Washington, D.C. (February 2, 2021) –  Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today continued leading Congressional efforts to oversee vaccine distribution amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. During today’s Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, McMorris Rodgers said the following:

“The development and approval of several COVID-19 vaccines in less than a year is one of the greatest achievements in American history and modern science. The Trump administration and the public-private partnership of Operation Warp Speed set ambitious goals that many doubted could be achieved. Yet, less than a year into this pandemic, we have vaccinated tens of millions of Americans.”

“Our work is not over, however, and there are many challenges ahead of us. We must vaccinate as many Americans as quickly as possible, so that we can save lives, get our economy and schools back open, and get our lives back to normal. The distribution of these vaccines should be approached with the same level of ambition as Operation Warp Speed. We absolutely must continue to act with a sense of urgency.”

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“As an oversight subcommittee, our job is to find out what’s working, what isn’t, and then find solutions to improve our COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration efforts. E&C Republicans are committed to working on solutions to increase vaccinations, and we’re ready to engage in a serious and credible way.”

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“President Biden says our country is at war with the coronavirus. I agree. When we fight wars, and do it successfully, we have to do it united. Not by using partisan political tactics. Let’s work together on boosting our COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts and prepare for future pandemics so this doesn’t happen again.” 

Click here to watch Cathy’s full opening statement.

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