Congressman Crenshaw here,

As the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, I wanted to focus this message on helpful information regarding this pandemic and the federal government's response.

First and foremost, if you suspect that you or a family member may be sick, please carefully review and follow the instructions issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

Frequently Asked Questions

My offices have been receiving a lot of messages from Texans who have questions regarding the coronavirus. I answered some of the top questions I’ve received, and encourage you to continue to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns you may have. Click here for answers to those questions.

Congressional Action

While there is much work ahead of us, it’s important to note that Congress has taken decisive action to address the crisis.  Last year, with my support, Congress passed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (H.R. 269), which strengthened public health security and bolstered our preparedness for pandemics, like coronavirus.

Additionally, the House passed the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074) with my support, which was subsequently signed into law by the President and provides $8.3 billion to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

This week, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), which I voted to pass through the House. This bill ensures free testing for the virus and provides for a system of paid sick leave for many workers.

Questions About Testing

While these are important first steps, many Texans have questioned why so few tests are available and why testing was unavailable when the virus was initially detected.  After addressing production shortfalls and bureaucratic red tape, there is now progress in rapidly expanding coronavirus testing across the nation and making sure Americans who need tests have access. The Trump Administration is working with the private sector to increase the number of tests, including many drive-through testing collection sites in critical areas impacted by the coronavirus. 

The Department of Health and Human Services also just announced that a community-based testing site will open in Houston starting today, March 20. The testing site is located at Butler Stadium, 13755 S Main St, Houston, TX 77035. The site location was selected in close partnership with state public health officials and will be run by local authorities. The community-based test sites will be operated by state and local officials with support from the federal government. Consult with state public health authorities to confirm who is eligible to be tested at this site. Individuals going to be tested should bring identification and their insurance card, if applicable. You can find more information here: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

State Actions

There are also important actions being taken to mitigate this crisis within the district.  For example, Governor Abbott has declared an emergency across Texas and has taken a number of steps to rapidly deploy public health resources.  In addition, in Harris County and the City of Houston, our hospitals are working on expanding capacity through delaying elective surgeries and finding alternative sites to do testing and assessment for patients who might be infected.  For information on community resources and for call centers  you can reach with questions, please go to: http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus

Small Businesses

I have received questions from small business owners about how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will help small businesses. Click here to find answers to those questions.

Many people are also very concerned with the impact this outbreak will have on our economy.  I stand by ready to support our workers and small businesses that are impacted.  As in previous disasters, the Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide some assistance, and their Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program website is up and running to accept claims at: https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/.  

Small businesses are the heart of our community and they need our support now more than ever. You can do this safely by ordering takeout from a local restaurant, like I did this week. To find more helpful tips on how to support our local job creators during this difficult time, please click here.

We Will Get Through This

This is a crisis that impacts all of us, but I am confident that we will triumph as a nation.  I will continue to work to ensure we defeat this disease and I will do what’s necessary to keep the American people safe.  

I encourage you to stay up-to-date at my website: https://crenshaw.house.gov/coronavirus-resources/.  You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook at @RepDanCrenshaw, where I will be posting updates as the situation unfolds.

It is a privilege to serve you in Congress.

ICYMI

Don't miss my latest "Hold These Truths" podcast! Find all episodes here. Wall Street Journal: You Have Coronavirus Questions, We Have Answers Austin American-Statesman: Fact-check: Did FDA regulations slow testing for coronavirus? Houston Chronicle: Texas congressmen ask Interior to cut Gulf oil, gas royalties