tricare data. so how do we ensure that we are acting on the data accurately to protect these seniors? the tragic death of 12 seniors during hurricane irma highlights that more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable citizens. in fact, most of our citizens have additional characteristics that make them more vulnerable during a public-health emergency. this includes our children, our parents, our rural communities, individuals with limited english proficiency, individuals with disabilities and of course individuals with chronic illnesses and more. we must do better to help our communities prepare for potential health-security threats. must continue to invest in innovative biotechnologies and we must also improve our non-pharmaceutical interventions. i look forward to the witnesses we cannies and how continue to prepare our hospitals and health systems to ensure equal consideration of all our constituents. senator burr, thank you very much. you, senator thank casey. i'm pleased we have got our