COVID-19 Oversight & Policy Resources for Hill Staff

Library of Congress: Coronavirus Resource Guide

Laws, regulations and executive actions in the United States, at both the federal and the state level, and in various countries with respect to the new coronavirus and its spread. Updated weekly.

CRS: Small Businesses and COVID-19: Relief and Assistance Resources

May 7: This CRS Insight presents selected websites and CRS products potentially relevant to small businesses that are directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and seeking economic relief and assistance.

GAO Podcast: FraudNet and COVID-19 Federal Assistance

April 14: GAO's Director of Investigations, Howard Arp, joins the Watchdog Report to talk about FraudNet. It's a GAO program for the public, government workers, and contractors to report allegations of improper activities in the federal government. And it can help ensure the proper use of funds provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

March 2020: This guidance is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.

CRS: Fostering Behavior Change During Disease Outbreaks: Insights from Ebola Response in Africa

March 27: Successful behavioral change campaigns sought to understand the perceptions and practical needs of affected communities, ensured that communications were accurate and culturally appropriate, and recruited (and in many cases, paid) community members to spearhead local initiatives. In contrast, efforts to use force to effect behavior changes often backfired.

GAO: The Coronavirus Response: Lessons Learned from The Past

March 24: This blog post summarizes reports and congressional testimonies that include lessons learned and open recommendations that federal agencies can implement now.

GAO Podcast: Pandemic Preparedness: Watchdog Report Deep Dig Edition

March 16 (Recorded March 10-11): As the nation contends with the spread of a coronavirus, GAO experts sat down to talk about the government's preparation efforts for a pandemic.

GAO: Science & Tech Spotlight: Social Distancing During Pandemics

May 13: While it is clear that maintaining separation between individuals provides important protection, there is no definitive statement in the literature regarding effectiveness of specific distances. While a CDC guideline suggests that, historically, risk is highest within 1 meter of an infected person, the studies described above suggest a buffer of over 2 meters may further reduce risk. Still, several unknowns limit the ability to set specific guidance.

CRS: COVID-19: U.S. Economic Effects

May 13: In the United States, fear of infection, social distancing, and various states’ stay-at-home orders, prompted business closures and severe declines in U.S. demand for travel, accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment, among other industries. This has led to massive layoffs, furloughs, and surges in unemployment claims, with predictions for further declines in U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

CRS: Tax Treatment of Net Operating Losses (NOLs) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

May 14: The CARES Act included a provision increasing tax benefits for NOLs. This revision temporarily suspends current rules that were last revised in the 2017 tax revision, popularly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

CRS: IRS Guidance Says No Deduction Is Allowed for Business Expenses Paid with Forgiven PPP Loans

May 13: On April 30, 2020, IRS issued Notice 2020-32, which clarifies the IRS position, under Internal Revenue Code Section 265(a)(1), that PPP-recipients cannot claim a deduction for expenses funded from the forgiven PPP loans.

CRS: Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19: Federal Legislative Initiatives

May 11: No bill providing for direct federal support for business interruption (BI) insurance has been introduced, but both House Financial Services Chair Maxine Waters and Representative Carolyn Maloney have indicated interest in legislation to establish a Pandemic Risk Insurance Act (PRIA).

CRS: Unauthorized Immigrants’ Eligibility for COVID-19 Relief Benefits: In Brief

May 7: This report focuses exclusively on the unauthorized immigrant population; it outlines their eligibility for federal benefits generally, and for benefits included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) specifically.

CRS: COVID-19: The Employee Retention Tax Credit

May 7: The CARES Act includes an employee retention payroll tax credit intended to help businesses retain employees during the Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, public health emergency.

DOI OIG: Where’s the Money? DOI Use of CARES Act Funds, As of April 28, 2020

May 5: A high-level overview of how the Department of the Interior has utilized the funds provided by the CARES Act.

CRS: Transportation Infrastructure Investment as Economic Stimulus: Lessons from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

May 5: Congress is considering federal funding for infrastructure to revive an economy damaged by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Congress previously provided infrastructure funding for economic stimulus in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA; P.L. 111-5). This report discusses the economic impact of the transportation infrastructure funding in ARRA.

CRS: SBA EIDL and Emergency EIDL Grants: Data by State

May 5: This Insight provides: a general overview of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) (including eligibility) and the Emergency EIDL Grant program; SBA EIDL data by the number and amount of loans approved by state; and Emergency EIDL Grant program (also referred to as EIDL advance) data by the number and amount of grants approved by state.

CRS: COVID-19-Related Loan Assistance for Agricultural Enterprises

May 5: The CARES Act created the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grants to provide short-term, economic relief to certain small businesses and nonprofits.

CRS: Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding

May 4: This report provides an overview of the SBA’s programs, discusses recent programmatic changes resulting from the enactment of legislation, provides an overview of the SBA’s budget, and references other CRS reports that examine the SBA’s programs in greater detail.

CRS: Health Insurance Options Following Loss of Employment

May 4: This In Focus provides a brief overview of eligibility, benefits, and costs associated with these different health insurance coverage types. It primarily discusses coverage options for terminated employees who can no longer access their former employer-sponsored health insurance.

CRS: COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options

May 4: This report provides a brief description of the SBA’s programs, examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007-2009), and discusses recent legislation to assist small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRS: CARES Act Economic Impact Payments for Veterans Not Required to File Tax Returns

May 1: Many veterans have expressed concern that receipt of the payments will result in them either losing their [means-based VA] pension benefit or having it reduced. In Section 20010 of the CARES Act, Congress excluded these payments from a veteran’s annual income, thereby preventing it from counting toward the income limit associated with pension eligibility.

CRS: Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources

April 30: This Insight focuses on potential sources of assistance designated for medium and large businesses that do not qualify for Small Business Administration programs or other assistance programs for small businesses.

CRS: Treasury and Federal Reserve Financial Assistance in Title IV of the CARES Act (P.L.116-136)

April 28: This report provides an overview of Section 4003 of the CARES Act and related provisions and explains the terms and conditions associated with the assistance. The report’s appendix compares these provisions to the 2008 Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

GAO: CARES Act provides relief to some homeowners during coronavirus outbreak

April 28: This WatchBlog looks at relief efforts for homeowners under the CARES Act, including how they compare to federal actions during the last financial crisis. It also discusses some potential challenges and risks homeowners might face when seeking assistance.

CRS: Congressional Oversight Provisions in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act

April 27: This Insight details congressional oversight provisions included in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (P.L. 116-139).

CRS: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Lending Set Asides for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

April 27: At least $60 billion (19%) of the additional $310 billion in PPP lending authority provided by H.R. 266 would be set aside for specified groups of lenders.

CRS: The Child Support Federal Tax Offset of CARES Act Economic Impact Payments

April 24: Section 2201(d) of the CARES Act provides that the direct payments to individuals cannot be offset for past due debts to federal agencies, past due state income tax debt, or unemployment compensation debt, but it does not exempt those payments from offset for past-due child support for cases enforced by the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program.

CRS: Fourth COVID-19 Relief Package (P.L.116-139): In Brief

April 24: The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) includes enhancements for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Emergency EIDL grants, and emergency supplemental appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services and Small Business Administration.

CRS: COVID-19: Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Supplemental Appropriations in the CARES Act

April 24: The CARES Act includes $3.5 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). These funds are to be used to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.”

CRS: Older Children, Adult Dependents, and Eligibility for the 2020 Recovery Rebates

April 23: This Insight provides an overview of one category of individuals who are ineligible for the 2020 recovery rebates—older children and adult dependents. This information may help inform any potential legislative debate considering another round of direct payments.

CRS: Interaction of International Tax Provisions with Business Provisions in the CARES Act

April 23: The CARES Act included two general tax benefits for business: net operating losses (NOLs) and interest deductions, which reduce taxable income and tax liability. These provisions may interact with existing international tax provisions enacted in the 2017 tax revision, popularly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA (P.L. 115-97).

CRS: Social Security Retirement Earnings Test (RET): Earnings Exemption for COVID-19-Related Work Response

April 22: In response to COVID-19, some state and local officials have called on retired healthcare workers to return to work and help treat the influx of patients. If those retired workers are receiving Social Security benefits and are under the Social Security full retirement age (FRA) (FRA is between 65 and 67, depending on year of birth), the Retirement Earnings Test (RET) may reduce their Social Security benefits if their earnings exceed certain annual thresholds.

CRS: The CARES Act and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Options for Certain Individuals

April 21: The CARES Act includes a provision that suspends Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from certain retirement accounts for 2020. Some individuals may have already taken this distribution prior to the enactment of the CARES Act; this Insight discusses an option that might be available to them.

CRS: CARES Act Assistance for Employers and Employees—The Paycheck Protection Program, Employee Retention Tax Credit, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits: Overview (Part 1)

April 21: This Insight compares (1) SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program; (2) the employee retention tax credit; and (3) Unemployment Insurance.

CRS: CARES Act Assistance for Employers and Employees—The Paycheck Protection Program, Employee Retention Tax Credit, and Unemployment Insurance Benefits: Assessment of Alternatives (Part 2)

April 21: This Insight compares (1) the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); (2) the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC); and (3) Unemployment Insurance (UI). This Insight highlights factors employers might consider in choosing which program offers them the best support. The optimal choice from the firm’s perspective may not necessarily be what is optimal from their employees’ perspective.

CRS: COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Economic Impact Payments for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries

April 21: Section 2201 of the CARES Act provides recovery rebates for most individuals, structured as automatically advanced tax credits to be disbursed by the Treasury Department. This Insight addresses the recovery rebates from the perspective of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.

CRS: Federal Reserve: Emergency Lending in Response to COVID-19

April 17: This Insight covers actions taken by the Fed in its “lender of last resort” role—actions intended to provide liquidity directly to firms to ensure they have continued access to needed funding. The Fed finances this assistance by expanding its balance sheet.

CRS: Health Care Provisions in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, P.L. 116-127

April 17: This CRS report describes the health provisions included in FFCRA as of the date of enactment, including relevant background information. Some provisions described in this report have been amended by the CARES Act, and in such cases, footnotes reference the relevant CRS expert who can answer questions about the amendments.This report will not otherwise be updated or changed to reflect subsequent congressional or administrative action related to the FFCRA health provisions.

CRS: COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates/Economic Impact Payments in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 17: This Insight provides a brief overview of the proposed 2020 recovery rebates included in H.R. 748. These payments are virtually identical to those included in bill text circulated on March 22, 2020.

SBA: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Report - Approvals through 12 PM EST 4/16/2020

April 16 data: PPP loan statistics broken down by states, loan size, and industry sector. The average loan size is $206K.

CRS: Federal Student Loan Debt Relief in the Context of COVID-19

April 16: This report provides an overview of student loan repayment flexibilities and debt relief provisions that may be available to borrowers facing financial difficulties resulting from the pandemic.

CRS: The Disaster Relief Fund: Overview and Issues

April 16: This report introduces the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and provides a brief history of federal disaster relief programs. It goes on to discuss the appropriations that fund the DRF, and provides a funding history from FY1964 to the present day, discussing factors that contributed to those changing appropriations levels.

