Friends,

Over the past few weeks, we have heard a lot of information about coronavirus (COVID-19) and in Washington, we are working hard to protect the health and safety of all Americans.

On Monday, I spoke on a conference call (pictured below) with Dr. Harrist, Stefan Johansson, and Stephanie Pyle from the Wyoming Department of Health about the work being done at the federal, state, and local level to mitigate the threat of coronavirus. I’m incredibly grateful for the work they’re doing. The health of the people of Wyoming is my number one priority. 

Recently, I spoke about the significance of this threat and the importance of putting partisanship aside to solve this problem:

“Every day we’re learning more about the threat that this virus poses. It’s very important for everyone to understand that we are united. This is not a partisan issue. We believe, the House Republicans, certainly, that we have a duty to make sure that the nation is prepared. Our nation has more resources than any other nation in the world to be able to address whatever threat coronavirus poses, but it’s going to require bipartisan action. This is not a time for partisanship. Pathogens do not respect party lines and it’s very important for all of us to come together and to work together to make sure we’re prepared. I think we have a duty to do that – it’s a patriotic duty. We do have the very best infrastructure in the world, we have the very best ability to innovate, the very best ability to develop whatever responses are necessary, but it has to happen on a bipartisan basis. I think it’s absolutely clear as House Republicans that we’re going to be prepared to stand behind and support whatever resources are necessary for this, to work closely with the President, to work across the aisle with our Democratic colleagues, and we would urge our Democratic colleagues to do the same.”

In remarks to the nation, President Trump detailed the aggressive response his administration is coordinating to combat this virus. He made clear that he and his Administration are prepared for all possible outcomes when it comes to this disease, and are taking every imaginable step to protect the health and safety of the American people. 

As the President stressed, the decisive action he took at the beginning of the outbreak—including prudent travel restrictions and an early containment strategy—has given local officials time to prepare. Last month, the President formed a Coronavirus Task Force, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and comprised of subject-matter experts, to organize a whole-of-government response. As a result, America has been able to stay ahead of the outbreak as it develops abroad.

President Trump also specifically referenced The Global Health Security Index prepared by Johns Hopkins University which showed that the United States is the country most prepared to deal with a pandemic:

The CDC has encouraged all individuals with specific coronavirus questions to call the designated hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO, where questions and referrals will be answered immediately. 

The CDC has also provided the following guidance on best practices that you can take to minimize the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as coronavirus:

Practical Prevention Techniques:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Vaccinations – Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the influenza vaccine.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain at least six feet of distance from anyone exhibiting obvious symptoms.
• Stay home when you are sick.

For more information about prevention and treatment of coronavirus, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website here. Please reach out to my office if there is anything we can assist with or answer any questions. 

Socialism Extinguishes Freedom

In the House of Representatives and on the presidential campaign trail, we continue to see Democrats embrace a socialist ideology that runs counter to our founding principles and threaten the exceptionalism of America.

There is simply no question that socialism extinguishes freedom. 

It is unthinkable that the Democrat frontrunner for President, Senator Bernie Sanders, continues to double-down on his comments in praise of the tyrannical Fidel Castro regime in Cuba. 

Even more disturbing, this week Speaker Pelosi and her party blocked a resolution that condemned both Senator Sanders’ comments and the Cuban government’s record of oppression. Despite their attempts to separate themselves from Bernie Sanders, House Democrats’ refusal to condemn what he said about the Castro regime shows that there is no distance between them and his socialist agenda.

We will defeat those who advocate socialism, and we will ensure that our children and our grandchildren live in the freedom that we do today. Watch my remarks that expanded on this last week:

Support For The U.S.-Israel Relationship Needs To Be Bipartisan

On Monday, I had the honor of speaking at the 2020 AIPAC Policy Conference to highlight the need for bipartisan support to strengthen the relationship between the United States and our closest ally, Israel. The U.S.-Israel relationship must be one that is able to maintain its strength no matter what party is in power, no matter what party is in the Oval Office. I will always stand up for the state of Israel, stand against anti-Semitism, and make sure that relationship remains strong. Click below to watch the full video of my remarks from AIPAC: 

Congresswoman Liz Cheney

Armed Services Committee

Last Wednesday, I participated in a House Armed Services Committee hearing where I questioned Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley about ongoing peace negotiations with Taliban leaders. This terrorist organization has demonstrated that they are not a partner for peace. The Trump Administration has taken significant action to keep our nation safe, including eliminating the world’s most dangerous terrorists. We should not commit to a dangerous settlement with the Taliban that could risk our national security. Click here or below to watch video from the hearing. 

Later on Wednesday evening, 21 of my House Republican colleagues joined me in sending a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper calling for assurances that the security of the American people not be put in the hands of the Taliban. Specifically, we must be sure that any deal between the U.S. and the Taliban will be public and not contain any secret side deals. Additionally, there must be no intelligence sharing established with the Taliban which would put American lives at risk. The complete letter can be seen here.

Visits

Our veterans have bravely served our country and deserve our utmost respect. This month my team was honored to present Raymond Navarro, of Cheyenne, with replacement medals he earned in the U.S. Army. If you are a veteran needing medals replaced, please call my office: 307-772-2595.

I had a productive meeting with Wyoming Postmasters who are working to enhance mail delivery to rural communities throughout our state. 

It’s always inspiring to meet with the next generation of young leaders from Wyoming. Thank you to Jazmine Wildcat (pictured right) for stopping by my office to discuss her important work serving as a Champion for Change with the Center for Native American Youth. 

Thank you to members of the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters for meeting with me this week to discuss key issues facing our local radio and television stations.

Wyoming’s rural communities face unique challenges in providing accessible and affordable healthcare. It was a pleasure to meet with Eric Schlidt, a fellow with the National Rural Health Association from Casper, to discuss innovative new strategies to enhance healthcare services throughout Wyoming.

It was an honor to address members of the Wyoming House and Senate this month and talk about our collaborative efforts to uphold the values that we cherish as a state.

Newsworthy

The Washington Examiner: “Liz Cheney questions New York Times for publishing story by Taliban leader”

The Daily Signal: “Bernie Sanders Needs to Face Truth About Socialism, Rep. Liz Cheney Says”

TownHall: Liz Cheney Leads Letter from Congress to Pompeo and Esper on Peace Deal

KGWN – Casper: “Conservative lawmakers at CPAC say they are concerned about rise of socialism in Democratic party”