Kuster Questions Experts About Long-Hauler COVID-19 Cases, Urges Expanded Research in E&C Health Subcommittee Hearing

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, participated in a hearing entitled, "The Long Haul: Forging a Path through the Lingering Effects of COVID-19." The Members heard from public health experts and COVID-19 long-hauler patients about the disease, ongoing research to identify treatments and therapeutics, and steps Congress can take to support these medical efforts moving forward.

"This past year has been a challenge for Americans across the country, and sadly for many COVID-19 survivors the lingering effects of the disease continue to plague them day in and day out," said Rep. Kuster. "Yesterday's discussion hit close to home for me. My niece Laurel, who was sick exactly one year ago, continues to have trouble with the simple activities of daily life, like taking a shower or making dinner. She is 34 years old and previously healthy."

"According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 percent of COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms longer than 90 days after recovering from their initial infection," Rep. Kuster continued. "The long-term effects of COVID-19 are profound and it is critical that we have a coordinated federal response to help these Americans who continue to live in pain and discomfort. Yesterday's hearing demonstrated that management of these conditions is difficult and highly complex, and I will continue working with our public health organizations and experts to bolster research and ensure no one is left behind as we recover from this pandemic."

Kuster has been a leading voice in Congress to bolster and quicken our nationwide vaccine rollout. In January, Kuster introduced the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act to improve and expand real-time communication between state and federal governments, as well as public and private health care providers, to ensure vaccines are being administered effectively and efficiently across all states and territories. Also this year, Kuster introduced the Coronavirus Vaccine and Therapeutic Development Act to ensure that the U.S. will be able to mass-produce and administer COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics quickly and efficiently. Funding modeled after both of these bills was included in the American Rescue Plan Act.

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