How the Federal Government Responded to COVID-19

Hear from a Rhode Island congressman about how the federal government is responding to COVID-19. The pandemic moved quickly and impacted every part of people’s lives. How did the State’s congressional delegation balance the importance of thorough public health measures and the need to maintain a healthy economy? How quickly did federal support get to states, municipalities, and individuals?  Our guest this week is Congressman David Cicilline. Congressman Cicilline is in his sixth term representing the first congressional district of Rhode Island in the US House of Representatives. He chairs the House Antitrust Subcommittee and the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, and is Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.  Co-hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan ask the Congressman about the impact COVID-19 has had on the economy, his opinion on the nationwide vaccine rollout, and about the ongoing battle against public health misinformation. Cicilline also talks about the programs that were established to support small businesses, unemployed individuals, and families in need throughout the pandemic.  “COVID-19 revealed what has existed for a long time in this country in terms of housing inequality, health care inequities, economic inequality,” Cicilline said. What can the federal government do to address the pandemic’s long-lasting impacts and support Americans through recovery? Download this week’s episode to hear more.