Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, appeared live on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom” with Ed Henry to discuss U.S. response to coronavirus. Key highlights are below.

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On creating certainty for Americans: “We’re taking certain preventive measures. I don’t think shutting down the Capitol or Congress would be the right message to the country or world. You always find in a time of crisis that cooler heads prevail. I don’t think it’s time to panic and shut down the Congress. That would send a terrible message not only to the American people but I think to the markets, when we want more certainty in the markets. That’s what [the American people] are looking for right now.” 

On developing treatments: “Ed, a couple of things are happening that are worth mentioning. One is an antiviral that’s very promising in the laboratory that we were told about by the Vice President. They are testing that on 1,000 patients in Asia, primarily China, and we’re waiting to see. We’ll know by next month if this treatment is effective and that’s the kind of stuff I think that is going to lower the panic level. That and the idea of a vaccine on the horizon.”

On a potential stimulus package: “I think it’s a good idea and something Republicans will be supportive of. The President supports it. I think we should be looking at that. It is also interesting to note the Asian stock market actually did quite well. We’re hoping with the bell ringing at 9:30 this morning we’ll see a little bit of a rebound on the stock market. That will give us some reassurance.”

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