In Brief

COVID-19 Relief Phase 4
COVID-19 and the Economy
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21)
HELP Solicits Comments on Pandemic Plan

COVID-19 Relief Phase 4 – Senate Republicans seemed to confirm what many of us were already expecting: they do not expect to pass another coronavirus bill until mid-to-late July. When talking to reporters Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the Majority Whip, said that he expects the bill to pass in July, but not before the July 4th recess Details of what a package would look like are not yet known.

On June 5th members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Congressional leadership asking them to prioritize underserved communities in the next stimulus bill. The bipartisan letter, which was signed by 80 members called for:

• $75 billion for testing, contract tracing, and other activities necessary to effectively monitor and suppress COVID-19.
• $2.1 billion for federal, state, and local public health agencies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
• $7.6 billion in emergency funding for Health Centers, which have been shown to reduce disparities and improve the health of vulnerable populations, to expand the capacity to provide testing, triage, and care for COVID-19 and other health care services across the country. Additionally, Health Centers need stability and should no longer be faced with an uncertain future. it is imperative we provide at least a five-year extension at a minimum of $69.7 billion so they can expand their presence and provide more services to more patients.
• $2.1 billion for the Indian Health Service to address health needs related to COVID-19 for Native Americans.
• $38.5 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to increase mental health support and substance abuse treatment during COVID-19, and to offer increased outreach.

No specific funding allocations for scientific research funding related to COVID-19 was included in the House letter.

COVID-19 and the Economy – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provided an updated projection of the impact of the pandemic on the US economy. The CBO outlined that the pandemic is likely to reduce the US's cumulative nominal GDP by $15.7 trillion from 2020 to 2030. The CBO was responding to a request from Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Bernie Sanders (D-VT). The report also notes the uncertainty that surrounds the long-term projections and how the pandemic and social distancing will affect the economy. The full CBO report can be read here.

Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) – House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) sent a letter to her appropriations colleagues announcing her intent to hold all subcommittee and full committee markups in early July and aims to get spending bills to the floor during the weeks of July 20 and 27.

Appropriators have their work cut out for them this summer as they shift focus to the annual appropriations process. Even without taking into consideration some of the looming election year battles, negotiations have become very partisan. One of the many sticking points lawmakers face is that HAC Labor HHS Chair DeLauro is seeking a spending cap exemption for certain health care agencies and programs responsible for responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite LHHS Ranking Member Cole's openness to the idea, Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), is not yet on board.

The Senate is scheduled to begin mark-ups during the week of June 22, despite the lack of compromise on some points; specifically, the 302(b) allocations. The House plans to follow on July 6. Additional details, including the specific order of bills, will be sent to House appropriators later this month.

HELP Solicits Comments on Pandemic Plan – Yesterday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Lamar Alexander released a 40-page white paper, titled "Preparing for the Next Pandemic." The paper centers around five recommendations to address future pandemics that are based on lessons learned from COVID-19 and the last 20 years of pandemic planning:

1. Tests, Treatments, and Vaccines: Accelerate Research and Development
2. Disease Surveillance: Expand Ability to Detect, Identify, Model, and Track Emerging Infectious Disease
3. Stockpiles, Distribution, and Surges: Rebuild and Maintain Federal and State Stockpiles and Improve Medical Supply Surge Capacity and Distribution
4. Public Health Capabilities: Improve State and Local Capacity to Respond
5. Who Is on the Flagpole: Improve Coordination of Federal Agencies During a Public Health Emergency.

Senator Alexander is inviting comments, responses, and any additional recommendations for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to consider. Comments should be submitted by June 26th.