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COVID-19 Update

Dear Friend—

I know these are trying times, and my heart goes out to all Iowans who may be struggling. I encourage everyone to look out for one another. Iowans are resilient, and we are going to get through this together. 

Please continue to visit my website for information on COVID-19, and if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. 

I’ve spent the week hearing from Iowans across the state—including small business owners, health care workers, farmers, hotel owners, bankers, and transportation industry leaders. I’m continuing to bring their concerns to the table as we work to get them the immediate relief they need.

We’ve already provided additional resources to our federal, state, and local partners and health officials through the first bipartisan package—the Phase 1 package. And this week, in Phase 2, we secured relief specifically for families, workers, and seniors across our nation, by addressing the issue of paid sick leave, free COVID-19 diagnostic testing, and additional nutrition support for our children and our seniors. But our work is not done yet.

Listening to Iowans, Making Their Voices Heard

It’s so important in a time of crisis that we’re working in a coordinated effort—from federal, state, and local officials to members of our business community and private sector—to support Iowans across the state.

Last weekend, I met with Governor Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, and other state officials, as well as spoke with a number of Iowa grocers at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Camp Dodge, to receive a firsthand update on the efforts of the governor and her team and discussed the needs and concerns of local grocers from across the state of Iowa.

This week, I held a telephone town hall, where I had the opportunity to connect with thousands of Iowans from across the state to discuss COVID-19 and the work I’m doing at the federal level to address it.

Click here or on the image above for a video discussing my telephone town hall.

In addition, I’ve hosted a number of phone calls with small business owners, health care professionals, farmers and producers, economic development leaders, bankers, and Iowans from all backgrounds, industries, and places across the state to hear from them during this challenging time.

Calling for Immediate Action to Bring Iowans Abroad Home

I’ve heard from Iowans abroad—stranded in Peru and elsewhere—and my staff is in direct contact with officials at the State Department and are working on solutions and supporting the Administration in its efforts to find ways to get these people home. 

I sent a letter to the State Department urging him to act quickly to ensure the health and safety of these Americans.

Supporting Those on the Front Lines of the Pandemic

One big concern I’ve heard from Iowa’s health care community is the need for additional relief and support. Right now as we work through this Phase 3 package, I’m urging my Senate colleagues to prioritize those who are on the front lines of this crisis: our hospitals, community health centers, rural health clinics, and the countless health workers who are, at this very moment, caring for and treating COVID-19 patients.

One of the primary concerns of these health care providers is the need for additional masks and personal protective equipment. 

And right now, there’s more than $350 million in unused cash sitting around in the obsolete and outdated Presidential Election Campaign Fund. This is simple. We should immediately move that money to where it’s critically needed: let’s put it toward more masks and personal protective equipment for the health care workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic. 

That’s why I introduced a bill to redirect the money sitting in the unused, outdated presidential election fund to purchase specialized face masks and other personal protective equipment. 

The Washington Times covered my bill

As we work through this next phase of the federal response, we must remember that we are only going to be as successful as our health efforts allow. Let’s come together – as Democrats and Republicans – and heed the call of our hospitals and health care workers who need additional personal protective equipment and direct financial assistance. They always have our back; let’s make sure we have theirs when they need it most.

All Hands on Deck

Folks, as I’ve said before, tackling COVID-19 is going to take an all hands on deck effort. I continue to urge my fellow Americans to work together to mitigate the spread and to find ways to support folks in Iowa and across the country who have been adversely impacted.

YOU can do YOUR part and make sure your neighbors, the elderly, and others who are vulnerable are taken care of as we work through this pandemic.

Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.

For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Thank you!