, should have to endure abuse and mistreatment to pursue the sport they love. Were it not for the pandemic, hundreds of our athletes would have been in Tokyo right now representing the United States of America at the Olympics. Even though our athletes are unable to compete today, we owe it to them to create for future athletes and future competitors a safe place in which to compete. Today's passage of S. 2330 marks a step toward providing effective safeguards and protection to Olympic, Paralympic, and amateur athletes across the Nation. On January 25, 2018, the day after Dr. Larry Nassar was sentenced to life in prison, as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection, with jurisdiction and oversight over the health and safety of amateur athletes, I opened an investigation with my ranking member, Senator Blumenthal, into how the U.S. Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Michigan State University allowed girls and young women to be assaulted and abused over two decades. Nassar was ultimately sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for his heinous crimes, but the fight to overhaul a system that had allowed him to evade justice and accountability was far, far from over. Over the next 18 months, we conducted hundreds of interviews with athlete survivors, reviewed over 70,000 pages of documents, and held 4 subcommittee hearings, including listening to the horrific stories from survivors, issuing subpoenas to leaders who failed these athletes, watching those who were charged to protect them plead the Fifth, and even referring witnesses to the Justice Department for failure to tell the truth. Senator Blumenthal and I stood in the Russell Senate Office Building with more than 80 courageous survivors of abuse. Some of these women had been assaulted by Nassar while competing at the Olympics, some while training with the national team, others while attending Michigan State. One by one, they told us the organizations that were supposed to protect them had failed them. One person's abuse is too much, but the question asked that day by one of the athletes was, Why was there more than one? That question has stayed with me since it was spoken. Not only do we condemn the abuse, but we condemn those who allowed it to continue, who failed in their responsibilities as human beings as well as in their professional capacities to care for and protect these young men and women. The bipartisan effort of Senator Blumenthal and I culminated in production of a comprehensive investigative report which is this document here--a significant work for a serious challenge. It also resulted in S. 2330, the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act, the bill we are on today. This legislation is intended to strengthen legal liabilities and accountability mechanisms in the governance structure of the Olympics organizations, restore a culture that puts athletes first through clear procedures and reporting requirements, and fortify the independence and capabilities of the U.S. Center for SafeSport through dependable funding and oversight. During the November 13, 2019, markup of this legislation, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, our colleagues provided thoughtful input through amendments to strengthen this legislation. As such, I take this moment to thank my colleagues-- Senator Cantwell, Senator Peters, Senator Grassley, and Senator Thune-- for their efforts in improving the legislation to put us in the position that we are in today. I specifically thank Senator Lee for his input in the markup and his continued contribution to the legislation to improve the processes governed by the bill. Additionally, Senator Gardner's leadership on this legislation was paramount to S. 2330's successful passage just a few moments ago. Senator Gardner's own legislation to establish a commission to study the broader issues within the Olympic and Paralympic movements strengthens our ability to guide future oversight efforts. Senator Gardner's support for this package was critical. I would be remiss not to thank Senator Wicker, the chairman of the full committee, for his continued support as the jurisdictional chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee from the early stages of this effort, and the support of his predecessor, Senator Thune, then the chairman of the Commerce Committee, who was fundamental in this effort gaining the momentum it needed to get us to the point we are at now. Finally, this entire effort would not have been possible if not for the tireless and thorough work of Senator Blumenthal and his staff. Serving as chairman and ranking member of the same Commerce subcommittee has allowed us to work on a number of important issues and legislative items together, but I can honestly say this effort could very well be one of the most important bipartisan efforts and pieces of legislation resulting therefrom that I have been a part of as a U.S. Senator. I thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership and his team's efforts, again, to see that these survivors' answers could be attained and their safety protected in the future. Most importantly, if there is anyone who deserves thanks and gratitude, it is the athletes and survivors for their exceptional bravery--the bravery they demonstrated through their willingness to share their stories, to tell what happened to them, to talk to us and to talk to the rest of the world. This legislation and the prior investigation are only possible because of the hundreds of courageous and selfless survivors who spoke out against abuse, shared their stories, and offered input on how we can create change to make certain all future athletes can participate in the sports they love without fear of abuse. I especially want to recognize the athletes who we worked with and who shared their circumstances with us during our committee hearings and in a number of meetings and phone calls over 2\1/2\ years: Jordyn Wieber, Jamie Dantzscher, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, Rachael Denhollander, Jeanette Antolin, Emily Goetz, Jessica Howard, Sarah Klein, Kaylee Lorincz, Morgan McCaul, Hannah Morrow, Bridie Farrell, and Craig Maurizi. We told these survivors that while powerful institutions had failed them in the past, we--our subcommittee, the committee, and the Senate-- were not going to. I would also like to thank the staff and individuals who have advocated for our athletes. On my staff: George Redden, Matthew Beccio, Tom Bush, Mark Crowley, Conor McGrath, Morgan Said, Trent Kennedy, Angela Lingg, Miranda Moore, and Thomas Brandt. On Senator Wicker's staff: Olivia Trusty, Chapin Gregor, Tyler Levins, Crystal Tully, and John Keast. And on Senator Thune's staff: Peter Feldman, Jason Van Beek, and Nick Rossi. Despite the Olympics being postponed and everything that is going on around the world today, I am grateful that we were able to deliver good news and take this step today. We are not done. We intend to keep that promise and get this bill across the finish line. We now will continue to work with our colleagues in the House of Representatives and the White House to ensure the timely consideration and enactment of the Empowering Olympic, Paralympic, and Amateur Athletes Act of 2020. One is too many, but why was there ever more than one? May we never have to ask that question again and may there never be one in the first place I yield to the ranking member, the Senator from Connecticut.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 503, S. 2330.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I would like to recognize the efforts of Senator Collins, the Senator from Maine, her substantive and persistent endeavors throughout our process to see that a just and right result occurs. I yield to the Senator from Maine.

