This week, U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., brought back her “Ensuring Understanding of COVID-19 to Protect Public Health Act” and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., is continuing to support the proposal.
The bill would have the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct a long-term study of COVID-19, including its impact on lung functions, immune responses and mental health and how treatments impact it.
Rosen first introduced the proposal back in May. She weighed in this week on why she reintroduced the proposal.
“As our country continues to battle this virus, we must ensure we continue to examine all aspects of how COVID-19 affects patients from diverse populations,” Rosen said. “By focusing our nation’s efforts toward understanding the short and long-term health ramifications of COVID-19, we can arm our researchers and medical professionals with the most accurate data as they work to provide better treatment and vaccines for patients. I will continue working to protect the health of Nevadans during this unprecedented time.”
“As our nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, it is critical that our health care experts at the NIH conduct a comprehensive study to help guide physicians caring for patients with COVID-19,” Rubio said. “There are still numerous unknowns about COVID-19, including its potential long-term health impacts, and this bipartisan bill provides the NIH with important guidelines to study this virus.”
The bill was sent to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. So far, Rubio is the only cosponsor. There is no companion measure so far in the U.S. House.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
