Coronavirus Bulletin: Resources for Leading During the Crisis
Republicans are working with President Trump and the Administration to deliver relief and assistance to American workers, families, and small businesses who have been impacted by the global health crisis of the novel coronavirus.
CLICK HERE FOR FAQs ON THE PHASES 1, 2, 3 & 3.5 CORONAVIRUS PACKAGES
Phase 1: $8.3 Billion Coronavirus Appropriations Bill (HR 6074 – SIGNED INTO LAW)
- Key Facts of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental
- FAQ
Phase 2: The Families First Coronavirus Response (“FFCRA”) Act (HR 6201 – SIGNED INTO LAW)
- Bill Text for FFCRA
- Bill Text Explainer for FFCRA
- Key Facts about FFCRA
- FAQ
Phase 3: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”) Act (HR 748 – PASSED)
- CARES Act Summary
- Summary of Key Tax and Health Provisions in the CARES Act
- Summary of Key Unemployment Insurance (UI) Provisions in the CARES Act
- FAQ
Phase 3.5: The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 266—PASSED THE SENATE) (NEW!)
Unemployment Insurance
- Getting Back to Work: A Guide for Employers and Employees
Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Insurance (UI) as the Economy Reopens (NEW!) - Unemployment Insurance FAQs
Explainers and FAQs
- CARES – Provider Relief Fund Fact Sheet and FAQs
- Support for Health Providers
- Paycheck Protection Program for Churches
- Questions on Rebate Check Distribution
- CARES – Health Provisions Explained
- CARES – All Tax Provisions Explained
- CARES – Unemployment Insurance Explained
- CARES – Helping Small Businesses
- CARES – Protecting American Livelihoods and Distressed Industries
- When Do I File My Taxes?
- Spending Summary of CARES legislation
- FAQ
ROLLING UPDATES:
10/6: Small Biz Loan Program Saved Jobs, Businesses, New Study Finds
Key Points:
- PPP was “the most ambitious” fiscal policy response to the COVID-19 crisis, a new study finds.
- Smaller businesses got the most utility out of PPP loans.
- PPP loans increased employment and financial well-being – especially for Main Street businesses.
- Over 4.9 million PPP loans were processed, supporting over 51 million jobs.
- Democrats currently are blocking Republican efforts to allow more businesses to tap unused PPP funds.
10/5: Americans’ Leadership in Medicine Manufacturing Can Stop the Next Pandemic: Former FDA Commissioner
Former Head of the Food and Drug Administration and National Cancer Institute, Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach, recently praised the efforts of Ways and Means Committee member Dr. Brad Wenstrup in an op-ed for Morning Consult.
“COVID-19 has emphasized an urgent need to modernize how we manufacture medicines. Americans would benefit most from improving how we produce medicines, making them cheaper, more effective and more accessible,” Dr. von Eschenbach wrote. “Recognizing this, Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio), a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, recently introduced the Advance Medical Manufacturing Equipment Credit (H.R. 7767) to incentivize investments in advanced medical manufacturing to assure U.S. leadership in this emerging field.”
9/24: Democrats Oppose Relief For Essential Workers Just Because of Politics
Payroll taxes are the largest taxes most workers pay, and during the economic lockdown, many families have gone from earning two incomes to earning just one. That’s why Congress ought to provide an instant payraise for the frontline workers who are keeping this economy running by supporting Rep. Kevin Brady’s Support for Workers, Families, and Social Security Act. The bill forgives employee payroll taxes from September 1 to December 31 while keeping protecting Social Security’s trust funds.
9/8: Getting Back to Work: A Guide for Employers and Employees
The following are responses to common questions about expanded support for unemployed workers included in the CARES Act. States are ultimately responsible for making eligibility decisions based on individual circumstances. Employers and employees should check their state workforce website for specific information. There are three sections: Valid Reasons for Staying on Unemployment Insurance, Returning to Work, and Guidance for Employers.
9/8: The CARES Act: What we’re seeing for workers in the Senate coronavirus bill
Topline: Because so many workers are now working in non-traditional arenas, the CARES act provides relief for workers who are self-employed, as well as independent contractors.
Key Facts:
- About $250 billion to expand unemployment benefits: The Senate economic relief package provides much-needed support for workers by making a the most significant expansion in unemployment benefits in history.
- Unemployment Benefits for More Americans: The bill will make sure self-employed and independent contractors like Uber drivers and gig workers can receive unemployment, as well as furloughed workers who are unable to work due to coronavirus, which allows workers to stay connected to their jobs.
- More Money for a Longer Period for More Workers: It also makes benefits more generous by adding $600 per week on top of what the state normally pays in unemployment and provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits. And provisions will ensure state and local governments and non-profits can pay unemployment to their employees.
- Temporary Provisions: Most of the unemployment provisions go through the end of 2020, in recognition of the temporary nature of this challenge.
9/4: New Data: State Tax Revenue High, While State Govs Have Only Spent 24% of COVID Relief
Democrats continue to hold up additional coronavirus relief, while demanding a $1 trillion bailout for state and local governments that claim they have lost massive revenue. This is simple fear mongering and not based on actual data. Aid should be targeted to relieve damage actually caused by the coronavirus pandemic, rather than bail out poorly run state and local governments.
9/3: Reed: Social Security Scare Tactics Are Inaccurate & Weaken The Program
Social Security is vital for our seniors, individuals with disabilities, and working families. Ways and Means Republicans have been consistent in protecting Social Security and working to address the real challenges it faces in a bipartisan fashion.
9/3: How It Works: President Trump’s Payroll Tax Deferral Executive Order
On August 8, President Trump signed an Executive Order, Deferring Payroll Tax Obligations in Light of the Ongoing COVID-19 Disaster, which deferred the employee portion of Social Security payroll taxes for certain individuals. On August 28, Treasury Department released guidance providing additional detail for the implementation of this Executive Order. A printable version of this document is here. The IRS guidance is available here.
9/3: Trump Admin Bolsters Care for Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities, 9/13 Deadline
Topline: The Trump Administration took another step to help patients and providers, this time expanding the Provider Relief Fund to assisted living facilities. This action supports frontline providers and helps to protect the nearly 1 million vulnerable older Americans in their care.
