Political Quotes

“Mr. President, over the last several weeks, the world has watched closely as the coronavirus has spread from China to more than 100 countries around the world. Since this rapid spread began--before cases were discovered in at least 35 States, including the District of Columbia--folks in my hometown of San Antonio were already providing topnotch care for Americans evacuated from Wuhan Province overseas with suspected exposure. From the first evacuees from China to more than 120 passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, to those who will soon arrive from the Grand Princess cruise ship, the dedicated healthcare professionals in San Antonio have been operating--have been hitting on all cylinders. So far, Lackland Air Force Base has been used to quarantine 235 evacuees, with hundreds more to arrive in the coming days. I must say, they have done a good job of managing this rapidly evolving situation, but that is not to say there haven't been challenges. A few weeks ago, I organized a meeting with officials from the city of San Antonio, including the mayor and two city council persons, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Defense Department, to discuss the ongoing mission and any concerns the city might have. Anytime officials at every level of government are working together--whether it is in response to a natural disaster or a public health emergency--coordination is key.…”