New COVID-19 relief bill taking shape
A view from Wild Apple Road in Pomfret, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
While the impeachment trial consumed the past week in the Senate, lawmakers in the House have been crafting the next COVID-19 relief bill.
U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, Vermont’s lone congressman, is a senior member on two of the House committees working with President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion relief proposal. Those would be Energy and Commerce, and Oversight and Reform, and they both voted to approve key components of the package.
“In my committees, we worked to make President Biden’s bold plan tangible and focused to help Vermonters and all Americans get through this unprecedented pandemic,” Welch said. “I am pleased that we produced legislation that will help Vermonters contain and crush this terrible virus, by including robust state and local funding, billions of dollars for vaccine production, distribution and COVID testing, and help for the most vulnerable among us to make it through the winter.”
The provisions passed by the committee include:
State and Local Coronavirus Relief Funds: Vermont will receive an estimated $961 million in state and local funds.
$7.5 billion for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for national vaccine distribution and administration, including assistance to state and local health departments.
$5.2 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and purchase additional vaccines for the U.S.
$4.5 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a vital lifeline to help Vermonters heat their homes during the cold winter months.
$46 billion for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and mitigation measures around the country.
$7.6 billion for Community Health Centers throughout the U.S. to assist with COVID-19 response.
$7.6 billion for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate Program to expand access to broadband in the U.S. and allow for the purchase of connected devices for students and library members.
The COVID relief package is expected to pass the House in the coming weeks before being taken up by the Senate.
— Gareth Henderson
A fact sheet on the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s work is here. A fact sheet on the Committee on Oversight and Reform’s work is here.
