Dear Friends,

As news continues to break about thespread of COVID-19, I want to be sure you know where you can find accurate and informative news about protecting yourself and your family from COVID-19. The CDC is an excellent resource, as it is updated daily.

Ways to protect yourself and your family:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Stay home if you are feeling sick.
3. Avoid any unnecessary travel.

Friday morning, I spoke with Steve Doocy from Fox and Friends about Congress's response to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Here are a few highlights:

Congress Needs to Send the Right Message:In fact, Congress was supposed to adjourn yesterday, I am grateful that we didn’t. Of course, we need to stay here until we get this done, even if it takes on into next week. I think the differences are being resolved. It is a little tough because this is a negotiation that’s being handled entirely by the Speaker.

It is Time for a Congressional Hearing:The Energy and Commerce Committee is the premiere technology and research committee of the Congress. We haven’t had hearings on this. We haven’t had any investigatory hearings; we haven’t had any scientific hearings in the health subcommittee. Other committees seem to have managed that, but we haven’t. I hope the Democratic leadership will allow us to have the hearing in the Energy and Commerce Committee because people look to us for that type of leadership.

Remember:America is the engine of innovation. We should be innovating in this space. I know we can, and I know we will. We just need to get started.

We saw that innovation take place with the NIHannouncement that a Phase 1 trial for a COVID-19 vaccine began today.

In the coming days and weeks, I will do my best to keep you up-to-date on this pandemic.

Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.