[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              AMERICA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP DURING COVID-19

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                         HON. CHRISSY HOULAHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2020

  Ms. HOULAHAN. Madam Speaker, Americans have a proud history of global 
leadership, of coalition building, and of pushing the boundaries of 
technological advancement. These values are now being put to the test 
as we face the novel coronavirus, an invisible threat that will not be 
overcome quickly.
  There is no successful way through this crisis without a global 
effort, one in which we build a coalition of our allies, share 
information, work in tandem with the World Health Organization, and 
contribute to and benefit from international organizations who are on 
the frontlines of fighting this deadly disease. It goes without saying 
that cutting funding to the WHO at this time is not only naive but also 
presents a threat to the American people down the road as we determine 
how to safely return to normalcy and avoid a second or third spike.
  This is not to suggest we blindly trust other nations--it's been made 
clear the Chinese Government has misled the world about its cases and, 
early on, spread misinformation about the virus' transmission. China 
must be held accountable for its actions but taking a harsh 
isolationist stance at this current moment, when tens of thousands of 
Americans are dying, is irresponsible. A global pandemic requires a 
global solution, and we must act deliberately in convening our 
international allies and partners to develop a coherent testing 
strategy and mitigation plan as quickly as possible.
  We have talked at length about the economic impact of this crisis. 
It's important to remember that our economy is a global one, and if we 
refuse to cooperate with the larger global community, our economy will 
continue to suffer.
  Put plainly, I am urging the Administration and Congress to reach 
across oceans and re-enter the international conversation about the 
COVID-19 epidemic. As a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I will 
be seeking the advice of medical, scientific, and development experts 
from around the world so that we can create a plan of action that stops 
the spread of this deadly virus.
  We're in this together whether we like it or not. So, we may as well 
start acting like it

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