8/27: Ways and Means GOP Leaders Applaud Social Security Administration Decision to Waive Agency-Caused Debt
WASHINGTON – Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX), Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Republican Leader Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Social Security Subcommittee Republican Leader Tom Reed (R-NY) released the following statement after the Social Security Administration (SSA) released an interim final rule streamlining the waiver process for certain overpayment debts some beneficiaries may have incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
8/17: POTUS Set to Deliver More Funding to Children’s Hospitals
Key Points:
– $1.4 billion is about to be delivered to over 80 children’s hospitals across the country as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus.
– These funds, allocated from the President and Congress as part of the bipartisan CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, will help these critical hospitals serve our country’s most important citizens.
8/17: IMPORTANT UPDATE: HHS Accepting Additional Applications for Fund Distributions for Medicare Providers
Certain Medicare providers can now apply to receive Provider Relief Fund payments from the Department of Health and Human Services.
08/14: Administration Moves to Give Families with Children More Time to Claim $500 COVID-19 Relief Checks
Key points:
— The IRS is reopening the payment process for eligible families that did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and did not previously receive $500 per dependent. These families can now claim those dependents by September 30 and receive a supplemental payment.
— This positive step comes following work done by Ways and Means Republicans with the IRS Commissioner, calling for action on this issue to help families receive these payments.
08/14: How It Works: Paying the Unemployed Through President Trump’s Executive Order
On Thursday, August 13, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued some more detailed guidance for President Trump’s August 8 Executive Order taking action to provide resources to those whose jobs have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The President used his authority through FEMA to fill the void left by Democrats to make sure people getting jobless benefits aren’t completely left out to dry while Pelosi and Schumer play partisan politics.
08/13: Ways and Means and Senate Finance Request USITC Further Investigate COVID-Related Products and Supply Chains
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX), House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a letter to U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Chairman Jason E. Kearns requesting that the Commission conduct a follow-on investigation to provide more detailed information on industry sectors producing COVID-related goods and key products within those sectors. The lawmakers’ new request reflects the active interest among members of Congress to address U.S. supply chain resilience, especially for medical products, and follows a report the Committees asked the USITC to produce earlier this year to identify imports of medical supplies and products relevant to the response to COVID-19.
08/10: President Trump’s Executive Orders Prevent Democrats from Exploiting Jobless, Economically Hard-Hit Americans
Here’s some insight on President Trump’s executive orders on payroll taxes and unemployment insurance.
8/08: Brady: President Trump is Taking Action to Help Americans Suffering From Democrats’ Harmful Delays
The Woodlands, TX–Ways and Means Republican Leader Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX-08) issued the following statement on President Trump’s decision to take action to help Americans in need.
8/07: Ways and Means Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide Emergency Support for Foster Youth and Child Welfare Services
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Republican Leader Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act to provide additional support for older foster youth, grandparents and other kinship families, home visiting for at-risk pregnant and parenting families, foster care prevention services, and other child welfare services.
8/06: U.S. Can Boost Domestic Production of Essential Medicines and Their Ingredients with Tax Incentives
President Trump on Thursday is signing an executive order to advance medical security in part by removing regulatory barriers to support the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and essential medicines in America. The order directs agencies to prioritize permitting and approvals for domestic manufacturers. This regulatory measure is a welcome first step, and can be made stronger by the right tax incentives—and Ways and Means Republicans have already introduced legislation to accomplish just that.
8/06: Roundtable: Telehealth Helped Keep Patients Safely Connected to Care Amidst COVID
This week, the co-chairs of the Committee on Ways and Means’ Rural and Urban Underserved Taskforce—Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX), and Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL)— invited several thought leaders to participate in a Member-driven virtual roundtable to discuss telehealth.
8/04: FDA Highlights Importance of Advanced Medical Manufacturing to Support Health
Key takeaway: FDA officials have declared that advanced medical manufacturing, central to a recent proposal by Ways and Means Republicans, is key to supporting public health and preventing future pandemics.
8/04: Rep. LaHood Op-Ed: Reforming China’s Unfair Practices at the WTO Will Level the Global Playing Field
When operating properly, the World Trade Organization raises the standard of living around the globe, including in the United States, by creating transparent rules for conducting trade. The U.S. was a key author of these rules, which discipline unfair and distorting trade practices by reducing barriers to goods and services, protecting intellectual property, and challenging subsidies that distort trade. These rules have created new markets for American-made goods and services to drive our economy and create U.S. jobs.
8/03: Amplifying Ways and Means Republican Efforts, Trump Administration Further Expands Telehealth, Focuses on Rural Areas
Key takeaway: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has emerged as a safer alternative to certain in-person services that could result in spreading the virus, especially in rural areas.
8/03: Brady in National Review: Next Package Should Prioritize Growth & Medical Independence from China
Following the largest emergency aid package in American history, Congress is working to craft a smaller, more targeted follow-on package to help accelerate a return to healthy lives and a healthy economy.
7/30: SSA Continues to Serve the American People
The Social Security Administration released new information today guiding taxpayers to how they can receive services from the agency while staying safe in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
7/30: State Governments Hoarding CARES Funds, Inspector General Data Shows
State and local governments have spent a minimal amount of funds allocated as part of Congressional relief packages, throwing cold water on calls from Democrats to give more to states as a next round of federal relief continues to be debated in Congress, according to the Treasury Inspector General.
7/28: Child Care is Too Important for Dems to Politicize
Republicans and Democrats have consistently worked on child care in the past, but this week, Democrats are pushing forward with a partisan measure that doesn’t work for families and blows budgets.
7/24: Brady Statement on POTUS’s Executive Order on Drug Pricing
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after President Trump issued an executive order aimed at lowering drug prices.
7/24: Alert: Deadline Extended for Medical Providers to Get Billions in Relief from Trump Administration
Through the Provider Relief Fund, the Trump Administration expects to distribute $15 billion of congressionally appropriated funding to eligible Medicaid, dental, and CHIP providers. These funds have served as a vital resource to ensure Americans have access to health care.
7/24: ICYMI: Major R&D Bill Introduced in the House
The new bill—an NAM priority introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN)—would boost the manufacturing industry’s ability to innovate.
7/23: Buchanan Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Trade, Manufacturing, and Critical Supply Chains: Lessons from COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Vern Buchanan (R-FL) delivered the following opening statement at a Subcommittee Hearing on Trade, Manufacturing, and Critical Supply Chains: Lessons from COVID-19.
7/23: Ways and Means Republicans Unveil Pro-Growth Agenda For a Healthy American Economy
WASHINGTON – Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee unveiled a series of bills today that are part of Republicans’ agenda for economic growth and increasing American innovation in U.S. medicines and cures as we continue to fight the novel coronavirus.
