Sherman, Chabot, and India Caucus host briefing on India's Second COVID Wave

Press Release

Yesterday, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), the Democratic Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, and Republican Co-Chair Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) hosted a Member briefing with the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to discuss the United States' efforts to assist India with their devastating second wave of COVID-19 infections.

Representatives of State and USAID informed Congressman Sherman and Members of the Congressional India Caucus of current U.S. assistance efforts, including the six planes in six days that provided urgent U.S. relief to India. We were also informed of USAID's delivery of 440 oxygen cylinders and regulators, generously donated by the State of California. The briefers also provided the Members with critical information for constituents who want to assist India with donations through government means, and the ways constituents can ensure such donations are effectively delivered to those in need.

Congressman Sherman raised the issue of the lack of studies conducted to determine whether a lower dosage of certain vaccines would provide adequate immunity, particularly for those under age 55. Congressman Sherman previously reached out to the COVID Taskforce, NIH, FDA, and the CDC on this issue. America has a very strong interest in stretching available vaccine supplies, increasing the amount of vaccine that is manufactured, and assuring its efficient distribution, globally. See an article on this issue, here.

Congressman Sherman also urged USAID to make the U.S. military available for flights to bring additional urgent medical supply donations to India.

"I appreciate the Biden administration sending so many individuals across the interagency to brief us on the COVID situation in India," said Congressman Sherman. "As Democratic Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, I have made India's need for additional assistance and relief clear, and I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues to get relief and donations delivered to the people of India in an efficient, direct, and timely manner."

"As the United States seeks to help India fight its second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, I appreciate the Administration's willingness to brief the India Caucus on their efforts," Congressman Chabot said. "The scope of the crisis facing India is truly daunting, and the United States must continue to help. As a Caucus, we will continue to work with the Administration and key stakeholders within the Indian American community to ensure that American support and resources reach India in its time of need."

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