April 28, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 80 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E399]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              AMERICA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP DURING COVID-19

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 28, 2020

  Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, our best efforts to fight this virus at 
home cannot succeed if we are not also fighting it abroad.
  The United States has led the world out of every major modern crisis, 
and that leadership now is critical to our ability to successfully 
rebound from the economic impact of COVID-19. We will not be able to 
fully restore economic stability in our country until the spread of the 
virus is under control globally.
  In Congress, it's our imperative to act quickly for the American 
people. That certainly means protecting our courageous first 
responders, strengthening our health systems at home, and taking steps 
to safeguard American jobs and livelihoods. But it also means doing our 
part to eliminate threats before they reach our borders.
  Right now, the majority of the world, especially developing nations, 
lack the resources to prevent or respond to a public health crisis like 
COVID-19. They suffer from weak health as well as large percentages of 
displaced and refugee populations, where social distancing is near 
impossible.
  According to the CDC, 70 percent of the world is underprepared for a 
public health emergency. Robust U.S. funding for global health programs 
can help combat the continued spread of COVID-19. The United States 
must restore cuts to humanitarian funds, particularly in areas like 
water, sanitation, and hygiene, and increase funding for international 
organizations doing emergency response work.
  The United States has the scientific and technical expertise to 
assist others with their pandemic responses. The CDC is experienced in 
helping other countries meet international health standards for global 
health security. We must lead the international community in the global 
public health response, while also asserting leadership to coordinate a 
global economic recovery.
  If we do not recognize that challenges abroad are linked to 
challenges at home, we will not be able to fully overcome the impact of 
this virus. If we leave the world vulnerable to coronavirus, we leave 
our own country vulnerable as well.

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