Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act of 2020

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act is well- intentioned legislation.

First, let me send my deepest condolences to Chai's family. He sounds like such a beloved person. I am sure Chai is greatly missed.

Each and every COVID-19-related tragedy is a stark reminder of the preciousness of life. America has faced astonishing challenges over the last 6 months with this global struggle.

As the Nation's largest employer, the Federal Government has offices and employees across the Nation in every State and territory. There are unprecedented challenges facing our Federal workforce and the management of our government's many facilities. Every single State and territory is working overtime to operate under a disruptive emergency declaration.

The work of our Federal agencies' diverse workforce is more critical than ever, and they are working around the clock. It is critical that the Federal agencies have stepped up to the plate to answer the calls for help.

President Trump and his team at the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management should be commended for issuing timely directives that gave agencies the necessary guidance and flexibility to accomplish their missions.

The requirements of this bill may duplicate planned administration and agency actions. Therefore, the bill could have benefited from further committee work to avoid potential duplication. However, H.R. 7340 is well intentioned, and I support governmentwide transparency.

I have heard my colleague, Mr. Connolly, speak passionately about Mr. Chai, about his character and his passion for working with children, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues that knew him so well.

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Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further comments on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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