Following is a synopsis of federal government actions from the weekend and today in response to COVID-19.

Congress
While both parties are anxious to move forward with a new “interim emergency” economic relief bill, the two sides have yet to reach consensus on what that package should contain

• In the short-term, Republicans and the White House want to infuse the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) with an additional $250 billion in funding before the initial $350 billion runs out (likely later this week)
  • Leaders McCarthy and McConnell Renew Call for Action to Support Americans’ Paychecks and Save Small Businesses, April 11, 2020
• Democrats want to make sure PPP loans are available to underserved borrowers, and are also pressing for additional emergency funding for states and municipalities, as well as the health sector
  • Pelosi and Schumer Joint Statement on Urgent Priorities for Interim Emergency Coronavirus Relief, April 13, 2020

Meanwhile, Governors are asking for $500 billion in additional funding to address the crisis; see their Saturday letter here

Also of note, today, House Majority Leader Hoyer (D-MD) informed Members that the House is not expected to meet until at least May 4; currently, the Senate is scheduled to return next Monday, April 20 – but that remains far from certain

• Leaders from both chambers have said they will call Members back if they are needed to vote on another relief package

Recent Congressional Statements / Letters

• Democratic Health Leaders Call on Trump Administration to Help Millions Affected by COVID-19 Access Health Coverage, April 13, 2020
• House Ways and Means Committee COVID-19 Resources, April 13, 2020
• Wyden, Schumer, Democratic Colleagues Press Trump Administration to Ensure Workers Receive Unemployment Benefits, April 13, 2020
  
  Rubio, Cardin Urge SBA to Rapidly Distribute Entrepreneurial Assistance Grants, April 11, 2020

Other

• U.S. Chamber Launches New “Path Forward” Program to Lead National Conversation on How America Can Return to Work, April 13, 2020

Agency Activity

Department of the Treasury

• Over 80 Million Americans Will Receive Economic Impact Payments in their Bank Accounts This Week, April 13, 2020
• Treasury Launches Web Portal and Begins Disbursement of CARES Act Funding to State, Local, and Tribal Governments, April 13, 2020
• UPDATED: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans FAQ, April 10, 2020

Department of Labor

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Keep Package Delivery Workers Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic, April 13, 2020
• U.S. Department of Labor Publishes Latest Guidance Regarding Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program, Further Guidance to States, April 10, 2020

• U.S. Department of Labor Issues Enforcement Guidance For Recording Cases of COVID-19, April 10, 2020

Food and Drug Administration

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Daily Roundup, April 13, 2020
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization to Decontaminate Millions of N95 Respirators, April 12, 2020

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Trump Administration Announces Expanded Coverage for Essential Diagnostic Services Amid COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, April 11, 2020

U.S. Department of Commerce

• U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham Statement on 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19, April 13, 2020

Federal Emergency Management Agency

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: International Reagent Resource, April 13, 2020
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Purchase and Distribution of Food Eligible for Public Assistance, April 11, 2020

Department of Defense

• First DOD Defense Production Act Title 3 COVID-19 Project, April 11, 2020

Department of Agriculture

• USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic, April 13, 2020; see new Resource Guide here

Department of Energy

• Secretary Brouillette Applauds Historic Deal, April 12, 2020
• Remarks As Prepared by Secretary Brouillette G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers Meeting Friday, April 10, 2020

Department of Housing and Urban Development

• HUD Awards $16 Million to Public Housing Authorities to Help Tenants Relocate, April 13, 2020
• HUD Gives Housing Authorities and Tribes Additional Flexibility to Focus on Tenants During Pandemic, April 10, 2020

Federal Communications Commission

• FCC Grants NYC Fire Department Spectrum Access During Pandemic, April 10, 2020
• Public Safety Licensee Guidance on COVID-19 STA and Waiver Requests, April 10, 2020
• FCC Enables Rapid Cell Site Deployment for Wisconsin COVID-19 Facility, April 10, 2020

Supreme Court of the United States

• Press Release Regarding May Teleconference Oral Arguments, April 13, 2020

State / Local Activity
Given the plethora of state and local actions, we recommend MultiState’s COVID-19 Policy Tracker as a comprehensive tool to monitor the response

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