John,

Over the last 14 months, the Biden administration has overseen the successful distribution of COVID vaccines, testing and treatments, improving our response and preparedness in combating this deadly disease. But now, the funds previously allocated by Congress are running out.

The White House has indicated that it will be unable to provide vaccines, testing and treatment for uninsured individuals by early April and, starting tomorrow, it will be forced to stop taking new treatment and testing claims.

We’ve heard that a second booster shot may be needed for older people, but as of right now the federal government has not allocated the funds necessary to purchase those additional doses.

And, this month, state supplies of monoclonal antibody treatments will be cut by more than 30% if no action is taken.

Write to your members of Congress and urge them to immediately pass additional emergency COVID spending to ensure we have the tools necessary to combat current and emerging variants.

The deaths and long-term illness caused by the pandemic are tragic. Now the prevention and treatment available can save many lives; it is unthinkable that Congress would delay or deny life-saving funding.

In addition to the need to take action here at home, we’re seeing new variants popping up around the globe including in Germany. And, China is seeing a new surge in cases. For both humanitarian and self-serving reasons, the billions of dollars for global vaccine distribution must not be delayed.

Write to your members of Congress and urge them to immediately pass a COVID supplemental spending bill to continue the distribution of vaccines, tests and treatments at home and abroad.

We cannot wait for the next surge in cases for Congress to act. By then, our response will be hampered and hospitals will be overwhelmed.

Thank you,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs