Cunningham Helps Pass Emergency Coronavirus Supplemental Funding Bill

March 4, 2020
Press Release

Bipartisan legislation provides coordinated, effective, and comprehensive response to protect Americans

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01) today joined the overwhelming majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. This bipartisan legislation provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat the spread of coronavirus and keep Americans safe.

“Today, Democrats and Republicans in the House proved that we can work together to launch a coordinated, effective, and comprehensive response to the coronavirus – just what the American people expect out of their leaders,” said Rep. Joe Cunningham. “I know that the Senate will quickly pass this bipartisan legislation and I thank the President for his eagerness to sign it into law and get this critical funding out the door. South Carolinians should rest assured that their state, local, and federal governments, as well as their hospitals and health care providers, are fully prepared and up to the task.”

Among its provisions, the legislation includes:

  • More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;
  • Nearly $1 billion for state and local preparedness and response – half of which will go to states and cities within 30 days;
  • Nearly $1 billion for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, to support healthcare preparedness and Community Health Centers, and to improve medical surge capacity;
  • $61 million to facilitate the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines, and to help mitigate potential supply chain interruptions;
  • $1.25 billion to address the coronavirus abroad to help keep Americans safe here at home; and;
  • $300 million so the government can purchase vaccines at a fair and reasonable price and ensure they are affordable.
  • It also ensures that state and local governments are reimbursed for costs incurred while assisting the federal response.