Senator Cornyn

Cornyn Speaks on Current Efforts, Next Steps to Address Coronavirus

March 11, 2020

WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) spoke on the Senate floor today about his efforts to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak, including Congress’ recent vote for emergency funding and the next steps to address the economic impact. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s floor remarks are below, and downloadable audio and video can be found here.

“Hospitals around the state are facing a great deal of pressure and uncertainty surrounding the virus and working to ensure that they are prepared to treat potential Coronavirus patients without impacting their normal operations is an urgent concern. Last week, I helped organize a conference call with the Texas Hospital Association and officials from Health and Human Services and the Texas Department of State Health Services to discuss some of the issues of concern to hospitals serving on the frontline all across our state.”

“Fortunately, the President signed last week an $8.3 billion funding bill to support our nation’s response to the coronavirus. It will send vital funding to treating and preventing the spread of the virus, including the purchase of masks and personal protective equipment, as well as supporting the development of a vaccine. But to the point, the funding bill will also include money for state and local communities, including San Antonio, which have been at the forefront of the battle at home.”

“The next big question on everyone’s mind is how this virus will impact the economy. Yesterday, we had the opportunity to discuss potential options with President Trump and Vice President Pence and Secretary Mnuchin, and we’re continuing to work to identify the best path forward.”

“It’s not a time to play politics. It’s a time for us to work together in the nation’s interest. Keeping the American people safe and healthy and keeping our economy strong should be a shared bipartisan goal. I hope all of our colleagues will keep that in mind, just as we did when we worked with President Obama [during the Ebola outbreak] in 2014.”

“To help communicate what those practices are, as well as other information, my office has created a unique webpage on my official website: cornyn.senate.gov. This will serve as a platform to provide information to all Texans who have questions about the virus.”