10.07.20

Hoeven Thanks North Dakota Medical Providers, Outlines Efforts to Address COVID-19 Pandemic

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven this week spoke to the members of the North Dakota Medical Association (NDMA), thanking them for their essential service in combatting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency and outlining federal efforts to support their critical work. Hoeven delivered the remarks as part of a virtual congressional panel during NDMA’s annual meeting. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has worked to advance needed assistance for the nation’s health care providers.

This includes the Provider Relief Fund established under the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, from which North Dakota providers have received more than $300 million so far. Further, Hoeven has supported legislation introduced in the Senate that would have provided additional, targeted relief for hospitals and health care providers, therapeutics and vaccine development and distribution as well as COVID-19 testing and contact tracing efforts. 

“Our health care professionals are on the front lines of this pandemic every day,” Hoeven said. “They have our sincerest appreciation for their dedication and selflessness during these difficult times. That’s exactly why we’ve worked to support them in their vital efforts, both through measures like the Provider Relief Fund, as well as the flexibilities granted by the administration to expand the use of tools like telemedicine that protect both providers and patients and maintain access to essential services. As negotiations continue in Congress, we continue to support a targeted approach that meets remaining needs, including in the health care sector, while ensuring we use taxpayer dollars responsibly.” 

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