7/22: Rep. Schweikert Op-Ed: Americans Need Medical Expense Relief Amid COVID-19 Uncertainty
Americans continue to grapple with the skyrocketing cost of health care. Whether it’s paying for life-saving prescription drugs, innovative new therapies, surprise hospital bills, or routine medical care, these costs are part of our everyday lives. For millions of Americans, these costs will feel even heavier as they grapple with the economic fallout caused by our current public health crisis.
7/22: Experts Agree Extending the $600/week Unemployment Benefits is Bad for America’s Economic Recovery
Democrats continue to call for the $600 weekly unemployment benefits that were in created as part of the CARES Act to be extended.
While Republicans agree that we must help workers through the recovery, extending these unemployment benefits will discourage work, shutter businesses, and prolong a recession.
7/21: Rep. A. Smith Op-Ed: Innovation: The Key to Fighting Infectious Diseases
In times of uncertainty Americans have pulled together and forged a path forward.
Now, during a worldwide health crisis, is our chance to refocus on solving our urgent health care challenges by unleashing American innovation.
7/21: Schweikert Introduces Legislation to Reduce Medical Expenses for Millions of Americans
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) introduced legislation to provide financial relief to millions of American families facing the burden of high health care costs. The proposal would reduce the current 7.5 percent income threshold for the medical expense deduction to 5 percent for years 2020 and 2021, and make the 7.5 percent income threshold permanent for all other years.
7/20: Ways and Means Healthy Workplace Tax Credit Gains Bicameral Support
Last week, Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced legislation that would create a Healthy Workplace Tax Credit.
The Healthy Workplace Tax Credit will help businesses reopen safely and restore worker and customer confidence.
7/20: Ways and Means Republicans Unveil New Vision for the Future of Telehealth
WASHINGTON – Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee, led by Health Subcommittee GOP Leader Devin Nunes (R-CA), released a discussion draft today outlining a bold plan to further promote telehealth for patients.
7/20: Rep. Nunes Op-Ed: Invest More in Cures for Infectious Diseases
As the federal government focuses on the immediate health effects and economic devastation caused by COVID-19, a crucial question is going unanswered: What can we do to ensure a pandemic never again spreads this widely and inflicts this much damage?
7/17: President Delivers Another Round of Funding to COVID-19 Hotspots
The Trump Administration announced today that it is distributing an addition $10 billion to hospitals in regions that have seen a high number of COVID-19 cases.
These funds were appropriated by Congress and signed into law by the President as part of the CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
7/17: Support Grows for W&M GOP Healthy Workplace Legislation
Support continues to grow for House Ways and Means Republicans’s Agenda to Return to Work Safely. Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced the Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit proposal to ensure local businesses are able to protect the health and safety of their workers and customers alike.
Check out what groups across the country are saying.
7/17: Return to Work Bonus Helping Americans Reconnect to Jobs in Idaho
Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) has proposed a “return to work bonus” bill that will help workers who have been temporarily laid off reconnect to their jobs.
Mr. Brady’s proposal is simple. If a worker who is currently receiving federal unemployment benefits accepts a job offer, they can keep up to two weeks of their current benefits — up to $1,200 — to return to work.
7/17: Reed Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on The Impact of COVID-19 on Social Security and its Beneficiaries
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security Tom Reed (R-NY) delivered the following opening statement at a Subcommittee Hearing on The Impact of COVID-19 on Social Security and its Beneficiaries.
7/17: Rep. Rice Op-Ed: A Tax Credit for Healthy Workplaces
A historic jobs boom came after the slowest economic recovery in U.S. history because tax reform made it easier to do business. President Trump and Congress are now in a position to repeat this success during our current downturn. We need a similar approach to reopening our economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, one that allows for a healthy and responsible reopening that safeguards Americans’ health and well-being.
7/16: ICYMI: Schumer’s response to coronavirus: Tax cuts for the rich
There have long been many competing visions of the Democratic Party, but Chuck Schumer has had the most coherent one: a party of the rich and well-connected that combines high tax rates with generous loopholes and large subsidies. This is how Democrats create their version of the complex rigged game that attracts and enriches their party’s donors.
7/14: Azar & Adams Op-Ed: How the Trump administration is fighting COVID-19 in communities of color
Daily counts of new cases of COVID-19 are rising in Texas, as they are in other areas around the country. With a rapid and comprehensive public health response, from the Trump administration to states, tribes, territories, local communities and families, we will reverse these trends and defeat the virus.
7/10: Support for W&M GOP Innovation Agenda Grows
ICYMI: Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee released legislation this week to encourage development of new therapies and cures while strengthening our medical supply chain here in the U.S.
7/9: Brady Provision Providing Relief to Non-Profits Passes House
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed a bill to provide a much-needed fix to help non-profits offset the costs of unemployment benefits for their workers.
Upon House passage, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement.
7/1: Brady, Scalise, Walden set the record straight about Democrats’ half-baked nursing home report
On Wednesday, Ranking Members Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) joined Republican Whip and Ranking Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Steve Scalise (R-La.) to set the record straight in response to the release of Senate Democrats’ report blaming the Trump Administration for America’s nursing home crisis in clear ignorance of the facts.
7/1: Brady: USMCA crucial for America’s Economic Future
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement marking the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement’s entry into force.
6/29: Brady: GOP eager to work together to make health-care system better. Dems’ bill is a step in the wrong direction
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following closing remarks in opposition to H.R. 1425, Democrats’ partisan health care bill.
6/29: Brady: Democrats, stop playing political games with health care.
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following remarks in opposition to H.R. 1425, Democrats’ partisan health care bill.
6/25: Nunes Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Examining the COVID-19 Nursing Home Crisis
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Devin Nunes (R-CA) delivered the following opening statement at a Subcommittee Hearing on Examining the COVID-19 Nursing Home Crisis.
6/23: Walorski Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on The Child Care Crisis and the Coronavirus Pandemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support Jackie Walorski (R-IN) delivered the following opening statement at a Subcommittee Hearing on The Child Care Crisis and the Coronavirus Pandemic.
6/23: Walorski Talks COVID-19, Telehealth, and Innovation
ICYMI: Ways and Means Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) joined The Ripon Society and Franklin Center recently to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting Indiana and the importance of telehealth and innovation in locking down this virus.
