House Passes “Phase 3.5”

Posted on April 23, 2020

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.

President Trump Issues Immigration Executive Order

Posted on April 22, 2020

Earlier this evening, President Trump signed an executive order suspending “entry of immigrants who present risk to the U.S. labor market.” The order takes effect at 11:59 PM ET Thursday, April 23, and will be in place for 60 days. The suspension of entry could be extended, if he determines that it is warranted.

Executive Order on “Immigration Ban” Expected Today

Posted on April 22, 2020

Even though President Trump announced Monday that he would suspend immigration through an executive order, Administration officials were still working through the details Tuesday night and the order is expected to be officially signed today. The “ban” is actually expected to be a 60-day halt on certain kinds of “green card” applications and not a complete ban on the flow of individuals.

Read more about the “ban” here, here, and here.

We will provide further details as they become available.

Senate Passes COVID-19 “Phase 3.5”

Posted on April 21, 2020April 22, 2020

This afternoon the Senate passed a $484 billion aid package, which will provide relief for small businesses, as well as funding for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.

The House is expected to reconvene in Washington, DC and pass the legislation on Thursday.

Deal Reached on COVID-19 Bill

Posted on April 21, 2020

As noted this morning, negotiators had been working to reach an agreement on the next COVID-19-related bill, scheduling a Senate session for this afternoon. A deal has officially been reached on the legislation.

The $484-billion measure includes, among other provisions:

$320 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, which ran out of money next week
$75 billion for hospitals and other health care facilities
$25 billion for expanded COVID-19 testing as well as the development of a national strategy
$50 billion for SBA Economic Disaster Loans
$10 billion for SBA Economic Injury Grants

The bill does not include any additional funds for states and localities.

Senate Democrats are calling this package an “interim” measure, fully expecting to take up a “Phase 4” bill later this spring.

The Senate is scheduled to meet at 4 PM EDT with the hopes of passing the bill by unanimous consent.

Read more about the agreement here, here, and here.