AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement on the American Rescue Plan:
The AAMC is grateful to the incoming Biden administration for recognizing the immediate need to combat the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on our patients and communities with the American Rescue Plan. This proposal outlines a bold legislative strategy that includes crucial funding for a robust vaccination program, therapeutics, testing, and contact tracing. The plan also preserves and expands access to coverage for millions of Americans, addresses health disparities, and provides critical relief for state and local governments.
The health care workforce and researchers at the nation’s teaching hospitals and medical schools are being pushed to the limit as they continue to define the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to pass legislation that ensures health care providers and scientists have the resources necessary to serve patients and communities during this public health crisis.
We are thankful to the Biden-Harris team for their vision at this perilous time in our nation’s history. We urge Congress to work quickly in a bipartisan manner to enact a comprehensive package that will help the nation respond robustly to this unrelenting pandemic.”