J. Scott Applewhite/AP

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters today she has "great confidence" in Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, but said its "not encouraging" that scientists need White House approval to speak about coronavirus.

"I have great confidence in Dr. Fauci. And if Dr. Fauci has confidence in what they're doing then, that's OK with me. I do think — if it's true, and I don't know if it is — that they're saying that, 'Unless you have approval of the Oval Office, no scientists can make any statements about this,' is not encouraging."

What this is about: The New York Times reported that Fauci recently told associates he has been instructed by the White House not to speak out about the virus without clearance, though sources tell CNN Fauci is still expected to appear on television.

Pelosi said that a supplemental spending package will be released "as soon as we can" and said they are working to coordinate a "science-based, evidence-based" approach to the outbreak.

She also talked about the importance of washing hands, even noting: "I used to tell President Bush Sr. wash your hands. He was traveling some place. 'Wash your hands.' ... Washing your hands is probably one of the best forms of prevention."

She also said she hoped to have some "more advisory" from the Capitol physician's office about preventative measures that can be taken in Congress.