CRS: COVID-19: Selected Capital Markets Segments Supported by Federal Government Liquidity Interventions

April 16: As of the publication of this Insight, some markets that have announced Fed liquidity support appear to have begun to stabilize. This Insight discusses the changing capital markets conditions using as examples corporate bonds, money market mutual funds (MMFs), and municipal bonds.

CRS: SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans and Self-Employed Individuals

April 16: On April 14, SBA issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) detailing how the PPP will be applied in the case of self-employed individuals. This Insight describes PPP-related statutes, regulations, and guidance that apply to self-employed individuals.

CRS: Mortgage Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

April 14: The CARES Act includes provisions intended to provide temporary relief for certain affected mortgage borrowers: Section 4022 provides for forbearance and a foreclosure moratorium for federally backed single-family mortgages. Section 4023 provides for forbearance for federally backed multifamily mortgages. The CARES Act also includes a temporary moratorium on eviction filings for tenants in certain properties (Section 4024).

CRS: Limits on Business Interest Deductions Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

April 14: Limits on the tax deduction for business interest restrictions have been relaxed by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748, as amended) providing economic stimulus and relief for taxpayers due to the expected slowdown of the economy because of the coronavirus pandemic.

CRS: Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery: Responsibilities, Authority, and Appointment

April 13: This Insight provides an introduction to the responsibilities, authority, and selection of the SIGPR. Citations to the relevant provisions of the CARES Act are included in parenthesis as appropriate.

CRS: Federal Reserve: Monetary Policy Actions in Response to COVID-19

April 13: The Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken a number of steps to promote economic and financial stability in response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). This Insight covers actions related to monetary policy—actions intended to lower interest rates or increase overall liquidity. Due to the severity of economic disruption, actions that increase overall liquidity have not been sufficient to maintain financial stability, and the Fed has also directly lent to firms and purchased private securities.

CRS: Unemployment Insurance: Legislative Issues in the 116th Congress

April 10: Congress has begun to consider benefits related to two unemployment insurance programs: Unemployment Compensation and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Congress may consider modifications to these two programs within the federal-state UI system to provide weekly income replacement for individuals unavailable to work or unemployed as a result of COVID-19.

CRS: Small Business Administration 504/CDC Loan Guaranty Program

April 10: This report examines the rationale provided for the 504/CDC program; its borrower and lender eligibility standards; operating requirements; and performance statistics, including loan volume, loss rates, proceeds usage, borrower satisfaction, and borrower demographics. This report also examines congressional action taken to help small businesses gain greater access to capital, including enactment of P.L. 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

CRS: U.S. Travel and Tourism and COVID-19

April 10: Sharp reductions in domestic and international travel are prompting businesses across the U.S. travel sectors to ask the U.S. government for financial assistance. For Congress, this raises questions about the likely economic effects of COVID-19 on travel and tourism and the level of support warranted for some industry segments that may quickly recover once the pandemic subsides and businesses reopen.

CRS: Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund and COVID-19

April 10: H.R. 748, as passed by the Senate on March 25, would appropriate $500 billion to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) to support loans, loan guarantees, and investments for businesses affected by COVID-19. In addition, the legislation would temporarily permit the use of the ESF to guarantee money markets, as occurred in the 2008 financial crisis.

CRS: Eligibility of Religious Organizations for the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program

April 9: This Legal Sidebar discusses legal considerations related to religious organizations’ eligibility for SBA aid. Specifically, this Sidebar explores possible considerations under the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, both of which are implicated when public funds are provided to religious organizations.

CRS: Unemployment Insurance Provisions in the CARES Act

April 9: This In Focus summarizes the Unemployment Insurance (UI) provisions in Title II, Subtitle A, of the CARES Act. It also provides a brief comparison with the UI provisions enacted in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

CRS: The CARES Act: Implications for Tribes

April 9: Much of the CARES Act’s aid and relief is available to, or will otherwise affect, federally recognized Indian tribes or tribal business entities. This In Focus discusses the provisions that most directly implicate tribes and tribal interests, though the agencies responsible for enacting these provisions will likely issue additional guidance and interpretation in the days ahead.

CRS: CARES Act Eviction Moratorium

April 7: While Section 4024’s tenant protections are narrower in scope than those proposed by some lawmakers, called for by some tenant-advocates, or enacted in some other countries, they represent arguably unprecedented action by the federal government in an area of law that, largely, states and localities traditionally govern.

CRS: CARES Act Higher Education Provisions

April 7: This In Focus provides brief descriptions of several higher education provisions included in the CARES Act.

CRS: The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136): Provisions Designed to Help Banks and Credit Unions

April 7: The CARES Act includes four sections—4011, 4012, 4013, and 4014—that temporarily relax some of the regulations banks face. Section 4016 expands access to the Central Liquidity Facility, which is a liquidity facility for credit unions that exists at the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

CRS: Recovery Rebates and Unemployment Compensation under the CARES Act: Immigration-Related Eligibility Criteria

April 7: This Legal Sidebar reviews the immigration-related eligibility requirements for two types of benefits established by the CARES Act: (1) the recovery rebates under Section 2201; and (2) the various forms of federally funded unemployment insurance (UI) benefits under Title II, Subsection A.

CRS: Are Start-ups Eligible for the SBA’s New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans?

April 6: Under the PPP, a lender may provide “covered loans” to assist small businesses, small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and small 501(c)(19) veterans organizations that have been adversely affected by COVID-19. These covered loans—also known as PPP loans—have a 100% Small Business Administration (SBA) loan guarantee; a maximum term of 10 years; no associated fees; and an interest rate not to exceed 4%.

CRS: Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Increase Available for Title IV-E Foster Care and Permanency Payments

April 6: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (P.L. 116-127) authorizes increased federal funding to states through a 6.2 percentage point increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP), also known as the Medicaid matching rate.

CRS: Small Business Administration 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program

April 6: This report discusses the 7(a) program, surveys congressional and presidential actions taken in recent years to enhance small businesses’ access to capital, and briefly discusses bills and proposals to expand the 7(a) program to assist small businesses adversely affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

CRS: Community Development Block Grants and the CARES Act

April 6: The CARES Act includes $5 billion for the Community Development Fund. This Insight provides an overview of the conventional CDBG program, considers how CDBG funds may be used to support community and economic development efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses provisions in the CARES Act pertaining to CDBG.

CRS: The CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) Section 4008: FDIC Bank Debt Guarantee Authority

April 2: Section 4008 preemptively grants the requisite congressional approval for any such program needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, provided the FDIC guarantee terminates no later than December 31, 2020. This Insight provides an overview of FDIC guarantees and Section 4008.

CRS: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Leave Provisions

April 2: The FFCRA created two new and temporary leave benefits for eligible employees: (1) emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave to care for the employee’s minor child whose school or place of care is closed, or whose care provider is unavailable due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (such leave is paid leave after an initial 10 days of unpaid leave), and (2) paid sick leave for certain COVID-19 related needs.

CRS: Title IV Provisions of the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 2: Specifically, Title IV of the CARES Act grants funds to industries affected by the virus and new authorities to the regulators and agencies responsible for those industries, waives requirements for industries to meet certain regulatory requirements, and provides added oversight and consumer protections, each on a temporary basis.

CRS: The Economic Development Administration and the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 2: The CARES Act includes $1.5 billion for EDA to administer grants through its established Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. For years the EAA has been used to address ongoing economic restructuring needs.

CRS: COVID-19: The Potential Role of TANF in Addressing the Economic Effects

April 1: The flexibility of states’ use of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families makes it a possible source of funding for them to address the unknown and evolving needs of families resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRS: Retirement and Pension Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

April 1: Among other provisions, the CARES Act includes an exemption to the 10% tax penalty for early withdrawals from retirement accounts for individuals affected by COVID-19, one-year relief from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for all retirement plan account holders, and a delayed due date for employer contributions to private-sector defined benefit (DB) pension plans.

CRS: Federal Reserve: Recent Actions in Response to COVID-19

March 31: The Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken a number of steps to promote economic and financial stability involving the Fed’s monetary policy and “lender of last resort” roles. Some of these actions are intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates and others are intended to provide liquidity to financial markets so that firms have access to needed funding.

CRS: The Financial Industry and Consumers Struggling to Pay Bills during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak

March 31: This Insight focuses on possible policy options relating to the financial services industry for consumers who may have trouble paying their bills due to the coronavirus outbreak.

CRS: Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19

March 31: The economic disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has led businesses and policymakers to ask whether insurance should cover associated losses. The loss of income from mandatory or voluntary closures, supply chain disruptions, and reduced demand due to social distancing measures may induce businesses of all sizes to seek compensation from insurers.

CRS: The Federal Reserve’s Legal Authorities for Responding to the Economic Impacts of COVID-19

March 27: This Sidebar discusses the Fed’s responses to the coronavirus, the legal bases for those actions, and the central bank’s authority to take further steps to contain the economic fallout from the virus.

CRS: Federal Reserve: Emergency Lending

March 27: In response to the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Fed reopened four of these broadly-based programs and created two new ones in 2020. Treasury pledged $50 billion of assets from the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF) to protect the Fed against losses in most of these programs.

CRS: Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (P.L.116-123): First Coronavirus Supplemental

March 25: In total, the bill appropriates $6.5 billion to HHS, representing 84% of all funds in the bill. In general, these funds are for health emergency prevention, preparedness, and response activities related to COVID-19. Funds largely support domestic activities, but certain accounts include funds that may be allocated for global health activities.

CRS: COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Estimated Impact of Recovery Rebates in the March 22 CARES Act on Family Incomes

March 25: To estimate the potential impact of the 2020 recovery rebates, CRS calculated the amount families would receive under the proposals in the March 22 CARES Act. CRS then compared the estimated rebates family would receive to their estimated monthly income.

GAO: As economy turns, unemployment insurance may once again play an important role

March 25: In today’s WatchBlog, we look at unemployment insurance benefits, new guidance from the Department of Labor, and how workers can apply for the program.

CRS: Required Minimum Distributions from Retirement Accounts Under the Economic Stimulus Proposals Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 24: On March 22, 2020, the Senate released an updated version of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act containing a provision for suspending the penalty for failure to make the required minimum distribution (RMD) from retirement accounts for 2020. A similar provision was included in a proposal in the House released on March 23, the TakeResponsibility for Workers and Families Act.

CRS: Withdrawals and Loans from Retirement Accounts for COVID-19 Expenses

March 24: Congress and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have several policy options that could provide relief for COVID-19 related withdrawals and loans.

CRS: Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Authorities

March 24: Congress has regularly instituted a special variant of CDBG for long-term disaster recovery, known as CDBG-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). This Insight considers the potential role of CDBG and CDBG-DR as economic development countermeasures to the coronavirus outbreak.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the March 22 CARES Act

March 23: The proposed 2020 recovery rebates equal $1,200 per person ($2,400 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return) and $500 per child. These amounts would phase down for higher-income taxpayers. These payments are structured as tax credits automatically advanced to households in 2020 if they filed a 2019 income tax return and would be received as a direct deposit or check by mail.

