U.S. Senator Roy Blunt Airs Concerns to Health and Human Services Secretary

FILE – In this March 5, 2021, file photo, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., heads to the chamber as the Senate holds a voting marathon on the Democrats’ $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that’s expected to end with the chamber’s approval of the measure, at the Capitol in Washington. Sen. Blunt says he will not seek a third term in the U.S. Senate. Blunt, who turned 71 in January, was widely expected to seek a third term in 2022. He made the surprise announcement in a video Monday, March 8, 2021. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite File)

(MISSOURINET) – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt – the top Republican on a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee – criticized the Biden Administration’s pandemic response.

During a budget hearing with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary (zay·vee·ur buh·seh·ruh) Xavier Becerra, the senator said it makes no sense to lift a policy that sends migrants back to their home country during a public health crisis – while keeping mask mandates in place.

In his remarks, Mr. Blunt did find some common ground regarding mental health in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.