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the committee- reported substitute amendment be withdrawn and that the Moran substitute amendment at the desk be agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I am here this evening to discuss a tragic issue that is affecting way too many Americans across the country. This tragedy is mental health and suicide. A majority of Americans are encountering an unprecedented amount of stress due to COVID-19, and resources previously used to help individuals cope are even more limited. What is more concerning is that compounding stressors and depleted resources increase the likelihood of public health disparities like the one I am discussing today. If there ever were a time to invest in mental health, it is now. In a recent article from the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers discussed several risk factors that put our Nation collectively at a higher risk for suicide. These risk factors include economic stress, decreased access to community and religious support systems, lack of access to adequate mental health and suicide prevention services, and social isolation. This has unfortunately caused a severe lack of personal and social connection, which we know to be a protective factor against suicide. This evening I want to specifically highlight veterans as they face unique risk factors for suicide, in addition to the increased stress around COVID-19. Research illustrates that veterans have a higher rate of suicide and certain mental health conditions than their civilian peers. We know there is not one single explanation or reason for suicide, and there is no one single treatment or prevention strategy. While post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries are prominent among veterans and are known as an invisible wound of war, we now realize other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, also contribute to suicide among veterans and all Americans. Our veterans are fighting new battles, and the stress caused by COVID-19 has only exacerbated these issues. Just recently, two veterans from different generations, who lived on different coasts and fought in different wars decades apart, died by suicide. One was a 74-year-old veteran who died on the campus of a VA facility in San Diego, and the other was a former Green Beret in Washington, DC. They are two of the 20 veterans who are lost each day to suicide--a number we know as far too great. The Army recently lost a respected soldier known as ``Captain America.'' Master Sergeant Marckesano fought in Afghanistan, and according to news reports, 30 soldiers from his former unit have died by suicide since their 2009 deployment. Until the end, Master Sergeant Marckesano was encouraging members of his old unit to reach out and talk if they found themselves struggling, telling them ``Don't let the valley win.'' Even soldiers who try to be strong for others find themselves in a circumstance where they don't see another option, and they lose their battle. Another veteran I want to highlight today who fought a battle with his mental health was Commander John Scott Hannon. Commander Hannon's DD-214 illustrates that he was a decorated Navy SEAL, but he was much more than his service history and the wounds he bore as a result. His family and friends remember him as a passionate mental health advocate for veterans with a gentle heart and a fierce belief in taking tangible actions to tackle big challenges. Sadly, Commander Hannon lost his courageous fight with post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, and the effects of a traumatic brain injury in February 2018. However, he lives on in the memories of his friends and family and as the namesake of pivotal legislation in the Senate that I am pleased to lead with the Senator from Montana, Mr. Tester. For several months now, our committee has been working closely with the VA and the White House to improve upon and advance the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, S. 785, which will make necessary investments in suicide prevention services, innovative research, and improvements to mental healthcare. This bill will establish a grant program that requires the VA and the Department of Veterans Affairs to better collaborate with community organizations across the country already serving veterans. This collaboration will result in earlier identification of veterans who are at risk of suicide and will provide the ability to intervene with preventive services. This is a provision championed by my colleague from Arkansas, Senator Boozman. Additionally, this legislation requires the VA to bolster research efforts around brain and mental health conditions, expand upon telehealth partnerships to deliver better care to our veterans in rural areas, allow veterans to take advantage of emerging complimentary and integrative treatments, and so much more. This bipartisan legislation received a unanimous 17-to-0 vote in the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs earlier this year, and the time to act by the full Senate is now. We should not wait. The increased risk factors coupled with the negative effects of the pandemic could be a perfect storm for our veterans, as researchers from the American Psychological Association noted in a recent article. With this in mind, I am calling on my colleagues to do our part to make certain that every veteran has access to the lifesaving care and support they need. We need to ensure that every VA medical center is equipped with the proper personnel, evidence-based treatment options, and best research-informed care to fit the needs of each veteran who walks through that hospital door. For veterans and servicemembers like Commander John Scott Hannon and Master Sergeant Marckesano, we in Congress have the opportunity to take action to let them know they don't have to struggle alone. This legislation will help connect these veterans and our servicemembers to more resources and provide them tools to address challenges related to their service. To my colleagues, we have a significant role and responsibility to combat this struggle, and here, today, we can do our part to make certain that in the end the valley does not win. In the spirit of this bill's namesake, we must take real and urgent action to tackle this challenge together. As we seek swift action on S. 785 on the Senate floor, I ask my colleagues to join us in our fight against suicide. Lastly, to the veterans across the country who may hear this message today, who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, I ask you to reach out for help. Call a trusted friend, family member, or reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line. That number is 1-800-273-8255, and then press 1. Again, 1-800-273-8255, followed by pressing 1. I am pleased to know that in the future, this crisis line will be updated to 9-8-8. This is because the Senate acted on my legislation, along with Senator Gardner, to designate 9-8-8 as the new national suicide and mental health crisis hotline earlier this year. Last week, the FCC announced they will make this designation operational by July 16, 2022. Suicide is preventable, and now is the time we take the stand necessary to protect the lives of people who have given so much for our Nation. They have protected us; we need to protect them. I yield the floor.

