With the approval this week of an to fund a comprehensive response to the coronavirus threat, the House of Representatives has shown the capacity to work collaboratively on behalf of the American people. If there’s one topic on which both the left and the right can agree, it is the need to protect human lives.
This is a time to set aside our divisions and unite on behalf of a worldwide effort. Utah has already begun to do what we do best. We are coming together to stand behind residents affected by the virus and to stand at the forefront of the research effort.
My office has been in contact with three Utah residents exposed to the virus on a cruise ship to ensure they are receiving the best possible care. John and Melanie Haering and Jerri Jorgensen have enjoyed an outpouring of support as they recover.
On the research front, Utah companies are working quickly to deploy cutting edge tools to detect and treat this disease. Utah’s Navigen Pharmaceuticals is leading out on developing treatment options. Other Utah companies like Co-Diagnostics and BioFire Diagnostics are actively engaged in efforts to roll out faster, more effective diagnostic testing. America’s innovative private sector will be aided by changes in FDA processes that expedite the approval process for new tests and treatments.
Working together, we can minimize the impact of this virus. With federal funding for testing, research, vaccine development and local community support, we have given President Trump the tools he needs to mount an effective response and prevent a public health crisis.
In this presidential election year, it is tempting for some to weaponize the fear generated by a new and unknown virus in the service of political goals. But as an appropriator working together with Democrats and Republicans to allocate important resources in this fight, I am proud to say most of my colleagues are serious about confronting this threat to prevent a crisis.
In response to a request from President Trump, I joined my colleagues to allocate funds for our nation’s coronavirus response. In my role on the House Appropriations Committee, I constantly fight for responsibly allocating taxpayer dollars. This emergency funding has guardrails to ensure that the funds will only be used to address this public health crisis.
The funding package includes $4 billion for diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccine research and development. Nearly $1 billion is specifically aimed at response efforts at the state and local levels. Half of those funds will be distributed in the next month.
Though we can’t guarantee the virus will not spread its way through Utah, I am confident that our residents will be prepared and proactive in their response to any threat. With funding in place, I believe we are prepared to mitigate the threat and work toward effective solutions.
May this effort be one of many in which Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives work together to address problems and find solutions together.
U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart represents Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.