Update: Congress, Administration Respond to COVID-19

Federal Government Response to COVID-19

Congress approved the "Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020" (H.R.6074) which was an $8.3 billion emergency funding bill to combat the spread of Coronavirus. The measure includes $6.5 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services, nearly $1.3 billion for the State Department, and $20 million to the Small Business Administration. Under the bill, more than $400 million will be provided to state and local governments within 30 days after the bill's enactment, with each state receiving no less than $4 million.

Current Efforts:

This week Congress is considering the ''Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (H.R. 6201). In its current state, the legislation would provide paid leave, establish free coronavirus testing, support unemployment benefits, expand food assistance for vulnerable children and families, protect frontline health workers, and provide additional funding to states for the ongoing economic consequences of the pandemic, among other provisions. The legislation is being driven by the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives so there will need to be negotiations with Senate and Administration officials to pass a final version.

Congress could act on H.R. 6201 as early as Friday, March 13, 2020. Please check back for further updates as to the response of Congress and the Administration. If you have any questions, please contact VSBA Government Relations Specialist, J.T. Kessler, at jason@vsba.org or 434-295-8722.