US Senators Propose ‘National Coronavirus Commission’

Colorado US Senator Michael Bennet joined US Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) in announcing plans to introduce new legislation that would create the America Forward Commission. The commission would consist of a panel of independent experts tasked with developing a broad strategy of how and when to safely reopen the country in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

“This is one of the most unsettling times in our nation’s history, and we are all anxious to put these days behind us and move forward. To begin reopening our economy, we must ensure we are protecting American lives and not further jeopardizing our economic future,” said Bennet. “Like generations before us who faced incredible challenges of their own, we have a chance to assert our best traditions as Americans. And if we do that – which I know we can – I’m confident we can get our country back on its feet.”

“Protecting public health is a core function of government, and it’s a responsibility all elected officials must take seriously. The eventual decision to ease social distancing orders and return to the pre-coronavirus ‘normal’ must be driven by science, not politics,” said Harris. “I’m proud to help introduce this bill to form the America Forward Commission because people in California and across the country deserve the peace of mind that their leaders are listening to the experts and following the facts.”

The legislation will require the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to appoint 10-15 members, with at least one expert in the following fields: public health, economics, transportation, medicine, national security, and state and local government.

The American Forward Commission’s duties will include:

  • Examining and developing standards, tools, and techniques necessary to ensure that federal, state, and local officials can diagnose, isolate, and mitigate the coronavirus, including seasonal reoccurrences, and address other public health and economic impacts;
  • Evaluating information sharing policies and practices for essential information between federal, state, and local stakeholders, as well as business and non-profit entities;
  • Determining necessary medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and other materials; and
  • Evaluating proposals to strengthen the resilience of economic sectors and protect American workers most vulnerable to disruption from viral pandemics.

The Commission will make real-time recommendations to policymakers. The White House Coronavirus Task Force will be required to respond in writing to the Commission’s recommendations within one week of receipt, and to publicly post its responses.

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