Gohmert Provides Coronavirus Update (COVID-19) in United States Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) released the following statement on his and Congress’ status regarding the Coronavirus:

“As reported earlier this week, I attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C. on February 27th.  A person who is confirmed to have attended the opening festivities of the conference the night before which I did not, and who may or may not have been present when I was there to give a speech, later tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

After speaking at length last weekend with doctors from the Capitol’s Attending Physician and a top medical doctor at the Center for Disease Control (CDC), I heeded the advice to return to work in Washington because I was not exhibiting any symptoms whatsoever of the virus. Even though it is now not clear at all whether I had any exposure to COVID-19, it has now been over 14 days and I have remained completely asymptomatic. 

Here in D.C. I was examined by the Attending Physician’s office and after consulting together, the healthcare professionals there declined to do the full COVID-19 test because I exhibited no symptoms.

In any event based on a significant amount of information from some of the best physicians and healthcare providers in the country, it is still very good advice for anyone who has any pre-existing health conditions, especially lung conditions, to be careful to limit public exposure, to observe very constant hygienic protocols such as regular washing or sanitizing of hands, as well as limiting contact with people if you yourself exhibit any symptoms at all of the COVID-19. 

Last week Congress appropriated approximately $8 billion to address the need for current and future healthcare needs including vaccines, medications, and all forms of healthcare itself to address, mitigate, and hopefully eliminate problems with and from COVID-19 for the next few years. 

At the current time, the Democrat majority leadership in the House has taken very limited input from its own Members and virtually none from the Republicans and wants to spend perhaps one hundred billion dollars or more for a government takeover of personal as well as private business decisions and control.         

Hopefully, we can get at least some of the good stimulus ideas the President has proposed including the income tax holiday I proposed 12 years ago as an alternative to avoid rewarding Wall Street firms whose policies brought us to the brink of ruin since I wanted to send help where it was needed. That plan simply allows people to keep their own tax money rather than send it to Washington for a limited period of time, and my plan was paid for from funds already appropriated.      

Since we have appropriated money to deal with the healthcare aspects of COVID-19, some of us suggested we should stay in Washington until we can work out an appropriate solution for economic issues the virus may create, which should not include a government takeover of the personal lives of our citizens. Whether that will be done remains to be seen. The Speaker has indicated she does not plan to be in Washington tomorrow/Friday regardless of whether an actual solution is reached.” 

As a reminder of what we have been told by healthcare professionals, these symptoms of Coronavirus (respiratory illness caused by a new virus) may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Fever

• Cough/sore throat

• Shortness of breath

We have also been told that if anyone exhibits symptoms of the Coronavirus, call your doctor or healthcare facility before traveling to their location, so you can receive instructions on what is the best course of action for you to take. For most Americans who may contract this virus, it is not fatal. It will cause the individual to feel miserable as with a respiratory flu. But check with your doctor if you have any symptoms.

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