On the recordMarch 4, 2020
Just returning from my district, I am well aware of the sense of concern of our constituents regarding the coronavirus, having been the first Member to present this to her community after unclassified briefings left me with many more answers. I believe it is imperative that we not panic, but prepare. In San Antonio, this headline reads: ``San Antonio declares emergency after CDC released a woman infected with the coronavirus: `Totally unacceptable.' '' ``Coronavirus: You may need to take a 2-week break from your life,'' CDC says. I am intending to introduce legislation that deals with hourly wage makers in order to protect them if such happens. But I think it is important, as well, to determine what equipment we have in the United States, to explain to the American people that there are now two strains--one more deadly than the other--and to be as forthright as you possibly can. Information provides opportunity to prepare, and it embraces all of the community. Finally, it is important that local health departments have test kits and that we explain to the Nation that a vaccine is not easily done. It has to be researched, tested, and vetted, and there will be a period of time. So our actions should be preparation and prevention, not panic; but the reality is that we are dealing with something enormously serious, and I intend to continue to do that on behalf of my constituents. ____________________
