Washington, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR), Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Republican Leader Brett Guthrie (R-KY) released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released states’ COVID-19 testing plans for the months of May and June as required by the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act of 2020.
“We are pleased by HHS’s ongoing efforts to be transparent with information about their COVID-19 response. From releasing these testing plans to sharing a detailed accounting of Provider Relief Fund disbursements, it’s important Congress and the American people can easily access this information and data. States best understand their unique circumstances and needs on the ground, and that is why they need these tailored plans - not a one size fits all plan dictated by Washington. Federal and state governments partnering in this way is the underpinning of our nation’s public health system, and this data will help the federal government identify what resources are needed where, especially as we strive to increase testing capacity around the country. We thank the department for providing this information and hope they will continue to release these testing plans as soon as is practicable," said Walden, Burgess and Guthrie.
Earlier today, HHS released states’ testing plans for the months of May and June.
Plans for July through December are due to the department today.
Last month, E&C Republicans released a report on issues related to COVID-19 testing and surveillance, including recommendations for the Congress, Executive Branch, and the states.
