(Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted in support of H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.  This legislation will provide $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the coronavirus.  Funding will support vaccine development and will be used by federal, state, and local public health agencies for prevention, preparedness, and response efforts.  This legislation passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support, 415-2.   

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that the coronavirus could pose a serious and wide-scale public health threat in our country.  It is critical that we fully address the scale and seriousness of this disease,” saidCongresswoman Fletcher.  “I am glad the House has passed emergency funding to help our communities prepare for and contain the virus.

“Houston is home to internationally renowned leading health care and research institutions.  I am committed to ensuring our community and communities across the country have the resources need to prepare.  While there are no reported cases of the coronavirus in Harris County, I also urge our neighbors to stay informed and follow guidance from the CDC.”

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that has spread internationally since December, 2019.  While there is currently no reported community spread of the coronavirus in Harris County, the CDC warned earlier this week that it expects the disease to begin spreading at a community level across the country and urged people to start preparing for the possibility of an outbreak.

In light of this warning, Congresswoman Fletcher is urging residents in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District and across Texas to stay informed and calm, and issued guidance from the CDC to help communities prepare.