Dear Friend,
I wanted to provide you with an update on our fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. I continue to be in contact with local and federal elected officials and relevant agencies and I am coordinating closely with local health care professionals and Chicago-area hospitals.
Out of an abundance of caution, my Washington, D.C. and Chicago offices are currently working remotely but I want to assure you that they remain fully operational. You can contact me or my staff through my website at quigley.house.gov/contact or by phone at (202) 225-4061 or (773) 267-5926.
During this confusing and often frightening time, one of my core responsibilities is ensuring that you have up to date information on the rapid changes taking place at the local and federal level. For that reason, I have launched a new section of my website dedicated to providing the latest information.
You can now visit quigley.house.gov/coronavirus for comprehensive information on CDC guidance for fighting coronavirus, updates on Congress’ latest action to keep our nation health, and local resources for you, your families, and your businesses.
Congressional Action
On March 14, the House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, putting the health, safety and financial security of working Americans first. This bill builds on the $8.3 billion emergency supplemental and is the second in a series of steps Congress must take as we continue to respond to this crisis. On March 18, the Senate went on the pass the House bill and the President immediately signed it into law.
While this legislation was a critical and much-needed step to provide resources for Americans who are facing the oncoming challenge of this pandemic, the most important thing Congress can do now is to offer direct and immediate assistance for those who need it the most. I am dedicated to passing legislation to relieve the pressure on the workers and small businesses that will bear the brunt of the growing economic crisis.
As Congress works to soften the economic impacts, I also recognize that the health care workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic wake up every day and go to work without the equipment keeps them safe. We must address the immediate need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for health professionals.
To help take the pressure off our health care system, Congress must take steps to increase testing availability as quickly as possible and we can all do our part to “flatten the curve” by complying with state, local, and federal guidelines for avoiding mass gatherings and staying in our homes.
Resources
My staff is continuing to fulfill their official responsibilities throughout this time. If you need help with a federal agency, you can click here to open a case with my staff. Additionally, my updated website now includes a page dedicated to providing local and federal resources for families, workers, and business owners.
I want to take a moment to thank all those on the front lines against this pandemic – health care workers like doctors and nurses, first responders, local leaders, and volunteers. Now, more than ever we are relying on their dedication and service to see us through this difficult time.
I will continue to provide updates to you as this process unfolds and please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything my office can do to help you or your family.
For the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
For the latest information from the Chicago Department of Public Health, please visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Mike Quigley