John,
I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy these days. There has been no shortage of news over the past couple of weeks, as we’ve seen the world as we know it change in drastic ways. But if there is one thing that I want you to know, it’s that I remain as committed as ever to fight for the safety and wellbeing of all Delawareans.
In case you missed it, here are some of the things I’ve been working on over the last week:
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Last Wednesday, I was appointed to the President’s bipartisan congressional task force to safely reopen the economy. I will work to ensure that the President and his administration understand the importance of being guided by science and only reopening our economy only when this pandemic is under control.
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I hosted a telephone town hall to answer questions and hear concerns from thousands of Delawareans during this unprecedented time. If I didn’t get to talk to you, don’t worry – there will be more!
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As reports show stark racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and fatalities, I’ve have joined my Democratic colleagues in introducing the Equitable Data Collection and Disclosure on COVID-19 Act – a bill that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to report demographic data, including race and ethnicity, on COVID-19 testing and treatment.
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I’m still working to hold the Trump Administration accountable to address widespread PFAS contamination across the country – last week, I asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address new questions and concerns about apparent efforts to weaken consumer protections for PFAS chemicals in products.
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I slammed the EPA’s decision last week to undermine the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. This egregious rollback will only lead to poorer air quality and worse public health outcomes at a time our country is suffering from a pandemic that attacks our respiratory systems.
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Last week, EPA also decided not to develop stronger, more protective standards for particulate matter (PM) pollution, despite the recent studies that show higher levels of PM pollution are linked to higher levels of COVID-19-related deaths. I joined my colleagues in demanding answers from EPA Administrator Wheeler about this dangerous decision that could put the public at higher risk.
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I urged the Trump Administration to extend work protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients who are vital contributors to our economy and health care workforce.
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I joined Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal in sending a letter to the Trump Administration to ensure that the distribution of coronavirus relief funds is transparent and only serves to benefit the American people – not the wealthy or well-connected.
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I took part in Autism Delaware’s Virtual Walk for Autism. Autism Delaware relies on this event not only to raise awareness, but also to provide support to the organization’s statewide services throughout the year. If you are able to, register here to join the virtual walk or to donate if you are able.
I know we are all facing a difficult time. I will continue working to support Delaware’s families, workers, small businesses and communities, and I will keep sharing updates on what I’m working on. Again, I want to thank you for all that you’re doing to help our states, especially those on the front lines.
Please remember to take time to check in on yourself and to check in on your loved ones. If we continue to work together and support one another, we will be closer to putting this tragic pandemic behind us—and closer to the brighter future ahead of us.
Take care,
Tom
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