Agricultural News
House Passes Bill Protecting Americans & Combating Coronavirus
Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:36:42 CST
Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House passed H.R. 6074- Coronavirus Preparedness & Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill providing emergency funds to aid in the US. response to the coronavirus. Lucas supported the legislation.
"Congress' number one priority is the safety and protection of the American people. While often times Republicans and Democrats differ ideologically, this legislation is a clear example that, in uncertain times, Congress can still reach across the aisle for the good of the country and the needs of our citizens.
From the outset of the coronavirus outbreak, the White House, Congress, and our nation's health care leaders have worked tirelessly to curb its spread and protect the safety and health of Americans worldwide.
With this clean legislation, we will be able to appropriately respond to the coronavirus outbreak and invest in vaccine development while assisting in the preparation of our state and local health departments should our communities face this threat.
I applaud the work of my colleagues in the House, appreciate the dedication shown by those within our health care community working to keep Americans safe, and look forward to this bill's immediate passage in the U.S. Senate and signature by President Trump."
Background:
The Coronavirus Preparedness & Response Supplemental Appropriations Act includes more than $4 billion to make diagnostic test more broadly available, support treatments to ease the symptoms of those already infected, and invest in vaccine development and to procure vaccines when they become available.
It includes $2.2 billion for U.S. Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) response including, $950 million exclusively for state and local response efforts and $100 million for community health care centers (CHCs).
It includes $300 million for the CDC's Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund.
The bill allocates $20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus.
It also includes $1.25 billion for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to protect Americans abroad and prevent the spread of the virus worldwide.
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