Weeks before the rapid influx of COVID-19 cases came to light in China, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) worked around the clock to build and advance an elaborate cover-up scheme intended to deceive public health authorities, governments, media outlets, and millions of people. Simply put: the CCP’s relentless effort to downplay this pandemic is nothing short of an all-out assault on the health and safety of citizens across the globe. Unfortunately, it appears that the World Health Organization (WHO) became complicit with the CCP’s propaganda campaign as well.
In December of last year, Taiwan’s health authorities contacted the WHO about the implications of the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. In turn, the WHO – to appease the interests of the CCP – ignored the inquiry and even went so far as to deny that Taiwanese health authorities even contacted them with concerns. This attempt to chill vital public health information on COVID-19 sets a dangerous precedent. If the mission of the WHO is to improve the health and well-being of millions of people, why would it continuously pander to the CCP by regurgitating its propaganda?
On Tuesday, President Trump announced that the United States would withhold funding from the WHO until a comprehensive inquiry on the CCP’s involvement in disseminating misinformation through the WHO was completed. Undoubtedly, this was the appropriate course of action. Taxpayer dollars should not be allocated to an organization that places a higher value on its relationship with the Chinese government than embracing the highest standards of accountability and transparency in public health reporting. The American people deserve answers, and I can assure you that members of Congress and the Administration will not rest until the truth is uncovered.
New Scam Update
COVID-19 scams are approaching an all-time crescendo. New information released this week by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) indicates that COVID-19 scams have impacted more than 18,000 Americans since January 1st. In an online post by Paul Witt of the FTC Division of Consumer Response & Operations, it is reported that the overall cost of COVID-19 fraud has skyrocketed to over $13 million. This includes online shopping scams, fraudulent travel and vacation schemes, email phishing, and text messaging scams. Though the numbers are staggering, there are still many ways you can actively protect yourself and your loved ones.
One of the best resources on the newest COVID-19 scams is the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website. Here, you can find information, tips, and the latest news on efforts to combat scams in your area. I highly encourage you to explore this website and share it with friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else that you believe can benefit from it. By staying vigilant, we can stop these bad actors in their tracks.
Thank You
I want to take a moment to thank our nation’s deeply committed healthcare workers who put their lives on the line to treat and protect patients, our nation’s truck drivers who deliver food and critical supplies to grocery stores and businesses, manufacturers who have stepped up to the plate to produce PPE’s and other essential equipment, store clerks who have taken on extra shifts to provide for customers, and our steadfast police officers and first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we truly owe you all a debt of gratitude. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we’re thankful for all that you do for us.
Recent Events
Reading to students at Jefferson Elementary School in Winston-Salem
Featured in NPR’s special report on Ash Wednesday
Joining my colleagues for the Bipartisan Prayer Video Call
