By Rep. Kay Granger As many of us were growing up, America became the wealthiest, most prosperous, and dominant country the world has ever seen. We led in manufacturing, scientific development, education, and so much more. However, as the world has become more connected, we have seen the rapid rise of China. While staggering growth has brought a higher quality of life to the Chinese people, it has also bolstered the global influence of the Chinese Community Party. China's rapid industrialization, along with a political system that shuts down any dissent, has catapulted them into the status of a global superpower. We often hear about how significant the threat from China is. From space technology to deceptive trading practices, the Chinese are challenging America's role in the world in almost every area imaginable. These concerns are well founded, and I share them. But there are many steps that Congress and the U.S. government are taking to counter destructive actions by the Chinese and maintain American global superiority for the decades to come. One of my greatest concerns is our reliance on China for pharmaceutical and medical equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a lot about the Chinese government. It has exposed the extreme measures it takes to silence its own people, its attempts to deceive the rest of the world, and the way it uses its tremendous economic influence to bully and coerce other countries and international organizations. However, it also has shown us that we need to be much more self-sufficient and work to secure our medical supply chain. This is especially true when it comes to pharmaceuticals. A recent study by the U.S.-China Economic Security Commission, a congressionally chartered commission that monitors U.S.-China relations, found that China is surpassing the U.S. in pharmaceutical products. Another recent report found that 95 percent of U.S. imports of ibuprofen were from China. This reliance also extends to medical supplies. Prior to the recent pandemic, China supplied over half of the world's personal protective equipment. The current pandemic has shown us the deadly consequences of relying on China and other countries for these vital medical resources. This is true not only because of the shortages, but also because there are many reports of drugs from China being unsafe for American consumers. If we do not take drastic steps to quickly improve our domestic production capacity, American lives will be at great risk -- both now and in the future. Many in Congress have listened to these concerns, and we are taking quick action to address them. First, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congress passed in March takes many steps to secure the medical supply chain. It expands drug shortage reporting requirements and requires certain drug manufacturers to draw up risk management plans, so we know where the greatest need is. Additionally, the bill directs leading academics to conduct a study of pharmaceutical supply chain security so that Congress can turn their recommendations into legislative solutions. The U.S. government as a whole is using every tool at its disposal to secure the domestic medical supply chain. In May, President Trump signed an executive order that focused on increasing U.S. supply capacity. He has also directed many different agencies to use economic and trade authorities to incentivize companies to move their production to the U.S. or other allied countries. In the years to come, China will almost certainly grow at an exponential pace. We cannot allow American strength to suffer as a result, nor can we allow American lives to be put at risk because of a lack of medical equipment. This administration and Congress are laser focused on these issues, and I am committed to protecting America and its way of life.

By Kay Granger The space launch a few days ago marked more than just America's return to space; it marked a new chapter in the story of America's national security. Astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center after years of testing, development, and training. And their achievement will impact American security for years to come. No issue is more important than national defense. And I am keenly aware of the role that space dominance plays in protecting our nation and our people. For far too long, we have allowed China to challenge American space dominance with negative implications to our economy and national security. Since China's first satellite launch in 1970, the Chinese have continued to develop a competitive space exploration capability that was on track to rival our own space program until this very mission. I have always supported our national space program. That's why the Trump administration asked me to help champion NASA's Artemis project that aims to land the first woman and other U.S. astronauts on the south pole of the Moon by 2024. Since then, I have fiercely advocated for the administration's space strategy to include last week's Demo-2 launch and the creation of both the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command. A strong national space program, when augmented with the benefits of private industry, bolsters our economy, fortifies our national security, and guarantees America's future relevance. I work closely with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and corporate leaders to provide our nation's space program with the support and resources needed to lay the foundation for current and future successes. Since its earliest days, our nation's space program has relied upon Texas as a key foundational center of its existence. Although this most recent space operation launched from Florida, thousands of Texans had their fingerprints on this successful mission. Notably, rockets like the one used to propel astronauts Bob and Doug to the International Space Station are tested at a facility in McGregor, about 20 miles west of Waco. Recently, I had the privilege of touring this facility, and I was proud to see firsthand the role Texans were playing in our nation's space program. Additionally, Mission Control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston has always had a historic role in our space program since the earliest Apollo missions in the 1960s. Today, the Johnson Center still serves as the hub of space communications given its pivotal role as the lead center for the Commercial Crew Program and International Space Station operations. Johnson will be in contact with the crew of this mission to facilitate success and ensure the safety of our astronauts. From the earliest stages of planning, to mission execution and recovery, countless Texans have and will continue to be involved in every step of this mission and all future American space endeavors. The Texas aviation, space and defense industry supports and benefits from space-related research, development, and production work directly connected to this most recent space flight. Many of our nation's most innovative and cutting-edge space companies are based here in Texas, providing the components and engineering expertise needed for a successful space program. Texans should be proud of the significant role that our state plays in our national space program--I know I am. Our state's frontline role in space exploration not only solidifies Texas as a hub of innovation and employment, it also serves as a cornerstone of our common defense. Being the world leader in space will be expensive; but it won't be nearly as costly as letting China dominate in space. That's why I am committed to our national space program. We must be the leader in space. And to be the leader in space, we must utilize Texas assets and Texas companies. Last week's successful mission will be the first of many as America reasserts its dominance, and we continue our quest to return to the Moon and look beyond Mars.

Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryDaily updatesElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsSubmit On January 4, 2021, Granger announced she had tested positive for coronavirus.