Interim COVID-19 Response Bill Signed into Law

Today, President Trump signed a $484 billion package aimed at providing additional relief to hospitals and small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act will provide an additional $321 billion to the small business lending program, authorized by the CARES Act. It will also provide an additional $100 billion to the Department of Health and Human Services, with $25 billion to be directed at coronavirus testing and $75 billion to support increased expenses and lost revenue for hospitals.

This week’s package is not considered a comprehensive COVID-19 response bill. House Democrats and President Trump have discussed an additional, larger bill that could assist states with revenue shortfalls, provide a major investment in infrastructure and more. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has voiced concern about continued deficit spending on the COVID-19 crisis. He has vowed that no Senate action will occur before his Members are set to return to Washington on May 4, a date that could be extended if the health crisis does not subside.