Portman Announces Ohio to Receive $238 Million to Expand COVID-19 Testing Capabilities

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) announced that Ohio will receive $238 million to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing capabilities. This $238 million represents Ohio’s allocation of the $11 billion for building state testing capacity from the most recent rescue package’s $25 billion for expanding overall testing and contact tracing in the U.S., which Portman supported. Portman released the following statement:

“Increased testing is absolutely critical as Ohio begins the gradual process of reopening safely according to Governor DeWine’s plan. Testing is key not only because it helps us know where the disease is and how it may be spreading, but also because as Ohioans continue to see the number of new cases decline, they will have greater confidence to begin to return to their normal lives in an incremental and safe manner. I’m pleased that President Trump is sending Ohio these additional funds to help expand diagnostic testing. Governor DeWine has outlined his plan to increase testing by 600 percent, and these funds will help make that a reality.”

NOTE: Portman supported the Senate passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as well as the recent additional funding measure. Portman was involved in the bipartisan task force negotiations that led to this legislation and delivered remarks on the Senate floor various times urging the Senate to come together on a bipartisan basis to get this important rescue package passed.

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