WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today voted to pass a second emergency supplemental funding package to provide economic relief to individuals, small businesses, and families during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The measure passed the Senate on a vote of 90 to 8.

“The phase two of the emergency assistance package includes necessary aid, including testing, health supplies, and relief for workers. This bill provides important resources for individuals, families, and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak,” Senator Capito said. “There’s a lot of uncertainty now and in the coming weeks and months about how COVID-19 will affect not only the overall health of our country but also the economic prosperity of small businesses and the thousands of individuals working for them. Today’s vote is another reassurance that the federal government will continue to respond to these concerns. Passing phase two was an important step, but it’s not the only step we need to take. Moving ahead, we need to make sure we focus our efforts on providing the resources necessary to support our economy through this time by putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking West Virginians and Americans that have been impacted during this time.”

Last week, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to read Senator Capito’s statement on this announcement, and keep scrolling to learn more about her efforts to stay on top of this issue.

BACKGROUND ON SENATOR CAPITO’S CORONAVIRUS EFFORTS:

Senator Capito continues to be focused on this issue, particularly in ensuring the appropriate agencies have the funding they need to mitigate the spread of the virus, test those feeling ill, and treat those infected.

Senator Capito has been in touch with the White House—including twice yesterday—to express the need for more testing kits and additional flexibility for West Virginia’s hospital as the situation continues to evolve.

As chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito has made a point to ask the agencies she funds if they are prepared and ready to combat the coronavirus. Below are more details on Senator Capito’s efforts:

  • Met with a number of officials, including:
  • Communicated with West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) Secretary Bill Crouch about the state’s testing issues.
  • Spoke with West Virginia Hospital Association President and CEO Joe Letnaunchyn and West Virginia Health Care Association CEO Marty Wright.
  • Voted in favor of the emergency supplemental funding package to help states treat, prevent, and prepare for the Coronavirus. A portion of the funding provided for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is specifically tied to the FY2019 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant awards for states and localities. In West Virginia, this means the state will receive at least $5 million in funding.
  • Attended a senators-only Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee briefing to ask questions directly of leadership from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
  • Spoke with West Virginia Governor Jim Justice about West Virginia’s preparedness and readiness.
  • During two Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearings:

 

Click here for more information on the coronavirus.

 

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