Fighting for Critical COVID-19 Testing and PPE Supplies

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis recently held a hearing to discuss our nation’s efforts to procure, stockpile, and distribute critical supplies. Even as China hoarded global supplies, Americans across the country have been working around the clock to ramp up production of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Throughout this pandemic, I’ve worked closely with our local hospitals and other providers to help them get the critical supplies they’ve needed to serve our communities and to try to resolve supply chain issues they have. This pandemic has shown us that we need to bring the manufacturing of critical testing and PPE supplies back to the United States from China. Our health professionals on the front line are true heroes, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to assist them as they care for and serve our community.

Click here to watch my full remarks, including 5 facts you should know about the COVID-19 response.

A Victory for Religious Freedom

Our country was founded upon the principle of religious freedom. It is morally and constitutionally wrong for the government to force any American citizen to do something against their religious beliefs, especially when it comes to the sanctity of life. This week, a tremendous wrong against the Little Sisters of the Poor has been made right with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that the Little Sisters of the Poor cannot be forced to provide free birth control to their employees by the government.

I was proud to join my colleagues in both the House and Senate in an amicus brief supporting the Little Sisters of the Poor’s right to exercise their freedom of religion. The Affordable Care Act, or any heavy government mandate, must first and foremost respect the religious liberty of all Americans, an inalienable right that is central to our very identity as a nation.

Community Updates

• This week, the EPA approved two additional products as effective in killing the Coronavirus on surfaces. The products include Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist. Click here for a full list of approved disinfectants for use against COVID-19.
  
  
• The Trump Administration continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. is now performing over 600,000 COVID-19 tests per day while distributing record amounts of PPE so our healthcare heroes can safely treat patients. Additionally, the Strategic National Stockpile has approximately 39,035 total ventilators available.
  
  
• Several healthcare facilities, hospitals, and clinics continue to offer COVID-19 testing in the New Orleans region. Click here to find a testing location that is convenient for you.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.


God Bless,