6/23: GOOD READ: Safely Opening the Economy
It is increasingly apparent that the speed and scale of economic recovery will be proportional to the speed and scale of modifying workplaces to operate safely in the presence of the virus. Without that, workers will be reluctant to return to, and customers will continue to avoid, previously perfectly viable businesses. To the extent that public policy can play a supportive role in the economy, this strikes me as a perfect place for action.
6/18: Smith Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Tax Relief to Support Workers and Families during the COVID-19 Recession
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Adrian Smith (R-NE) delivered the following opening statement at a Full Committee Hearing on Tax Relief to Support Workers and Families during the COVID-19 Recession.
6/16: Reed, Local Leaders Call Out Cuomo For Hoarding CARES Relief Funds to Child Care Facilities
Despite receiving nearly $5.1 billion for New York state as part of the CARES Act, Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has failed to distribute federal funds as Congress intended. The funds being withheld include $164 million in Child Care Development Block Grants and billions in direct aid for state and local governments.
6/15: Analysis: Democrats’ Proposed Tax Hikes Hurt Workers
Despite continuing progress and a fragile economic recovery, Democrats, including former Vice President Joe Biden, have pledged to reverse critical parts of the 2017 GOP Tax Cuts.
These tax hikes would hurt poor- and middle-class workers the most, according to multiple nonpartisan analyses. Tax reform provided a better path to recovery that should be replicated, not repealed, as America reopens.
6/12: ICYMI- AP: Idaho Offers $1,500 Bonus for People to Return to Work
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho residents on unemployment could receive a one-time bonus of up to $1,500 to return to work under a plan Gov. Brad Little announced Friday.
The Republican governor said the incentive is intended to help get the state’s economy going again. Part-time workers would receive $750.
6/11: ICYMI: Rep. Brady Legislation Holds Governors Accountable for COVID-19 Relief Funds
The Coronavirus pandemic has imposed enormous damage to local communities across the country. However, many governors are withholding relief federal relief funds from localities and rural communities. In response to this, House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas) has introduced H.R. 7065, legislation that would prevent governors from hoarding Coronavirus relief funds appropriated for local governments.
6/10: Administration Boosts Health Care Funding to Help Children, Vulnerable Citizens
Key points:
-The Department of Health and Human Services is distributing billions more in Congressionally-directed Provider Relief funding toward providers who serve our most vulnerable Americans.
-HHS said they expect to distribute nearly $15 billion this week toward providers, like those who serve patients who rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
-HHS also announced the distribution of $10 billion this week to safety net hospitals that serve our most vulnerable citizens.
6/10: Good News: Help for Patients to See Their Health-Care Providers for Non-COVID Treatments
After months of restrictions in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have released two sets of guidance for patients and providers to help restore access to appropriate in-person care for those who have non-COVID-19 related needs.
6/9: Administration Outlines Steps to Help Black Americans and Other Racial and Ethnic Minorities Fight COVID-19
Key points:
-The Department of Health and Humans Services outlined a multi-pronged approach to tackle the racial and ethnic health disparities our country has seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
-President Trump and his team recognize that there are long-standing problems in our nation’s health care systems that are failing especially underserved communities.
-The Administration is focused on short- and long-term economic and health care responses, to “address the disparate impact of COVID-19 on African Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities.”
– On May 27, the Committee on Ways and Means held a full committee hearing entitled, “The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color.”
– During that hearing, Republican Leader Brady said, “This is no time to be playing politics, we can’t ignore that racial disparities predate this virus by more than a century… [W]e must focus on: real solutions to long standing disparities.”
6/8: After May Jobs Surprise, Back-to-Work Bonus Would Ensure Continued Growth
New numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics confirm that the American economy added jobs, beating grim predictions by economists expecting a worse impact from the coronavirus pandemic. The unemployment rate decreased to 13.3% with 2.5 million jobs added—assisted by bipartisan relief efforts like the Paycheck Protection Program (as reported by the New York Times). These numbers will get a boost if Congress takes action on a Return to Work Bonus.
6/5: NOW LAW: Flexibility on coronavirus relief loans for small biz
Key Message: Small businesses will have an easier time getting their Paycheck Protection Program loans forgiven thanks to the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, just signed into law by President Trump today.
6/5: More Criticism of House Dems’ SALT Push as a “Waste of Money”
As part of the HEROES Act, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats pushed for a tax break for millionaires that Jason Furman, a former economic advisor to President Obama, called a “complete waste of money.” Bloomberg reported Mr. Furman made the comment while speaking at an event hosted by the left-leaning Tax Policy Center.
6/2: Brady’s Return to Work Bonus Proposal Gains Steam
Recently, Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Reopening America by Supporting Workers and Businesses Act of 2020. The proposal was first discussed publicly during interviews with Maria Bartiromo in early May, as well as during a presentation to the Ripon Society.
The legislation helps Main Street businesses rebuild their workforces by turning unemployment benefits into a back-to-work bonus of $1,200 – or two weeks of unemployment benefits – that will provide a bump to workers and help accelerate our economic recovery.
As Rep. Brady said when the bill was introduced, “we need these workers.”
6/2: Administration Takes Steps to Help Nation Continue to Fight Opioid Crisis
Key points:
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced today that the Agency has awarded $20.3 million in grants “to increase the number of fellows at accredited addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry fellowship programs.”
- Given to 44 recipients, these dollars will go toward training addiction specialists at facilities in high need communities to help Americans fight and overcome the opioid crisis.
6/1: Brady Introduces Return To Work Bonus Legislation
Washington, D.C. – Today, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Reopening America by Supporting Workers and Businesses Act of 2020. This bill will help local businesses rebuild their workforce quickly by turning these unemployment benefits into a back-to-work bonus that will provide a bump to workers and help accelerate our economic recovery.
6/1: Brady Intros Bill Demanding States Allow Small Cities and Rural Governments to Receive COVID-19 Relief Funds
Washington, D.C. – Today, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced legislation demanding states do as Congress intended: Stop hoarding federal Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) and distribute the money to those rural communities and smaller cities and towns that need it most.
5/29: Getting Back to Work
The following are responses to common questions about expanded support for unemployed workers included in the CARES Act. States are ultimately responsible for making eligibility decisions based on individual circumstances. There are three sections: Valid Reasons for Staying on Unemployment Insurance, Returning to Work, and Guidance for Employers. Employers and employees should check their state workforce website for specific information, but read to the end for some guidance from your state.
5/29: Brady Discusses Return to Work Bonus Proposal on Squawk Box
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined CNBC’s “Squawk Box” to talk about how we help Americans get back to work through a “return to work” bonus.
