COVID-19 Washington Update: March 18, 2020

By Paul Rosenthal, Dana Wood, Maggie Crosswy

March 18, 2020

Today's federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic included intiatives from Congress, the White House and various federal agencies. Below is a synopsis of today's actions.

Congress
This afternoon, the Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act by a vote of 90-8

The Senate did not make any further changes to the House-passed bill, meaning it will be sent to President Trump for his signature
The bill (including “technical corrections”) previously passed by the House will institute free coronavirus testing, establish paid leave policies, enhance Unemployment Insurance, expand food security initiatives, and increase federal Medicaid funding
A House Appropriations Committee summary is here and a backgrounder on the new paid leave provisions is here
Congressional passage of this second coronavirus response measures follows an initial $8.3 billion package enacted earlier this month (see yesterday’s update for more information)

Meanwhile, Congress and the administration continue negotiations to develop a third response package to inject approximately $1 trillion in the economy as businesses and individuals cope with the economic effects

Focus remains on: direct financial assistance to American families and workers; support for distressed sectors and small businesses; additional funding and support for healthcare providers
The Treasury Department has proposed: $200 billion for distressed sectors (including $50 billion for airlines); two rounds of direct payments to individual taxpayers (first to begin April 6, second to begin May 18), fixed and tiered based on income level and family size and likely administered by the IRS; and $300 billion for the creation of a small business interruption loan program
- See Treasury Department proposal here (Washington Post)
Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) has established task forces (e.g., on airlines and small business aid) to negotiate with the administration; he would like to move quickly and has said the Senate will remain in session until the package is passed
As a reminder, see Senate Democrats’ March 17 stimulus proposal here
House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) / House leadership are seeking input from committee chairs on what to include in a third package
- Speaker Pelosi has pledged to push for expanded paid leave provisions
- Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation to further expand paid leave (to be fully paid for by the federal government)
- On the Senate floor this morning, Senate Majority Whip Thune (R-SD) said Republicans are working to ensure worker benefits requirements are accompanied by sufficient support for employers

Other resources of note

The House Small Business Committee today released an update on federal efforts to aid small businesses, including an FAQ on SBA loans
House Ways and Means Committee Republicans today released an FAQ on the Congressional response
Business group letters
- International Council of Shopping Centers letter to policymakers regarding business interruption coverage
- Business Roundtable letter with policy recommendations
- National Restaurant Association letter with policy recommendations

President’s Public Schedule Today

10:00AM The President participated in a phone call with airline executives on COVID-19 response
10:45AM The President participated in the Business Roundtable Quarterly Meeting teleconference
1:30PM The President participated in a phone call with physicians on COVID-19 response
3:30PM The President participated in a briefing with nurses on COVID-19 response
11:30AM Members of the Coronavirus Task Force held a press briefing

White House / Agency Activity
White House

On Wednesday morning, President Trump announced that the United States and Canada agreed to temporarily suspend non-essential travel between the two countries; he said trade will not be affected
On Tuesday, the White House ordered the federal government to maximize the use of teleworking and minimize face-to-face interactions
Also Tuesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget requested approximately $48 billion for government agencies as they work to address the pandemic

Defense Production Act Executive Order

During this morning’s Task Force briefing, President Trump said he is invoking the Defense Production Act to help speed production and distribution of medical supplies and equipment to address the epidemic
Executive Order on Prioritizing and Allocating Health and Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of Covid-19, March 18, 2020

Health and Human Services

During today’s Task Force briefing, officials announced that HHS will allow medical professionals to practice across state lines to facilitate care; additionally, guidance is expected recommending providers limit all nonessential elective medical and surgical procedures, including dental procedures

Treasury / IRS

Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak, March 18, 2020
90-Day Tax Extension Announced by Secretary of the Treasury Does Not Extend Tax Filing Deadline and Is Very Limited in Scope, Kelley Drye Advisory, March 18, 2020

Food and Drug Administration

In this morning’s Task Force briefing, President Trump said he would be holding a news conference yet today or early tomorrow to announce new FDA developments; details to follow
FDA Issues Guidance for Conducting Clinical Trials, March 18, 2020

Housing and Urban Development

HUD Provides Immediate Relief for Homeowners Amid Nationwide Coronavirus Response; Suspends all Foreclosure and Evictions for the Next 60 Days, March 18, 2020

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Expanded Emergency Declaration Under 49 CFR § 390.23 No. 2020-002, This Declaration addresses National emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of essential supplies, equipment and persons, and provides necessary relief from the FMCSR for motor carriers and drivers engaged in the transport of essential supplies, equipment and persons, March 18, 2020

United States Trade Representative

Public Field Hearings in Florida and Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed, March 18, 2020
With the Canadian Parliament’s recent approval of its U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA) implementing bill, USTR Lighthizer has pushed for a June 1, 2020 entry into force; Senate Finance Chairman Grassley (R-IA) and the auto industry are calling for a delay in light of COVID-19 and associated supply chain disruptions

Federal Communications Commission

FCC Waives Lifeline Rules to Help Keep Low-Income Consumers Connected, March 17, 2020
FCC Grants US Cellular Temporary Spectrum Access During Coronavirus, March 17, 2020

U.S. Embassy in Mexico

Status of U.S. Consular Operations in Mexico in Light of COVID-19; the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico will suspend routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice

Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education Releases Webinar, Fact Sheet for Protecting Students' Civil Rights During COVID-19 Response, March 17, 2020

U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA Working with Private Sector in Response to COVID-19, March 17, 2020
USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak, March 17, 2020
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak, March 17, 2020
USDA Announces Feeding Program Partnership in Response to COVID-19, March 17, 2020

State Activity

Kelley Drye has posted a webpage with links for all U.S. State and Territorial Health Department COVID-19 Resource Sites

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