Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) held a call today with top FDA officials to discuss the approval process for rapid tests. The FDA has said publicly that it thinks rapid tests should be used to help curb the spread of COVID-19, but have only approved one test that doesn't require a prescription. And at $30/test, it is impractical for at-home screening on a regular basis.

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated today in an Oversight Subcommittee hearing with the five major COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. In her remarks, Rep. Schrier focused on the timelines for vaccine studies in children and pregnant women for each of the vaccines. So far the authorized vaccines are for Americans aged 16 and above (Pfizer) and aged 18 and above (Moderna).

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced a new partnership between Seattle Children's and school districts in Washington state for a rapid testing pilot program. The program will start with the Auburn School District and expand to nine school districts throughout the month of March. Rep. Schrier has been pushing for more widely available rapid testing as a way to get children back into school even more safely.

ISSAQUAH, WA – U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have introduced the Kids' Access to Primary Care Act that will expand access to Medicaid by increasing reimbursement rates for doctors and expand eligibility for enhanced rates to additional providers.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Bill Foster (IL-11) and New Democrat Coalition Chair Suzan DelBene (WA-08) today led Coalition Members in sending a letter to Acting FDA Commissioner Susan Woodcock. In the letter, the Representatives urge the FDA to conduct a comparative evaluation of rapid tests to determine which tests are the most effective tests that can be scaled up for mass production and distribution.

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) helped pass additional funding for vaccines and testing out of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee last night. The bill is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives later this month. In her remarks, Rep. Schrier applauded the funding in the bill that will vastly expand at-home rapid tests, and more funding to help states distribute vaccines.

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today sent a letter to Governor Jay Inslee requesting that the state consider moving Kittitas County into Phase Two of the Roadmap to Recovery Plan. Last night the state announced that all counties except the South Central region would be in Phase Two on Sunday. Kittitas County is exceeding targets in key metric areas. Rep. Schrier's letter is as follows:

Dear Governor Inslee,

ISSAQUAH, WA –Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) helped pass additional assistance for small and mid-sized farmers out of the Agriculture Committee last night. The bill is expected to be voted on by the full House of Representatives later this month. Rep.