Rep. Schrier Pushes for Rapid Testing, National Vaccination Plan in Covid Relief Bill

Press Release

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) helped pass additional funding for vaccines and testing out of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee last night. The bill is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives later this month. In her remarks, Rep. Schrier applauded the funding in the bill that will vastly expand at-home rapid tests, and more funding to help states distribute vaccines.

"Almost a year into this pandemic, it is nothing short of miraculous that we have two highly effective vaccines that prevent against severe disease and death. But we are continuing to struggle in many areas, including testing and slowing the spread," said Rep. Schrier. "That's why this bill is so critical."

The COVID relief bill, which is based on President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan, contains billions of dollars in funding to get more COVID tests and vaccines to Washingtonians.

COVID-19 and Community Health Provisions:

$20 billion for improving COVID-19 vaccine administration and distribution, including vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination units, including funding for Rep Schrier's VACCINES Act, a vaccine awareness campaign that was signed into law last year
$7.5 billion for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare, promote, distribute, administer, monitor, and track COVID-19 vaccines
$46 billion for improved testing and contact tracing--including manufacturing and distribution of rapid tests and personal protective equipment (PPE)
$7.6 billion to support COVID-19 response at Community Health Centers
Energy Assistance and Broadband Provisions:

$7.6 billion to expand internet connectivity to students and teachers to help address the digital divide
$4.5 billion in support for home energy assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
$500 million in assistance for low income individuals adversely affected financially by COVID-19 to assist with payments for drinking water and wastewater expenses.
Rep. Schrier continued, "COVID's damage in the US has been twofold: the medical damage, and the social and economic damage. This bill addresses both. It expands testing. It shores up our vaccination efforts and vaccine supply. It gets our children physically back into classrooms safely to help close the widened achievement gap and helps address the "she-cession' with so many women out of work. In sum, it is a bill that measures up to our nation's current needs - it meets the moment."

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