President Donald Trump Archives

Hawley calls for surge of personal protective equipment into Missouri hospitals

March 29, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A U.S. Senator from Missouri who serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill says the state’s hospitals need more personal protective equipment (PPE).

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R) speaks to Missourinet during an interview on March 25, 2020 (photo courtesy of Senator Hawley’s office)

Senator Josh Hawley (R) tells Missourinet that he’s spoken to the leaders of almost every hospital in the state.

“All of them … rural, urban, suburban … all of them need more,” Hawley says. “They need more tests, they need more protective equipment, they need more masks.”

Hawley says the hospitals need a large infusion of the equipment.

“We’ve got to surge this into the hospitals, frankly I think that the FDA has been too slow in getting this stuff out there,” says Hawley.

Hawley is in regular contact with Governor Mike Parson (R), who announced Saturday evening that Missouri’s Strategic National Stockpile warehouse has shipped about 5,000 gloves and 2,717 cases of masks to hospitals, EMS and long-term care facilities in the state.

The governor also says about 43,000 face shields have been shipped, along with 908 cases of surgical gowns. There are about 18 to 30 surgical gowns in a case, depending on the size.

Parson also says PPE for first responders have been purchased, and that the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has ordered millions of items. They include 6.6 million surgical masks, 5.8 million gloves, 4.3 million N-95 masks, 214,000 containers of disinfecting wipes and about 74,000 safety goggles.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced on Sunday afternoon that there are now 903 confirmed coronavirus cases in Missouri, in addition to 12 deaths.

As for Senator Hawley, he says Missouri hospitals will also need more ventilators, and he praises President Trump for invoking the Defense Production Act. The president invoked it on Friday, ordering General Motors (GM) to produce ventilators for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Politico” reports President Trump wants to see GM produce the ventilators at their recently closed plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

Missouri U.S. House members weigh in on stimulus package signed into law

March 27, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

President Donald Trump has signed into law a coronavirus stimulus plan. Under the plan passed today by the U.S. House, Americans who make $75,000 or less a year would get a check for $1,200 – $2,400 for married couples – plus $500 per kid.

U.S. Capitol dome courtesy of the U.S. House

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat of Kansas City, says the pandemic is ravaging the country and the resulting economic downturn.

“It has driven millions of Americans into unemployment,” says Cleaver. “In this legislation, you will find a massive expansion of unemployment insurance to help Americans weather this storm until they can return to work.”

Cleaver says the plan includes $150 billion to address spending shortages the virus has put on state and local governments.

“Even though this bill is the largest stimulus package in the history of our nation, it will not be enough,” says Cleaver. “The pandemic will outlast these funds and we must be unflinching in our commitment to provide relief.”

The package delays student loan payments, gives relief to people with federally backed mortgages, more than $150 billion in protective equipment to healthcare workers, low-interest loans for small businesses and hundreds of millions in food assistance.

On the House floor, West-central Missouri Republican Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler says the legislation gives the nation hope.

“Hope that we will get through this by supporting our healthcare workers, enabling businesses to stay open, and sending Americans funds needed to get them through,” says Hartzler.

Hartzler says the plan will support healthcare workers, help businesses to stay open and help get Americans by.

“While this bill is far from perfect and the price tag is sobering, I believe we are in an unprecedented battle and it is imperative that we win this war,” says Hartzler.

Congressman Lacy Clay, a Democrat from St. Louis, applauds passage of the legislation and says Missouri is estimated to get $2.38 billion in funds to benefit residents.

East-central Missouri Republican Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer supports the bill.

provides the badly-needed resources and supplies for hospitals and the medical community who are working around the clock to keep people safe. It gives relief for families who need help to make ends meet and supports businesses to make sure they can stay afloat and continue to provide their employees with paychecks. As President Trump has said, we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. While far from perfect, this is a good bill and its passage was critical to getting this country the relief it so desperately needs and through this crisis.”

Trump wants to get stimulus checks out by April 6 but be prepared for them to take a few weeks.

Trump wants U.S. reopened by Easter; Parson says Missouri will deal with COVID-19 for some time

March 25, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

President Donald Trump says he would love to have the U.S. reopened by Easter on April 12. Health experts had said the coronavirus outbreak will overwhelm hospitals unless Americans drastically limit group gatherings and stay home.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson briefs Capitol reporters about the coronavirus on March 21, 2020 in Jefferson City

During Tuesday’s Capitol press conference on Facebook, Gov. Mike Parson said he hopes the president is right.

