Need for Expanded Covid-19 Testing

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to discuss the surge in the coronavirus cases that Americans are struggling with. Part of that is the access to COVID tests. Many are waiting in long lines to get PCR tests and 2 to 3 days to receive their results. We should and can do better.

Households cannot find rapid tests in stores and wait weeks in line for online orders.

In Fresno County, which I represent, the demand for testing has increased 30 percent in the last several weeks.

We must expand testing. I call on the administration to prioritize our testing systems. Access to testing and timely results are critical to determine if someone is infected with COVID-19 and enables them to take steps to avoid spreading it to others. It is that simple.

It is vital that every American has access to the rapid test at no cost. It is critical for our economic recovery.

At this stage, no one should have to wait long hours or pay a single dime for same-day results. We can and we should do better.

We are not out of the woods yet. We can end this pandemic through robust testing and getting vaccinated. That is what we must do.

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