Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), member of the House Rules Committee and Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health released the following statement after the House passed a Supplemental Emergency Funding Package to combat the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

“The coronavirus has infected over 90,000 individuals in at least 72 nations,” Burgess said. “This funding is essential to ensure that public health workers have the tools they need to continue their efforts.”

“Much like politics, public health is mostly local and executed on the ground by our hospitals, health departments, and emergency responders. They are our front lines in addressing infectious diseases, disasters, and threats.

“It is important for us to remain vigilant. Know the symptoms, especially if you are traveling. If you suspect that you might be sick, seek medical treatment immediately to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“There are still a lot of unknowns with this virus, and things will continue to change by the minute; however, voting yes for this funding allows for adequate public health preparedness and response.”

Last year, Congress reauthorized the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAPHA). PAPHA puts forward a plan to improve the Nation's public health preparedness and response capabilities during emergencies such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters. The response efforts to the Coronavirus outbreak have shown that this legislation is working, and our public health system has adapted and improved since the Zika and Ebola responses.

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