In case you missed it, Speaker Nancy Pelosi extended proxy voting, and the House Democratic Leadership is still mandating masks on the House Floor and in committee rooms, regardless of vaccination status. The GOP Doctors Caucus issued a statement condemning these guidelines and explaining how they hurt public trust that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
I urged all House Members to support the Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and the Caucus’ privileged House Resolution calling for the House of Representatives to return to normal. Also, I told Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria about an April 21st letter the Caucus sent asking Speaker Pelosi to trust the science and return the House of Representatives to regular order. Isolating Members and requiring masks prevents Members from building and strengthening relationships.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance to state that those who are fully vaccinated can resume normal activities without wearing a mask and social distancing.
National Update:
Sanofi and GSKannounced interim Phase Two results for their COVID-19 vaccine, which produced a positive immune response.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) distributed $3 billion for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Program and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program.
The Food and Drug Administrationauthorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine to be stored in refrigerators for longer periods of time. Thawed Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines may now be stored in refrigerators for one month, as opposed to the previously authorized 5 days.
North Texas Update:
Gov. Abbott announced that over 20 million COVID-19 vaccines doses have been administered.
Until next time, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
