COVID-19 Mid-week Updates and Information

For the most up-to-date information and resources for COVID-19, please visit my website here.

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Requesting COVID-19 Testing for Federal Inmates

This week, I sent a bipartisan letter to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and United States Marshall Service (USMS) requesting that all inmates are tested for COVID-19 and confirmed negative before they are transferred to any Bureau of Prison quarantine location, which includes FCI Ray Brook. Currently, the BOP is only symptom screening and moving inmates who are asymptomatic with COVID-19, despite their ability transmit the virus to BOP staff. Throughout this entire public health crisis, I have advocated for our local corrections officers and prison staff who have been, in many cases, directly exposed to COVID-19. I have worked at the federal level to support and protect our corrections officers, and now I am calling on the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Marshall Service to implement inmate testing to ensure that inmates and corrections officers are both protected from coronavirus. I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect those who work within the prisons system, and their surrounding communities, from COVID-19. Read more here.

Cosponsoring Legislation to Support Dairy Product Donation Programs

I am cosponsoring the bipartisan Farmers MILK Act, legislation to expand the existing USDA Milk Donation program to help get milk into the hands of those in need. The bill authorizes USDA to act as a matchmaker between dairy producers with excess supply of milk with food banks that can distribute that milk to those in need. It also authorizes an additional $4 million a year for this important program. Our dairy farmers have faced an unprecedented crisis throughout COVID-19 after issues arose along the supply chain. I have spoken with dairy farmers from across the district who have had to dump milk and am working with the USDA and the Trump Administration to provide relief for them. I have also heard from local community leaders that food banks have seen an increase in the number of families they are serving. This bill helps to bridge that gap and get our farmers valuable product back into our communities in need. I will continue to advocate at the federal level for direct relief for our farmers and agriculture businesses who have worked tirelessly to feed their communities, even during this crisis. Read more here.

Ranked As 14th Most Bipartisan Member of Congress

The Lugar Center, an independent, nationally-known nonprofit aimed at promoting bipartisanship in governance has announced that I rank as the 14th most bipartisan Member of Congress out of 435 Members. Last Congress, I was ranked as 19th out of 435. When I ran for Congress in 2014, I promised to work with anyone with ideas – regardless of party lines – to deliver results to the North Country. I have kept that promise since I was sworn into office. It is a true honor to be ranked in the top 5% most bipartisan Members of Congress by The Lugar Center. I work diligently in Congress and in my district with Members and elected officials on both sides of the aisle in order to secure real results for our region. During the COVID-19 crisis in particular, the ability to work effectively in a bipartisan manner is critical, as so many are suffering both financially and health-wise. I will continue to work tirelessly on issues important to the North Country to ensure my constituents have a seat at the table on the federal level. To view the full rankings announced this morning, visit The Lugar Center’s website here .

In Case You Missed It - Media Round-up

Press Republican: Stefanik participates in White House roundtable

Adirondack Daily Enterprise: Elected officials give Stefanik feedback in work sessions

North Country Now: Stefanik calls on congress to aid local governments in next relief package

Watertown Daily Times: Stefanik hears COVID-19 concerns from elected officials in tri-county region

The Daily Gazette: Stefanik attends meeting at White House Friday

North Country Now: Stefanik cosponsors act to help chambers of commerce amid pandemic

WNYT: Rep. Stefanik to hold telephone town hall for AARP members

North Country Public Radio: Stefanik: McConnell “walking back” opposition to aid for local governments

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