Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today after President Biden signed ten executive orders to contain the COVID-19 crisis:
“As our nation mourns the loss of more than 400,000 Americans, President Biden is taking immediate and decisive action to correct the course of our nation’s strategy to contain and ultimately bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a welcome change from the Trump Administration, which downplayed the severity of the virus, pushed responsibility to the states, disregarded scientific expertise, and actively undermined public health officials.
“Taken together, today’s executive actions will improve equitable vaccine distribution, expand access to testing, and effectively utilize the Defense Production Act to ensure continued access to sufficient medical supplies and personal protective equipment necessary for testing and vaccination. President Biden also directed the establishment of a task force to address racial inequities, acted to protect frontline workers, bolstered assistance to states and Tribes, and created a framework to safely reopen our schools and businesses.
“Today’s actions come after President Biden yesterday rejoined the World Health Organization, encouraged widespread use of masks to prevent the spread of the virus, and created a new White House COVID-19 response team.
“I applaud President Biden’s bold efforts to meet this moment and put in place a strong federal strategy for COVID-19. As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I look forward to working together with the new Administration to provide the resources and support needed to bring an end to this terrible crisis so that the American people can finally begin to return to normal patterns of life."
