Racial Justice
Last week, I spoke about the senseless murder of George Floyd.
George Floyd’s death understandably led to anger and grief among so many Americans. This is something that as a nation, as one unified nation, we’re going to get through together. We all want justice, we all want peace, and it is important that those responsible for this egregious act are held accountable. Now is a good time to listen, to learn from one another, and to assess how far we’ve come as a country and how far we have yet to go.
Click here or on the image above for my remarks in full.
Relief is on the Way: Component of RESTART Act Passes
Relief is on the way for small businesses after fixes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) passed the Senate unanimously last week and were signed into law by President Trump. H.R. 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, provides a number of fixes including extending the forgiveness period for PPP loans from eight weeks to 24 weeks to provide recipients with more time to spend the PPP funds. I proposed a similar extension in the RESTART Act after talking to countless small business owners across the state who were unable to reopen and rehire their staff in the allotted eight weeks. We listened, and help is on the way.
Additionally, I spoke on the Senate Floor about my RESTART Act and how it will help re-open Indiana’s economy in the wake of coronavirus.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve spoken to more than 22,000 Hoosiers via Zoom, conference calls, and more. I’m truly inspired by the way Hoosiers have come together to help each other during this pandemic. Everyone has done their part. Hoosiers want to work and business owners are eager to pay them. Click here or on the image above for my full remarks from last week’s floor speech.
Remembering Tiananmen Square
Thirty-one years ago last week, pro-democracy protests drew hundreds of thousands of Chinese citizens to Tiananmen Square. These protestors many of whom were students and young professionals risked their lives in the hope of living in a free China. Instead, they were met with the brutality of the People’s Liberation Army. I joined my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations committee in honoring all of these brave citizens of China, and remember those who tragically lost their lives on this day in 1989.
Unfortunately, in the years since the Tiananmen massacre, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has continued down a path of repression. Under Chairman Xi, we have seen further deterioration of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the rule of law in China. Daily freedoms have also been lost to the CCP’s widespread and intrusive mass surveillance system. Even more concerning is that this model of authoritarianism is becoming more influential to regimes around the world as the CCP seeks to reshape international rules and norms to accommodate its interests.
Recently, the CCP passed a proposal for a so-called “national security” law for Hong Kong, which undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy, encourages the crackdown on pro-democracy protestors, and effectively ends its “one country, two systems” policy. This is just the latest indication of the CCP’s post-Tiananmen dedication to rule by fear.
As we remember the events of Tiananmen and those that lost their lives on that day, let us view this solemn anniversary as not just a time for mourning, but a call to action. Let us ensure that the United States remains a champion for freedom, and a defender of those who stand for democracy, freedom and equality for all.
Constituent Spotlight
To ensure Hoosier children are prepared for the first day of school next fall, Waterford.org, an Indiana non-profit, is providing the Waterford Upstart Summer Learning Path. This program will help prepare kindergartners for success next school year.
Social Media Recap
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