Graves Supports Emergency Legislation to Combat Coronavirus

Statement

Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) released the following statement after he voted today to pass H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

"Though the risk to many Americans remains low, it's important that we are prepared and fully equipped to combat the spread of the coronavirus. I commend Vice President Mike Pence and the Administration's coronavirus taskforce for keeping us updated and informed as more information becomes available. This emergency legislation will speed up the development of a possible vaccine and help provide testing kits for Americans across the country. It will also provide more support for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's state and local response efforts. You can stay up-to-date with the latest developments and tips for staying healthy at CDC.gov."

Background

H.R. 6074 is a bipartisan bill crafted to provide resources to combat the spread of COVID-19, also known as the Novel Coronavirus. Highlights of the bill's funding includes:

-More than $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available; to support treatments to ease the symptoms of those infected with the virus; and to invest in vaccine development and to procure vaccines when they are available. Funds are also made available for the Food and Drug Administration to protect the integrity of medical products manufactured overseas and identify and prevent potential shortages.
-$2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a robust response, including:
-Nearly $1 billion exclusively for state and local response efforts; and
-$300 million for CDC's Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to diseases -- keeping our nation prepared and positioned for any health threat.

Source