WASHINGTON, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) questioned officials from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about ongoing efforts to expand COVID-19 testing capacity around the country. Walden, a member of President Trump’s bipartisan task force on reopening the economy, raised the issue with HHS officials during a teleconference this afternoon.
Walden released the following statement after assurances from the Trump administration that testing expansion continues to be a priority.
“Medical experts, including Drs. Fauci and Birx, have said that we must dramatically increase our testing capacity in order to provide sound data to track COVID-19, identify and treat patients, and to inform policymakers as they take steps to safely reopen our economy. Clearly, our testing capacity, resources, and supplies have lagged behind that need. Congress has provided unprecedented levels of funding and our nation’s health professionals are racing to close the gap. I’m confident that we will. In the meantime, we need to be smart with what we have, continually reevaluate testing strategies and guidelines to have optimal impact, and support the private sector as they innovate and adapt to help us meet this challenge," said Walden.
