Health Care

Last week, I asked federal health and security officials about travel to and from China given coronavirus. With worsening conditions since then, it’s time to consider restricting all US commercial travel to and from China. Public health must be paramount.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie requesting an update on the construction status of the new outpatient clinic building at the St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks. In August, Secretary Wilkie told Senator Hawley that construction on the St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks would be completed by the end of 2019, followed by an activation period of approximately 6 months.

“Every day law enforcement officers walk into the line of fire to protect our communities. But the trauma they experience can take a heavy toll on those brave men and women who keep us safe. This bill takes positive steps toward getting our men and women in blue the support they deserve in order to heal and recover.”

“I’m thrilled that President Trump signed my bipartisan legislation to support the heroes of law enforcement into law," said Senator Hawley. "This legislation will save lives by providing critical aid to officers in crisis."

Sen. Hawley said, “I’m thrilled that Congress passed my bipartisan legislation to support our men and women in law enforcement. These heroes show up every day to protect and serve our communities, so it’s important that we show up for them.”

Today, Senator Josh Hawley, along with Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Ron Johnson, Mike Braun, Kevin Cramer, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Dan Sullivan, sent a letter to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America asking that they provide solutions to address the rising cost of prescription drugs. Senator Hawley is committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and putting the American consumer back in charge of their healthcare decisions.

“This bill provides much-needed support for the men and women of law enforcement who keep us safe every day,” said Senator Hawley. “I am thrilled to see the overwhelming, bipartisan support for this legislation and hope the House will take action.”

"FEMA's decision to bar federal employees from participating in US&R task forces doesn't make any sense. We should be encouraging more people to help disaster victims, not less," said Senator Hawley. “This legislation makes it clear that federal employees willing to volunteer in US&R disaster relief efforts should be allowed to do so.”

“While others run away from danger, police officers are the first to run towards it. They have seen horrible crime and tragedy, yet they still put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. While we can never thank them enough for their service, this week we honor the brave men and women lost in the line of duty and express our gratitude to those who continue to diligently serve and protect our communities.”

The Kansas City Police Department detective who took his own life in February was the fourth member of our department to do so in as many years. His suicide was the first we discussed publicly because we decided as a department that it was time that we face this issue head on.