(Washington, DC) – Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) issued the following statement after the Department and Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will extend its support for community-based testing sites in Houston.  This announcement comes after the Administration planned to withdraw federal support of these sites at the end of the month.  Earlier this week, Congresswoman Fletcher called on FEMA and HHS to reverse this decision amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in Houston and Harris County. 

“I am glad to see that the Administration has reversed course on its planned withdrawal from testing sites in Houston and Texas, and glad to be part of the bipartisan effort to undo a decision that would result in great harm at a critical moment,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.   

“The substantial increase in cases of COVID-19 and resulting hospitalizations in our community and across our state are alarming, and we must respond with a serious and thoughtful strategy.  Testing is key to that strategy to identify, isolate, and contain the spread of the virus. 

“This is the time to marshal local, state, and federal resources and for all of us to work together to mitigate the spread of the virus.  I urge everyone to follow the guidance of our public health officials and local leaders: to minimize contacts, wear masks, observe social distance, and stay home when possible.  I will continue working to bring resources to our community to address the continued hardships we face as a result of this virus and the measures necessary to fight it.”

On Tuesday of this week, Congresswoman Fletcher and Representatives Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), and Al Green (TX-09) called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to extend federal support for testing sites in Houston and Harris County through August 30, 2020.  The full text of their letter is available here.  Additionally, Congresswoman Fletcher and 36 of her colleagues sent a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar earlier today calling on the agency to reverse this decision and ensure all communities have the federal resources needed to conduct robust COVID-19 testing.  The full text of this letter is available here.