Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, (H.R. 6074)
Bill #1 – Enacted March 6, 2020
Approximate appropriation: $8.3 billion
Comprehensive Coronavirus Legislation Guide for the Charitable Sector
This is a summary of the first bill Congress passed to help with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. This guide highlights the specific provisions of that bill that may impact the charitable sector. The Congress has passed four other bills which are included in the Comprehensive Guide.
The bill includes emergency funding to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including approximately $7.8 billion in discretionary appropriations, primarily related to medical and health needs, and $500 million in mandatory spending for "Medicare telehealth,” which would allow Medicare providers to furnish telemedicine services to seniors.
Specific items included in the discretionary appropriations:
- More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, as well as therapeutics and diagnostics
- $2.2 billion in public health funding to aid in prevention, preparedness and response efforts — including $950 million to support state and local agencies
- Almost $1 billion for medical supplies, healthcare preparedness, Community Health Centers and medical surge capacity
- $1.25 billion to fight COVID-19 internationally
Relevance to the Charitable Sector
While this appropriations bill primarily funds various government agencies, charitable organizations, including many grantee organizations that work closely with federal, state and local government agencies, may see some benefit from increased funding. Organizations that work internationally may also see an increase in assistance for global health programs.
Highlights of the appropriations include:
SBA Disaster Loans Program Appropriation
A $20 million appropriation specifically for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans Program Account (however, this may later merge with SBA salaries and expenses).
FDA R&D and Response Appropriation
A $61 million appropriation for Federal Drug Administration (FDA) salaries and expenses to respond to the coronavirus, including: development of medical countermeasures and vaccines, manufacturing of medical products, and monitoring of medical product supply chains. This money can be used domestically and internationally.
CDC Support Appropriation
A $2.2 billion appropriation for the Center for Disease Control (CDC) activities and support, with instructions that not less than $950 million go toward grants or cooperative agreements with states, localities, territories, tribal organizations, or healthcare providers for preparedness and response activities. Funding can also be deployed for global disease detection and response.
HHS Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund Appropriation
A $3.1 billion appropriation administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for prevention, preparedness, and response to the Coronavirus domestically and internationally, including research and manufacturing of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
USAID Appropriation for Global Health Programs
A total of $986 million appropriated to the President and administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for global health programs, international disaster assistance, and an economic support fund.
