Window On Washington – April 20, 2020, Vol. 4, Issue 16
Outlook for This Week in the Nation’s Capital
Stimulus Negotiations. Congress continued its work through the weekend on the next stimulus package and is reportedly close to a deal. The emerging deal could include $350 billion for SBA loans, $75 billion for hospitals and $25 billion for coronavirus testing. While Democrats continue to call for additional funding for state and local governments and an increase to the maximum monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has remained adamant that these items not be included in this package. Some Senators have already begun discussions on the inclusion of state and local government funding in the next package. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) told his Members that a vote on the package could come as early as Wednesday.
Country Reopening. The President announced that he would like the country to begin reopening by May 1, and released a guide with three phases to assist states with the process. However, there is a need for robust testing and contact tracing before a state can enter into the first phase, and multiple governors from both parties have said that they do not have enough tests. The President announced last night that he would invoke the Defense Production Act to begin increased production of the swabs and reagents needed for the tests. Governors have said they need more of both supplies in order increase testing capacity.
Last Week in the Nation’s Capital
CONGRESS
Budget & Appropriations
Treasury Secretary, Democratic Leaders ‘Hopeful’ for Agreement on Coronavirus Package: Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Democratic congressional leaders say they’re hopeful a deal on funding for the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses will be reached and a bill will pass in the coming days. (The Hill)
Massive Coronavirus Aid Bill to Cost A Little Less Than Sticker Price: The CARES Act, which offered business loans, cash to families, an expanded social safety net and more, will cost $1.8 trillion over the coming decade, the CBO said in a preliminary cost estimate. Lawmakers and independent analysts had previously pegged the price tag at about $2.3 trillion. (Roll Call)
Top House Republican Backs Adding Hospital Funding to Small-Business Package: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) said he would support adding money for hospitals to funding for a popular small-business aid program, pointing the way to a potential breakthrough in stalled talks with Democrats on the current round of stimulus spending. (Wall Street Journal)
Health
Senate Democrats Unveil Plan to Ramp Up Coronavirus Testing that Includes $30 Billion in Emergency Funding: Senate Democratic leadership rolled out a proposal last Wednesday to ramp up nationwide coronavirus testing, which public health officials have said will be key to lifting social distancing measures. (The Hill)
GOP Chairman Warns: Without More Coronavirus Testing, Hard to Go Back to Work, School: Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) warned last Wednesday that without an increase in coronavirus testing it would be difficult to start reopening the country, something President Trump has signaled he hopes happens soon. (The Hill)
Defense
Lawmakers Blast White House for Blocking Oversight of Coronavirus Equipment Shortages at VA Hospitals: Democratic members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Thursday accused administration officials of trying to stonewall their efforts to monitor shortages in personal protective equipment and other key supplies at VA hospitals during the coronavirus crisis. (Military Times)
Thornberry Wants $6 billion this Year to Launch Counter-China Fund: The top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee will release a proposal Thursday to formally create a new fund to counter Chinese actions in the Pacific. (Defense News)