House Passes Interim Coronavirus Relief Bill

WASHINGTON — The House today passed, on a 388-5 vote, an interim emergency coronavirus package, Congress’s fourth piece of legislation to respond to the pandemic.

The legislation follows the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27; the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, enacted on March 18; and the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act enacted on March 6.

“Urgent relief is needed, and because of Congressional Democrats, this interim package provides funds for underserved small businesses, hospitals, and expanded testing to support the lives and livelihoods of the American people,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey. “However, it is disappointing that Republicans refused to support state and local governments or expand food assistance for the vulnerable. As we move on to CARES Act 2, we will continue to fight for expanded and extended support for families, businesses, and state and local governments.”

House passage of the bill, which passed the Senate Tuesday, clears the measure for the President to sign.

The text of the bill, H.R. 266 – the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, is here. A fact sheet on the appropriations provisions of the bill, prepared by the Democratic staff of the House Appropriations Committee, is here.

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