Schneider’s Top Priority Defeating COVID-19 with First Bill of the New Congress

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) introduced the COVID PREPARE Act, his first bill introduction of the 117^th Congress and a reiteration of Schneider's top priority in the new Congress: defeating COVID-19. Video from Schneider can be found here.

The COVID Preparedness, Response, and Effective Planning for Advanced Requirements by the Executive Branch (PREPARE) Act, H.R. 212, would require federal agencies to submit regular reports to Congress on the ongoing steps they are taking to address the COVID-19 pandemic as we face new challenges, address new needs, and deploy COVID-19 vaccines across the country. These reports would detail all COVID-19 response and vaccine deployment plans related to the agency's mission, including measurable goals, anticipated challenges, how they will consult with Congress, and any resources they need to carry out their work. Schneider introduced the legislation with Republican John Katko (NY-24).

"My top priorities this year are beating back this virus, empowering America's economic recovery, and winning our future back. We've wasted a lot of time and opportunity because of the current administration's ad hoc, if not sometimes negligent response to this pandemic, including sporadic, inconsistent, and often contradictory guidance from the federal government. From ongoing shortages of PPE to the current delays and stutters in early vaccine distribution, the Trump Administration has repeatedly fallen short. Too few in Illinois and across the country have received their life-saving shots in arms because the federal government has failed to anticipate and address the logistical challenges of managing supply, distribution, and information management. The COVID PREPARE Act will help the new administration meet its goals and give confidence to the American people that we are on track to reach our ambitious goals," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

"As Central New York's representative in Congress, I made a solemn promise that I would hold the Federal Government accountable, and ensure we have a more effective plan for combating this crisis and addressing the resurgence of cases across the country. For this reason, I'm proud to re-introduce the COVID PREPARE Act. This bipartisan bill would require federal agencies to develop plans on how they will respond to the ongoing pandemic and effectively distribute vaccines," said Congressman John Katko (NY-24).

Schneider and Katko initially introduced the COVID PREPARE Act in July 2020.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.