“But the reality of it is, we’re planning this much longer than two weeks here in the state of Missouri. I think that’s how you do – to make a good plan – how you’re going to deal with a crisis. I think when we’re all doing executive orders and the mayors are doing their orders for two weeks, the reality of it we all know that we believe this is going to continue for some time and for some weeks,” said Parson.

On Tuesday, Parson requested a federal major disaster declaration for the state’s response to COVID-19. In his request, Parson says the coronavirus pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the state and local governments. The governor has requested Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling and the Public Assistance Program to help local governments and nonprofits with emergency response costs.

Missouri’s entire congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, and U.S. Representatives Sam Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Emanuel Cleaver, II, Vicky Hartzler, Ann Wagner, Wm. Lacy Clay, Billy Long, and Jason Smith, sent a letter urging President Trump to support Parson’s disaster declaration request.

Parson requests federal major disaster declaration for Missouri COVID-19 response

March 25, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Gov. Mike Parson has requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri. If approved, the state would get federal aid to help deal with the fallout of COVID-19.

In the request filed Tuesday, Parson says the pandemic is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the state and local governments.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson held numerous meetings on May 30, 2018 in Jefferson City (photo courtesy of Parson’s office)

“The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a devastating effect on the state of Missouri, straining hospitals, healthcare facilities and nursing homes, businesses large and small, schools, and tens of thousands of Missourians who have been forced out of their jobs,” Parson says. “Although it is continuing to develop, it’s already clear the COVID-19 pandemic will have a more sweeping impact on the entire state of Missouri than any other previous disaster that has affected our citizens. There is an urgent need for federal assistance to help Missouri families meet today’s challenges and the many more that we will face.”

On March 7, Missouri announced its first likely case of the coronavirus. Since then, the state reports at least 255 people have tested positive for the respiratory disease. So far, eight people are known to have died from COVID-19.

The governor requested two programs statewide, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program, which provides help to individuals and families. Parson says the closure of multiple employment sectors will greatly impact all Missourians and that the state and local capabilities to provide mental health services will also require federal assistance.

Parson also requested FEMA’s Public Assistance Program to assist local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies with emergency response expenses, including those of first responders. He also requested that FEMA assist with debris removal expenses if needed for the removal and disposal of bio-hazard and other contaminated materials as a result of the pandemic response.

On March 13, Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri and activated the State Emergency Operations Plan. On March 21, the governor directed Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams to order social distancing statewide. Dr. Williams limited social gatherings in Missouri to no more than 10 people; directed Missourians to avoid eating or drinking in restaurants, bars, or food courts; and ordered that schools remain closed.

Last week, Parson’s request for low-interest federal disaster loans for Missouri small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 was approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Hawley outlines details about the $9.9 million in coronavirus funding heading for Missouri (AUDIO)

March 11, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s junior senator says the $9.9 million the state will be receiving shortly in coronavirus funding will go to the front lines. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R) says the money will go to state and local health officials.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley’s official portrait (2020 photo courtesy of Senator Hawley’s press office)

“They’re really the ones both in our state and across the country, it’s local and state health officials who are at the front lines of fighting this virus,” Hawley says.

Hawley voted for the bipartisan $8.3 billion emergency funding package, which President Donald Trump signed on Friday. U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R) voted for it as well.

State Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams testified this week before a joint legislative committee in Jefferson City, saying DHSS is developing guidelines about how the money will be spent.

DHSS has now tested 65 people for coronavirus: 64 patients have tested negative and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has now confirmed that one patient has tested positive. That case involves a college student who’s from the St. Louis suburb of Ladue.

Senator Hawley tells Missourinet that the state will be receiving more testing kits.

“There’s about a million testing kits around the country now,” says Hawley. “There’s going to be four million testing kits available here in just a few more days nationwide and that number will just continue to multiply.”

Hawley says he’s in daily contact with DHSS officials, regarding the coronavirus.

“I get an update everyday on the number of people who are being monitored in Missouri for coronavirus, on the number of people who are being tested and also any requests for resources from local and state officials,” Hawley says.

