Congressman Kim Introduces Bills to Increase Preparedness for Future Waves of COVID-19

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) introduced two bills aimed at increasing preparedness for future waves of COVID-19. The bills, which would help states implement early warning systems to detect growing cases of COVID-19 and would create an online clearinghouse to help frontline and essential workers get PPE, come as states across the country are seeing massive spikes in cases of the coronavirus.

“We’ve seen the consequences of not being adequately prepared for this pandemic, and we must learn from them as we prepare for future waves,” said Congressman Kim. “I’m proud to introduce these bills with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Smart, public health solutions aren’t partisan, they’re simply common-sense. I look forward to bringing these bills through Congress and taking the steps necessary to keep our families and communities safe and healthy during these tough times.”

The first bill, the Coronavirus Community Readiness Act, is a bipartisan effort with Congressman Gus Bilirakus (FL-12), which would award grants to states and localities to implement early warning systems like wastewater testing and temperature tracking for COVID-19 and other diseases. Research institutions would also be eligible for the grants to continue studying early warning detection methods.

The second bill, the Protecting Essential Workers Act, was introduced with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), and would develop an online clearinghouse, in which manufacturers and their PPE products would be vetted to ensure quality in a rigorous, systematic manner. The internet clearinghouse would publish available products with their corresponding prices to mitigate price gouging, ensure quick access to health care providers, essential workers, and governments, and increase transparency in supply.

The two bills are informed by the ‘The Way Forward: Preparing America for a Second Wave’, a set of recommendations and findings by Congressman Kim for public health leaders and public officials to prepare for future waves of COVID-19. The full report can be found on Congressman Kim’s website by clicking here. Congressman Kim discussed the report, and answered questions about second wave preparedness during his latest telephone town hall earlier this month.

Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it’s having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.

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