5/28: Michigan Republicans Call Out Gov. Whitmer For Failing to Share Federal COVID Relief Funds
Republican House Members of the Michigan Delegation sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer today requesting information concerning the allocation of federal funding that state and local governments were supposed to receive as part of the CARES Act.
5/27: Good News for Seniors: President Takes Action to Lower Insulin Costs, Improve Care
President Trump has taken action to reduce the cost of insulin and improve the quality of care for America’s seniors.
As the New York Post reports, Trump slashes cost of insulin for Medicare enrollees to $35 a month.
5/27: Brady Opening Statement at Hearing on The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following opening statement at a Full Committee Hearing on The Disproportionate Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color.
CLICK HERE to watch the hearing.
5/21: LaHood, Illinois Republicans to Gov. Pritzker: Our Smaller Cities Continue to Wait on COVID Relief Funds
ICYMI: Republican House Members of the Illinois Delegation, including Ways and Means Member Darin LaHood (R-IL), sent a letter to Governor JP Pritzker today requesting information regarding the allocation of federal funding to state and local governments were supposed to receive as part of the CARES Act.
5/20: Rep. Estes Urges Kansas Governor to Distribute COVID Relief Funds to Localities
Ways and Means Committee Member Ron Estes (R-KS) called on the governor of Kansas Wednesday to disburse federal funds intended for cities, counties, rural areas, and other entities after a report showed Kansas is one of 32 states still withholding most of those dollars.
5/20: President Boosts Testing Capabilities in Rural America
Key points:
- The Department of Health and Human Services is set to provide $225 million to Rural Clinics for COVID-19 testing.
- These dollars will reach over 4,500 rural health clinics, expanding critical access to testing in these rural communities.
5/19: STUDY: 32 States Are Withholding COVID Relief Funding From Most City and Local Governments
- Thirty-two states are withholding federal funds from local governments according to data compiled by the National League of Cities, confirming reports that local governments are not receiving funding.
- Treasury Department guidance makes clear that states can and should pass money on to local governments.
- Despite this, states “are withholding funding from most” local governments, including rural towns, “with no indication when, or if, funds will ever be made available.”
5/19: Republicans Provided Major Student Loan Relief in CARES
Democrats’ partisan $3 trillion bill put before the House last week ignored the massive support for student loan relief achieved by Republicans in the CARES Act.
Republicans support helping students and recent graduates nationwide ease student loan burdens and providing financial assistance during this cash-flow crisis. Here’s what we’ve done.
5/19: Brady to MSNBC’s Ruhle: “Too many governors are holding those dollars”
ICYMI: The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Stephanie Ruhle on MSNBC to discuss oversight on coronavirus relief, and in particular, the problem of municipalities not receiving federal COVID-19 relief because governors are holding on to the funding.
5/19: Have Questions About Economic Impact Payments? The IRS Is Eager To Take Your Call.
Key points:
-The IRS started adding thousands of employees to take calls and answer questions regarding “Economic Impact Payments.”
-This new effort will help Americans who may have questions get answers quickly.
5/18: Good News: Local Governments Can Now Receive More Cash from Federal Reserve
Key points:
-The Federal Reserve today opened up their Municipal Liquidity Facility program.
-This is an open program that any qualifying state or local government can apply to using an online form to receive cash assistance from the Nation’s federal bank.
5/18: Important Read on How Congress Should Help Americans Return to Work
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contained a $600 federal bonus – the equivalent of making $15 per hour for a 40-hour work week – on top of the usual state unemployment insurance payments. This made perfect sense when the objective was to make sure people quarantined and did not spread the coronavirus by going to work. In short, the $600 was designed to be lucrative enough to be better than working.
5/15: As State Governments Hold on to Coronavirus Funds, Speaker Pelosi Wants Another $1.5 Trillion for State Bailouts
Congress has provided major support for state and local governments with over $760 billion in aid and the Federal Reserve’s $500 billion lending facility. Yet before this aid has been completely distributed—or evaluated—Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats want to throw more than $1.5 trillion more at state governments.
5/15: At Last Minute, Democrats Cram Insurer Giveaway into $3 Trillion Partisan Package
The news: Today, the House will vote on Speaker Pelosi’s “Careless” Act.
She’s struggling to keep her caucus on board with the 1,185-page bill. But in an amendment filed mere hours before the vote, the Speaker was able to appease a different coalition: health insurers.
Speaker Pelosi spent weeks following passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act claiming credit for preventing the bill from becoming a “corporation-first” bill—yet Democrats acted at the last minute to ensure that insurers weren’t left behind in their partisan bill.
5/15: Brady: “This bill guarantees a prolonged recession.”
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following remarks on the House floor in opposition to Speaker Pelosi’s $3 trillion “Careless” Act.
5/15: As Democrats Prioritize Millionaires, President Continues Push Toward Cure
Key Points:
-The President announced “Operation Warp Speed” today. This is a new initiative to “accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics (medical countermeasures).”
-The Operation seeks to have “substantial quantities of a safe and effective vaccine” against COVID-19 by January 2021.
5/14: Trump Admin Rejects Pelosi’s Windfall to Wealthy & Tax Hikes on Small Biz
In a clear-eyed message to Congress, the Trump Administration formally announced its opposition to H.R. 6800, Speaker Pelosi’s “CARELESS” Act. The President has worked with Congress on a bipartisan basis to enact legislation of unprecedented size and breadth—with nearly $2.5 trillion in spending to improve public health, supporting small businesses, and help American families. This partisan bill goes the wrong way.
5/14: Fox News: Top GOP rep blasts Dems’ $3T “show vote” as ‘recipe for a prolonged recession’
The top Republican on the House’s tax-writing committee blasted the Democrats’ $3 trillion coronavirus relief legislation as a “recipe for a prolonged recession.”
Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, accused Democrats Wednesday of being more concerned about helping special interests than getting the economy back up and running before the 33 million Americans who are temporarily jobless become permanently out of work.
5/14: Overview: The “Careless” Act–Democrats’ Recipe for a Prolonged Recession
The news: Friday, the House will vote on H.R. 6800, a bill the Democrats are calling “The Heroes Act.”
Given how little it does to fight coronavirus and help put Americans back to work safely, it should be called the Careless Act.
The details: Late Tuesday evening, Democrats released an 1,815-page bill that they claim is aimed at offering relief from the coronavirus.
As the AP reported, “it’s a starkly partisan offering with no real input from Republicans.”