DHSS has established a statewide public hotline for Missouri citizens or providers who need guidance or information about coronavirus. The number is 1-877-435-8411, and is operated by medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Click here to listen to the full four-minute interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, which was recorded on March 11, 2020:

Missouri’s presidential primary draws 23 percent voter turnout

March 11, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

About 23.5 percent of Missouri’s registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s presidential preference primary (PPP).

The Missouri Secretary of State’s office says about 973,000 Missourians cast ballots on Tuesday.

The majority of those, about 660,000, voted in the Democratic presidential primary, which former Vice President Joe Biden won.

About 309,000 voted in the Republican primary, which President Donald Trump won.

A combined total of about 3,500 Missourians voted in the Libertarian, Green and Constitution party primaries. Jacob Hornberger won Missouri’s Libertarian primary, while Howie Hawkins won the Green Party presidential primary. Don Blankenship is the winner of Missouri’s Constitution Party primary.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft says military and overseas ballots can come in through this Friday. Results are expected to be certified by April 10.

This was the sixth consecutive time that Missouri has held presidential preference primaries. The state held them in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.

Missouri’s Hawley: “We have allowed our medical supply chain to be compromised” (AUDIO)

March 5, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

Missouri’s junior senator is demanding answers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the coronavirus and its potential impact on drug and medical devices.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley’s official portrait (2020 photo courtesy of Senator Hawley’s press office)

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R), who serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, spoke to Missourinet this week about a bill he’s filed. It’s aimed at securing the U.S. medical product supply chain.

“The bill would secure our medical supply chain for key antibiotics and medical devices that are made now unfortunately in China,” Hawley says. “And the truth is that we have allowed our medical supply chain to be compromised.”

Hawley tells Missourinet that his “Medical Supply Chain Security Act” is aimed at ensuring that Americans have uninterrupted access to life-saving drugs and medical devices. He says the coronavirus outbreak in China highlights severe weaknesses in our medical supply chain.

“And in the long run, we need to not only secure that supply chain, we’ve got to bring it back,” says Hawley. “We need it back here in the United States, and this bill would be a step forward.”

Senator Hawley has written a letter to the FDA, saying the degree to which some American manufacturers rely on China to produce life-saving medications is inexcusable.

Hawley says the outbreak has threatened the domestic supply of about 150 prescription drugs, some of which don’t have alternatives on the market. He wants FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn to testify.

President Donald Trump declared a public health emergency for the coronavirus, and Congress this week approved $8.3 billion in emergency funding to assist both federal and state governments with the disease. About $4 billion of that funding will go toward making diagnostic tests more broadly available.

Hawley’s colleague, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R), will be at the Jordan Valley Health Center in Springfield on Friday morning to update reporters about the congressional funding package.

Senator Blunt expects Missouri to receive at least $9.9 million. Blunt will be joined on Friday morning by Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield.

Click here to listen to the full five-minute interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R), which was recorded on March 4, 2020:

Missouri’s Luetkemeyer and Parson warn about possible spring flooding (AUDIO)

February 20, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri congressman whose district includes the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers is worried about possible flooding again this spring.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, spoke in Jefferson City on February 17, 2020 (photo from Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth)

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, expressed his concerns during an interview with Missourinet this week in Jefferson City. Luetkemeyer’s district includes Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington and St. Charles.

“I know they didn’t get as much water out of the reservoirs up north as they wanted, so that’s a bad combination,” Luetkemeyer says. “Too much water already is in storage.”

Luetkemeyer, who serves on the Mississippi River Flood Valley Association, says it’s time for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to come up with a plan for the Missouri River. He says a plan is needed, noting the state saw record flooding in 2019.

“And you start from St. Louis and go all the way back to Gavins Point, and working with the Corps to have them sit down and do the analysis of what it would take,” says Luetkemeyer.

He says a plan has been in place for 80 years involving the Mississippi River, between St. Louis and New Orleans. Luetkemeyer emphasizes that the plan works.

Congressman Luetkemeyer has met with Missouri Governor Mike Parson (R) and members of the state’s congressional delegation to discuss the flooding issue. Luetkemeyer says it’s a bipartisan issue.

As for the governor, he says President Donald Trump shares his concerns about possible flooding again this spring along the Missouri River. Parson tells Missourinet that he spoke to the president about the issue a few weeks ago.

“He seemed to be engaged on that, he said that he would try to help with that, so that was very encouraging for him to be talking about that,” Parson says.

