Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) released the following statement highlighting their firm commitment to continue supporting Governor Sisolak and Nevada state and local officials, and ensuring local health authorities have the test kits and medical supplies they need following President Trump’s announcement of a state of emergency due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, the Senators emphasized their shared goals of protecting businesses and workers, and helping Nevadans to be prepared and informed about how they can best protect their loved ones and communities.
“We’d like to thank the frontline health providers, public health professionals at the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services, the local health districts, Governor Sisolak, and our state and local leaders for their continued dedication to ensuring our communities are informed and protected. President Trump’s announcement today will free up vital funding for states to be able to address the growing public health crisis in our communities,” said the Senators. “We will continue fighting in the Senate on behalf of Nevadans to ensure all patients receive the care they need, to protect all our seniors and other vulnerable populations, and to make sure that our state is getting the tests and medical supplies that we need in Nevada to track and control this pandemic.
The Senators continued, “Once that certainty is provided, we’re looking at how we provide relief at the federal level for working families and individuals who may face economic uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We’re making sure that Congress is looking out for everybody: our small businesses, our vital gaming, tourism and outdoor recreation industries, and most importantly our amazing Nevada families; and our workers in service and hospitality industries and other impacted sectors across the Silver State.
“We know the disruption and confusion the coronavirus pandemic is inflicting on the lives of families and on the operations of businesses and local school districts across Nevada. For many Nevadans, the sudden and scary onset of this pandemic has been jarring and frustrating. We’re in the Senate fighting to make sure our Governor gets every tool he needs to protect you. And both of us will continue to work together, and with our colleagues in the federal delegation, to ensure you’re getting the help you need,” the Senators concluded.
BACKGROUND:
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen encourage concerned Nevadans to remember to prepare and prevent, not panic, and to reach out to their offices by going to their websites at cortezmasto.senate.gov and rosen.senate.gov; or contact their state office’s for Cortez Masto and Rosen.
In addition, the Senators recently supported a bipartisan $8.3 billion coronavirus supplemental funding package in the Senate, which provided:
- Over $3 billion for research, development, and review of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to help protect the health and safety of the American people;
- Over $2 billion to help federal, state, local, and tribal governments prevent, prepare, and respond to the crisis;
- $1.25 billion to combat coronavirus overseas to prevent and respond to wider spread of the virus;
- Nearly $1 billion for health care preparedness including pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for public health agencies and safety net providers;
- $1 billion in loan subsidies that would provide $7 billion in low-interest loans for small businesses impacted by financial losses as a result of the coronavirus outbreak;
- An emergency telehealth waiver to enable telehealth services during this public health emergency, allowing Medicare beneficiaries to receive care from physicians and other practitioners in their homes. This provision is estimated to cost $500 million over 10 years.
The Senators encourage concerned Nevadans to also visit the new “Nevada Health Response” website, unveiled by Governor Sisolak yesterday to find the most up-to-date information, guidance, and news pertaining to COVID-19 at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/.
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have supported legislation and signed onto letters on a host of issues related to coronavirus and its impact on Nevada communities including:
- Co-sponsored the Free COVID-19 Testing Act, which would expand free tests to confirm coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.
- A letter to the department of Health and Human Services asking Secretary Azar to fulfill Governor Sisolak’s request for additional test kits.
- A letter urging regulators to provide guidance to financial regulators and trade groups asking our nation’s financial sector to prepare for the likely impacts of the coronavirus and take steps to protect consumers who may suffer financially as a result of a coronavirus outbreak.
- A letter urging Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to provide clarity and guidance for school districts and institutions of higher education on coronavirus.
- A letter to President Trump calling for an economic stimulus package focused on helping working Americans and their families who will be most harmed by the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.