Mr. MORAN

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I appreciate the leadership of my colleagues and, particularly today, Senator Hoeven, on his efforts. He chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development. We are joined here by the Senator from Nebraska, Senator Fischer, and the chairman of the Agriculture Committee, my colleague from Kansas, to highlight something that is particularly going to be absent from this legislation. Earlier this month, I asked Secretary Perdue in a letter in which I was joined by many of my colleagues--both Republicans and Democrats--to look for a way to be helpful, particularly to livestock producers. The men and women who raise cattle and who feed cattle are the backbone of the ag economy and are certainly a huge and critical component of how we earn a living in Kansas. Both Republicans and Democrats signed the letter asking that Secretary Perdue take steps. The reason this is necessary, at least according to Kansas State University research, is that since the arrival of corona, since January, $8 to $9 billion in lost income has occurred for livestock producers in this country. That is a huge and significant amount of money and one that is hard to recover from. The chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Hoeven, indicated about the importance of rural America. This is absolutely about feeding not only the rest of our country but the globe in its entirety. Before I return to this conversation about agriculture, I would highlight how difficult it is in rural America to recover from an economic challenge. Certainly, our cattlemen and our livestock producers, our farmers and ranchers, recognize that we have seen instance after instance in which farmers are going out of business. I would put on top of this that, since 2013, the farm income in Kansas is down 50 percent. You add this crisis to the challenge, and many of my farmers and ranchers may not--probably will not--survive this crisis. We are asking the Secretary of Agriculture to come to our aid. What we discovered is that the Commodity Credit Corporation, or the CCC, needed to be replenished. Money had been spent from the CCC. We proposed in this bill that is being debated now that the CCC be replenished--that $20 billion be restored to the Commodity Credit Corporation. We were told by our Democrat colleagues that they wanted to make certain the money couldn't just be spent on the livestock side. So the provision in this bill, which is a bipartisan agreement, shows there is certainly agreement on the side of all of us that we care about farmers as well as ranchers. We changed the language to make certain the Secretary of Agriculture used CCC funds not only for livestock producers but also for the cultivation side, or the crop side, of agriculture. Incidentally, my colleagues on the Democrat side asked that their names be removed from the letter. I don't understand what happened in a manner of just a day or two, in which they decided they were not interested in agriculture producers--livestock producers, in particular. Then, within the last couple of days, we now learned that the Democrats--I am not in the room. So I can't verify this. But I am told by those who presumably know that Democrats are opposed to this provision being included in the bill at all. We cannot forget livestock producers and agriculture as we try to deal with the economic consequences of COVID-19. It is a huge challenge. I would say to my Democrat colleagues--those who signed the letter and others who visited with me and my colleagues about trying to solve this problem--that I don't know what is going on in the room that I am not a part of, but we need to make certain that the end result is where we started, which is taking care of those who produce the food and fiber of our Nation. While I have the floor, let me point out the challenges of rural America and why it is so important to get this done today, now. Community hospitals. There are significant resources in this bill to try to keep the doors of our hospitals open, to keep our physicians practicing medicine, and to keep the pharmacy on Main Street. They are in this bill. The dentist is a pretty important person in a small town in Kansas-- and the optometrist. They are all a huge component in how we deliver healthcare. These are very small businesses. Many are sole practitioners, and they employ just a handful of people. This bill will help them. Yet it is stymied. I would say that even if you are not a healthcare provider, this bill is important to every small business in Kansas. It is important to the business, not for the business's sake but for the people who work for that business. We want that sole proprietor. We want that business that employs 5, 10, 50 people. A lot of small manufacturers in Kansas produce agriculture equipment. They are on the cusp of being put out of business, and what is so dramatic in rural America is, if we lose a business, the chances of reviving it in the future disappears. Almost all of our businesses in small towns across Kansas and around the Nation are hanging on already by a thread. This is the factor now that may put them out of business--is likely to put them out of business--and the chances of them coming back into business when this is over are virtually none. Our businesses are run by small families. They are run by families, by individuals, by people who often run a business for the sole purpose of making certain their community has a business. We can linger no longer and expect that it will get better if we don't take action to help them preserve their business and the people who work for them. We need to do it now, not later. I yield to the Senator from North Dakota