Congresswoman Letlow’s ‘COVID-19 American History Project Act’ passes overwhelmingly in the House

Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-5) presenting the COVID-19 American History Act to Congress.

For Congresswoman Julia Letlow her first piece of legislation to pass in the House is a personal one. Letlow’s COVID-19 American History Project Act passed overwhelmingly 376-47. The legislation tasks the Library of Congress to record, collect and preserve stories of Americans directly impacted by COVID.

“This bill will allow us to use our voices as citizens, to write the history of this time for future generations,” said Letlow.

Days before Letlow’s husband Luke Letlow was to be sworn in Congress, he died of complications from COVID. She then ran for his seat and now represents Louisiana’s 5^th Congressional District.

Studies show when one person dies approximately nine people from their inner circle suffer profound grief. Letlow believes there is power in telling your story and H.R. 4738 will allow those individuals to preserve the memory of their loved one lost to COVID.

“A big fear that you have when you lose someone special to you is that they’ll be forgotten, and this is a way for people to be able to share about their person that meant so much to them and have their names recorded in the Library of Congress,” said Letlow.

In addition to those who have lost loved ones to COVID the act also gives those with firsthand accounts of how the virus impacts individuals, to participate also. Letlow said it is important for them to help preserve this time in history.

“And from our healthcare heroes; those doctors, nurses, technicians, ambulance drivers, and custodians, who served on the frontlines of this pandemic, and we owe an enormous amount of gratitude,” said Letlow.

If the legislation receives final passage in the Senate, the Library of Congress will allow individuals to submit their stories virtually.