'House Passes $8.3 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Response Bill' diff viewer (17/18)

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House Passes $8.3 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Response Bill	House Passes $8.3 Billion Emergency Coronavirus Response Bill
2020-06-17 14:14:13 UTC	2020-06-24 09:52:28 UTC (7 days later)
WASHINGTON — Racing to confront a growing public health threat, the House resoundingly approved $8.3 billion in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the novel coronavirus, hours after congressional leaders reached a deal on the funding.	WASHINGTON — Racing to confront a growing public health threat, the House resoundingly approved $8.3 billion in emergency aid on Wednesday to combat the novel coronavirus, hours after congressional leaders reached a deal on the funding.
The bipartisan package, which includes nearly $7.8 billion for agencies dealing with the virus and came together after days of intensive negotiations, is substantially larger than what the White House proposed in late February. It also authorizes roughly $500 million to allow Medicare providers to administer telehealth services so that more elderly patients, who are at greater risk from the virus, can receive care at home.	The bipartisan package, which includes nearly $7.8 billion for agencies dealing with the virus and came together after days of intensive negotiations, is substantially larger than what the White House proposed in late February. It also authorizes roughly $500 million to allow Medicare providers to administer telehealth services so that more elderly patients, who are at greater risk from the virus, can receive care at home.
“Congress is acting with the seriousness and sense of urgency the coronavirus threat demands,” said Representative Nita M. Lowey, Democrat of New York and chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, who introduced the legislation Wednesday afternoon. “Strong funding in this legislation is a critical first step to enable a strategic, coordinated and whole-of-government response to the coronavirus.”	“Congress is acting with the seriousness and sense of urgency the coronavirus threat demands,” said Representative Nita M. Lowey, Democrat of New York and chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, who introduced the legislation Wednesday afternoon. “Strong funding in this legislation is a critical first step to enable a strategic, coordinated and whole-of-government response to the coronavirus.”
The measure was approved 415 to 2, far more than the two-thirds needed to pass under expedited rules reserved for consensus measures. Two Republicans, Representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona and Ken Buck of Colorado, voted against the package.	The measure was approved 415 to 2, far more than the two-thirds needed to pass under expedited rules reserved for consensus measures. Two Republicans, Representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona and Ken Buck of Colorado, voted against the package.
“I don’t think this is the time to hesitate and wrangle over how to pay for something as acute to public health as this is,” said Representative Greg Walden, Republican of Oregon.	“I don’t think this is the time to hesitate and wrangle over how to pay for something as acute to public health as this is,” said Representative Greg Walden, Republican of Oregon.
The quick action was a recognition of the urgent need described by government health officials to respond to the virus, and mounting dissatisfaction among lawmakers in both parties with the funding request submitted by the Trump administration. The Senate is also expected to approve the funding, sending the measure to the White House, where President Trump said at a news conference last week that he would “spend whatever is appropriate” to counter the outbreak.	The quick action was a recognition of the urgent need described by government health officials to respond to the virus, and mounting dissatisfaction among lawmakers in both parties with the funding request submitted by the Trump administration. The Senate is also expected to approve the funding, sending the measure to the White House, where President Trump said at a news conference last week that he would “spend whatever is appropriate” to counter the outbreak.
“This should not be about politics,” Senator Richard C. Shelby, Republican of Alabama and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. “This is about doing our job to protect the American people from a potential pandemic. We worked together to craft an aggressive and comprehensive response that provides the resources the experts say they need to combat this crisis.”	“This should not be about politics,” Senator Richard C. Shelby, Republican of Alabama and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in a statement. “This is about doing our job to protect the American people from a potential pandemic. We worked together to craft an aggressive and comprehensive response that provides the resources the experts say they need to combat this crisis.”
Top appropriators struck a deal to provide $7.8 billion in new money, rebuffing the administration’s request to use more than $1 billion in existing funds shifted from within health agencies. Under the bill, the funds could be used only to combat the spread of the coronavirus and other infectious diseases.	Top appropriators struck a deal to provide $7.8 billion in new money, rebuffing the administration’s request to use more than $1 billion in existing funds shifted from within health agencies. Under the bill, the funds could be used only to combat the spread of the coronavirus and other infectious diseases.
The measure would also reimburse $136 million that the administration had previously transferred from other programs in the Department of Health and Human Services. Ahead of Congress approving the emergency funds, the agency said it would transfer $25 million of those funds to states and cities that have already spent substantial resources on the response to the virus. The money would go toward lab equipment, staffing, shipping and infection control, among other things.	The measure would also reimburse $136 million that the administration had previously transferred from other programs in the Department of Health and Human Services. Ahead of Congress approving the emergency funds, the agency said it would transfer $25 million of those funds to states and cities that have already spent substantial resources on the response to the virus. The money would go toward lab equipment, staffing, shipping and infection control, among other things.
The measure would provide $6.5 billion for the department, with $2.2 billion designated specifically for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, $3.1 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund and $836 million for the National Institutes of Health.	The measure would provide $6.5 billion for the department, with $2.2 billion designated specifically for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, $3.1 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund and $836 million for the National Institutes of Health.
