Del. Norton Joins Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, National Emergency Announced

WASHINGTON, March 14 -- Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., issued the following news release:

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) joined the newly formed Congressional Coronavirus Task Force, which seeks to collect, assess and use the information and expertise of Congress and its committees to better inform congressional policy and legislation. Norton is mindful that on Wednesday, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency in the District, where 12 coronavirus cases have been reported. President Trump also declared a national emergency.

At a Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on Thursday, Norton questioned administration officials leading the coronavirus response about ensuring the safety of medical providers and first responders, the first line of defense.

As Congress approaches its planned recess scheduled to begin Monday, House Democrats continue to work to pass their second coronavirus response bill today, which will, among other things, provide free coronavirus testing and paid emergency sick leave. On March 6, 2020, the emergency coronavirus supplemental spending bill was signed into law, providing $8.3 billion to respond to the coronavirus.

"My staff and I will be providing our services every day, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., by telework, which we began yesterday," Norton said. "A previously scheduled House recess begins Monday and our congressional and district offices will be working as usual during recess. Because we will be teleworking, residents should leave messages at our usual numbers and you will receive prompt calls back. We are continuing to do whatever is necessary by proceeding as normally as possible while teleworking to put safety first."