Dear Alaskans,
As we continue working as a nation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent infection, and develop treatments, I wanted to update you on our work in Congress on this very important issue. Work continues in Washington, D.C., and I hope you will share these very updates with your family, friends, and others in your community. Discussions about the next COVID-19 relief bill continue. I encourage you to stay engaged and let me know what you’d like to see in future legislative packages. As always, click here to contact me. Stay safe, Alaska!
Relief for Alaska’s Seasonal Businesses and Workers
I'm very pleased to share that following the Alaska Delegation's conversations with President Trump and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, the Treasury Department has implemented a rule change that allows the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to better cover Alaska's seasonal tourism industry. In our state, the summer tourism season doesn't start until late-Spring, which would shut many of our seasonal businesses out of the current PPP eligibility window. Because of this rule change, our seasonal businesses now have a full 12-week eligibility window that more accurately reflects the needs of their businesses.
The tourism industry is vital to Alaska's economy, and, like other industries, has been severely impacted by COVID-19. I am deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary Mnuchin for working with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and me to implement this fix to keep Alaskan businesses afloat and employees on the payroll. Click here for more information.
A New COVID-19 Treatment Option
I am encouraged by media reports that the FDA will take swift action to approve the use of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 patients following encouraging scientific trials. Remdesivir shows great promise. Just this week, Dr. Anthony Fauci announced that patients who received Remdesivir had a 31 percent faster recovery compared to those who received a placebo. I applaud the FDA for taking the potential of Remdesivir seriously as patients are currently fighting COVID-19. This new drug gives Americans some much-needed hope, but far too often in the medical supply chain, our rural hospitals take a back seat to larger health care systems in the Lower 48. In March, I led my colleagues on a bipartisan letter to Vice President Pence calling on the creation of a task force that, in-part, would ensure our rural hospitals receive ample supplies of drugs receiving expedited FDA approval, such as Remdesivir. Click here to learn more.
Supporting Alaska’s Fishermen During COVID-19
Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and I recently announced that $20 million in federal support is on its way to stabilize our critical fishing industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and severely impacted industries throughout our economy, including Alaska's vibrant seafood sector. The decision by the USDA to purchase $20 million of Alaska Pollock is welcome news for the thousands of fishermen, processors, and families whose livelihoods depend on a strong, stable seafood market. Click here to learn more about this vital aid.
Expanding Broadband Access for Alaskans
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of broadband access for our communities, schools, and health care providers. We must work so that those in our rural areas can have access to the connectivity they need to keep their families safe and give them a semblance of normalcy. With our schools, work, and social interactions moving largely online, we must be doing all we can to close the digital divide at this critical time. I introduced the Universal Broadband Act with my good friend Congressman Collin Peterson to help ensure that Alaska’s families can stay connected. Click here to read more about our bill.
Thank a Nurse
This week, we recognized National Nurses Day. Each and every day, nurses across our country are risking their own safety to keep our communities safe from COVID-19. Amid this unprecedented public health crisis, I hope you’ll join me in taking a moment to thank a nurse in your life for the work they do on our behalf. My wife Anne is herself a nurse, which makes my appreciation and respect for these brave frontline workers even stronger. May God Bless our nation’s nurses and keep them safe!
Sincerely,
Don Young
Congressman for All Alaska
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