As Congress considers new legislation, I believe it is important for lawmakers to examine the $1.7 trillion of pandemic funding that remains unspent as well as assess current needs before approving new spending. I appreciate hearing ideas from those I serve.

I also mentioned two liability protection bills I introduced to help our economy reopen with confidence. One bill protects non-profit organizations like churches, food banks, and homeless shelters who have been on the front lines providing services and hope to those hurting during the pandemic. The last thing they need is the specter of a lawsuit over their heads when they’ve been trying to do the right thing to help their fellow man. A second bill helps meat packing firms reopen safely without fear of frivolous lawsuits while still allowing lawsuits when there is a blatant disregard for the safety concerns of the workers. I introduced this bill early in the pandemic when many pork producers were facing the prospect of having to euthanize their herds because of meat packing plants being closed due to uncertainty of how to operate safely.

I worked with the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to get clarity for the plants on how to operate safely, and we got the plants reopened, most agricultural operations in Missouri did not have to euthanize their herds, and consumers once again had meat on the grocery shelves to feed their families.

Lastly, at Rotary, I recognized the contributions of educators, first-responders, and healthcare workers for continuing to help our communities during the coronavirus pandemic. Our frontline workers deserve our eternal gratitude for bravely taking on the coronavirus pandemic head on and ensuring our communities had the services they need.