CRS: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act—Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses

March 23: This report briefly summarizes the major provisions in the updated version of the CARES Act, released March 22, 2020, as well as Division B of the earlier version of the CARES Act (S. 3548).

CRS: Emergency Funding for Public Transportation Agencies Due to COVID-19

March 23: Fare revenue losses are likely to be compounded by a less immediate decline in local tax revenue dedicated to transit agency budgets, particularly sales and property taxes. With both of these revenue sources under pressure, many transit agencies will likely find it difficult to meet current commitments, such as staff pay and benefits, and to restore service to previous levels once passenger demand rebounds.

CRS: Targeted Tax Relief for Industries Impacted by the Coronavirus: Selected Policy Issues

March 20: Targeted tax relief is unlikely to keep businesses operating and workers employed if public health measures to contain the virus’s spread cause demand for their products and services to decline sharply. In this case, tax relief may need to be coupled with federal loans, loan guarantees, or grants to prevent an increase in business failures in affected industries.

CRS: COVID-19 Economic Stimulus: Business Payroll Tax Cuts

March 20: Payroll tax cuts for businesses are one option that would provide economic assistance to business activities. There are a number of options for how to structure and implement payroll tax reductions.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Potential Impacts of Direct Payments on Family Incomes

March 20: To estimate the potential impact of a direct payment, CRS calculated the amount that families would receive under each of three proposals. CRS then compared the estimated benefit a family would receive to their estimated monthly income.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the CARES Act (S. 3548)

March 20: This Insight provides a brief overview of the proposed 2020 recovery rebates, with several simplified examples to illustrate payment amounts for different families.

CRS: Federal Assistance to Troubled Industries: Selected Examples

March 19: This report examines selected past instances in which the government has aided troubled industries, providing information about the way in which such assistance was structured, the role of Congress, and the eventual cost

CRS: COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Historical Precedents

March 19: There are historical precedents for such payments; most of these were done through the federal income tax code. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent checks to taxpayers in 1975, 2001, and 2008. An issue with using the IRS to make payments to individuals is that payments generally have been restricted to those who file federal income tax returns.

GAO: Disaster loans could help small businesses affected by coronavirus

March 19: Today’s WatchBlog explores how small businesses can use SBA disaster loans, and how the use of these loans during the coronavirus outbreak will differ from previous recovery efforts.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: How Did the 2008 Recovery Rebates Work?

March 19: In 2008 Congress enacted direct cash payments—the 2008 recovery rebates—that were tax credits advanced to households that had filed an income tax return. This Insight provides a brief overview of how those 2008 recovery rebates worked.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: How the 2009 Economic Recovery Payment Worked

March 18: To assist lawmakers in assessing the merits of such a proposal, this Insight examines the 2009 Economic Recovery Payment (ERP), which was a one-time $250 payment made to most individuals who received recurring cash benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

CRS: COVID-19 and Stimulus Payments to Individuals: Considerations on Using Advanced Refundable Credits as Economic Stimulus

March 17: One mechanism to provide cash payments relatively quickly is to create a new refundable tax credit and then advance it to households before they would otherwise claim it on their income tax returns. A similar policy was enacted most recently in 2008.

CRS: Tax Credit for Paid Sick and Family Leave in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)

March 17: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) includes an employer tax credit for paid sick and family leave. This tax credit is intended to help businesses with the cost of providing paid leave to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

CRS: Workplace Leave and Unemployment Insurance for Individuals Affected by COVID-19

March 16: This Insight provides a brief overview of the current availability of job-connected assistance to individuals affected by the coronavirus, as well as unemployment insurance benefits. It also discusses policy options to amend or expand existing UI programs to be more responsive to the effects of COVID-19.

CRS: COVID-19: Potential Role of Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carrybacks in Addressing the Economic Effects

March 16: This Insight discusses how allowing net operating loss carrybacks could potentially assist businesses impacted by economic weakness associated with COVID-19.

CRS: COVID-19: Social Insurance and Other Income-Support Options for Those Unable to Work

March 12: This In Focus provides an overview of existing federal and state government social insurance programs or options that may be implemented relatively quickly to provide financial assistance for those unable to work due to COVID-19 from (1) their own illness; (2) exposure leading to quarantine; (3) illness of a close family member or school closures that may require long-term caregiving; or (4) unemployment resulting from business closures.

CRS: Hazard Pay and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues and Options

May 13: The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act (H.R. 6800), introduced on May 12, 2020, would create a fund for “pandemic premium pay” for essential workers.This Insight highlights some of the policy considerations should a hazard pay policy be pursued, as well as federal government options for supporting hazard pay.

CRS: Offshore Royalty Relief: Status During the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 13: The Department of the Interior has stated that affected producers may apply for royalty relief—a temporary reduction or waiver of the royalties that companies pay the federal government on production from leases—individually using existing options, clarifying that the Department does not plan to pursue a new program of blanket royalty relief at this time.

CRS: USDA Rural Development and COVID-19: Supplemental Funding and Agency Actions

May 15: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development agency (RD) administers loan, grant, and technical assistance programs that support infrastructure, housing, and business development in rural areas. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress provided supplemental funding to certain RD programs. In addition, RD has taken a number of actions to provide relief for current program participants and assist potential applicants in applying for program funding.

CRS: COVID 19: Consumer Loan Forbearance and Other Relief Options

May 14: Due to increasing hardship, loan forbearance has become a common form of consumer relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan forbearance plans are agreements that allow borrowers to reduce or suspend payments for a short period of time, providing extended time for consumers to become current on their payments and repay the amounts owed.

CRS: Delivery of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs)

May 18: This Insight presents a brief overview of the delivery of “economic impact payments” (EIPs)—direct payments to certain individuals as mandated in the CARES Act—and identifies factors that might affect the timing and accuracy of their delivery.

Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS): COVID-19 Relief Contract Datasheet

An Excel spreadsheet containing information about coronavirus response and relief contracts awarded by the federal government. (Updated regularly)

GSA: Coronavirus Acquisition-Related Information and Resources

OMB guidance, agency memorandums and other resources regarding federal acquisition processes relating to COVID-19. (Updated regularly)

Taxpayers for Common Sense: COVID-19 Stimulus Tracker and Analysis

Wondering what is going on with the COVID-19 stimulus? Taxpayers for Common Sense has a tracker that follows where that money is going. (Updated regularly)

CRS: U.S. Postal Service Financial Condition and Title VI of the CARES Act

May 12: This Insight briefly reviews USPS’s funding structure, its existing borrowing authority, and the financial challenges it faced before, and is likely to face after, the pandemic. It concludes with potential issues for congressional consideration.

CRS: COVID-19: Overview of FY2020 LHHS Supplemental Appropriations

May 11: This report focuses on supplemental FY2020 discretionary appropriations provided to programs and activities traditionally funded by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill.

CRS: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and COVID-19

May 7: The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives OSHA the ability to promulgate an ETS that would remain in effect for up to six months without going through the normal review and comment process of rulemaking. OSHA, however, has rarely used this authority in the past—not since the courts struck down its ETS on asbestos in 1983.

CRS: Intelligence Community Support to Pandemic Preparedness and Response

May 6: The Intelligence Community (IC) has statutory authority on the collection and reporting of information relevant to infectious diseases, especially in the foreign environment. This InFocus describes and explains the IC’s specific role in pandemic preparedness and response.

GAO: National Preparedness: Additional Actions Needed to Address Gaps in the Nation's Emergency Management Capabilities

May 4: FEMA uses several scenarios—including a pandemic influenza similar to COVID-19—to allow states and territories to assess their own emergency response and recovery capabilities. States and territories have a good handle on their strengths and weaknesses, but FEMA hasn’t used the information to determine the full scope of national needs. FEMA also hasn’t determined what resources the federal government would need to close the gaps—many of which are longstanding.

GAO: FEMA Disaster Workforce: Actions Needed to Address Deployment and Staff Development Challenges

May 4: FEMA’s processes are intended to identify staff qualifications and skills, and use this information to deploy personnel. However, we found that FEMA didn’t provide reliable staffing information to the field during disasters. For example, staff in all 14 of our focus groups cited issues with personnel who were deemed “qualified” but didn’t have the skills to effectively perform their jobs, which affected disaster assistance.

CRS: Federal Response to COVID-19: Department of Veterans Affairs

May 1: This report provides an overview of VA’s and Congress’s response thus far to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic.The appendix provides a summary of the Veterans Health Administration ’s emergency authorities.

CRS: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Federal Employee Leave

April 24: Although the paid sick time provided by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is available for most federal employees, emergency leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is available only for certain federal employees. This In Focus explores the differences in the two kinds of coronavirus disease-related leave for employees under the FFCRA, and discusses how the FFCRA’s amendment of the FMLA created coverage for only a subset of federal employees.

CRS: COVID-19: U.S. Public Health Data and Reporting

April 24: Some observers have called for improved public health surveillance during the pandemic; this Insight provides an overview of the current systems and policy considerations for Congress.

CRS: Secretarial Waiver Authority Under the ESEA and CARES Act

April 23: Among other things, the CARES Act permits the Secretary of Education to waive educational accountability requirements using a streamlined process. After a brief discussion of the Secretary’s waiver authority under the ESEA, this In Focus discusses the waiver authority provided to the Secretary in the CARES Act.

CRS: The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee: Organization and Duties

April 17: The CARES Act created a new federal entity, the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC), to “conduct and support oversight” of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote transparency. This Insight provides an introduction to the organization and duties of the PRAC.

CRS: Congressional Oversight Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 17: This report is a reference guide to the oversight mechanisms in the CARES Act and a launching pad for deeper consideration of oversight-related issues.

CRS: COVID-19 and Short-Run Federal Deficits

April 17: The COVID-19 outbreak and ensuing economic shock may have major effects on future federal budget deficits. This Insight briefly discusses the effects that recent economic and legislative developments may have on short-term federal budget outcomes.

CRS: 2020 Census Fieldwork Delayed by COVID-19

April 16: This In Focus notes the various components of the bureau’s 2020 census fieldwork, with their original and, as of March 21, adjusted schedules. Whether the bureau will have to make further adjustments in the timing of all, or some, components is uncertain.

CRS: CARES Act Elementary and Secondary Education Provisions

April 16: The CARES Act includes several provisions that apply to elementary and secondary education, including new waiver authority for the Secretary of Education (the Secretary), the creation of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), and additional funding for the Project School Emergency Response to Violence program, more commonly known as Project SERV.

CRS: COVID-19 and the Indian Health Service

April 14: The Indian Health Service(IHS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the lead federal agency charged with improving the health of American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS has seen nearly 1,000 positive tests as of early April for coronavirus.

CRS: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Funding in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 13: Title VII in Division B of the CARES Act provides a total of $7.23 million within four of EPA’s 10 appropriations accounts to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally.” Title VII in Division B also appropriates $12.5 million to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) for Toxic Substances and Environmental Public Health.

