Rep. Cartwright Statement on Coronavirus Emergency Federal Funding
Washington, DC,
March 4, 2020
U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee unveiled an $8.3 billion emergency funding package to address the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the U.S.: This emergency funding package will be voted on later today in the U.S. House of Representatives. It includes:
The emergency supplemental also contains other strong provisions to ensure a full response and keep Americans safe. The bill:
Additionally, the bill includes a requirement to reimburse $136 million to important health accounts, including mental health and substance abuse treatment and prevention and heating and cooling assistance for low-income families, that was transferred by the Trump administration to support its response. The text of the funding package, H.R. 6074, can be viewed here. A summary can be viewed here. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, over 20 vaccines are under development around the world, but it is expected to be over a year before any are proven effective and ready for widespread use. In the meantime, the best way to prevent this disease is to avoid being exposed through everyday preventive measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “As health care professionals and officials prepare for potential cases in our area, the most important thing we all can do is engage in proper preventive measures like frequent hand-washing, avoiding contact with those who are sick when possible and cleaning frequently touched surfaces,” Rep. Cartwright continued. “These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.” |