Press Release

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-07) voted today for emergency funding to keep Sacramento County safe from the spread of coronavirus.

"I'm proud to vote for this robust emergency funding package that will keep our communities safe from this growing public health crisis," said Rep. Bera, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation. "As a public health expert, I will continue to press the administration to ensure they are doing everything possible to keep Americans safe, including increasing the availability of testing at our local health facilities. As this disease continues to spread, it is also critical we think of creative ways to combat its spread and limit its harm to our economy and our neighbors."

The $8.3 billion appropriations package includes:

• $1B for state and local preparedness response, half of which will go to states, cities, and tribes within 30 days;
• Funds for the procurement of medical supplies for the Strategic National Stockpile;
• Vaccine and therapeutic research and development;
• $300M to ensure Americans can receive the vaccine, regardless of ability to pay; and
• $100M for community health centers

As a doctor, Congressman Bera has been a strong supporter of American leadership in global health. He is a member on the CSIS Commission on Strengthening America's Health Security, which made a series of recommendations to prevent pandemics in November 2019. He has held two Congressional hearings on the coronavirus outbreak, sounded the alarm when the White House disbanded the office in charge of preparing for pandemics, and also sought to include funds to combat coronavirus over a month ago through other legislation.

Congressman Bera urges constituents to follow everyday preventative actions like washing your hands with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects. For more information please consult resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.