On the recordMarch 5, 2021
and colleagues, the number of COVID-19 deaths among nursing home residents and staff is tragic. That is why President Biden's and the Democrats' plan goes forward with an investment in preventing nursing home infections and deaths, including more PPE strike teams to address infections, testing, contact tracing, and more. We take a backseat to no one when it comes to timely and accurate reporting in COVID-19 cases, and deaths will continue to ensure such reporting. However, it would be a grave mistake to hold hostage this badly needed support for strike teams to ensure residents' and employees' safety in nursing home facilities. These funds are essential to helping ensure the safety of seniors and staff that are at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This amendment, colleagues, is punitive, and it doesn't further the goal of transparency. It would hurt the very people we seek to protect. I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. I urge my colleagues to do the same.
