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 President Trump declared a National Emergency and the House passed H.R. 6201: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

“In front of the nation in the White House Rose Garden, the President took action by declaring a National Emergency,” Burgess said. “This action was a strong statement that shows the serious nature of this pandemic and outlined actions that the Administration is taking to ensure a rapid and all-inclusive response.”

“The House of Representatives also took action by passing the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. As community spread of this novel coronavirus is becoming more prevalent in the United States, it is important for Congress to address the impact this is having on our communities.

“There are still many unknowns about this novel coronavirus, but it is clear that the effect on public health and the economy will be negative and potentially substantial. I do wish that the process of assembling this package was more transparent and that it would have included a policy to strengthen the equivalent of our National Guard, but for public health. The inclusion of H.R. 4870, the United States Public Health Service Modernization Act of 2019, would have allowed our Ready Reserve Corps to be paid retirement benefits, further incentivizing participation in this uniformed service of public health professionals that assist in public health crises.

“We all want to provide our country with the necessary resources to respond to this novel coronavirus, and that is why I voted in favor of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This package will provide access to coronavirus testing at zero cost to Americans and economic relief for our workforce in the face of this pandemic.”

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