I am committed to beating COVID-19, safely reopening our economy, getting people back to work and providing relief to Americans affected by the unprecedented challenges presented by this virus.

I am also working to hold China accountable for their efforts to conceal the number of Chinese citizens affected by COVID-19 and hide the extent of its effects. Since December 2019, China has allegedly misreported the severity of the virus, misleading their own citizens and the rest of the world.

Recently, I sent a letter, alongside my colleagues on the House Oversight and Reform Committee, to the Committe's Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), outlining the need to quickly hold hearings in search of the truth, and why this matters for America. Beyond calling for action to be taken in the House of Representatives, I joined twenty of my colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, requesting more information about China’s dangerous burial of the truth. We cannot accept deceitful propaganda and faulty models during a pandemic that is costing hundreds of thousands of lives, which is why Congress owes it to the American people to get to the bottom of the alleged Chinese cover-up.

Not only has China been accused of spreading propaganda and false information, but the World Health Organization (WHO) seems to be complacent, even repeating some of China's debunked claims. The WHO’s actions toward China's malfeasance has put the credibility of the organization in question. For this reason, I supported President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold funds from the WHO. This does not mean that I believe the U.S. should completely sever ties with the WHO, but as the world-leader in funding the organization, they owe the American people some answers.

If China has not been truthful and withheld information from world leaders, it means they single-handedly delayed the global response to the virus and have undoubtedly cost people their lives. Furthermore, the WHO neglecting their responsibility to consider China liable for their abhorrent behavior has broken the bonds of trust in the international community. As Wisconsin continues to overcome the COVID-19 outbreak, I will continue to fight for the truth, because that is what you deserve.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, government officials released projections on the number of patients and hospitalizations certain areas in the country could expect to see. This drew the attention of the hospital community, who adhered to this guidance and proceeded to cancel elective surgeries and non-essential procedures in order to accommodate the high number of expected patients.

It has now become apparent that, to this point, Wisconsin has fallen far short of these projections. The Wisconsin Hospital Association is reporting that four weeks ago, Wisconsin reached a high-water mark of 446 patients in hospitals being treated for COVID-19. Today, they report 348 patients. Even at the peak, there were on average less than four patients per hospital. The lower-than-expected number of patients means that many of the hospital beds across the state are empty, with enough room to treat additional non-COVD-19 patients. That is why I encourage the safe reopening of Wisconsin hospitals and medical facilities to elective surgeries and other non-essential procedures. I have spoken with many patients within the Sixth District who have had to put procedures on hold that are not always optional to them and their families. Additionally, hospital workers are being furloughed at alarming rates and added to the country’s mounting unemployment line.

I realize that social distancing is one reason Wisconsin hospitals are empty and am grateful that Wisconsinites have united to slow the spread of the virus. There are, of course, areas of the country that have been more affected by COVID-19 and their facilities will require more time to fight the virus before resuming regular operations. If Wisconsin sees an uptick in cases in a specific area, we can revisit the idea of postponing additional elective surgeries and non-essential procedures at that time. But right now, it’s time to get America’s sidelined health professionals back to work doing what they do best – saving lives.

You may have recently received information regarding my previously scheduled town halls in Maribel, Reidsville, Nekimi, Rushford and Poy Sippi at the end of May. However, due to public safety, these will now be tele-town halls, which will be the same format as in-person town hall meetings, but those wishing to attend can dial-in over the phone to listen and ask questions.

I will be sending further details on the exact dates, times and on how to participate.