Washington, D.C. - House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivered the following remarks in today’s Health subcommittee hearing on long-haul coronavirus patients and related research.
Excerpts and highlights from her prepared remarks:
THE PROBLEMS LONG-HAULERS FACE
“The long-term effects of COVID-19 that some patients are experiencing is incredibly concerning.
“Many patients have reported ‘long-hauler’ symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations and chest pains, shortness of breath, and impaired memory. Some have even experienced mental illness, such as psychosis.
“A University of Washington study found that nearly one-third of COVID-19 patients have reported symptoms that can persist for several months.
“This alarming statistic highlights the sheer scale of the potential next wave of this pandemic.
“We must have a better understanding about the causes and treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms.
“I’m grateful that because of the success of Operation Warp Speed and the historic public-private partnerships, America led to develop safe and effective vaccines that are key to beating this pandemic and restoring our way of life.
“The COVID-19 vaccines-and getting them in the arms of every American who wants them-are vital for prevention and stopping people from become long-haulers in the first place."
JOE’S STORY
“The Seattle Times recently shared Joe’s story in my district.
“He was infected with COVID-19 last year and has a pre-existing lung disease that subsided with treatment.
“Inflammation from the virus devastated his lungs, brought his underlying condition back, and caused irreversible damage.
“He said, ‘I went from being able to walk a mile quite easily, to barely being able to walk to the restroom with oxygen.’
“Now, a lung transplant is his only option.
“Unfortunately, there is no diagnostic mechanism for long COVID and there are limited treatment options.
“While there are still outstanding questions about this phenomenon, health providers and researchers across the country including, many in my state of Washington are working hard to investigate this poorly understood condition."
STUDIES IN WASHINGTON STATE
“Researchers at Seattle’s Institute for Systems Biology are collaborating with local health care providers to study and detect viral fragments of infection through blood tests.
“The purpose of the study is to learn more about the virus, how the body fights it, and the impact of infection on different organs.
“Other experts in my state are part of the INSPIRE study, which is a national collaboration conducting applied research to investigate the long-term outcomes of COVID-19.
“I am encouraged by this American leadership and ingenuity, and I am hopeful that medical experts will soon be able to deliver hope to patients who so desperately need it."
WE MUST PROVIDE RELIEF TO THESE PATIENTS
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the lives of so many Americans.
“As we safely and responsibly reopen and get a vaccine to every American who wants one, we cannot lose sight of the toll COVID19 has on long-hauler patients.
“As we work to crush this pandemic, these patients deserve answers and the best care possible.
“I am looking to learning more today about what needs to be done to help provide relief for patients experiencing these debilitating symptoms."
