Today, July 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to encourage Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
To watch Miller-Meeks’ remarks, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:
Madame Speaker, I rise today to discuss the issue of vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy, and the rising rates of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
For the last few months, I have traveled across my district administrating vaccines to Iowans.
It has been a pleasure to see constituents in the entire country have a new sense of freedom and begin to return to normal. But fully engaged living is being threatened by the Delta variant, which is causing increased hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the unvaccinated.
It is miraculous to have three safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 so rapidly; however, the speed of development may give some Americans pause. Therefore, it is critical to emphasize that no safety shortcuts were taken and reassure our constituents that the vaccines are safe and effective. Decades of research informed the development of these breakthrough vaccines, and millions have been vaccinated with incredibly low risk.
Given the rise in the Delta variant, I once again encourage everyone to get a vaccine as soon as possible so that we continue our path to normalcy. This vaccine IS how we get our lives back. If you have questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.
