Latest coronavirus emergency funding package includes tens of billions for defense, VA

The Department of Defense is set to secure an additional $ 10.5 billion in emergency funding and the Department of Veterans Affairs An additional $ 19.6 billion in a $ 2 trillion program designed to mitigate the economic impact of coronavirus epidemic all over America.

The money includes $ 1.4 billion in direct funding for National Guard deployments to help state governments meet emerging health needs, $ 1.5 billion for expansion of military hospitals and centers medical devices if needed, and $ 1 billion for the Department of Defense to help drug production as stocks are running out due to the pandemic.

The measure – which, if passed, would be Congress’ third major response to the coronavirus this month – also includes provisions to provide billions of dollars to hospitals, new state and local government support, compensation widespread unemployment and massive business loans, all designed to help stabilize the economy amid unprecedented social shutdowns to curb the spread of the virus.

Senate lawmakers are expected to vote on the measure on Wednesday afternoon. The House could deal with it soon after.

Nationwide, more than 54,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the strain of coronavirus causing disruption and panic around the world. More than 730 deaths have been linked to the disease in the United States alone, all in the past month.

“The fight against this disease has forced our country to put huge swathes of our national life on hiatus and has triggered layoffs at an astounding rate,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. , after the conclusion of the agreement on Wednesday morning. “This strange new reality has forced our nation to put itself on a war footing. A fight has arrived on our shores.”

Lawmakers who worked on the deal said Defense Ministry funding was intended “primarily to protect members of the armed forces, their families and retired military personnel.”

None of the funds can be transferred to accounts related to the construction of a southern border wall, a point of friction between Democrats and President Donald Trump in past credit fights.

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Of the total of $ 10.5 billion, $ 1 billion will be set aside for use with the Defense Production Act, allowing ministry officials “to invest in manufacturing capabilities that are critical to increasing the rate of production of personal protective equipment and medical equipment ”.

These articles have been rare in recent weeks. Trump invoked the law earlier this week but has yet to order civilian production of the creepy articles.

Veterans Affairs

Within VA, the majority of the money – nearly $ 15.9 billion – will be used for direct care specifically in response to the health needs of veterans.

“This covers the treatment of veterans nationwide for the coronavirus in VA hospitals as well as community emergency care clinics and emergency rooms,” a summary of the bill reads. “These funds allow VA to cover the overtime of its clinical staff, the purchase of personal protective equipment, test kits and other equipment necessary to manage the impacts of this pandemic among the veterans population. . “

An additional $ 3.1 billion will be set aside for new telemedicine efforts within VA, including staffing and equipping mobile treatment sites and “renovating VA facilities and veterans’ homes. managed by the state to meet the needs of veterans treated for coronavirus “.

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Nearly 300 veterans have already been diagnosed with the strain of coronavirus and four VA patient deaths linked to the disease.

The bill also includes a number of expanded authorities for VA officials to respond to the threat, including extended overtime pay rules for medical providers, new agreements with broad internet providers. band to increase telemedicine options for veterans and the lifting of certain rules regarding income level eligibility for department benefits.

Lawmakers also included $ 360 million for the Labor Department to invest in programs that provide training and support services to displaced workers, specifically to include homeless veterans.

White House officials have indicated that Trump will sign the measure if it passes Congress. Earlier this week, Trump called on lawmakers to quickly pass a deal, saying the economic impact of the disease on the country could be more devastating than the health complications.