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Minnesota Congressman Reveals Long COVID Battle, Urges More Research
Rep. Pete Stauber says treatment protocol helped alleviate his debilitating symptoms within six weeks.
Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:34am
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In a letter to the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota revealed he had struggled for years with long COVID, experiencing symptoms like vertigo, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hearing and sight deterioration. Stauber said a treatment protocol ultimately helped alleviate his symptoms within six weeks, and he is now urging the NIH to continue funding research into long COVID and potential treatments.
Why it matters
Stauber's letter sheds light on the personal impact of long COVID, a debilitating condition that can leave patients with lasting symptoms long after the initial infection. His advocacy for increased research and funding comes as the federal government has faced criticism for disruptions to long COVID programs under the previous administration. Stauber's bipartisan appeal could help build momentum for more robust support for the millions of Americans suffering from long COVID.
The details
In his March 9 letter to NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, Stauber said he dealt with a range of long COVID symptoms, including vertigo, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and hearing and sight deterioration, before a treatment protocol helped alleviate his condition within six weeks. Stauber said he 'truly believes that this diagnosis and treatment saved my life' and is now urging the NIH to continue funding research and trials into long COVID.
- In March 2026, Stauber sent a letter to the NIH urging more funding for long COVID research.
- Last year, the Trump administration cut some research grants under the NIH's RECOVER Initiative focused on long COVID.
The players
Rep. Pete Stauber
A Republican congressman from northeastern Minnesota who revealed he struggled with long COVID for years before finding a treatment protocol that helped alleviate his symptoms.
Jay Bhattacharya
The director of the National Institutes of Health, to whom Stauber addressed his letter calling for more long COVID research funding.
Billy Hanlon
A 37-year-old Robbinsdale, Minnesota resident who has long COVID and is an advocate for increased research into the condition.
What they’re saying
“I truly believe that this diagnosis and treatment saved my life.”
— Rep. Pete Stauber
“We know a letter doesn't solve a problem, but it does help create momentum and accountability that our community desperately does need.”
— Billy Hanlon, Long COVID advocate
What’s next
The NIH said its RECOVER Initiative, which received over $650 million in congressional funding in 2024, continues to accept applications for long COVID research. However, President Trump's proposed 2027 budget calls for a $5 billion cut to the NIH's overall budget, raising concerns about the stability of long COVID funding.
The takeaway
Stauber's personal experience with long COVID and his bipartisan appeal could help build momentum for increased federal investment in research and treatment options for the millions of Americans suffering from this debilitating condition. Consistent and robust funding will be crucial to advancing our understanding of long COVID and developing effective therapies.
