Testifying before U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on China Lawsuit
Yesterday, I testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on holding China accountable for the coronavirus pandemic. Mississippi has faced and
continues to face devastating consequences as a result of the pandemic. Over the course of three months, we have seen 22,898 cases and 989
deaths. At its height in May, over 208,000 Mississippians filed for unemployment benefits.
The people of Mississippi have suffered tremendous loss, and we believe that much of this loss could have been avoided had China acted as a more
responsible global citizen. They must be held accountable for:
(1) Keeping the world in the dark about the true nature of this public health crisis
(2) Using that time to hoard masks and other personal protective equipment
(3) When the rest of the world eventually needed them, selling defective or substandard PPE at inflated costs
We believe there is more than ample evidence that China engaged in commercial activities, which is an exception to the Foreign Sovereign Immunities
Act (FSIA), which allows us to seek justice in the U.S. Courts. But we also encourage Congress to continue considering the addition of coronavirus-specific
exceptions to the FSIA to allow states and citizens to have their day in court. We will not turn a diplomatic blind eye but will use whatever
tools we have at our disposal to seek justice. China needs to know we’re going to hold them accountable.
To read my entire testimony, clickhere.
You can also watch yesterday’s hearing at thislink.
Proud to partner with Uber to help victims of domestic and sexual assault
This month, my office partnered with Uber to provide free rides to help organizations that provide assistance to domestic and sexual assault victims.
The CDC says one in 4 women and one in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their
lifetime.
I want to thank Uber for partnering with us to provide hope, dignity, and care for victims when they need it most.
Mississippians helping Mississippians
The backbone of Mississippi’s economy is its small businesses, and those small businesses have been severely impacted by COVID-19. However,
help is available through the Mississippi 30 Day Fund, which is founded by lifelong Mississippians Brian and Marie Sanderson.
The fund offers up to $3,000 in forgivable loans to qualified small businesses. In order to apply, businesses must employ three to 30 people, be
based in Mississippi and operational for at least a year, and must be owned and operated by a Mississippi resident.
For application information or to read more about the fund, visit ms30dayfund.com.
Salute to the Class of 2020
Recently, I participated in WLBT’s ‘Senior Salute’ series for the Class of 2020. This class experienced an unprecedented conclusion to their
graduating year, but I hope this experience shows them they can get through any of life’s challenges. Congratulations, Class of 2020!
Click the box below to view the full video.
