Rep. Nadler Statement on the Trump Administration’s Inadequate Coronavirus Response

Faced with the threat of a growing global pandemic, Americans deserve better than a White House totally unprepared and demonstrating no urgency to address coronavirus. Over 80,000 people in 37 countries have been infected with coronavirus and more than 2,500 have already died. Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned of the potential for a domestic outbreak that could significantly impact Americans’ daily lives. It is imperative that our government respond swiftly and effectively. Unfortunately, all evidence indicates that the Trump Administration’s preparation is dangerously inadequate.

From long-empty vacancies in key pandemic-related positions at the National Security Council and the Department of Homeland Security to the President’s recent proposal to drastically cut the CDC’s budget, it is clear that the White House lacks the capability to handle a public health crisis of this magnitude. The President’s recent funding request—which would divert funds appropriated to combat ebola—would not come close to ensuring readiness, leaving us shortchanged at the worst possible moment. The Trump Administration’s destruction of our research capabilities has severely limited our ability to react, placing the health and safety of millions of Americans at risk.

Americans must be certain our government is fully prepared and has every necessary resource to carry out a robust and coordinated response. Congress will do its part by providing state and local governments with the support that they need. I urge President Trump to confront this crisis with the seriousness it merits and do the same.