October 30, 2020

Dear Friends,

Today Republicans in the House of Representatives introduced H.R. 14, the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act, which focuses on increasing COVID-19 testing capacity, preparing for a vaccine, and deploying more resources to the American people. I cosponsored this legislation which incorporates several bills I have worked on or cosponsored:

• H.R. 5199, the ECHO Act- Improving health outcomes by extending telehealth and technology-enabled collaborative learning for health care providers
• H.R. 2862, the VACCINES Act- Informing Americans about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines
• H.R. 6701, Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act- Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to study the short- and long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on recovered individuals
• H.R. 1646, HERO Act- Supporting mental health programs for frontline health care providers and first responders
• H.R. 7574, the Strengthening America’s Strategic National Stockpile Act- Increasing funds for the Strategic National Stockpile so that the US is more prepared for future public health emergencies
• H.R. 4995, Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act- Addressing COVID-19 health disparities for pregnant women, minorities and rural Americans

National Updates
The Food and Drug Administration developed a list of essential medicines and medical countermeasures that are critical to have on hand for future public health emergency preparedness.

The Department of Health and Human Services increased transparency of hospital capacity data by publishing recent data for government officials and visitors to view.

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated information on payments made under the Accelerated and Advance Payments Programs.

Until next time, this is your doctor’s note.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.