(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting in support of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074), a $7.8 billion emergency supplemental appropriation plus an additional $500 million for telehealth services:
“I am encouraged to see Congress come together for the American people in this trying time. As a physician, I understand the need to support our health experts as they work to fully understand this novel virus. Fortunately, America has the best health professionals and public safety officials across our local communities who stand ready to take on this challenge.”
Background
More than $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available; to support treatments to ease the symptoms of those infected with the virus; and to invest in vaccine development and to procure vaccines when they are available. Funds are also made available for the Food and Drug Administration to protect the integrity of medical products manufactured overseas and identify and prevent potential shortages.
$2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a robust response, including:
Nearly $1 billion exclusively for state and local response efforts; and
$300 million for CDC’s Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to diseases – keeping our nation prepared and positioned for any health threat.
$20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus.
$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, including:
$264 million to evacuate Americans and maintain consular operations overseas; and
$200 million for USAID’s Emergency Response Fund to prepare for and respond to emerging health threats – working to prevent the spread of illness and infection before it reaches U.S. soil.
