US Senators returned to Washington, DC for votes. Practicing social distancing, Senators will conduct a mix of pandemic-related and routine business. Hearings for this week include examining nominees for Director of National Intelligence, a Federal Judge, and Secretary of the Navy. Some hearings are also scheduled related to COVID-19, however no appropriations hearings will take place.
A weekly schedule is available here.
President Trump has signed into law a $484 billion aid package for small businesses and hospitals. The amendment to H.R.266 can be found here.
The House passed today a $484 billion aid package to provide relief to small businesses and healthcare providers. You can read more about the amendment to H.R.266 here.
President Trump is expected to sign the proposal into law.
Additionally, the House also voted to create a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. The Subcommittee will be part of the House Oversight Committee.
The House conducted a roll-call vote for the first time in nearly a month today to pass H.R. 266, the $484-billion measure that would add funds to the depleted Paycheck Protection Plan and send additional resources to hospitals as well as expand testing efforts. The Senate cleared the bill on Senate by unanimous consent. Both chambers are now once again holding only pro forma sessions.
Before voting on the legislation, the House approved the creation of a new oversight committee to oversee the administration of the COVID-19-related funds approved by Congress.
While discussions about a “Phase 4” bill are underway, it is unlikely that any formal movement will be seen until after both chambers fully return, which is not scheduled to occur until the first week of May.