House OKs Coronavirus Funds; Pasadena Congresswoman Pushes Trump, GOP To Follow

The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved $8.3 billion in new funding to battle the nation’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – and Rep. Judy Chu swiftly issued a challenge to the Republican-controlled Senate and President Trump to take the next steps to guarantee the money gets delivered.

“I am proud of the timely work that my colleagues did to prepare this funding, and now it is time for the Senate and President Trump to do the same so that we can ensure that those who need care are able to receive it,’’ said Chu, a Pasadena Democrat who voted for the new funding.

“Although the risk to most of the American public from Coronavirus is considered low, we must still take decisive measures to respond to and control this epidemic,’’ Chu said.

According to a news release from Chu’s office, more than $3 billion of the $8.3 billion in supplemental funds approved by the House on Wednesday would be ticketed for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

Another $2.2 billion would go toward prevention, preparedness and response; nearly $1 billion would go for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies and to support healthcare preparedness; $61 million would facilitate development and review of medical countermeasures and to help mitigate potential supply interruptions; and $1.25 billion would address COVID-19 abroad.

“This bill includes billions for the development of a vaccine and – crucially – $300 million for the government to buy vaccines to ensure they’re available at an affordable price,’’ Chu said in a statement.

“It also contains critical funding to reimburse states and localities, like Los Angeles County, that have already invested in response efforts. And it provides new funding, rather than stealing needed resources from elsewhere in the government.’’

Chu’s statement went on to say: “I am also pleased that this legislation will authorize up to $7 billion in Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for small businesses that are suffering losses due to the outbreak, which I have advocated for. I want to make sure our communities are as prepared as possible to contain this virus and successfully treat all those who contract it.’’