**The full Subcommittee hearing is available HERE**

**Rep. Kuster’s full remarks are available HERE**

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, participated in a hearing entitled, "Lessons from the Frontline: COVID-19's Impact on American Health Care." During the hearing, Kuster questioned health care providers to learn more about the consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on our nation’s health care system. She discussed the impact of COVID-19 on delays in care in New Hampshire and highlighted the importance of preparing for future disruptions to care.

“Throughout the pandemic, I have spoken with hospital leaders across my district who detailed the serious impact of COVID-19 on the workforce, bed availability, and delays in accessing health care,” said Rep. Kuster. “On top of the deadly toll this virus had on our communities, it also forced hospitals and health care providers to delay non-urgent procedures, preventive care, and tests in order to respond to surges in COVID-19 hospitalizations. I’m proud to be a part of this conversation today and will continue working with my colleagues to strengthen the resilience of our health care system and prepare our country for future disruptions.”

Rep. Kuster has been a strong advocate and ally for New Hampshire’s health care workers and providers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To honor New Hampshire health care workers, Kuster invited Noah Clay, an ICU nurse at Cheshire Medical Center, to join as her virtual guest for President Biden’s State of the Union address. During the most recent surge, she held regular calls with hospital CEOs across the district and heard firsthand how the Omicron variant was resulting in delays and care and severe workforce shortages. 

###