Sen. Doug Jones

News / Health / State

Jones introduces bills to strengthen telemedicine amid COVID-19 crisis

U.S. Senator Doug Jones, D-Alabama, on Thursday announced that he and a bipartisan group of colleagues introduced legislation meant to bolster telemedicine in Alabama and across the country. The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study telehealth programs and learn how they can be better used in future health emergencies. … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 18, 2020

Jones calls on state leaders to speak up about dangers of COVID-19 as cases surge

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, on Thursday called on state leaders to tell the public the truth about COVID-19, that even though we’re reopening after restrictions meant to slow its spread, the virus is “real” and “deadly” and it’s still spreading. “COVID in Alabama is still raging,” Jones said during a press conference Thursday. Jones … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

June 18, 2020

Amid the pandemic, a campaign adapts

He stepped up to the podium, an American flag behind his right shoulder, an Alabama flag to his left. These briefings are much like any other press conference the senator has given since he took office in January 2018, except these are streamed on Facebook Live, and Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama wore a camouflage … Continued

Chip Brownlee

May 24, 2020

Jones asks for clarity on COVID-19 loan forgiveness for small businesses

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, and Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, on Friday called for clarity on loan forgiveness for small businesses that received coronavirus-related grants through the Paycheck Protection Program. “On Monday, April 27, the second round of funding began to help support our small businesses. However, the terms for forgiveness were and continue … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

May 1, 2020

Jones: COVID-19 testing must increase as states consider reopening

Until testing for COVID-19 is more broadly available it will be unclear the extent of the deadly virus’s reach throughout Alabama and the U.S., and difficult to safely determine when to fully reopen the economy. That’s the message Sen. Doug Jones made during a press conference on Thursday, in which Jones and health experts from … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

April 30, 2020

Democratic nominees call for Medicaid expansion

Three Democratic Congressional nominees on Wednesday joined in a call for lawmakers to expand Medicaid in Alabama. Phyliss Harvey-Hall, the Democratic nominee for Alabama’s 2nd District; Dr. Adia Winfrey, who’s running in Alabama’s 3rd District; and the state’s Democratic nominee for Alabama’s 4th District, Rick Neighbors, issued a joint statement asking state legislators to expand … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

April 29, 2020

Jones urges governor to establish a health care manufacturing task force

Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, is urging Gov. Kay Ivey to establish a health care manufacturing task force to explore ways for Alabama to move to the forefront of health care manufacturing for the United States. In a letter to Ivey Thursday, Jones suggested utilizing existing infrastructure across the state, like shuttered factories, to build a … Continued

April 24, 2020

Governor: It would be “irresponsible” for Alabama to expand Medicaid right now

Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday tamped down discussion about expanding Medicaid in Alabama, saying it would be financially irresponsible to expand the program, which provides health insurance to low-income people, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Certainly we’re concerned about the health and welfare of all of our citizens, wherever they may live,” Ivey said. “But at … Continued

Chip Brownlee

April 14, 2020

Jones asks for faster COVID-19 emergency payments

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, asked the Treasury Secretary on Tuesday to expedite direct assistance payments to citizens amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Jones and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., expressed concern that CARES Act payments made through paper checks to some citizens would not be mailed until April … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

April 7, 2020

Democrats reject coronovirus bill, saying more is needed for working people

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, said he voted Sunday evening against moving forward a $1.6 trillion emergency rescue package during a procedural vote because it doesn’t go far enough to help working people who need relief the most. “We need a strong, bipartisan package that directly assists our workers, our health care providers, and vulnerable … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

March 22, 2020