#RESTARTamerica
Last week, Senate Republicans unveiled the HEALS Act, the latest phase of coronavirus relief containing several key provisions that I introduced including: telehealth, Unemployment Insurance reform, child care, and concepts from my RESTART Act.
However, more must be done to help America’s small and mid-sized businesses stay afloat. Today, in a letter to congress, more than 100 current and former prominent CEOs of some of America’s largest companies, major trade associations, and successful small businesses, expressed support for my RESTART Act. This bipartisan legislation would create a low-interest, partially forgivable, long-term working capital loan to help small and mid-sized businesses recover from one of the most disruptive economic periods in our history. More HERE and HERE.
I spoke on the Senate Floor last Wednesday to underscore the importance of targeting federal resources towards the hardest-hit businesses that won’t survive this pandemic without federal assistance. In order to truly assist the hardest-hit small and medium-sized enterprises that have fallen through the gaps of previous programs, more of the RESTART Act is going to have to be included throughout the negotiation process.
I also joined the Senate Republican leadership press conference to call on my colleagues to include more of the RESTART Act in the next phase of coronavirus relief. Click here or on the image below to watch my full remarks.
Additionally, my TRUST Act is set to be included in this next phase of coronavirus relief so we can set in motion a bipartisan national plan to finally begin tackling the long-term drivers of our national debt. It is important that as we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic, we must ensure our schools and employers can safely reopen and our health care providers have the resources they need to fight this virus. At the same time, we need to lay the foundation for restoring fiscal health through economic growth and fiscal responsibility.
3rd Annual Ernie Pyle Day
Today marks the third annual National Ernie Pyle Day, honoring the celebrated war correspondent and Hoosier journalist.
After studying journalism at Indiana University, Ernie Pyle served as a beloved correspondent in Indiana and later overseas during World War II. Beginning his career at La Porte’s The Daily Herald, he went on to receive the Pulitzer Prize for his distinguished reporting of the war in 1944. Ernie Pyle’s renowned career reporting during World War II demonstrates the work ethic of Hoosiers and the dedication of Americans in commemorating our soldiers. I'm honored to celebrate this important Hoosier and his lasting contributions to our state and nation.
I was proud to co-author the resolution with former Senator Donnelly to establish August 3rd, Pyle’s Birthday, as National Ernie Pyle Day.
Additionally, in 2019, I sponsored legislation to rename the post office in Dana, Indiana, to honor the important contributions of Ernie Pyle on American journalism who was born near Dana.
Supporting Health Care Professionals’ Mental Health Amid COVID-19
Our health care professionals face high levels of stress daily as they work to keep Hoosiers healthy, especially during this difficult time. Last week, I joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in introducing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act which will help ensure our health care heroes receive mental and behavioral health support.
Health care professionals have long experienced high levels of stress and burnout, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the problem. While helping their patients fight for their lives, many health care professionals are coping with their own trauma of losing patients and colleagues and fear for their own health and safety. This legislation also supports suicide and burnout prevention training in health professional training programs and increases awareness and education about suicide and mental health concerns among health care professionals.
ISIS Killers of Hoosier Peter Kassig Must Be Brought to Justice
In October 2013, Indiana native and former Army Ranger, Peter Kassig was on a mission of mercy, delivering humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Syria when he was taken hostage by ISIS. After months of torture and hardship at the hands of ISIS terrorists, and in spite of his embrace of Islam, he was brutally beheaded.
During a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing last week, I pressed U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the murders of Peter Kassig and three other Americans who were kidnapped and murdered by ISIS terrorists and the need to bring these killers to justice.
Some of the murderers, known as ‘the Beatles’ have been killed in U.S.-led drone strikes, but others remain at large and must be brought to justice. I believe that the United States government should work tirelessly, independently and with the cooperation of allies, to hunt down the killers of these Americans and bring them to justice here in the United States of America. Secretary Pompeo agreed and reiterated that the President of the United States agrees as well.
To watch our exchange, click here or on the image below.
Moment of Silence for 75th Anniversary of USS Indianapolis Sinking
Last Thursday marked 75 years since the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. To recognize this anniversary, I called on all Hoosiers to pause for the time it took the ship to sink 12 minutes to honor those lost. While we remember their sacrifice, we will also recall their heroism. The selfless sailors who surrendered their lifejackets so others could live, the resolute Chief Warrant Officer and radio technicians who sank with the ship while desperately trying to send out an SOS. And the band of survivors, those who endured the blazing sun at day, and chilling cold at night. Injured and starving, swimming in the oil-slicked, shark-filled saltwater, they persevered on little more than prayers and because of each other.
Constituent Spotlight
Last week, my staff helped three Hoosier veterans receive more than $80,000 in retroactive benefits. As a Marine, and a grateful American, it is my privilege to work on behalf of Hoosier veterans who have honorably served our country. I am committed to ensuring that they receive the care they were promised and deserve. If you are a veteran, or know a veteran, in need of assistance, please visit https://www.young.senate.gov/help for more information on how my office can help.
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