CRS: Federal Telework During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cybersecurity Issues in Brief

April 10: This report provides information on telework in practice at federal agencies and potential effects of telework on our communications infrastructure, data, and security.

CRS: Funding for HUD in the CARES Act

April 7: Division B of the CARES Act provided $12.4 billion in additional FY2020 funding for several Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and activities. The funds are generally for one of three broad purposes: to provide additional resources to meet emerging needs, to support existing rental assistance programs, or to provide additional administrative capacity and oversight.

CRS: Federal Executive Agencies: Selected Pay Flexibilities for COVID-19 Response

April 3: To assist the federal government in responding to the emergency, Congress passed legislation that provides exemptions from certain pay limitations for employees in certain executive departments.

GAO: Census Operations During COVID-19

April 1: In today’s WatchBlog, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on census operations, as well as additional challenges the 2020 Census faces.

CRS: Support for Homeless Youth in the Context of COVID-19: A Brief Overview

April 1: The federal government provides targeted support for homeless teens and young adults primarily through the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

CRS: COVID-19: Potential Impacts on the Electric Power Sector

April 1: In the near-term (i.e., the next few weeks), most impacts will likely be caused by reduced economic activity. Long-term impacts are highly uncertain and likely depend on the pandemic’s ultimate toll on U.S. public health and the economy.

CRS: COVID-19 and the Defense Industrial Base: DOD Response and Legislative Considerations

March 30: DOD extended “maximum telework flexibilities” to contractors when “contract services can be delivered, without mission degradation, while off-site.” DOD also increased its progress payment rates, issued at a pre-determined percentage of actual incurred costs, from 80% to 90% for large businesses and from 90% to 95% for small businesses.

CRS: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Processing Changes Due to COVID-19: In Brief

March 27: This In Brief report provides an overview of the typical FOIA request process and usual conditions for requesting expedited processing of a request. The report then provides analysis of the impact of agency procedures in response to the pandemic on government information availability, and concludes with a survey of announced agency processing alterations.

CRS: Section 1135 Waivers and COVID-19: An Overview

March 25: To address the difficulties of providing health care in exigent circumstances, Section 1135 generally authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) to waive or modify specified statutory and regulatory requirements related to the provision of health care services.

CRS: COVID-19 and Federal Procurement Contracts

March 24: Several standard federal procurement contract provisions provide processes by which the government and contractors can adapt to COVID-19-related unexpected circumstances. The clauses include Excusable Delay provisions, Changes clauses, Stop-Work Order provisions, Termination for Convenience clauses, and Continuation of Essential Contractor Services provisions. Use of these clauses could affect the cost and timing of contract performance.

CRS: National Emergency Powers

March 23: The development of The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. §§1601-1651) and subsequent declarations of national emergency are reviewed in this report.

GAO: National Biodefense Strategy: Opportunities and Challenges with Early Implementation

March 11: Agency officials were also unsure how decisions would be made, especially if addressing gaps or opportunities to leverage resources involved redirecting resources across agency boundaries. Although HHS officials pointed to existing processes and directives for interagency decision making, GAO found there are no clear, detailed processes, roles, and responsibilities for joint decision-making, including how agencies will identify opportunities to leverage resources or who will make and enforce those decisions.

VA OIG: Inspection of Veterans Health Administration’s COVID-19 Screening Processes and Pandemic Readiness

March 26: An examination and rating of screening procedures, access restrictions, and operational readiness of selected medical centers, outpatient clinics, and community living centers.

HHS: Crimson Contagion 2019 Functional Exercise: Draft After-Action Report

October 2019: This report identifies the high-level, cross-cutting strengths and areas for improvement related to the Crimson Contagion 2019 Functional Exercise. The findings are organized into the following sections: Statutory Authorities and Funding; Planning; Operational Coordination; Situational Assessment; Resource Management; and Public Information and Risk Communications. (via the New York Times)

DHS OIG: DHS Pandemic Planning Needs Better Oversight, Training, and Execution

October 2016: DHS cannot be assured that its preparedness plans can be executed effectively during a pandemic event. The Department did not always provide clear guidance or sufficient oversight to ensure components completed and finalized their pandemic plans, verified pandemic training requirements were included in their plans, identified the personal protective equipment needed for a pandemic response, and met exercise and reporting requirements.

GovTrack.us: Infected Legislator Tracker

Tracks members of the House and Senate who have reported exposure to or positive tests for COVID-19, and the measures they are taking, including self-quarantining and shutting their offices. (Regularly updated)

CRS: Proposals for a COVID-19 Congressional Advisory Commission: A Comparative Analysis

April 28: This report compares the (1) membership structure, (2) appointment structure, (3) rules of procedure and operation, (4) duties and reporting requirements, (5) powers of the commission, (6) staffing issues, and (7) funding for each of the proposed COVID-19 commissions.

CRS: Constitutional Considerations of Remote Voting In Congress

April 14: Any exercise of the rulemaking power that would allow Members to vote or participate remotely must take into account constitutional requirements, including Article I, §5’s requirement that a quorum of a majority of Members is required to trigger each chamber’s power to act.

CRS: Congressional Oversight Provisions in P.L. 116-127, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

March 24: This Insight details selected oversight provisions included in P.L. 116-127 that mandate reporting to Congress.

CRS: Oversight Provisions in H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act

March 12: If lines of communication remain open, voluntary information sharing may prove to be sufficient to meet Congress’s needs and expectations for oversight. However, H.R. 6074 makes explicit a number of requirements regarding both the type and frequency of information Congress will receive.

DOJ: Legislative Proposals for Addressing Issues Created by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Legislative proposals submitted to Congress by the Department of Justice, related to the pandemic response efforts. (via Lawfare)

CRS: COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Commission (COC)

April 2: The COC is provided several authorities to allow it to carry out its mission. The COC is authorized to hire staff, request the detail of federal employees on a reimbursable basis, procure the services of outside experts and consultants, hold hearings, enter into contracts, and obtain information from any federal agency or department upon request.

National Governors Association: Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

This page tracks state-level executive actions, including emergency declarations, national guard activations, travel restrictions, and mandatory business closures. (Updated regularly)

Kaiser Family Foundation: State Data and Policy Actions to Address Coronavirus

Provides state-specific trackers of mitigation actions for COVID-19, and a variety of statistics related to infections, health insurance, and more. (Updated regularly)

National Conference of State Legislatures: State Action on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This page identifies state legislative responses to the pandemic and tracks their status. (Updated regularly)

NCSL: Public Education’s Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

This page identifies the state and federal education-related responses and tracks state legislative responses related to public education. (Updated regularly)

NCSL: COVID-19 and Elections

This page identifies state executive and legislative responses related to elections, and tracks their status. (Updated regularly)

CRS: Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19: State Legislative Initiatives

May 11: Given the likelihood that many COVID-19 losses will not be covered by business interruption insurance, many small businesses have requested that their elected representatives intervene through legislation to require their claims to be paid, and a number of state lawmakers have drafted legislation to compel coverage.

CRS: Mail Voting and COVID-19: Developments and Potential Challenges

April 23: Expanding mail voting could help address health risks but may come with its own challenges. Whether or how mail voting should be expanded and what role, if any, Congress should play in this policy area have been subjects of debate in the 116th Congress.

CRS: Department of Justice’s Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program

April 16: The CARES Act provided $850 million to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to be awarded to state and local governments to help them “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally.” DOJ is awarding this funding under its Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) program, which is being administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

CRS: COVID-19 and Public Water Service Continuity

May 13: In response to the pandemic, most state public utility commissions have directed private/investor-owned utilities (and in some cases other systems) to continue service during the pandemic. In light of such state and utility actions, municipal and rural water associations and others have urged Congress to provide financial assistance to public water systems to help cover the cost of delivering water services during the pandemic.

CRS: Funding for Firefighters for COVID-19 Response

April 15: Challenges for firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, include a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a high likelihood of exposure to the virus. Congress has provided emergency funding to assist firefighters responding to COVID-19 calls, and additional congressional action may be considered.

CRS: State and Local Government Debt and COVID-19

April 10: The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, included provisions that may offer fiscal relief to state and local governments. This In Focus briefly describes the nature and characteristics of state and local debt issuances in light of recent economic and legislative developments.

GAO: School Lunches During COVID-19

April 8: A GAO blog post exploring what happens to children who rely on meals at school when the coronavirus pandemic results in unexpected school closures.

CRS: GSA’s Federal Supply Schedule: Programs for State and Local Governments

April 6: Under certain circumstances, state and local governments may use the Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), established and maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA), to purchase goods or services. One such circumstance is the declaration of a public health emergency, which occurred on January 31, 2020, regarding COVID-19.

GAO: Are Schools Prepared to Respond to a Pandemic?

April 2: A GAO blog post exploring how K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, prepare to protect students and staff from threats like pandemics—and how the federal government can help.

CRS: The National Guard in the COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Framework for Action

April 1: The Stafford Act allows the U.S. government to provide assistance to state and local governments after a disaster or during an emergency, to include funding National Guard state active duty for a state mission or FTNGD-OS for a federal mission. DOD’s DSCA policy allows it to assist states if reimbursed by another federal agency, such as FEMA.

CRS: The Coronavirus Relief Fund (CARES Act, Title V): Background and State and Local Allocations

April 1: Early evidence suggests that the COVID-19 economic shock will have a notable impact on state and local budgets. These governments are generally required to balance their operating budgets every one or two years.

CRS: COVID-19: State and Local Shut-Down Orders and Exemptions for Critical Infrastructure

March 26: This Insight provides an overview of the federal critical infrastructure protection and resilience policy framework and discusses its relevance and potential application to the management of essential systems, assets, facilities, and workforces subject to state and local emergency orders.

CRS: Disrupted Federal Elections: Policy Issues for Congress

March 25: This In Focus briefly introduces historical and policy issues that could be relevant for congressional oversight, legislation, or appropriations related to what this product calls disrupted elections. This term means events such as natural disasters, other emergencies, or cyber attacks that could substantially delay or prevent normal voting, election administration, or campaigning.

CRS: Postponing Federal Elections and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal Considerations

March 20: This Sidebar reviews the legal provisions that would constrain any efforts to delay or cancel federal elections during a public health crisis or other national emergency. The first part reviews laws pertaining to presidential elections, and the second part reviews laws relevant to congressional elections.

CRS: State and Local Fiscal Conditions and Economic Shocks

March 20: This Insight summarizes the underlying forces affecting state and local finances following a negative economic shock, examines tools available to them in response to such forces, and briefly discusses federal assistance offered in recent recessions.

GAO: Key Trends and Issues Regarding State and Local Sector Finances

March 23: GAO was asked to review recent trends in state and local government expenditures and revenues, fiscal pressures for state and local governments with intergovernmental implications, and the implications of federal policy for these pressures. This report (1) examines trends in state and local government expenditures and revenues during the past two decades; and (2) synthesizes expert views regarding the effects of federal policy on state and local government fiscal conditions.

