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IMPORTANT UPDATES from CONGRESSMAN SMUCKER
Thanks for subscribing to my E-Newsletter. In this edition, I want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving and provide some updates on developments to fight COVID-19. It is critical we remain vigilant against COVID-19 and continue to practice CDC guidelines, including practicing social distancing, washing your hands, and wearing masks in public. You can always visit the dedicated coronavirus page on my website for additional information.
I enjoy hearing from you and responding to questions from your emails, phone calls and letters. If you’d like to share your concerns or opinions with me, or if you have questions about legislation or specific votes, you can send me an email here.
COVID-19 Update
Last week, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first at-home COVID-19 rapid test. Increased testing opportunities aids us in our continued fight against COVID-19.
On November 16, 2020, a vaccine candidate for COVID-19 developed through Operation Warp Speed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Moderna showed a 94.5 percent effective rate in late trials. Additionally, on November 18, 2020, Pfizer and BioNtech announced their vaccine candidate has a 95 percent effective rate and filed for Emergency Use Authorization with the FDA.
The FDA, on November 21, 2020, approved through the Emergency Use Authorization process a Regeron treatment as a potential treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Operation Warp Speed has harnessed the full force of the federal government in partnership with the private sector to deliver a safe and effective therapeutics and vaccines. I am confident that brighter days lie ahead for our community and nation.
With two vaccine candidates headed to review by the FDA for approval, we should all applaud these promising advancements. Last week at a press conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci reminded everyone that the speed of the production of the vaccine “did not compromise at all safety, nor did it compromise scientific integrity.” In September, I wrote about the progress from Operation Warp Speed and I applaud the promising advancements that have been made since.
Happy Thanksgiving
Below are excerpts from an article I wrote about Thanksgiving for this year that appeared in the November 25, 2020 edition of the Ephrata Review, Elizabethtown Advocate, and the Lititz Review. Click here for the full article.
Thanksgiving is a time for friends and families to come together and give thanks for the blessings that we enjoyed throughout the year. Like much of 2020, Thanksgiving will likely look different for many of us this year. As we take a moment to reflect on the past year, let us be thankful for all who have helped us in our battle against COVID-19 and keep in our prayers those who may be alone or suffering.
Medical professionals in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health centers have worked to keep us all healthy. They have committed long hours away from their families to put the needs of others first. I am thankful for their dedication and continued hard work.
Throughout this year, we saw numerous times that Lancaster and southern York Counties came together to support medical professionals and our community’s health. Local companies switched their operations to produce hand sanitizer, volunteers began sewing masks to be donated, a company produced more hospital beds to help the potential for a case surge in hospitals, and local charitable organizations provided exceptional support to those in need. When challenged, our community has shown exceptional strength and care for one another.
Farmers and agricultural producers adjusted to changes in supply chain operations. Truck drivers and logistics professionals ensured deliveries of essential goods and personal protective equipment.
Educators have also faced significant challenges this year, but they have continued to provide students with the best education possible. Adapting to the challenges of remote instruction meant educators and school districts had to adjust quickly to make sure students are still receiving a quality education.
We must also give thanks to the brave servicemembers in the United States Armed Forces who are away from their families this Thanksgiving and holiday season. We pray for their continued safety. We must also hold their families in our hearts, as they too serve our nation with bravery while their loved ones are abroad.
I know that as we continue to fight COVID-19, I am confident in the strength of our resolve and am certain we will be an example for communities across America.
Supporting Our Small Businesses
The Paycheck Protection Program has over $130 billion in unused funds that could go towards helping American small businesses. Hard working small business owners and employees in Lancaster and York need this aid to continue to provide for their families. For months I have called on House Democrats and Speaker Pelosi to stop blocking this needed aid from going to small businesses.
This Saturday, November 28, 2020, is Small Business Saturday. Our community's small businesses have been devastated by COVID-19. If you plan to shop, please consider showing your support by shopping at local businesses.
Here to Help
If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call our district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter! To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Smucker
Member of Congress
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