CBSA Hosts Member Discussion with Congressman Jason Crow


On Wednesday, CBSA hosted a discussion with Congressman Jason Crow, who represents Colorado’s sixth Congressional district. The Congressman gave an update on his efforts to provide relief for small businesses and effectively support the response to the outbreak. Members and leaders of Colorado’s life sciences community also had the opportunity to ask questions and offer feedback about their needs during this crisis and share all that our ecosystem is doing to support the fight against COVID-19.


In his remarks, Congressman Crow stressed the collaborative relationship between his office and CBSA and the critical role the life sciences ecosystem plays in his district, both as an economic driver and job creator. He shared some of the priorities he expects will be included in the next legislative package, including:

  • Funding to prop up the United State Postal Service
  • Additional dollars for state and local communities facing significant budget shortfalls
  • Measures to support the expansion of testing, including growing the workforce needed for sustained testing and surveillance

The Congressman also outlined several bills he has introduced to address the pressing issues his district is facing right now.

  • The Medical Supply Transparency and Delivery Act was introduced this week and would require the President to utilize all available authorities under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to mobilize a federal response to the pandemic. It would also provide oversight and transparency to the supply chain for medical supplies and equipment. Congressman Crow stressed that we need a unified and cohesive response to this crisis, which is why he is introducing this legislation.
  • The Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act is a bipartisan bill that would promote the recruitment of public health officials by offering loan forgiveness.
  • The Temporary Responders for Immediate Aid in Grave Emergencies (TRIAGE) Act is a bipartisan bill that would provide grants to state regulatory agencies to re-onboard medical health professionals who have recently left the profession

Lastly, Congressman Crow talked about his work to make improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other relief programs for small businesses. Earlier this week, CBSA and Congressman Crow sent a joint letter on the PPP to the Chair of Small Business Committee, highlighting what has worked well for Colorado’s life sciences companies and what issues need to be addressed in the next legislative package. The Congressman made it clear that he will continue to push hard to make sure the life sciences industry has access to these vital business support programs.

Read the letter from CBSA and Congressman Crow here.

Thank you to Congressman Crow for his leadership and support of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem and for taking the time to hear from our community.

For those who were unable to join the discussion, you can view the full recording here.

CBSA continues to work with federal, state, and local officials to address the needs of our life sciences ecosystem and share the critical innovations coming out of our state.  If we can assist you or your company in any way, please contact Jennifer Jones Paton, CBSA President & CEO or Emily Roberts, CBSA Vice President.

Categories: CBSA News