CRS: Federal Authority to Lift or Modify State and Local COVID-19 “Stay-at-Home” Orders: Frequently Asked Questions

May 15: This Legal Sidebar responds to certain frequently asked questions concerning the federal government’s power to lift or modify state and local “stay-at-home” orders closing nonessential businesses and limiting the circumstances in which individuals can leave their residences.

CDC: COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities — United States, February–April 2020

May 6: Among 37 jurisdictions reporting, 32 (86%) reported at least one confirmed COVID-19 case among incarcerated or detained persons or staff members, across 420 correctional and detention facilities. As of April 21, 2020, 4,893 cases and 88 deaths among incarcerated and detained persons and 2,778 cases and 15 deaths among staff members have been reported.

CRS: Federal Prisoners and COVID-19: Background and Authorities to Grant Release

April 23: This report provides information on DOJ’s response to the threat of COVID-19 as it pertains to federal prisons and the authorities that may permit the release of some federal prisoners because of the pandemic.

National Center for State Courts: Coronavirus & The Courts

This page tracks state judicial responses to the pandemic, including restrictions on entrance, jury trials, and in-person proceedings. (Updated regularly)

Law360: Coronavirus: The Latest Court Closures And Restrictions

As courts across the country take measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, some are restricting access and altering their procedures. Here is a roundup of changes. (Updated regularly)

Prison Policy Initiative: Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tracks examples of state and local agencies taking meaningful steps in prisons and jails to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Updated regularly)

Justice Management Institute: Response to COVID-19 by Criminal Justice Systems

Information on the responses being implemented by state, city, and county justice agencies to the epidemic, as well as resources and guidance from various national organizations. (Updated regularly)

CRS: COVID-19 and Libraries: E-Books and Intellectual Property Issues

April 28: The legal framework for lending physical books is different than that for e-books. These limitations may restrict a library’s ability to meet patron demand. This Sidebar explains how copyright law governs e-book lending; describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected e-book accessibility; and outlines some possible legal approaches Congress may consider.

CRS: Federal Jury Trials and COVID-19

April 20: This Insight provides information and analysis related to federal jury trials and how such trials have been impacted by Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.

CRS: The Federal Judiciary and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”)

April 17: The portions of the CARES Act directed at the federal courts seek to support the federal judiciary in two key ways. First, the Act expands courts’ ability to conduct criminal proceedings by video or audio conference. Second, the Act provides funding for the federal judiciary to respond to the pandemic.

CRS: Freedom of Association in the Wake of Coronavirus

April 16: This Sidebar discusses the legal standards that courts have applied and background First Amendment principles that are likely to continue to inform judicial review of free speech-related challenges to gathering bans.

CRS: Banning Religious Assemblies to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

April 16: This Legal Sidebar explores legal challenges to orders prohibiting religious gatherings, focusing on Free Exercise Clause arguments.

CRS: COVID-19, Digital Surveillance, and Privacy: Fourth Amendment Considerations

April 16: This Sidebar accordingly provides an overview of the Fourth Amendment and certain relevant doctrines and exceptions before discussing how the relevant legal frameworks could apply to coronavirus-related government surveillance.

CRS: COVID-19’s Effect on Interior Immigration Enforcement and Detention

April 14: In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, immigration authorities have altered interior immigration enforcement activities including arrests, detention, and immigration court proceedings.This Insight considers how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted interior immigration enforcement.

CRS: An Overview of Federal Criminal Laws Implicated by the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 13: This Sidebar examines the primary federal criminal statutes that may be relevant to criminal activity related to the ongoing pandemic. It discusses, in order: (1) the mail fraud and wire fraud statutes, (2) the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), (3) the Defense Production Act (DPA), (4) terrorism statutes and threat statutes, and (5) the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA).

CRS: Domestic Violence in the Context of COVID-19

April 10: This Insight provides background about domestic violence in the context of COVID-19 and the current federal response to supporting victims, primarily through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The CARES Act provides additional funding under FVPSA and includes a VAWA-related provision.

CRS: The PREP Act and COVID-19: Limiting Liability for Medical Countermeasures

April 8: In the PREP Act, Congress made the judgment that, in the context of a public health emergency, immunizing certain persons and entities from liability was necessary to ensure that potentially life-saving countermeasures will be efficiently developed, deployed and administered. This Sidebar reviews the structure of the PREP Act and the HHS Declaration to explain the scope of this liability immunity as it applies to COVID-19 countermeasures.

CRS: The Courts and COVID-19

March 30: As this Sidebar discusses in more detail, the courts generally possess significant discretion to modify their procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some areas where further changes would require congressional action.

CRS: Overview of Recent Responses to COVID-19 by the Judicial Congerence of the United States, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and Select Courts within the Federal Judiciary

March 30: This CRS Insight provides information related to recent responses to Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO), and select courts within the federal judiciary. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the policies and practices adopted by each federal court or judicial entity.

CRS: Overview of Initial Responses to COVID-19 by the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts and by Select Courts within the Federal Judiciary

March 30: This CRS Insight provides information related to initial responses to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and select courts within the federal judiciary. Consequently, this Insight is not intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the policies and practices adopted by each federal court or judicial entity.

CRS: COVID-19 Response: Constitutional Protections for Private Property

March 27: This Sidebar summarizes federal takings law and analyzes how it may apply to property restrictions in a national public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRS: COVID-19: Cybercrime Opportunities and Law Enforcement Response

March 19: Criminals can compromise financial assets; hacktivists can flood websites with traffic, effectively shutting them down; and spies can steal intellectual property and government secrets. And, they capitalize on ever changing world events.

CRS: COVID-19 Medical Countermeasures: Intellectual Property and Affordability

March 18: This Sidebar reviews several intellectual property (IP) rights provisions under current law that the federal government could use to ensure that COVID-19 countermeasures are accessible and affordable.

CRS: Telework in Executive Agencies: Background, OPM Guidance, and 116th Congress Legislation Following Coronavirus

March 16: The coronavirus pandemic is prompting a congressional review of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, as well as OMB guidelines for ensuring that “information and security protections for information and information systems used while teleworking” are adequate and that agencies purchase computer systems that support telework.

CRS: The Stafford Act Emergency Declaration for COVID-19

March 13: This Insight provides an overview of emergency declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It describes the forms of assistance authorized pursuant to President Donald J. Trump’s March 13, 2020, emergency declaration under the Stafford Act in all U.S. states and territories in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

DOJ OIG: Review of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Preparedness to Respond to Critical Incidents Under Emergency Support Function 13

February 2020: Although the ESF-13 program has matured over time, the Department lacks ESF-13 policies in several key areas.

R Street Institute: Regulatory Reforms to Aid COVID-19 Response

While the federal and state governments figure out the appropriate way to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, there are plenty of narrow regulatory reforms they can implement to help people deal with the fallout. This is not to say that regulatory reform is the only solution, but it can be helpful as people struggle to access medical care and food.

COVID-19 Potential Impact on Prisons’ Populations and Health Care Costs

In today’s WatchBlog, we look at steps the Federal Bureau of Prisons has taken to address health concerns, and our work on inmate health and healthcare costs.

CRS: Election 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Legal Issues in Absentee and All-Mail Voting

May 15: This Sidebar outlines the legal landscape for state and federal election laws, examines recent challenges to state laws in response to the pandemic, and briefly discusses select legislation introduced in the 116th Congress.

NIH: Scholarly articles on the COVID-19 disease

An index of scholarly articles as they are published, examining different medical aspects of the COVID-19 disease and pandemic. (Updated regularly)

FDA: Emergency Use Authorizations for Medical Devices

A list of FDA’s Emergency Use Authorizations related to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), testing materials, and ventilators. (Updated regularly)

Milken Institute: COVID-19 Treatment and Vaccine Tracker

An aggregation of publicly-available information from validated sources. It is not an endorsement of one approach or treatment over another, but simply a list of all treatments and vaccines currently in development.

GAO Blog: A Critical Shortage of Nurses

May 12: This blog post explores prior GAO work on shortages in the nursing and health care worker communities. It also reviews federal efforts to respond to these shortages, including through the CARES Act.

CDC: Identification and Monitoring of International Travelers During the Initial Phase of an Outbreak of COVID-19 — California, February 3–March 17, 2020

May 11: Monitoring travelers was labor-intensive and limited by incomplete information, volume of travelers, and potential for asymptomatic transmission. Health departments need to weigh the resources needed for monitoring against those needed for implementing mitigation activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC: Preliminary Estimate of Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Outbreak — New York City, March 11–May 2, 2020

May 11: During March 11 – May 2, 2020, a total of 32,107 deaths were reported to the New York City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene; of these deaths, 24,172 were found to be in excess of the seasonal expected baseline. Included in the 24,172 deaths were 13,831 (57%) laboratory-confirmed COVID-19–associated deaths and 5,048 (21%) probable COVID-19–associated deaths, leaving 5,293 (22%) excess deaths that were not identified as either laboratory-confirmed or probable COVID-19–associated deaths.

CDC: COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― 19 States, April 2020

May 1: An examination of COVID-19 among workers in meat and poultry processing plants in 19 states, challenges present in the meat processing context, and recommended changes in practice.

CDC: Public Health Response to the Initiation and Spread of Pandemic COVID-19 in the United States, February 24–April 21, 2020

May 1: Factors that contributed to the acceleration of dissemination in March included 1) continued importation of the virus by travelers infected elsewhere; 2) attendance at professional and social events; 3) introduction of the virus into facilities or settings prone to amplification; and 4) challenges in virus detection, including limited testing, emergence during the peak months of influenza circulation and influenza and pneumonia hospitalizations, and other cryptic transmission including from persons who were asymptomatic or presymptomatic.

CRS: Federal Health Centers and COVID-19

April 30: Federal health centers are outpatient health facilities that are required to be located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and are required to provide care to all residents of their service area regardless of their ability to pay. Health centers provide care to medically underserved populations; they provide care for more than 28 million people annually, or an average of one in 12 Americans. This Insight discusses their role as a health provider to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the funding they have received to do so.

CRS: Selected Health Provisions in Title III of the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

April 29: This report describes the majority of health-related sections in Division A, Title III, of the CARES Act, “Supporting America’s Health Care System in the Fight Against the Coronavirus.” Relevant background is provided for context. The appendix catalogues deadlines, effective dates, and reporting requirements for provisions described in the report.

CDC: Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Adult Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 — Georgia, March 2020

April 29: In a cohort of 305 hospitalized adults with COVID-19 in Georgia (primarily metropolitan Atlanta), black patients were overrepresented, and their clinical outcomes were similar to those of nonblack patients. One in four hospitalized patients had no recognized risk factors for severe COVID-19.

CRS: Health Care-Related Expiring Provisions of the 116th Congress, Second Session

April 28: The report provides tables listing the relevant provisions that are scheduled to expire in 2020 and that expired in 2019. The report then describes each listed provision, including a legislative history. An appendix lists relevant demonstration projects and pilot programs that are scheduled to expire in 2020 or that expired in 2019.