5/14: Tax Provisions in Democrats’ Recipe for a Prolonged Recession
This bill is a Democratic wish list of tax provisions that undoes years of commonsense reforms.
Providing Millionaires with a Windfall is not a Coronavirus Priority: Democrats are seeking of a repeal of the SALT deduction cap for 2020 and 2021, a tax cut that overwhelming benefits the top 1 percent while allowing states and municipalities to continue brutally taxing families and local businesses. Why are Democrats rushing to reward mainly wealthy homeowners and earners in those states? Raising the SALT deduction is a $10 a year tax cut for the middle class; a $140,000 a year tax cut for the wealthy.
5/12: Health Provisions in Democrats’ Recipe for a Prolonged Recession
Speaker Pelosi introduced her partisan coronavirus recovery bill, or “Phase 4,” without once consulting with Republicans. In fact, many of its provisions include policies that have been soundly rejected by Republicans in the past. Here’s some of what’s in the bill.
5/12: Paid Leave/Unemployment Insurance Provisions in Democrats’ Recipe for a Prolonged Recession
Speaker Pelosi introduced her partisan coronavirus recovery bill, or “Phase 4,” without once consulting with Republicans. In fact, many of its provisions include policies that have been soundly rejected by Republicans in the past. Here’s what’s in the bill.
5/12: Brady Laments Democrats’ New Bill as a “Recipe for a Prolonged Recession”
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after House Democrats released a partisan coronavirus relief bill filled with far left proposals that have no chance of becoming law.
5/12: Let’s Ensure Hospitals Can Fight Coronavirus instead of Frivolous Lawsuits
Patients have been delaying cancer treatments, heart surgeries, and doctors’ appointments so health care providers can focus on fighting the coronavirus—but that wait may get longer if Democrats continue to seek a frivolous lawsuit bonanza for trial lawyers.
5/11: President Continues to Target Funds Toward Testing, PPE for Vulnerable Communities
Key Points:
- The Administration has distributed nearly $2 billion to Health Resource and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers.
- “Health centers are a first line of defense, as they are testing for coronavirus and delivering high-quality primary care to our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” HRSA Administrator Tom Engels said.
- These funds are helping frontline workers at community-based health centers continue to put full pressure on the novel coronavirus and flatten the curve.
5/11: Hope in Crisis: More Resources for Americans and Health Care Workers
During the coronavirus pandemic, Americans have been stepping up to help support those in need during these difficult times.
5/8: Key Takeaways from the April Jobs Report
The Labor Department released the April jobs report today. Here are the key takeaways:
Job Loss Highest Since Job Reports Began — The economy lost 20.5 million jobs in April – the largest on record. This eliminated job gains made from the last decade. Similarly, the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 14.7%. This is the largest rate since the BLS began recording in 1948. For comparison, the peak unemployment rate during the Great Depression was 25.5% (estimated by David Weir of University of Michigan).
5/7: Brady Talks With Maria Bartiromo About How We “Make Sure Temporary Job Losses Don’t Become Permanent Ones”
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Fox Business to talk about reopening the economy, supporting our businesses, and rebuilding our workforce.
5/6: Brady: Gov. Abbott Opened a “Big Can of Common Sense” on How to Reopen Economy Safely
The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Brian Kilmeade on FOX News Radio to talk about COVID – 19 and the steps Texas is taking to safely reopen while keeping maximum pressure on the virus, stating that Governor Abbott “opened a big can of common sense on how you reopen these businesses.”
5/1: President Delivers Support to Patients in COVID-19 Hot Spots and Rural Areas
Key points:
- The Administration announced today the President is targeting billions in funds toward two critical groups of providers: those in “hot spots” and those in rural communities.
- By targeting these health care heroes, the President and his team are bringing needed funds to pockets of the country that need it most, helping to keep hospital doors open and preserving access to care for patients.
4/30: President’s Continued Regulatory Relief Is Helping Medical Providers Defeat COVID-19–Let’s Make It Permanent
Key points:
-The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued another round of regulatory relief today to speed up medical care for America’s seniors.
-The relief will remove paperwork burdens from providers’ practice, increase hospital capacity— including allowing physician-owned hospitals to expand— and make it easier for seniors to receive COVID-19 testing and telehealth services.
-Today’s guidance will also provide support for front-line health care workers by allowing hospitals to provide benefits like multiple daily meals or childcare services while medical staff are providing patient care.
4/30: CARES Act Unemployment Benefits: Highlights from DOL FAQs on Work Search and Job Refusal
The CARES Act provided much needed support and economic relief for workers by making a significant investment in expanded unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs or have been unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a number of concerns have been raised that the additional $600 per week in benefits could mean some workers receive more on unemployment than their paycheck. As businesses re-open, employers don’t want to compete with unemployment to bring workers back.
4/29: State and Local Governments Have Received Over $765 Billion in Federal Coronavirus Spending
“Congress has already funded over $700 billion to state and local governments, that’s more than we funded our small businesses. And that’s direct aid, state and local government, state unemployment funding, local hospitals, state and local disaster aid, local school funding, state college funding, local mass transit funding, plus we muscled up Medicaid 6% to help them through this crisis,” Rep. Kevin Brady said.
4/29: Brady Talks GDP Report on Fox Business
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Fox Business to talk about Wednesday morning’s first quarter report on economic growth showing a contraction of the U.S. economy.
4/29: Small Business Lending Program Reaches New Milestone
Carbondale, Illinois is home to approximately 25,000 people. This mid-sized town, tucked in the Southern part of the Prairie State, has been rocked by the coronavirus, but a new federal program has provided some relief.
4/24: Big News for Rural Health Care: Some Public Hospitals Eligible for PPP Funding
Key Points:
- Some hospitals that are partially owned by state or local governments may be eligible to receive a loan from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
- This will be a lifeline both for patients in rural areas and employees at those facilities.
4/24: Hope In Crisis: Americans Volunteer To Get Supplies to the Frontline
Across the country, we continue to see neighbors and businesses continue rising to the occasion to help America defeat the novel coronavirus.
4/23: Brady: This Bill Tackles Our Immediate Priorities
Washington, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the House passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, sending the relief package to the President’s desk.
4/23: Brady Closing Floor Remarks on Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following closing remarks in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
4/23: Brady, McHenry, Walden Oppose Pelosi’s Plan to Create Partisan COVID-19 Oversight Subcommittee
WASHINGTON – Today, Republican leaders of the House Committees on Ways and Means, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi in opposition to Democrats’ plan to create a partisan and duplicative select subcommittee to review the Administration’s ongoing COVID-19 response.
