Washington, D.C.—Congressman Henry Cuellar announced $14,986,810 in federal funds to 303 health clinics in the State of Texas. These funds, allocated through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, will be used to support COVID-19 testing efforts and expand access to testing in rural communities.

“Ensuring all Texas communities, including rural areas, have access to coronavirus tests is critical to our state’s response and reopening efforts,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This funding will expand coronavirus testing capabilities by helping rural health clinics obtain the necessary resources such as supplies and staff training. As a senior Appropriator, I am committed to fighting for additional funding for Texas health care providers who continue serve rural populations during these unprecedented times.”

As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar helped secure $825 million for community health centers and rural health clinics in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

The funding can be used for a wide range COVID-19 testing and related expenses including planning for implementation of a COVID-19 testing program, obtaining supplies for testing, training staff on COVID-19 testing procedures, and reporting data to HHS on COVID-19 testing activities. Additionally, funds may be used for building or construction of temporary structures, leasing of properties, and retrofitting facilities as necessary to support COVID-19 response.