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Beatty Boosts National Effort to Supply Free Face Coverings

July 15, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently cosponsored the Masks Work Act, H.R. 7317, a piece of legislation to provide free cloth face coverings through the mail to any American who requests one as well as authorize a related public service announcement campaign and invest in further research of mask efficacy to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"The State of Ohio like the vast majority of states is experiencing a disturbing uptick in COVID-19 infections and deaths. The virus affects everyone, and one proven strategy to defeat this public health crisis and improve our economy at the same time—as numerous studies have made clear and CDC Director Redfield told Congress yesterday —is encouraging all Americans to wear a mask," Beatty said. "That is why I am proud to cosponsor this important bill to ensure that the constituents of Ohio's Third Congressional District can obtain a mask and so that we can save more lives." She added, "We are in this together."

If enacted into law, the Masks Work Act would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a program to mail a cloth face covering to any American who requests one, free of charge. Further, the bill would establish a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-led public awareness campaign to illustrate the importance of face coverings as recommended by scientific and medical experts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Finally, the measure would authorize funds for the National Institutes of Health to conduct further studies on the subject of mask efficacy.

H.R. 7317 is awaiting further consideration in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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