I’ve taken #coronavirus seriously from Day 1. Today marks 8 weeks since I pushed the CDC to brief Congress on the threat posed by #COVID_19. Since then, I’ve been working around the clock to address this crisis. Here’s some of what I’ve been up to: (THREAD)
When Orange County had one of the first confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States, I immediately sent a letter to the CDC. At the time, I was one of a few federal officials calling for us to prepare for this now-pandemic. (2/?)
One of my top responsibilities as a Congressmember is to keep #CA45 residents informed about the facts. That’s why I produced a FAQ on the coronavirus outbreak and have been updating it regularly since January. (3/?)
Along with my colleagues @RepUnderwood and @Rosa_DeLauro, I wrote a letter to call on the Trump Administration to use its existing authority to make #COVID_19 testing free for any American that needs it—regardless of insurance. (4/?) porter.house.gov/news/documents…
When I didn’t hear back, I confronted the CDC Director in a hearing and asked him again to use his authority to make testing free for those who need it. It took 5 minutes, but I was able to get him to commit—under oath—to do this. (5/?) washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/03…
The lack of urgency by the Trump Administration has been a consistent theme of their response. I led over 80 of my colleagues to call on federal health agencies to cut through red tape and get our academic medical centers off the sidelines. (6/?)
To continue to keep our community up to date on public health guidance and what I’m doing for Orange County families, I hosted a telephone town hall with UCI Public Health Professor Andrew Noymer to answer questions directly from #CA45 residents. (7/?)
The backbone of our economy is working families—not corporate special interests. I stood up to @USChamber when they requested an exception to give companies access to their employee’s private medical records. (8/?) porter.house.gov/uploadedfiles/…
Along with @RepMalinowski, I’m protecting consumers by demanding answers about a new COVID-19 triage website. Big Tech shouldn’t be profiting off people’s personal data, especially when Americans are busy staying safe during a pandemic. (9/?) 
With many communities facing increased restrictions on public gatherings, I’ve shared tips for how we can protect public health and live our lives, especially for those of us with young kids. (10/?) rollcall.com/2020/03/18/par…
Congress needs to be able to do its job without endangering public health—there is no reason to make 400+ people fly into Washington to gather in the same room. I’ve been at the forefront of the movement to instate remote voting during this crisis. (11/?) politico.com/news/2020/03/2…
The federal government can use the Defense Production Act to get healthcare providers the supplies they need. I joined @RepAndyLevin and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lead a resolution calling on the President to actually use the DPA. (12/?)
Americans need to know that critical supplies are on the way and that these contracts aren’t lining the pockets of the President’s family members or cronies. I secured language in House legislation that would increase transparency of the DPA. (13/?)
When the President announced that he was going to “invoke” the DPA, I didn’t take him at his word—I dug in. I found out that the Administration doesn’t have policies in place to execute or coordinate orders placed under the DPA, so I called for answers. (14/?)
We know that our seniors are facing additional challenges in dealing with this pandemic. I secured a provision in @FSCDems coronavirus relief legislation that would support service coordinators helping older adults. (15/?)
I’ve studied families struggling to make ends meet; I know that a lot of Americans need help quick. As Congress continues to work on providing coronavirus relief, I’ve pushed for every person to get $1000 a month, to put workers before corporations. (16/?)
Paid leave will keep communities safe, as people feeling unwell can stay home. I’ve written about why it’s important that any subsequent legislation to address #COVID_19 mandates comprehensive paid leave for Americans working for large employers. (17/?) thehill.com/blogs/congress…
I’m proud of my work on behalf of Orange County families and the American people, but there is still much, much more work to be done. My promise is to keep fighting hard, holding this Administration accountable, and delivering results. (18/18)
