COVID-19 Legislative Updates

  • US coronavirus deaths surpassed 200,000, hitting a dismal milestone in the country’s troubled pandemic response as health officials worry the fall and winter could bring more devastation.
  • The share of Americans eager to try a first-generation coronavirus vaccine dropped significantly in the latest installment of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, as President Trump hyped suggestions that one could be ready before the election.
    • 39% (43% of Democrats and 33% of Republicans) say they are likely to get the first generation COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available.
  • The CDC issued guidance Friday indicating COVID-19 can spread through airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air and travel beyond six feet. However, the agency removed the guidance Monday stating it was posted in error and that additional recommendations regarding airborne transmission would be coming soon.

Economic Recovery

Legislative Actions I Source GovTrack

H.R. 6074: Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 — Enacted March 4, 2020. Provided $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the coronavirus outbreak related to developing a vaccine, medical supplies, grants for public health agencies, small business loans, and assistance for health systems in other countries. Allowed for temporarily waiving Medicare restrictions and requirements regarding telehealth services.

H.R. 6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act — Enacted March 18, 2020. Guaranteed free coronavirus testing, established paid leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, expanded food security initiatives, and increased federal Medicaid funding.

H.R. 748: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — Enacted March 27, 2020. A $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill, which will send $1,200 to each American making $75,000 a year or less, add $600/week to unemployment benefits for four months, give $100 billion to hospitals and health providers, make $500 billion of loans or investments to businesses, states and municipalities, and $32 billion in grants to the airline industry, and more.

H.R. 266: Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act — Enacted April 24, 2020. A $484 billion relief bill that went to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses and to public health measures such as virus testing and hospital funding.

coronavirus.skoposlabs.com — Other legislative activities and federal regulations tracked by Skopos Labs

Policy analysis: CRS reports related to COVID-19 (everycrsreport.com), Oversight & Policy Resources (POGO)


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