releases: https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/district-connection-113020
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| https://woodall.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletter-archive/district-connection-113020 | District Connection - 11/30/20 | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | GA | Rob Woodall | W000810 | woodall.house.gov | legacy | GEORGIA VOTE COUNTING CONTINUES BY THE BOOK In the state of Georgia, we saw record-setting voter turnout for the general election on November 3rd. However, due to the increased use of mail-in ballots, this also meant confirming the official results of many elections could not be done overnight. With election results in several states across the nation too close to call including here in Georgia several steps had to be taken following the initial results to ensure an accurate vote count. For example, in Georgia, the November 3rd election results yielded such incredibly close vote shares in both of the U.S. Senate races and in the U.S. Presidential race that Georgia election laws automatically triggered runoff elections for both of Georgia's U.S. Senate seats and also required Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to launch a state-wide risk-limiting audit, which included a hand count of all ballots, to ensure voting machines yielded the correct results. Following the conclusion of the audit the largest hand count of ballots in recent history Secretary Raffensperger reaffirmed the original outcome of the presidential race in favor of former Vice President Joe Biden and took action to certify those results on November 20th, meeting the statutory deadline set by Georgia election law. However, because former Vice President Biden's margin of victory over President Donald Trump was less than 0.5% in Georgia's certified election results, the Trump campaign is entitled to and requested a formal recount of Georgia's ballots, a process that began last Tuesday to re-scan every legal paper ballot in the state to further ensure the validity of the state's election results. As I said before, there is no higher electoral priority than ensuring the confidence of the American people in our voting systems. I applaud the diligent efforts of our state and local election officials who have worked tirelessly to make sure we get it right. Of course, when allegations of impropriety are raised, those must be investigated. And this election cycle has demonstrated the ways in which we can do better. With all eyes turning to Georgia in these next two months given Georgia's runoffs on January 5th, it is imperative that we do. TRANSITION PROCESS INITIATED Last week, General Services Administration (GSA) Director Emily Murphy announced the formal initiation of its role in making its services available to former Vice President Biden for this transition, and President Trump himself has asked that GSA move forward in its capacity as recounts continue. Ensuring a peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of our democracy and is one that both Republicans and Democrats have always committed to, even formally this fall by nearly unanimously passing a resolution calling for that in both the House and Senate Chambers. While these election results paint a picture of a divided America, it also paints one of increased civic engagement and participation in our democracy, with roughly 5 million Georgians casting their ballot in 2020 compared to 4.1 million Georgian voters in 2016. Now more than ever, a willingness to engage with one another and push past our disagreements to find the best path forward will be necessary, and I hope we see that increased commitment to bipartisanship as the House and Senate returns next week for its likely final legislative stretch of the 116th Congress. COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD Since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, both private industry and the federal government have aggressively pursued the development and deployment of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines to combat this virus. In particular, I know many of you have been closely following the news of the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, which I recently discussed, highlighting Pfizer and Moderna's announcements about their vaccine candidates. Results from those Phase III clinical trials have been incredibly encouraging, reporting efficacy ratings of more than 90 percent, well-above the 75 percent efficacy rate that earlier this year stood as public health officials' end goal. There are multiple vaccine candidates in the process of clinical trials, and last week, Astra Zeneca announced preliminary results of its trial data indicating anywhere from 62-90 percent efficacy, depending on how the two doses are administered and has the advantage of being stored at refrigerated rather than freezer temperatures. As those studies continue, it is important to remember that our vaccine strategy is not singular, and the successful development of multiple vaccine candidates is needed to address the public health need. While federal leaders begin to outline distribution plans, with federal recommendations on how those should be distributed likely forthcoming, I will continue to call on Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, and the White House to pass an additional relief package to ensure that a need for funding is not the roadblock in furthering our ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent the spread of COVID-19. CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT: EXPANDING ACCESS TO CARE THROUGH TELEHEALTH The COVID-19 public health emergency has demonstrated the increasingly important role technology and online services have played in providing for the continuity of operations. We have seen that in a number of ways from virtual learning in both K-12 and higher education, to shifts to remote work across large sectors of the economy. This also includes in the delivery of health care services, namely the increased adoption and utilization of telehealth which has played a critical role in preserving access to care when in-person services cannot be provided. Below are some of the messages I have received about telehealth utilization during this time. David from Sugar Hill: I urge you to take immediate legislative steps to make permanent many of the regulatory reforms instituted by federal agencies to fight covid-19. The crisis has exposed a tragic reality - harmful regulations often stand in the way of doctors, nurses, and medical researchers helping people. Amelia from Lawrenceville: Stories are coming in from all over the country from physicians and patients alike about the positive effects of expanding telehealth. It has allowed patients to continue to receive high-quality care using new digital tools. I strongly urge that telehealth services are covered and remain available as a viable option for patients during and beyond the COVID-19 public health emergency. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) took decisive action during the onset of the pandemic to promote access to telehealth services. These actions include lifting geographic and site of service restrictions to allow telehealth services to be delivered wherever a beneficiary is located, expanding the list of services that could be furnished remotely, and expanding the types of practitioners who can provide telehealth services. Truly, the COVID-19 crisis has served as the largest pilot program for many new public policies, telehealth included, and I am glad that these flexibilities have helped provide for continuity of care in a time when it is most critical. HHS's report issued this summer shows just how important a role telehealth services have played during this emergency, with telehealth utilization for primary care increasing by nearly 50 percent at its peak in April 2020. The benefits of telehealth, especially during this time, are evident. And I support the continuation of those policies, particularly as we are seeing increased rates of COVID-19 cases heading into the winter. Though with any broader or permanent extensions of these flexibilities, we must absolutely make certain that we maintain the robust privacy protections we have in place and ensure a high-quality standard of care for Americans and their families. I absolutely expect these enacted flexibilities expanding the utilization of telehealth to continue as national emergency persists. And as the health care debate continues into the next Congress, I am excited about the prospect telehealth services will play in addressing our emerging health care needs, particularly across rural and underserved communities. COMMUNITY MEMBERS HOST THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED Time and again, I come across special members of our Seventh District community who commit themselves fully to the service of others. Last week, Suwanee resident Trenessa Beene Pearson and her nonprofit ministry, Transforming You, hosted its second annual Thanksgiving Day meal for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our community. Pearson founded Transforming You to support and transform the lives of homeless women and children in our community, with the ultimate goal of opening a full-time shelter for those in need. Last week's Thanksgiving event, hosted in George Pierce Park, was held with the support of local businesses and individuals who helped fundraise, prepare, and serve food and much-needed toiletries and gift cards for the event's guests. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pearson and her volunteers did not hesitate to continue their service, modifying this year's event to best protect those in attendance. After just a two-week hiatus at the start of the lockdown, Transforming You got right back to work. As Pearson said, Put the masks and the gloves on and let's go and we did. I would like to thank Ms. Pearson and all volunteers and supporters of Transforming You for their selfless service to those who are most in-need in our community. Your generosity will go a long way in ensuring that our neighbors do not have to go without this holiday season. ACTS OF SERVICE CONTINUE TO UPLIFT COMMUNITY As we head into the holiday season, I am continuously inspired by so many in our community who are working to give back to our neighbors in need. And for the past nearly three decades, the annual Buck Jones Toy Run has showcased the ways in which giving back is truly a product of the passions of our community. Through this event, over 400 bikers recently gathered for a record-breaking 29th annual Buck Jones Toy Run, riding from Cumming to Dahlonega to raise toys and money for local children. Started in 1991 by Forsyth County Police Chief Buck Jones, this year's rally was met with historic turnout and benefitted multiple charities, including Meals by Grace in Forsyth. I hope you will join me in recognizing this year's volunteers and bikers for their generosity and commitment to giving each child in our community the Christmas they deserve. THE WEEK AHEAD As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, there are still a number of legislative priorities that must be completed before the end of this Congress, including the National Defense Authorization Act which is currently in conference committee as both chambers begin to work out the differences between our two bills; government funding for FY2021 which the respective Senate and House Appropriations Committees have begun their discussions on how to move forward; and the ever-elusive COVID-19 relief package that has stalled these past few months. However, rather than take up any of these important bills, the House will be returning this week to vote on H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act, which would remove marijuana from the list of controlled substances and associated criminal statutes, in addition to establishing a trust fund to assist those who have been adversely affected by the criminalization of marijuana. While I welcome the debate on federal criminal statutes governing marijuana use, possession, and distribution, I believe it is the wrong time for the House to utilize such precious time discussing a bill with no path forward rather than delivering results for the American people who continue to struggle during this pandemic. Sincerely, Rob Woodall Member of Congress | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |