Congressman Kim Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Raise Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine

Congressman Kim Introduces Bipartisan Bill
to Raise Awareness of COVID-19 Vaccine

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) joined a bipartisan effort in the House and Senate to introduce the COVID–19 Vaccine Awareness Support Act of 2020. The bill authorizes a public advocacy campaign to promote COVID-19 vaccine participation and provide science-backed information. Funds would also be provided to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide grants to entities to launch public awareness campaigns no less than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized.

"Earning the public's trust is key to putting an end to this pandemic, which is why it's so important that we come together in a bipartisan way to make sure every American has the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines," said Congressman Andy Kim. "This bill would make sure that accurate information reaches the American people so that they can take the vaccine with confidence. I hope my colleagues from both sides of the aisle join in passing this critical effort."

The bill is a companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ). The bill text can be found here.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, earlier this year, Congressman Kim introduced the Coronavirus Community Readiness Act, a bipartisan effort with Congressman Gus Bilirakus (FL-12) which would award grants to states and localities to implement early warning systems like wastewater testing and temperature tracking for COVID-19 and other diseases. Research institutions would also be eligible for the grants to continue studying early warning detection methods.

He also introduced the Protecting Essential Workers Act with Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), which would develop an online clearinghouse, in which manufacturers and their PPE products would be vetted to ensure quality in a rigorous, systematic manner. The internet clearinghouse would publish available products with their corresponding prices to mitigate price gouging, ensure quick access to health care providers, essential workers, and governments, and increase transparency in supply.

The two bills are informed by the ‘The Way Forward: Preparing America for a Second Wave', a set of recommendations and findings by Congressman Kim for public health leaders and public officials to prepare for future waves of COVID-19. The full report can be found on Congressman Kim's website by clicking here. Congressman Kim discussed the report, and answered questions about second wave preparedness during his October telephone town hall.

Congressman Kim is a member of the bipartisan House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, where he serves as one of twelve members of the House tasked with conducting oversight over programs aimed at ending the Coronavirus pandemic and helping address the economic impact it's having on the American people. Congressman Kim is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Small Business. More information about Congressman Kim can be found on his website by clicking here.