The funds allocated to the C.D.C. would include $1 billion for state and local preparedness and response, with half of those funds going to states, cities and tribes within 30 days, according to a summary provided by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Each state would receive no less than $4 million.	The funds allocated to the C.D.C. would include $1 billion for state and local preparedness and response, with half of those funds going to states, cities and tribes within 30 days, according to a summary provided by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Each state would receive no less than $4 million.
The Food and Drug Administration would receive $61 million, and the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development would receive $1.25 billion. The package also allows the Small Business Administration to administer loans, in anticipation of an uptick in need among small businesses affected by the outbreak.	The Food and Drug Administration would receive $61 million, and the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development would receive $1.25 billion. The package also allows the Small Business Administration to administer loans, in anticipation of an uptick in need among small businesses affected by the outbreak.
Once supplemental funding is provided, the Department of Health and Human Services said it would begin awarding money to more states and cities. Lawmakers have for weeks called on the department to reimburse local health departments for the costs — believed to be in the tens of millions so far — of monitoring potentially infected people.	Once supplemental funding is provided, the Department of Health and Human Services said it would begin awarding money to more states and cities. Lawmakers have for weeks called on the department to reimburse local health departments for the costs — believed to be in the tens of millions so far — of monitoring potentially infected people.
More than $3 billion in the package would be designated for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to treat or prevent the spread of the coronavirus. House Democrats also secured an additional $300 million to allow for the procurement of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, and ensure their affordability.	More than $3 billion in the package would be designated for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to treat or prevent the spread of the coronavirus. House Democrats also secured an additional $300 million to allow for the procurement of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, and ensure their affordability.
Lawmakers and their aides negotiated through the weekend over the provisions of the bill, but talks stalled earlier this week over Democratic efforts to further limit the expense of vaccines or treatments. They had proposed allocating significant funding to bulk purchases of any developed treatments or vaccines that could then be distributed to the public without cost, according to a senior Democratic aide familiar with the negotiations but unauthorized to disclose them publicly.	Lawmakers and their aides negotiated through the weekend over the provisions of the bill, but talks stalled earlier this week over Democratic efforts to further limit the expense of vaccines or treatments. They had proposed allocating significant funding to bulk purchases of any developed treatments or vaccines that could then be distributed to the public without cost, according to a senior Democratic aide familiar with the negotiations but unauthorized to disclose them publicly.
But Republicans had raised concerns about “experimenting with ideological proposals that could jeopardize research, development and innovation,” as Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, put it on the Senate floor.	But Republicans had raised concerns about “experimenting with ideological proposals that could jeopardize research, development and innovation,” as Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, put it on the Senate floor.
“Look, everyone agrees that the potential diagnostics, therapeutics or vaccines that might come out of this new funding cannot only be available to the ultrawealthy,” Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor. “We already have longstanding, tried-and-true procedures so the government can buy and distribute new medicines in scenarios like this, to ensure accessibility.”	“Look, everyone agrees that the potential diagnostics, therapeutics or vaccines that might come out of this new funding cannot only be available to the ultrawealthy,” Mr. McConnell said on the Senate floor. “We already have longstanding, tried-and-true procedures so the government can buy and distribute new medicines in scenarios like this, to ensure accessibility.”
An effort to attach unrelated provisions that would renew several expiring F.B.I. surveillance powers was also shelved to ensure smooth passage.	An effort to attach unrelated provisions that would renew several expiring F.B.I. surveillance powers was also shelved to ensure smooth passage.
~~Updated June ~~16,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 22, 2020
	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The emergency aid package was finalized as Democrats upbraided administration officials during congressional hearings on Wednesday about what they called a lackluster effort to respond to the outbreak and insufficient investment in federal health programs.	The emergency aid package was finalized as Democrats upbraided administration officials during congressional hearings on Wednesday about what they called a lackluster effort to respond to the outbreak and insufficient investment in federal health programs.
“We are potentially facing a public health crisis like we haven’t seen in years, and from everything I’ve seen this president doesn’t get that,” said Representative John Yarmuth, Democrat of Kentucky and chairman of the Budget Committee. “He proposed a woefully inadequate coronavirus supplemental that cannibalized other programs, playing a dangerous game of public health whack-a-mole.”	“We are potentially facing a public health crisis like we haven’t seen in years, and from everything I’ve seen this president doesn’t get that,” said Representative John Yarmuth, Democrat of Kentucky and chairman of the Budget Committee. “He proposed a woefully inadequate coronavirus supplemental that cannibalized other programs, playing a dangerous game of public health whack-a-mole.”
Later Wednesday, House lawmakers attended closed-door briefings with Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the administration’s response to the outbreak, and other top health officials, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. (Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California bumped elbows with Mr. Pence in greeting during the Democrats’ briefing, as opposed to shaking hands, according to one person who witnessed the exchange.)	Later Wednesday, House lawmakers attended closed-door briefings with Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the administration’s response to the outbreak, and other top health officials, including Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. (Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California bumped elbows with Mr. Pence in greeting during the Democrats’ briefing, as opposed to shaking hands, according to one person who witnessed the exchange.)
“I feel as good as you can possibly feel dealing with an unknown virus,” said Representative Tom Cole, Republican of Oklahoma, after leaving the briefing.	“I feel as good as you can possibly feel dealing with an unknown virus,” said Representative Tom Cole, Republican of Oklahoma, after leaving the briefing.