CRS: COVID-19 Testing: Key Issues

April 23: Efforts in the United States to rapidly develop, scale up, and disseminate testing for COVID-19 have faced challenges, including supply chain issues; a shifting regulatory landscape; a lack of consensus around federal coordination of or strategy for testing; concerns with the accuracy of both molecular and serology tests; an early lack of data on test results and capacity; and a delayed ramp-up by commercial laboratories and test manufacturers of both centralized and point-of-care testing.

GAO: CRISPR: A Technology That Could Help In the Fight Against COVID-19

April 23: As work continues around the globe to diagnose and treat patients with COVID-19 (coronavirus), today’s WatchBlog looks at a technology that may help scientists develop new diagnostic tests for rapidly identifying the virus—a critical component in the fight against the disease.

CDC: Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence in Homeless Shelters — Four U.S. Cities, March 27–April 15, 2020

April 22: Homelessness poses multiple challenges that can exacerbate and amplify the spread of COVID-19. Homeless shelters are often crowded, making social distancing difficult. Many persons experiencing homelessness are older or have underlying medical conditions, placing them at higher risk for severe COVID-19–associated illness.

CDC: COVID-19 Outbreak Among Three Affiliated Homeless Service Sites — King County, Washington, 2020

April 22: Interrupting COVID-19 transmission in homeless shelters is challenging. In settings with known COVID-19 outbreaks, assistance with enforcement of shelter-in-place orders, testing of residents and staff members, and prompt isolation of symptomatic residents or residents with confirmed disease is needed to prevent further transmission in homeless shelters.

GAO: Providing Services to Older Adults Isolated Due to COVID-19

April 21: In today’s WatchBlog, we look at some of the recent federal efforts aimed at helping older adults, who are stuck at home due to the pandemic, obtain needed meals and other services. We also look at our work on the strategies developed by rural communities for delivering these services to isolated older adults—strategies that may be helpful in all areas during the pandemic.

CDC: Cleaning and Disinfectant Chemical Exposures and Temporal Associations with COVID-19 — National Poison Data System, United States, January 1, 2020–March 31, 2020

April 20: Exposures to cleaners and disinfectants reported to NPDS increased substantially in early March 2020. Associated with increased use of cleaners and disinfectants is the possibility of improper use, such as using more than directed on the label, mixing multiple chemical products together, not wearing protective gear, and applying in poorly ventilated areas.

CRS: Treatment of COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine

April 20: The FDA has determined that based on the totality of scientific evidence, “it is reasonable to believe that [chloroquine] and [hydroxychloroquine] may be effective in treating COVID-19,” and that when used in accord with the conditions of the emergency use authorization (EUA), the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks of these drugs.

CRS: COVID-19: Effect on Organ Donation and Transplantation

April 20: A number of transplant centers have suspended their transplant programs due to COVID-19.This Insight provides background information on the organ donation and transplantation system, summarizes action taken to respond to COVID-19 by the organ transplant community, and identifies potential issues for Congress.

CDC: Hospitalization Rates and Characteristics of Patients Hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 — COVID-NET, 14 States, March 1–30, 2020

April 17: Hospitalization rates increase with age and are highest among older adults; the majority of hospitalized patients have underlying conditions.

CDC: Timing of Community Mitigation and Changes in Reported COVID-19 and Community Mobility ― Four U.S. Metropolitan Areas, February 26–April 1, 2020

April 17: During February 26–April 1, 2020, community mobility (a proxy measure for social distancing) in the metropolitan areas of Seattle, San Francisco, New York City, and New Orleans declined, decreasing with each community mitigation policy issued and as case counts increased.

CDC: Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at Two Family Gatherings — Chicago, Illinois, February–March 2020

April 17: Investigation of COVID-19 cases in Chicago identified a cluster of 16 confirmed or probable cases, including three deaths, likely resulting from one introduction. Extended family gatherings including a funeral and a birthday party likely facilitated transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in this cluster.

CDC: Characteristics of Health Care Personnel with COVID-19 — United States, February 12–April 9, 2020

April 14: Of 9,282 U.S. COVID-19 cases reported among HCP, median age was 42 years, and 73% were female, reflecting these distributions among the HCP workforce.

CDC: Transmission of COVID-19 to Health Care Personnel During Exposures to a Hospitalized Patient — Solano County, California, February 2020

April 14: Unprotected, prolonged patient contact, as well as certain exposures, including some aerosol-generating procedures, were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCP. Early recognition and isolation of patients with possible infection and recommended PPE use can help minimize unprotected, high-risk HCP exposures and protect the health care workforce.

CDC: Geographic Differences in COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Incidence — United States, February 12–April 7, 2020

April 10: As of April 7, cumulative incidence of COVID-19 ranged widely across U.S. jurisdictions (from 20.6 to 915.3 cases per 100,000) and 7-day increases in incidence varied considerably (from 8.3 to 418.0). This report highlights geographic differences in cases, deaths, incidence, and changing incidence.

CRS: COVID-19: The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Regulatory Role

April 9: This Insight focuses on DEA’s regulatory role and how related policies have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also plays a significant role in regulating the nation’s drug supply, but is only briefly mentioned here.

CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children — United States, February 12–April 2, 2020

April 6: Pediatric COVID-19 patients might not have fever or cough. Social distancing and everyday preventive behaviors remain important for all age groups because patients with less serious illness and those without symptoms likely play an important role in disease transmission.

CDC: Rapid Sentinel Surveillance for COVID-19 — Santa Clara County, California, March 2020

April 3: COVID-19 cases identified through this sentinel surveillance system helped confirm community transmission in the county. Local health departments can use sentinel surveillance to understand the level of community transmission of COVID-19 and to better guide the selection and implementation of community mitigation measures.

CDC: Preliminary Estimates of the Prevalence of Selected Underlying Health Conditions Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 — United States, February 12–March 28, 2020

April 3: Based on preliminary U.S. data, persons with underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease, appear to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19–associated disease than persons without these conditions.

CDC: Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Residents of a Long-Term Care Skilled Nursing Facility — King County, Washington, March 2020

April 3: Following identification of a case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a health care worker, 76 of 82 residents of an SNF were tested for SARS-CoV-2; 23 (30.3%) had positive test results, approximately half of whom were asymptomatic or presymptomatic on the day of testing.

CDC: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Among Residents and Staff Members of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults — Seattle, Washington, 2020

April 3: Following identification of two COVID-19 cases in a Seattle independent and assisted living facility, stringent preventive measures were implemented. Testing of all residents and staff members found few cases of COVID-19. Three of four residents who had positive test results were asymptomatic.

CRS: The National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers: COVID-19 Assistance

April 3: This report provides a brief overview of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers and describes its capacity to help various stakeholders adapt telehealth to provide care during national public health emergencies.

CRS: Personal Protective Equipment and Ventilators for COVID-19: FDA Regulation and Related Activities

April 2: This In Focus provides an overview of how these devices are regulated and summarizes the FDA response to mitigate reported PPE and ventilator shortages related to COVID-19.

CDC: Presymptomatic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 — Singapore, January 23–March 16, 2020

April 1: Public health officials conducting contact tracing should strongly consider including a period before symptom onset to account for the possibility of presymptomatic transmission. The potential for presymptomatic transmission underscores the importance of social distancing, including the avoidance of congregate settings, to reduce COVID-19 spread.

HHS OIG: Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020

April 2020: Hospitals described specific challenges, mitigation strategies, and needs for assistance related to personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, staffing, supplies and durable equipment; maintaining or expanding facility capacity; and financial concerns.

CDC: Public Health Responses to COVID-19 Outbreaks on Cruise Ships — Worldwide, February–March 2020

March 26: Outbreaks of COVID-19 on cruise ships pose a risk for rapid spread of disease beyond the voyage. Aggressive efforts are required to contain spread. All persons should defer all cruise travel worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC: Severe Outcomes Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — United States, February 12–March 16, 2020

March 26: This first preliminary description of outcomes among patients with COVID-19 in the United States indicates that fatality was highest in persons aged ≥85, ranging from 10% to 27%, followed by 3% to 11% among persons aged 65–84 years, 1% to 3% among persons aged 55-64 years, <1% among persons aged 20–54 years, and no fatalities among persons aged ≤19 years.

CDC: COVID-19 in a Long-Term Care Facility — King County, Washington, February 27–March 9, 2020

March 26: Introduction of COVID-19 into a long-term residential care facility in Washington resulted in cases among 81 residents, 34 staff members, and 14 visitors; 23 persons died. Limitations in effective infection control and prevention and staff members working in multiple facilities contributed to intra- and interfacility spread.

CRS: COVID-19 and Regulation of Public Drinking Water

March 26: The CDC states that conventional drinking water treatments, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the COVID-19 virus.

CRS: COVID-19: Legal Considerations for Bringing a New Vaccine to Market

March 24: This Sidebar discusses the licensure (i.e.,approval) process for vaccines under the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) and the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as well as potential legal avenues for expediting that process to bring a new vaccine to market sooner.

CRS: COVID-19: An Overview of Trade-Related Measures to Address Access to Medical Goods

March 20: This Sidebar presents an overview of some of the trade-related measures taken by the United States and its trading partners in their efforts to address these concerns, including: (1) introducing export restrictions; (2) reducing or eliminating tariffs; (3) revising import procedures; and (4) prioritizing domestic production. It then discusses possible legal challenges to each of these measures, as well as avenues for congressional action or oversight.

CRS: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Poses Challenges for the U.S. Blood Supply

March 13: The current coronavirus outbreak may pose significant challenges for the country's blood supply. Mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as closures of schools and workplaces, have led to blood drive cancellations, resulting in a critical blood supply shortage in the Pacific Northwest. School closures, event cancellations, and other mitigation strategies in other areas of the country may provide challenges for maintaining a sufficient blood supply.

CDC: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Surveillance and Containment Measures for the First 100 Patients with COVID-19 in Singapore—January 2 – February 29, 2020

March 13: Singapore implemented a multipronged surveillance and containment strategy that contributed to enhanced case ascertainment and slowing of the outbreak. Based on review of the first 100 cases, the mean interval from symptom onset to isolation was 5.6 days and declined after approximately 1 month.

GAO: Science & Tech Spotlight: Coronaviruses

March 3: Coronaviruses can spread rapidly and cause outbreaks with high mortality rates. They were not considered a major risk for humans until the SARS outbreak in 2002. Since then, there have been multiple highly contagious outbreaks originating in animals and spreading to humans—most recently the outbreak in Wuhan, China of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

CDC: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration — United States, 2020

May 15: The identified declines in routine pediatric vaccine ordering and doses administered might indicate that U.S. children and their communities face increased risks for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Parental concerns about potentially exposing their children to COVID-19 during well child visits might contribute to the declines observed.

CDC: Public Health Response to COVID-19 Cases in Correctional and Detention Facilities — Louisiana, March–April 2020

May 15: In Louisiana, 46 facilities have reported 489 COVID-19 cases among incarcerated or detained persons and 253 cases among staff members. A COVID-19 Management Assessment and Response (CMAR) tool used to assess 24 facilities identified awareness and understanding of guidance. However, limited capacity to individually quarantine exposed persons and inability to engage in social distancing likely contributed to illness spread.

