On the recordMarch 10, 2020
I have always said that the role of the Federal Government is an umbrella on a rainy or stormy day. The Nation now faces the storm of coronavirus, and we should be the umbrella and be prepared and not panic. It is imperative that we provide widespread information on just the basics of how Americans can care for themselves. I have organized a bipartisan task force on the coronavirus that includes an emergency doctor with experience, Dr. Ruiz from California, and our colleague, Congressman Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania. We want to emphasize an opportunity for Members to talk about the issues within their congressional districts and try to ensure that the American people are well taken care of. Unfortunately, the administration got a very slow start. In a hearing that we just had, one State had the ability to test only 472 people; another State had the ability to test only 350. Obviously, we need to be able to ramp up the number of test kits to help the American people, and we need the equipment to protect our medical professionals. Madam Speaker, I end by saying, as hospitals face a crisis and clinics face a crisis, the American people must look to the Federal Government to do their job correctly. ____________________
