Spectrum News: Congressman Doggett: Let People Buy ACA Insurance During Pandemic

AUSTIN, Texas -- Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, is calling on his colleagues in Congress to provide affordable health care coverage to people who may be at risk of developing COVID-19. He introduced legislation Monday that would require a special enrollment period any time there is a public health emergency declaration such as COVID-19.

"If there was ever a time that people would need it, affordable access to a family physician, it's right now," he said.

Rep. Doggett also weighed in on the standstill in the Senate as they debate a nearly $2 trillion stimulus deal to deal to respond to the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. One key holdup appears to still be roughly $500 billion in funds for loans and loan guarantees for distressed companies, states and localities without enough guidelines or oversight to satisfy Democrats.

"My focus would be on health care as we did in our last bill," he said. "I think there's still much to do. On sick leave, for the many people that could be suffering from coronavirus. On unemployment compensation… and on our small businesses."

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Rep. Doggett including his take on whether remote voting for members of Congress will pass.