CDC: High SARS-CoV-2 Attack Rate Following Exposure at a Choir Practice — Skagit County, Washington, March 2020

May 15: Following a 2.5-hour choir practice attended by 61 persons, including a symptomatic index patient, 32 confirmed and 20 probable secondary COVID-19 cases occurred (attack rate = 53.3% to 86.7%); three patients were hospitalized, and two died. Transmission was likely facilitated by close proximity (within 6 feet) during practice and augmented by the act of singing.

CRS: COVID-19 Alternate Care Sites (ACSs): Role and Activities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

May 15: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA assigned U.S. Army Corps of Engineers missions totaling $1.8 billion as of mid-May 2020 that include assessing over 1,000 sites for potential use as alternate care sites (ACSs, also called alternate care facilities) that can function as temporary health care facilities; developing standardized designs for ACSs (with other federal agencies’ input); and contracting to convert structures into ACSs.

GAO: Infection Control Deficiencies Were Widespread and Persistent in Nursing Homes Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic

May 20: This report describes the prevalence of infection prevention and control deficiencies in nursing homes prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that infection prevention and control deficiencies were the most common type of deficiency cited in surveyed nursing homes, with most nursing homes having an infection prevention and control deficiency cited in one or more years from 2013 through 2017.

CDC: High COVID-19 Attack Rate Among Attendees at Events at a Church — Arkansas, March 2020

May 22: Among 92 attendees at a rural Arkansas church during March 6–11, 35 (38%) developed laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, and three persons died. Highest attack rates were in persons aged 19–64 years (59%) and ≥65 years (50%). An additional 26 cases linked to the church occurred in the community, including one death.

CRS: COVID-19: National Security and Defense Strategy

April 30: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted questions about U.S. national security and crisis preparedness. Inherent to those discussions are broader, foundational questions about how the United States government conceptualizes national security, and the view currently held by many of the relative prioritization of the Department of Defense (DOD) over other instruments of national power.

DOD OIG: Special Report on Protecting Patient Health Information During the COVID‑19 Pandemic

April 23: This special report provides lessons learned identified in audit reports related to protecting patient health information (PHI). The systemic weaknesses identified increase the risk of PHI being compromised by malicious actors seeking to modify, delete, or steal sensitive information on DoD networks and systems.

CRS: The Defense Production Act (DPA) and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recent Developments and Policy Considerations

April 15: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration invoked the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) on multiple occasions to facilitate the manufacture and distribution of medical equipment and supplies. The full extent of DPA implementation is unclear—to date, there have been six public announcements describing official DPA implementation actions.

GAO: The Military’s Pandemic Response—Supporting Civil Authorities

April 15: Today’s WatchBlog explores the military’s role during past health emergencies, and how a pandemic could limit DOD’s support of civil authorities.

GAO: What is the Defense Production Act, and how is it being used in response to COVID-19?

April 7: Today’s WatchBlog takes a closer look at the Defense Production Act. How does it work and when has it been used in the past?

CRS: The National Cemetery Administration and Department of Defense Response to COVID-19 Regarding Funerals and Military Honors

April 3: As localities grapple with the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), NCA has temporarily adjusted its procedures regarding burials scheduled to take place in a national cemetery.

CRS: COVID-19: The Basics of Domestic Defense Response

April 3: As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, Congress has considered how the Department of Defense (DOD) might support the U.S. government’s domestic response. Below are the funding, authorities, and descriptions of potential ways DOD might further contribute.

CRS: COVID-19: Defense Support of Civil Authorities

April 2: Defense support of civil authorities for major incidents is typically carried out in accordance with the National Response Framework (NRF), which is “a guide to how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies.”

CRS: Overview: The Department of Defense and COVID-19

March 31: On March 24, 2020, Secretary of Defense Esper stated that DOD’s top COVID-19 priorities are protecting the Defense Department’s people, maintaining military readiness, and supporting the whole-of-government interagency response. With respect to whole-of-government response, this In Focus provides a non-exhaustive survey of some DOD capabilities that might be applied to the current situation if directed to do so.

CRS: COVID-19: Industrial Mobilization and Defense Production Act (DPA) Implementation

March 25: This Insight considers possible future DPA implementation processes, industrial mobilization, and congressional considerations concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a companion to CRS Insight IN11231.

CRS: The Defense Production Act (DPA) and COVID-19: Key Authorities and Policy Considerations

March 18: This Insight considers DPA authorities that may be used to address domestic essential goods and materials shortages caused by the outbreak, and explores potential policy considerations for Congress.

CRS: The Defense Production Act of 1950: History, Authorities, and Considerations for Congress

March 2: The Defense Production Act (DPA) of 1950 (P.L. 81-774, 50 U.S.C. §§4501et seq.), as amended, confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in the interest of national defense. The authorities can be used across the federal government to shape the domestic industrial base so that, when called upon, it is capable of providing essential materials and goods needed for the national defense.

COVID-19: Defense Production Act (DPA) Developments and Issues for Congress

May 13: This Insight considers recent DPA actions with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses associated policy considerations for Congress.

Farm Aid: Resources for Farmers Affected by COVID-19

A list of articles and resources for farmers and ranchers across the country. (Updated regularly)

CRS: COVID-19, U.S. Agriculture, and USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)

May 8: This report describes some of the actions that USDA has taken in response to the COVID-19 emergency, including CFAP—in particular, how CFAP is funded and how USDA intends to use the funds. The report also includes a brief review of food supply chain issues and a review of current assessments of the economic harm to U.S. farm income and individual commodity sectors.

COVID-19 Disrupts U.S. Meat Supply; Producer Prices Tumble

April 29: In early April, the situation worsened for meat producers as COVID-19 outbreaks began spreading in meatpacking plants around the United States, disrupting meat processing and leading to some shortages of meat products in grocery stores.The reduction in slaughter is weighing on livestock prices, reflecting shrinking meatpacker demand for slaughter-ready livestock and poultry.

CRS: Supplemental Appropriations for Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration Due to COVID-19

April 3: In March 2020, Congress passed and the President signed three supplemental appropriations acts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This In Focus summarizes $36 billion of appropriations and policy changes in the jurisdiction of the Agriculture appropriations subcommittees.

CRS: Senior Nutrition Programs’ Response to COVID-19

March 23: This CRS Insight provides information on the COVID-19 response for nutrition programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA) and administered by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

CRS: USDA Domestic Food Assistance Programs’ Response to COVID-19: House-Passed H.R. 6201 and Related Efforts

March 18: This Insight discusses House-passed H.R. 6201’s food assistance provisions, which supplement USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service’s existing COVID-19 response with new funds and authorities.

CRS: Bank and Credit Union Regulators’ Response to COVID-19

April 20: Once it became clear that the COVID-19 outbreak would have serious financial ramifications for households and businesses, the federal agencies that regulate banks and credit unions responded in two general ways as discussed in this Insight: measures to encourage banks to work with customers affected by COVID-19; and making adjustments to bank regulation.

CRS: Bank Exposure to COVID-19 Risks: Business Loans

April 20: If COVID-19 causes borrowers to miss loan payments, it could have negative consequences for banks. This Insight examines the exposure banks have to business loan repayments, such as commercial and industrial (C&I) loans and commercial real estate (CRE) loans.

CRS: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Actions to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19

April 16: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected various areas within the SEC’s broad regulatory authority over significant parts of the securities industry. This Insight highlights selected tools that the agency has used to help mitigate those impacts.

CRS: Bank Exposure to COVID-19: Mortgages and Consumer Loans

April 14: This Insight examines the exposure banks have to household repayments, such as mortgages, credit cards, auto loans, and other consumer debt.

CRS: COVID-19: Commercial Paper Market Strains and Federal Government Support

April 13: Commercial paper is short-term debt issued primarily by corporations and generally is unsecured. The CP market is an important source of short-term credit for a range of financial and nonfinancial businesses, who may rely on it as an alternative to bank loans—for example, in making payroll or for other short-term funding needs. Municipalities also issue CP for short-term funding needs.

CRS: COVID-19: Support for Mortgage Lenders and Servicers

April 7: If missed loan payments generate mounting losses on depository institutions (i.e., banks and credit unions), their capital can erode quickly. For this reason, the federal housing finance regulators and agencies have taken measures to support mortgage market liquidity.

CRS: COVID-19 and Stock Market Stress

April 3: This Insight explains the function of the U.S. stock market, the different ways to view stock pricing, and how certain pandemic-induced conditions could affect policymaking.

CRS: COVID-19 and Corporate Debt Market Stress

March 25: In recent years, financial authorities have become increasingly vocal about the buildup of the higher-risk portions of the corporate debt market. This Insight explains the market’s composition and risks in the context of the current coronavirus (COVID-19)-induced capital markets stress.

CRS: The Impact of COVID-19-Related Forbearances on the Federal Mortgage Finance System

May 13: Provisions in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) require mortgage servicers to provide several months of forbearance to borrowers (at the borrowers’ requests, after they demonstrate a COVID-19-related financial hardship) with a federally backed mortgage. This Insight explains the term federally backed mortgage and examines some of the potential impacts that forbearance on these mortgages may have on the mortgage finance system.

University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy: Supply Chain Issues

An ongoing aggregation of recent articles related to business supply chains and how they are being or might be affected by COVID-19. (Updated regularly)

CRS: COVID-19: Supply Chain Disruptions in the U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Industry: In Brief

May 8: A sudden decrease in the foodservice market left many produce growers with nowhere to sell their crops. Given the highly perishable nature of most fresh fruits and vegetables, many growers were unable to pivot quickly to other marketing channels. Some growers reportedly resorted to plowing under their fields to avoid incurring the added costs of harvesting, cooling, and packaging. Some sectors are reporting plans to reduce acreage due to loss of foodservice demand.

CRS: Executive Order on the Food Supply Chain and the Defense Production Act: FAQs

May 1: On April 28, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to address the food supply chain for meat and poultry products during the national emergency caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. This Sidebar addresses some frequently asked questions about the order’s contents, legal bases, and potential effects.

CRS: COVID-19: China Medical Supply Chains and Broader Trade Issues

April 6: The outbreak of COVID-19 is drawing attention to the ways in which the U.S. economy depends on manufacturing and supply chains based in China. This report aims to assess current developments and identify immediate and longer range China trade issues for Congress.

GAO: How prepared are airports and airlines to handle a pandemic?

March 31: In today’s WatchBlog, we discuss how the U.S. aviation system plans and prepares to contain the spread of communicable diseases. We also discuss the status of our 2015 recommendation to improve the U.S. aviation system’s capacity to respond to a new outbreak.

CRS: Public Transportation and Amtrak Funding in the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136)

March 30: Included in the act is a $25 billion appropriation from the general fund of the U.S. Treasury for public transportation agencies and another $1 billion for Amtrak. This emergency funding would support agencies in the midst of an unprecedented decline in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRS: COVID-19 and Funding for Civil Aviation

March 23: The reduction in air traffic as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have significant effects on the amount of funds available for civil aviation infrastructure and activities.

