[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H21]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NEED FOR EXPANDED COVID-19 TESTING

  (Mr. COSTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  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.

                          ____________________