U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has called for a strong federal response to the long COVID crisis, stating in a live HELP Committee hearing that the government must play a more active role and provide substantial funding for research, development, and clinical trials. Every panelist agreed with Sanders' assertion. Representatives Pressley and Senator Tina Smith, along with other advocates, pointed out the difficulties faced by long COVID patients, especially with insurance companies denying care. The hearing focused on the urgency of addressing long COVID, which is real and disabling, and advancing related legislation such as the TREAT Long COVID Act.
Long COVID is real, it is disabling, and it is affecting millions. That's why we must fund long COVID and ME/CFS research to better understand and treat these conditions. To all those struggling and suffering—we see you, we hear you, and we will take action for you. https://t.co/GzWv0sYi0o
Across Colorado and the country, people are living with and suffering from the impacts of Long COVID. Today we held a @HELPCmteDems hearing to learn more about how we can advance research to better understand and treat Long COVID.
These insurance companies seem designed to figure out ways that they can deny care, rather than provide care. These stories illustrate what that means for people living with Long COVID. I’m grateful to advocates willing to share their deeply personal stories with the world. https://t.co/65Ysl1dpMy
The #LongCOVID crisis is real and demands a bold federal response. That means using the power of convening to shine a light on it & advancing bills like my #TREATLongCOVID Act to help our #LongHaulers get the care they need. TY @HELPCmteDems for convening this critical hearing. https://t.co/9VxZJ7ZJYz
"I'm assuming that all of you believe that the federal government has to play a much more active role with substantial sums of money for research, development, clinical trials, etc." - @BernieSanders Every panelist: "YES!" #LongCovid #LongCovidMoonshot https://t.co/fprepDUFXE
Another great place to follow the Senate’s HELP committee meeting on Long Covid. https://t.co/oCOPuyUrJx
This is the best introduction and words on #longcovid said by any public official ever. I am balling my eyes out seeing this finally said out loud. Thank you @SenSanders
We cannot turn our backs on the millions of Americans who continue to struggle with long COVID. Join me LIVE now for a HELP Committee hearing to discuss what we must do to address this issue with the urgency that it demands. https://t.co/K8N7Z1u5yR