Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01) met with the New Hampshire Hospital Association’s members and leadership to discuss New Hampshire’s COVID-19 response, the current capacity of hospitals, the ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, and federal support for New Hampshire’s health care system.

“Our New Hampshire hospitals, health care professionals, and first responders have worked tirelessly to protect our state and communities throughout this public health crisis,” said Rep. Kuster. “They’ve been on the frontlines of this pandemic, and it is crucial that we support them as we work to distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccines, re-open our economy, and get students back to school. I will continue working across the aisle with my colleagues in the House and Senate, as well as the Biden-Harris administration to advocate for adequate and robust support for our hospitals, rural health systems, and providers.”

“We cannot understate the incredible work and resilience of our health care providers who have been working around the clock, for almost a full year, to keep our communities as healthy and safe as possible,” said Rep. Pappas. “While vaccinations are increasing, we must move with urgency to provide more resources to increase capacity to test, treat, trace, and vaccinate. Congresswoman Kuster and I remain dedicated to listening to those on the front lines and ensuring they receive the federal support they need to support our state’s health care needs and put this pandemic behind us.”

“We’re very appreciative of the continued support of both Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Pappas of their efforts to advocate for New Hampshire hospitals as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and of their recognition of the tireless efforts of our frontline healthcare heroes,” said NHHA President Steve Ahnen. “This public health crisis has created significant financial challenges for hospitals and health systems across the state, and we’ll continue to work with our state and federal partners to ensure our state’s health care system has the resources it needs to serve their patients and communities, and to support its healthcare workforce, now and into the future.”

Rep. Kuster has been working to support New Hampshire hospitals and frontline workers since the pandemic began. Both Kuster and Pappas were original cosponsors of H.R.748, the CARES Act, which responded to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses. Both Kuster and Pappas also supported H.R. 6800, the HEROES Act. In October, Kuster advocated for an updated version of the legislation. And in December, Rep. Kuster spoke on the House floor urging Congress to pass immediate COVID-19 relief legislation.

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