Sen. Grassley Lauds Presidential Announcement of Additional Funding, Testing Requirements for Nursing Homes

WASHINGTON, July 24 -- Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Trump administration's requirement for weekly testing of nursing home staffers and disbursement of an additional $5 billion in funding to these facilities:

"America's seniors face just about the highest risk in this pandemic. Many are isolated from friends and family.

"And the first major outbreak occurred in a nursing facility. A testing mandate, while providing actual tests and financial support, will be a crucial tool in our nation's fight to slow and eventually overcome the disease.

"The President's action here is a big step in the right direction, which will help further protect the lives and health of both the residents of nursing facilities and the dedicated staff who care for them."

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Grassley has also introduced legislation to provide further critical support to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. His bill, the Emergency Support for Nursing Homes and Elder Justice Reform Act, will provide resources and ramp up accountability to curb the spread and effects of the pandemic in nursing homes.