HYDE-SMITH HAILS MISS. HEROES AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS SENATE WEIGHS ADDED RELIEF MEASURES
Senator Cites an Array of Mississippians in Floor Speech Highlighting Extra Steps Taken to Battle the Pandemic
VIDEO CLIP: Senator Hyde-Smith Praises Heroic Work by Mississippians During Pandemic.
FULL VIDEO: Senator Hyde-Smith Floor Speech.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate considers new COVID-19 relief measures, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today delivered a speech praising the extra steps taken by Mississippians to battle the hardships and ramifications of the pandemic.
Hyde-Smith offered praise for healthcare, business, banking, agricultural, religious, and other sectors that have taken steps to care for the sick, keep people hired, provide for the needy, and prepare for a new school year.
“Throughout our nation’s history, everyday heroes emerge in times of turmoil to aid their neighbors in so many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception,” Hyde-Smith said. “In every corner of my state, Mississippi first responders and healthcare providers are heroically stepping into harm’s way to provide care to patients affected by the virus.”
“In every facet of our society, we have heroes standing up to help their neighbors during unprecedented challenges,” Hyde-Smith said. “To all of the healthcare workers and first responders on the front lines against this virus; to all of the researchers racing to test treatments and develop protocols; to all of the people making hand sanitizer and PPE to help prevent the spread of the virus; to all of the bankers and small businesses working to keep folks on the payroll; to all of our farmers, ranchers, food distributors, and grocery store workers keeping food on the store shelves and on our tables; to all our churches and non-profit organizations serving our communities; and, to our teachers who are facing challenges they could have never imagined—from the very bottom of my heart, I say, ‘Thank you.’ Your heroic labors are noticed and greatly appreciated.”
The Senate is currently debating legislation to extend additional unemployment benefits and other COVID-19 relief. Hyde-Smith on Tuesday introduced an amendment to extend the expanded telehealth services in Medicare for five years beyond the end of the public health emergency. It would ensure a sustained period of telehealth access for the many in rural and underserved areas. She also cosponsored an amendment to ensure the National Institutes of Health has resources to meet immediate and long-term requirements to overcome the health effects of the coronavirus.
A copy of Hyde-Smith’s remarks are available here.
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