Parson and the governors of neighboring Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska have met with the Corps of Engineers three times to discuss what needs to be done differently in the future.

The governor’s proposed budget sets aside $4 million in disaster recovery funds.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth, which was recorded on February 17, 2020 at Jefferson City’s Capitol Plaza Hotel:

Missouri Congressman Smith pleased with fentanyl vote and State of the Union Address (AUDIO)

February 13, 2020 By Brian Hauswirth

An extension of bipartisan legislation involving fentanyl has been signed into law by President Trump. Supporters say the legislation will decrease the number of opioid-related deaths.

U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, (left) visits the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority in Scott City in January 2019 (file photo courtesy of Congressman Smith’s office)

Longtime Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley had been calling on Congress to approve the extension. The chief was a special guest of U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, at last week’s State of the Union Address in Washington.

“He (Chief Whiteley) is an individual that I rely on heavily for his advice, his expertise, because he’s been combating this for over two decades as the police chief there in Poplar Bluff, Missouri,” Smith says.

Congressman Smith voted for the extension. Poplar Bluff is located in southeast Missouri’s Butler County, which has seen 19 opioid-related deaths in the past two years.

Chief Whiteley tells Missourinet Cape Girardeau television partner KFVS that the majority of fentanyl and heroin in the Poplar Bluff area is coming from St. Louis.

As for the State of the Union Address, Congressman Smith says it’s one of the best speeches he’s heard the president deliver. Smith, who represents 30 southern Missouri counties, says America’s economy is booming and that the middle class is thriving. He credits President Trump for what he describes as America’s comeback.

“We have seven million new jobs that’s been created, 56,000 new jobs just in the state of Missouri under his presidency,” says Smith.

The White House says 11,000 of those new Missouri jobs involve manufacturing and that real median Missouri household incomes are up eight percent under the president, at $57,000.

Smith is the GOP Conference Secretary on Capitol Hill. His district includes Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Rolla and West Plains.

Not everyone in Missouri’s congressional delegation agrees with Smith.

U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, sees the economy differently. Clay, who’s a dean in Missouri’s congressional delegation, is critical of President Trump and his proposed budget, saying it includes a $182 billion cut to the federal food stamp program. It’s known as SNAP.

Congressman Clay says the president is not lifting people off food stamps, but is “kicking them off.” Clay describes the president’s budget as “an assault on working families.”

Congressman Smith also wants Congress to focus this year on lowering prescription drug costs and addressing the mental health crisis.

Smith is also pleased with another part of the State of the Union: President Trump awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to national talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who’s from Cape Girardeau.

Smith says it’s special for southeast Missourians, noting the award is the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“His family lives in Cape Girardeau, his brother, his nephews, his cousins,” Smith says. “I mean, he’s from southeast Missouri.”

The 69-year-old Limbaugh announced last week that he’s starting treatment for lung cancer, saying he’s been diagnosed with an advanced stage of the disease.

Limbaugh was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians in 2012.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, which was recorded on February 6, 2020:

Hawley: House Democrats have given America first purely partisan impeachment

February 6, 2020 By Alisa Nelson

Missouri U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley have voted in favor of clearing President Trump of corruption and abuse of power charges. The Senate has found the president not guilty. On the Senate floor, Hawley says impeachment is a pipe dream by Democrats who engineered a train of abuses, distortions and outright lies.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley’s official portrait (2020 photo courtesy of Senator Hawley’s office)

“The House Democrats have given us the first purely partisan impeachment in our history,” says Hawley. “We must leave this impeachment circus behind us and ensure that our Constitution is never again abused in this way.”

Hawley says it is time to turn the page.

“When I listen to the people of my state, I don’t hear about impeachment,” says Hawley. “I hear about the problems at home and neighborhood, of family and community, about the loss of faith in our government and about the struggle to find hope for the future.”

In a statement from St. Louis Democratic Congressman Lacy Clay, he says the Senate’s vote was not an exoneration, but a “spineless perpetuation of a dangerous coverup.” He says Senate Republicans fear Donald Trump more than the judgement of history and the will of the American people.

New York Congressman Jerry Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, says the House will likely subpoena former National Security Advisor John Bolton. Bolton has a book coming out soon that could give key information about Trump’s dealing with Ukraine.