News from the Hill: April 22, 2020

Congress and the administration remain focused on addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in a meaningful way. Congress has passed three COVID-19 legislative packages including a combination of emergency supplemental appropriations for medical research and public health programs, access related health policy changes, and economic stimulus measures. As the administration implements enacted legislation, Congress is debating a fourth response package and laying the groundwork for further legislation. At this time, the fourth (narrow) COVID-19 response package consists of additional public health funding and further economic stimulus measures, specifically:

• $75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers to address lost revenue and assist with ongoing response activities. 

• $25 billion in additional funding to research, develop, and administer testing.

• $1.8 billion in additional funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• $22 million in additional funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• $1 billion in additional funding for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

• $1 billion in additional funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• $825 million in additional funding for Community Health Centers to support ongoing response activities.

• $1 billion in additional funding to further provide testing for the uninsured.

Congress also continues to work on annual legislative priorities, most notably the (Fiscal Year) FY 2021 appropriations process. However, with the Capitol closed, legislators have begun exploring alternative options for hearings, markups, and floor votes. Congress remains committed to advancing the FY 2021 spending bills, but the timeline and specific process has become less clear.