Our Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

Floor Speech

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Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, with more than 4,500 people confirmed infected in China, and over 100 deaths, the coronavirus certainly has my attention. But as the outbreak of the coronavirus strain originating in China continues, I want to remind Kansans that U.S. health officials remain on high alert and are fully prepared for any situation.

The Centers for Disease Control currently has teams on the ground, both domestically and internationally. Domestically, the CDC is working closely with local public health departments to identify potential cases early and make sure patients get the best and most appropriate care. To control the spread of the outbreak, the CDC has preventive screening measures in major U.S. airports.

Last year, President Trump signed into law the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Innovation Act. This bill has been critical for improving preparedness and response, and bolstering the emergency response workforce, as well as increasing communication and efforts in medical countermeasures.

The administration has also consistently prioritized funding to build on investments to protect the civilian population in the event of public health emergencies related to infectious disease outbreaks.

As a physician, I understand the uncertainty and fear infectious disease outbreaks can have. But first, I want to encourage Kansans to follow recommendations from your own doctor. And if you have any concern about the situation, you should call your doctor's nurse and talk to them about the situation and your concerns.

But all that being said, I might offer these tips: First of all, make sure you have gotten your flu shot. Now, the flu shot won't protect you from a coronavirus, but it is a much bigger threat to you right now than the coronavirus is.

Children, pregnant women, and our senior citizens, who are most susceptible to viruses should avoid public places where exposure risk is high.

Thorough handwashing is a great best practice as we continue to work through the flu and cold season.

And, finally, follow the CDC and State Department's recommendations regarding travel to China.

If you are at all concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, especially if you are having new onset of wheezing or shortness of breath, you should contact your primary care doctor.

Now, thus far, only 5 cases have been confirmed in the United States, and all cases include recent travel to China. While testing can now only be done at the CDC, we hope that a commercially-available test will soon be available in February, which will help us contain and monitor this virus.

These global outbreaks impact us here at home, and that is why we respond to infectious disease outbreaks with urgency and as a global community. Efforts by President Trump and this administration have ensured our health agencies have the funding and resources necessary to combat outbreaks and protect Kansans.

I am confident in the measures being taken by our national healthcare officials and agencies, as well as by our local health departments, our local doctors, nurses, and our local hospitals. New Navigable Waters Protection Regulations

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Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, I was honored to join EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford at the Kansas Commodity Classic in Manhattan, Kansas, to announce the EPA's new Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The rule provides a clear definition of Waters of the United States, otherwise known as WOTUS, delivering on President Trump's promise to cut burdensome regulations and slash bureaucratic red tape to empower farmers, ranchers, builders, small businesses, and other landowners.

Kansas farmers and ranchers are the original and best conservationists in the world, and I have heard from them about this issue since I came into office. This new rule will tremendously reduce the burden on Kansans who work in dairy, cattle, and crop operations, and allow them to implement conservation methods without Federal overreach.

The EPA's new Navigable Waters Protection Rule will continue to protect our environment without stifling economic growth and rebalance the relationship between the Federal Government and States in managing our land and water resources.

The Navigable Waters Protection Rule ends decades of uncertainty over where Federal jurisdiction begins and ends. It also ensures that America's water protections, among the best in the world, remain strong, while giving our States and Tribes more flexibility in determining how best to manage their land and water resources to protect the environment and local economies.

Go Chiefs.

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