4/23: Brady Opening Floor Remarks on Coronavirus Relief Package
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following remarks in support of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
4/22: Updates on the CARES Act Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund
Key points:
- The CARES Act invested $100 billion into the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund for health care providers. So far:
- $50 billion is being allocated for “general distribution,” which went out in two phases:
- First, an interim payment based on proportional 2019 Medicare fee-for-service
- Second, a “true-up” based on 2019 Medicare fee-for-service
- $10 billion is being allocated to COVID-19 “hot spots”
- $10 billion is being allocated to assist rural hospitals
- $400 million is being allocated to Indian Health Service facilities
- Additional money from this fund will be used for treating uninsured COVID-19 patients
- Future allocations could target any new COVID-19 hotspots, skilled nursing facilities, dentists, or facilities servicing only Medicaid patients
- $50 billion is being allocated for “general distribution,” which went out in two phases:
- The Senate-passed Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act adds an additional $75 billion to the fund.
- Providers can find more information here.
4/22: Brady Lauds New Funding for Health Providers on Front Lines
The Woodlands, TX — House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) lauded the Wednesday announcement by the Trump Administration to disburse the second round of provider payments authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
4/22: Brady Discusses Next Round of COVID-19 Relief on Fox News
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined FOX News to talk about the Senate’s passage of the $484 billion coronavirus stimulus package, which will help support small businesses and hospitals.
4/22: IRS to Host Webinar for Main Street Businesses and Workers
Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Chuck Rettig, Chief of IRS Communications Terry Lemons, and Customer Service Strategy Project Manager James Clifford are hosting a “webinar” open to any small business owner, individual, veteran, or Social Security beneficiary.
4/22: Brady: We must act together to strengthen Social Security and Medicare for future generations
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement on the 2020 Medicare Trustees Report and 2020 Social Security Trustees Report.
4/21: FDA Boosts Testing By Authorizing At-Home Collection
Key points:
- The FDA announced today they have “authorized the first diagnostic test with a home collection option for COVID-19,” increasing our country’s testing capacities.
- This means some patients will soon be able to take a COVID-19 test at home, send the sample to a lab and get the results.
- At-home collection of samples is a critical breakthrough to mitigate the risks, especially for vulnerable populations, associated with leaving the house and going to a testing facility.
4/20: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT for Social Security Beneficiaries With Dependent Children
Key Points:
- The federal government is working overtime to ensure all eligible Americans receive the COVID-19 relief payments that were included in the CARES Act.
- While most Social Security beneficiaries won’t need to do any additional paperwork to receive these payments, those with dependent children under age 17 who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 need to go the IRS Non-filer tool by Wednesday so they can receive the $500 payment for each child.
- Veterans benefit recipients who did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 should also use the online tool to claim any dependent children.
- Supplemental Security Income recipients with dependent children also need to file the online form, but a deadline hasn’t been announced yet.
4/20: CMS Takes Important Step to Help Patients Access Non-COVID-19-related Care
Key Points:
- For pockets of the country experiencing a low number of cases of COVID-19, the federal government has issued guidance to help health care providers offer non-COVID-19 care (NCC) to patients who do not have the coronavirus.
- This will help Americans who put treatments on pause resume care, empower clinicians to marshal and prioritize their resources based on the situation in their community and provide much needed revenue for health care providers.
- Amid growing evidence that patients suffering emergency health conditions like heart attacks and appendicitis are avoiding hospitals, these recommendations can help hospitals give patients confidence to come in for treatment.
- This is part of the President’s plan for “Opening Up America Again.”
- For the factors necessary to determine if your state or region has passed the Gating Criteria and may proceed to Phase I and this new CMS guidance, click here.
4/19: Brady: President Trump Helps U.S. Manufacturing with Duty Deferral
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after the Administration announced a 90-day deferment period on certain payments for importers who have faced a significant financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic response.
4/17: No Extra Paperwork for Veterans, Beneficiaries to Get Relief Payments
- The Treasury Department announced today that our nation’s veterans and their families who receive compensation and pension benefits won’t have to do any extra paperwork to receive relief payments as part of the CARES Act.
- These heroes and their loved ones will receive these payments the same way they receive their normal benefits.
4/17: Rep. Arrington op-ed: We must also flatten the curve of rural hospital closures
Hiding in the shadows cast by big city outbreaks, the novel coronavirus has now quickly spread to more than 1,000 rural communities. This pandemic’s sweep of our nation’s prairies and plains comes as hundreds of rural hospitals are on the verge of closure, potentially leaving tens of thousands of people without access to local emergency health services during the contagion’s peak and permanently devastating rural economies.
4/17: ICYMI: WSJ Editorial- No More Paycheck Protection
For seven long days, Democrats have been blocking a $250 billion refill for the Paycheck Protection Program, and on Thursday morning the loan fund finally ran out of money. “Every Senate Republican was ready to act today,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor Thursday. “But Democrats would not let us reopen the program.”
4/16: Brady on NBC: Congress needs to replenish PPP funds NOW.
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined NBC to talk about the importance of replenishing the Paycheck Protection Program in order to support America’s small businesses and their workers. The Small Business Administration announced this morning that, in the wake of Democrats continued delay, the PPP has now run out of money.
4/16: Brady Selected for President’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after being selected by President Trump to join the President’s Task Force on Reopening the Economy.
4/15: More Good News: SSI Recipients Will Receive Automatic CARES Act Payments
Key points:
-In another pro-taxpayer move by the Administration, the Treasury Department announced today that Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income won’t have to do any extra paperwork to receive relief payments as part of the CARES Act.
-SSI recipients will receive these payments the same way they receive their normal benefits.
4/15: More Help to Boost Testing On its Way
Key points:
-The Trump Administration announced today that Medicare will start doubling payments for certain lab tests.
-This will increase the number of tests able to be processed, speed results to patients and be “an absolute game-changer for nursing homes, where risk of Coronavirus infection is high among our most vulnerable.”
4/15: CARES Act Funds Are Already Reaching Americans at Record Pace. The IRS Just Created a Tool to Help Funds Reach People Even Faster.
Over 80 million Americans are set to receive payments from the IRS this week as part the CARES Act. Most people will receive checks up to $1,200 and $500 for each child.
These funds are going out the door at a record pace for Americans who have their direct deposit information set up at the IRS. But for those who don’t, the IRS just made it even easier for people to get these rebates faster.
