The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“Fourth of July (Executive Session)” mentioning Debbie Stabenow was published in the Senate section on page S4748 on June 24.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
Fourth of July
Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about how far our Nation has come in the past 6 months.
Just for a moment, think back to where we were in January. Every day, hundreds of thousands of Americans were being diagnosed with COVID-19, and on many days, more than 3,000--or even 4,000--of our moms and dads and brothers and sisters and children and friends and neighbors were dying of this horrible disease. Meanwhile, millions of Americans were out of work just 6 months ago, and small businesses were unsure whether or not they could reopen safely. During these cold, dark days, it was easy to wonder if things would ever get better.
But something else happened in January. On January 20, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office, and with their inauguration came a laser focus on defeating this horrific disease and getting our country moving again.
They had some amazing tools in their arsenals: vaccines that proved to be more effective than anyone could have hoped--thank goodness. And I am so proud that Michigan workers at Pfizer have played a big role in producing these lifesaving vaccines and getting them shipped all over the country.
When President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, only 5 percent of American adults had received at least one shot. Now, only 6 months later, 70 percent of Americans over age 30 have received at least one shot. That is a total of 300 million vaccine shots in only 150 days, and we are seeing the results.
This week, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was able to drop our State's pandemic restrictions. That is great news for our small businesses and our restaurants and our entertainment venues, just in time for peak travel season in beautiful Michigan.
Nationwide, more than 2 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office--2 million jobs since he took office just 6 months ago. Half as many people are applying for unemployment each month as were in January. And, next month, families will begin to receive advance child tax credits that are going to lift half of the poor children in our country out of poverty--incredible. These monthly payments of $250 or $300 per child will help families pay for the things they need to care for their children, and it will also boost the economy.
We have made amazing progress, and it wouldn't have been possible without leadership from the White House, around $20 billion in funding for vaccines from Congress, the dedication of our medical professionals, the hard work of our small businesses that have done so much to keep their employees and their customers safe, and the willingness of so many Americans to literally roll up their sleeves to protect themselves and each other.
It is true that we have a lot more to do, of course. Many families and communities are still struggling to get back on their feet. We need to continue to support our small businesses that have been through so much.
We know that some States and regions are lagging behind on vaccinations for a number of reasons. That is so unfortunate because we know that these vaccinations are safe, they are free to receive, and they are amazingly effective. The numbers prove it.
On January 23, 3,322 Americans died of coronavirus in a single day, and, yesterday, 370 people died of coronavirus in the United States. Of course, that is still 370 too many lives lost. Each one of those lives was precious, and our hearts are with everyone who is grieving.
There is still a risk that variants will spread and cases could rise again, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, which is why it is so critical that people get vaccinated. It is so important to get vaccinated, not only for yourselves but for your friends, for your neighbors, and for your children.
We have come a long way--a really long way--in the last 6 months. It is really amazing, and it is just in time for the Fourth of July. Americans have a lot to celebrate this Independence Day. It is a day when we give thanks for our Nation and for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and this year we have a few extra freedoms to celebrate: the freedom to get together with friends again, the freedom to eat dinner at a favorite local restaurant, the freedom to attend a live music event or go to a movie, the freedom to live our lives with a lot less fear--a lot less fear--and the freedom to give our loved ones a hug. And I know I am cherishing every hug I can give my 95-year-old mom.
All of these freedoms are thanks to science and an administration that believes in science, and the willingness of Americans to trust the science.
To my fellow Americans, thank you for that.
Thank you to our President, and happy Fourth of July.
I yield the floor.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Cortez Masto). The majority leader is recognized.
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