Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill, H.R. 6074. This coronavirus emergency supplemental, as has been said, provides $7.8 billion in additional appropriations for the U.S. response to coronavirus.

Within the total, more than $2 billion is included for the Centers for Disease Control, and $1 billion is for State and local preparedness. The bill also provides more than $4 billion for research and development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

As ranking member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, I would also highlight the $1.25 billion in the bill for the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development, AID. These funds will help protect Americans abroad and support efforts to contain the virus worldwide. Specifically, it includes:

$264 million to maintain consular operations, pay for evacuation expenses, and address other emergency preparedness needs at our embassies and consulates around the world;

$435 million in global health funds, including $200 million for the emergency reserve fund that we established in 2017 to address emerging health threats abroad;

$300 million of international disaster assistance funding to respond to humanitarian needs related to the virus;

$250 million for economic and security needs in countries facing instability because of the virus; and

$1 million for the USAID inspector general to perform oversight of coronavirus response activities.

The bill also requires a comprehensive strategy to respond to the coronavirus overseas and regular reporting on the use of the funds so that we know how the moneys are being spent.

Madam Speaker, this is a good bill. The resources are needed urgently, and I urge our colleagues to vote ``aye.''

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source