Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a steadfast ally of the men and women serving in the federal government, I rise in support of H.R. 6087, the…”

“As a steadfast ally of the men and women serving in the federal government, I rise in support of H.R. 6087, the ``Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act.'' This bill allows for injured federal workers to consult with nurse practitioners or physician assistants for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries covered by workers' compensation. H.R. 6087 will make a needed correction to the Federal Employees Compensation Act, increasing the accessibility of healthcare for nearly three million federal employees. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants represent a growing portion of American primary care providers, especially for medically underserved communities. We must prioritize the needs of our invaluable federal workers. Lowering the bureaucratic obstacles blocking federal workers' access to benefits is a necessary measure to protect them. When Congress has an opportunity to remedy real-world issues with bipartisan action, especially when it improves the lives of government employees, it is our responsibility to act. H.R. 6087 is especially critical in the face of the increasing workplace risks associated with COVID-19, in which situation an expanded list of approved medical providers can help fill the coverage gap. The pandemic has already stressed the health and wellbeing of federal workers. Amending the Federal Employees Compensation Act is imperative to lessen that burden.…”