CRS: COVID-19 and Passenger Airline Travel

March 20: Passenger activity for early March 2020 appeared to be only slightly lower, averaging just under 2 million daily passengers. However, as travel restrictions and warnings in response to COVID-19 have been issued, passenger volumes at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints decreased to less than 1million daily passengers by mid-March 2020.

CRS: State Broadband Initiatives: Selected State and Local Approaches as Potential Models for Federal Initiatives to Address the Digital Divide

April 6: During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, employers in some sectors transitioned their workers from on-site work to telework and schools migrated their students from classrooms to distance learning. These shifts may seem clear-cut, but many areas of the United States—particularly rural areas—have either limited or no access to broadband infrastructure.

CRS: Webcasting in the Time of COVID-19: Copyright Implications of Remote Worship & Distance Learning

April 3: Copyright law treats transmissions like webcasting differently than in-person activities in some circumstances. Thus, certain activities generally exempt from copyright liability when performed in person may be infringing when they are transmitted or webcast over the internet.

CRS: COVID-19 and Broadband: Potential Implications for the Digital Divide

March 13: In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, federal, local, and state governments, in addition to large and small businesses, are considering remote working or distance learning options to help abate the spread of the virus. As these decisions are made, some portion of the population will likely have the option and the capability to shift activities online, while others will not.

International Monetary Fund: National Policy Responses to COVID-19

This policy tracker summarizes the key economic responses governments are taking to limit the human and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tracker includes 193 economies. (Updated regularly)

Mayer Brown: Coronavirus Travel Restrictions Tracker

A global map showing government-mandated travel restrictions, country by country. Regularly updated.

Privacy International: Tracking the Global Response to COVID-19

Unprecedented levels of surveillance, data exploitation, and misinformation are being tested across the world in response to the pandemic. This resource tracks announced measures to help contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus by tech companies, governments, and international agencies which may impact people’s privacy and human rights.

Presidential Actions to Exclude Aliens Under INA §212(f)

May 4: A listing of presidential proclamations and executive orders issued after December 31, 1980, through May 4, 2020, that have expressly invoked Immigration and Nationality Act §212(f) to impose entry restrictions.

CRS: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Impact in Africa

May 4: The pandemic appears likely to pose challenges for U.S. policy objectives in Africa involvingaid delivery and project implementation, military cooperation, commercial access and trade, and oversight. Ultimately, COVID-19 may alter policymakers’ priorities, and it could reshape Africa’s development and security landscape.

CRS: COVID-19: Role of the International Financial Institutions

May 4: International financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and regional and specialized multilateral development banks, are mobilizing unprecedented levels of financial resources to support countries responding to the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRS: COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment—Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress

April 30: This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the COVID-19 pandemic might have for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Appendix A presents a list of CRS reports that provide more in-depth discussions of issues presented in this report. Appendix B presents a list of additional writings reflecting various perspectives on these issues.

CRS: Coronavirus-Related Suspension of Immigrant Entry

April 24: On April 22, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending entry into the U.S. of certain foreign nationals who are seeking lawful permanent resident status (i.e., immigrants). The proclamation is effective as of April 24, 2020, and is to remain in effect for 60 days. The Secretaries of the Departments of State and Labor have 50 days from the proclamation’s effective date to advise the president if it should be extended. The proclamation does not contain guidelines for how and when the suspension would be lifted.

CRS: Global Economic Effects of COVID-19

April 24: The coronavirus outbreak is negatively impacting global economic growth. The virus is affecting a broad swath of economic activities, from tourism, medical supplies and other global value chains, consumer electronics, and financial markets to energy, food, and a range of social activities.

CRS: Entry Restrictions at the Northern and Southern Borders in Response to COVID-19

April 24: These new orders raise a number of legal issues—most notably their effect on migrants seeking asylum in the United States.

CRS: COVID-19: Restrictions on Travelers at U.S. Land Borders

April 23: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently issued orders regarding travelers arriving at land ports of entry (POEs) at both the northern and southern borders of the United States.

CRS: WTO: Ministerial Delay, COVID-19, and Ongoing Issues

April 22: Due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the World Trade Organization (WTO) canceled its 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) planned for June 2020. The biennial meeting, which usually involves active U.S. participation, was widely anticipated as an action-forcing event for the WTO, amid serious challenges facing the multilateral trading system.

CRS: COVID-19 and U.S. Iran Policy

April 13: Sales to Iran of humanitarian items, including medicine and medical equipment, are generally exempt from any U.S. sanctions. However, executives of many global firms, particularly major international banks, have indicated that they are uncertain about how U.S. sanctions might be applied and have therefore refrained from undertaking any transactions involving Iran, including sales of humanitarian items.

CRS: COVID-19: Federal Reserve Support for Foreign Central Banks

April 7: As part of the U.S. response to COVID-19, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken steps to ensure that foreign central banks have uninterrupted access to U.S. dollars.

CRS: COVID-19 and Foreign Assistance: Issues for Congress

April 6: This analysis focuses on current pandemic-related personnel and program issues at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. foreign assistance agencies, and identifies potential concerns about the pandemic’s effect on U.S. global development strategies.

CRS: COVID-19: International Trade and Access to Pharmaceutical Products

March 30: This Sidebar addresses how certain congressional or executive actions intended to increase access to medical countermeasures might be viewed under the rules of the international trade regime, including: (1) exclusion from patent protection; (2) compulsory licensing of patented products; and (3) increasing domestic capacity.

CRS: COVID-19: Current Travel Restrictions and Quarantine Measures

March 17: This Legal Sidebar examines the legal authorities underlying [travel restrictions and quarantine requirements], as well as possible legal challenges to their use.

CRS: COVID-19 and China: A Chronology of Events (December 2019 - January 2020)

May 13: This report provides a timeline of key developments in the early weeks of the pandemic, based on available public reporting. It also considers issues raised by the timeline, including the timeliness of China’s information sharing with the World Health Organization (WHO), gaps in early information China shared with the world, and episodes in which Chinese authorities sought to discipline those who publicly shared information about aspects of the epidemic.

CRS: Helping U.S. Citizens Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other International Crises: Role of the Department of State

May 13: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required DOS to scale up consular services in response to unprecedented demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has conducted oversight of DOS’s consular services and passed two supplemental appropriations laws that include additional funds for DOS to maintain consular operations and carry out evacuations.

CRS: Export Restrictions in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 15: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries all over the world, including the United States, have imposed temporary restrictions on exports of certain medical goods and some foodstuffs in order to mitigate potential shortages of key supplies. These restrictions have raised debate about the consistency of such actions with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and the potential impact on the global trading system.

CRS: Export Restrictions in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 15: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, countries all over the world, including the United States, have imposed temporary restrictions on exports of certain medical goods and some foodstuffs in order to mitigate potential shortages of key supplies. Many restrictions have raised debate about the consistency of such actions with World Trade Organization rules and the potential impact on the global trading system.

Executive Order on Delegating Authority Under the DPA with Respect to Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID-19

April 28: The authority of the President to require performance of contracts or orders to promote the national defense over performance of any other contracts or orders, to allocate materials, services, and facilities as deemed necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense, is delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to food supply chain resources, including meat and poultry, during the national emergency caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 within the United States.

Executive Order on National Emergency Authority to Temporarily Extend Deadlines for Certain Estimated Payments

April 19: The Secretary of the Treasury shall consider taking appropriate action under section 1318(a) of title 19, United States Code, to temporarily extend deadlines, for importers suffering significant financial hardship because of COVID-19, for the estimated payments described therein.

Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19

April 7: I am directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the Department of Homeland Security to fund 100 percent of the emergency assistance activities associated with preventing, mitigating, and responding to the threat to public health and safety posed by the virus that certain States undertake using their National Guard forces.

Executive Order on Prioritizing and Allocating Health and Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of COVID-19

March 18: I find that health and medical resources needed to respond to the spread of COVID-19, including personal protective equipment and ventilators, meet the criteria specified in section 101(b) of the Act (50 U.S.C. 4511(b)).

OMB Memo: Federal Agency Operational Alignment to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus

March 17: The Government must immediately adjust operations and services to minimize face-to-face interactions, especially at those offices or sites where people may be gathering in close proximity or where highly vulnerable populations obtain services.

U.S. Government COVID-19 Response Plan

March 13: Outlines the U. S. Government coordinated federal response activities for COVID-19 in the United States. The plan identifies anticipated roles and responsibilities of HHS, other federal departments and agencies, and supporting organizations, to establish lines of authority and avoid overlap and duplication of effort. (via the New York Times)

Veterans Health Administration: COVID-19 Response Plan

March 23: This plan outlines key decisions, actions, and interagency coordinating structures implemented during the COVID-19 response. In addition to our core mission objective of protecting Veterans and staff from infection, providing care for those infected, and maintaining continuity of care for non-infected Veterans, VHA also provides support nationally as outlined in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and the NRF.

NSC: Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents (2016)

2016: The goal of the playbook is to assist U.S. Government experts and leaders in coordinating a complex U.S. government response to a high-consequence emerging disease threat anywhere in the world with the potential to cause an epidemic, pandemic, or other significant health event. (via Politico)

National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

November 2005: The U.S. approach to address the threat of pandemic influenza. It outlines how the United States intends to prepare, detect, and respond to a pandemic. It also outlines roles to be played by the Federal government, State and local governments, private industry, international partners, and individual citizens.

Implementation Plan - National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza

May 2006: Further clarifies the roles and responsibilities of governmental and non-governmental entities, including Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities and regional, national, and international stakeholders, and provides preparedness guidance for all segments of society. Includes more than 300 critical actions to address the threat of pandemic influenza.

HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan

November 2005: A blueprint for all HHS pandemic influenza preparedness planning and response activities.

FEMA: Emergency Management Priorities and Allocations System (EMPAS)

This interim final rule establishes standards and procedures by which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may require certain contracts or orders that promote the national defense be given priority over other contracts or orders.

Executive Order: Delegating Authority Under the DPA to the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to Respond to the COVID-19 Outbreak

May 14: The Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation may use the authority under sections 302 and 303 of the Act for the domestic production of strategic resources needed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, or to strengthen any relevant domestic supply chains.

White House: Memorandum on Providing Continued Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 and to Facilitate Economic Recovery

May 20: To maximize assistance to the Governor of the State of Utah to facilitate federal support with respect to the use of National Guard units under state control, the president directs FEMA to fund 100 percent of the emergency assistance activities associated with preventing, mitigating, and responding to the threat to public health and safety posed by COVID-19 that Utah undertakes using its National Guard forces, as authorized by sections 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b) and 503 (42 U.S.C. 5193) of the Stafford Act.

White House: Executive Order on Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery

May 19: It is the policy of the United States to combat the economic consequences of COVID-19 with the same vigor and resourcefulness with which the fight against COVID-19 itself has been waged. Agencies should address this economic emergency by rescinding, modifying, waiving, or providing exemptions from regulations and other requirements that may inhibit economic recovery, consistent with applicable law and with protection of the public health and safety, with national and homeland security, and with budgetary priorities and operational feasibility.