Press Releases

Reps. Bergman and Beyer introduced bipartisan legislation to help better understand and address lingering symptoms faced by many who’ve mostly recovered from COVID-19, but continue to deal with symptoms. Rep. Bergman issued the following statement:

"I’m honored to introduce this important legislation with Rep. Beyer. Over the past year, we have seen increasing reports of individuals who are still experiencing symptoms months after their initial COVID-19 infection," said Rep. Bergman. I’m glad to be a part of bipartisan cooperation to address the effects of ‘Long COVID’ once again. In combination with the NIH research funding we have already signed into law, the COVID-19 Long Haulers Act will give us the tools we need to understand, identify, and treat the long-term symptoms of COVID-19."

Rep. Beyer stated, “Not nearly enough attention is being paid to sufferers of Long Covid, people who got sick and recovered from their initial infections but then experienced long term effects which in many cases were much worse. Our bill would take important steps to help this important group, which includes millions of Americans. The COVID-19 Long Haulers Act would fund research and promote the sharing of data to identify and disseminate causes and, hopefully, effective treatments for these conditions. It is important to build on the research Congress has already funded to do all we can to alleviate the suffering and improve the lives of Covid long haulers.”

“We are incredibly honored and proud to have the support of Rep. Don Beyer and Rep. Jack Bergman to not only help us raise awareness of ME/CFS, but for their clear understanding that it is critical to attain much-needed funding and policy solutions,” said Oved Amitay, President and CEO of Solve ME/CFS Initiative. “Already, approximately 2.5 million Americans are afflicted with ME/CFS and COVID-19 is on target to double that number. Funding for education, research and treatment surrounding Long COVID and associated post-viral diseases like ME/CFS is not an option, it’s non-negotiable. The health of our nation depends on it.”

If signed into law, this legislation would authorize applied research funding to:

• Help develop and disseminate best practices for providers to identify and treat Long COVID;
• Ensure Veterans, elderly, and other vulnerable communities receive proper treatment to lingering COVID-19 symptoms; and
• Provide funding to help share information to health providers and the general public on symptoms and treatments.