4/14: Tax Day Update: Workers Are Getting Their Money Quickly
Faced with the economic impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, workers and small businesses needed more flexibility on the April 15 tax filing deadline. To help, President Trump pushed the tax filing deadline back to July 15th—allowing Americans to file later without penalties or interest.
4/14: UPDATE: More Questions Answered on the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund
The CARES Act invested $100 billion into the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund for health care providers. Here is an update on those funds.
4/14: Hope in Crisis: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
April is observed as a solemn month for millions of Americans. Whether they are observing Easter, Passover, Ramadan, or simply taking in the beauty of spring, the fourth month of the year is a precious 30 days.
COVID-19 has tried to decimate this month’s beauty. And the American people aren’t allowing that to happen. From a garage in Houston to an RV in South Carolina, here are some stories of how Americans are working together to defeat the novel coronavirus.
4/10: Individual Checks: Payments Are Already on the Way
Relief payments are already being processed, and are expected to hit bank accounts as soon as next week. Here’s what you need to know about the Trump Administration’s effort to get payments to Americans.
4/10: More Help For Taxpayers: New IRS Tool Will Help More People Receive COVID-19 Relief Checks
- For Americans who don’t usually file tax returns, the IRS has launched a new online tool to help them register so they can receive the Economic Impact Payments.
- Most Americans will receive a tax rebate of $1,200 and $500 for each child.
4/10: Brady: Inspector General Report Debunks Democratic Claims at Treasury, Public Has Right to Know
The Woodlands, TX – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement concerning the Treasury Inspector General’s response to Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) inquiry for sensitive taxpayer information
4/10: FAQ: Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund
Key points:
- The CARES Act invested $100 billion into the Public Health and Social Service Emergency Fund for health care providers.
- The first tranche of $30 billion is going out the door now, with allocations going to providers proportionately based on how much a given provider billed Medicare fee-for-service in 2019.
- Providers can find more information here.
- Find out how much your state received here.
- These dollars will provide critical cash flow and flexibility to providers that billed Medicare fee-for-service last year, including rural hospitals that are dependent on Medicare.
4/9: Senate Democrats, Speaker Pelosi Block Worker and Small Biz Relief They’ve Praised
Senate Democrats are holding up funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, which has become so popular in keeping workers on small business payrolls that it is quickly running out of money. The program was established as part of the CARES Act, which was passed unanimously and included billions for hospitals and health care workers on the front lines.
4/9: Hope in Crisis: More Resources for Front-Line Workers
“Right now, businesses are rightly focused on helping on applying maximum pressure on the virus and survival,”said Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX). “That is exactly where they need to be.”
4/9: Brady on Fox & Friends: “Our small businesses can’t wait.”
House Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Fox and Friends to talk about the need to approve the President’s call for $251 billion more for the Paycheck Protection Program to help America’s small businesses.
4/8: Brady on MSNBC: “The President’s call for another $250 billion to make sure our small businesses can ride this out is crucial.”
Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Brian Williams and Katy Tur on MSNBC to talk about the Paycheck Protection Program and how the federal government is working to help Main Street businesses.
4/8: Supporting Doctors as They Fight COVID-19
Key points:
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services posted a letter to America’s clinicians today outlining the federal actions that have taken place to help them defeat the novel coronavirus.
- These actions—which build on Congressional legislation—will help doctors focus on what is most important: the patient’s health.
4/7: Hope in Crisis: Vaccines and Virtual Bingo
In the face of global pandemic, Americans are stepping up to help our medical providers and neighbors. As Rep. Kevin Brady said: “Coronavirus has knocked at America’s door, and with it fear. Faith is answering.”
Here are examples of how Americans are stepping up across the country.
4/7: Quick Funding for Paycheck Protection Helps Hospitals, Workers, & Local Businesses
If Congress doesn’t act quickly, a special relief program that’s already helping workers across the country may run out of money.
America’s small businesses, nonprofits, small hospitals, and churches are turning to the Paycheck Protection Program in droves, with about $70 billion distributed in just the first few days – 1/5th of the total money available. The first-of-its-kind CARES Act program provides loans to cover rent, utilities, payroll and other expenses for organizations with less than 500 employees. In exchange for keeping employees on payroll (or rehiring employees laid off since the coronavirus pandemic struck), the loan will be forgiven.
4/7: New Online Tool for Taxpayers to Learn and Report Scams Related to COVID-19 Relief Check
Key points:
- The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has established a dedicated page where people can report coronavirus related tax scams.
- This website also has tips for taxpayers to know what red flags to look for in potential scams.
- This action is a reminder of the work already being done by agency inspectors general, oversight agencies, and congressional oversight committees. Democrats’ partisan calls for more red tape were intended to downplay the transparency and accountability measures already in place.
4/7: Brady: “No Delay This Time: Politics Can Wait, Small Businesses Can’t”
The Woodlands, TX – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement urging the Senate to quickly pass more funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.
4/6: Hope in the Face of Crisis
Times are scary for billions of people. The White House expects this week to be the worst on record for the number of cases the United States will see for people testing positive for COVID-19.
Defeating the novel coronavirus is a global effort. And in the face of trial, non-profits, corporations, churches, and governments are all doing their part to help their neighbors and communities overcome this pandemic.
Here are a few examples of where Americans are innovating to help those around them.
4/6: UPDATE: Americans Have Options for Health Care Insurance During Coronavirus Pandemic
UPDATE: The Trump Administration announced Friday they will be using a portion of funding from the bipartisan CARES Act to reimburse hospitals that treat uninsured patients for COVID-19 during the global pandemic.
4/4: Phase III Coronavirus Package // Paycheck Protection and Churches
Many church leaders have been curious about whether they qualify for the Paycheck Protection program. Below are answers to some common questions.
4/3: As Economy Falters, Americans Have Options for Health Care Insurance
As Americans have to deal with an uncertain economic landscape, it’s important that they know they have options to access affordable, quality care, especially now that the CARES Act is law.
4/3:Brady: Relief in CARES Act vital to restoring lost jobs and America’s growth
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement in response to the Labor Department’s report on weekly jobless claims
4/2: More Flexibility for Small Business on Coronavirus Paid Leave
Small businesses are getting greater flexibility in the paid sick and family and medical leave mandate created in the “phase 2” coronavirus relief package under new guidance issued this week.
4/2: Brady: As Job Losses Rise, CARES Law Will Help Keep Workers on Payroll
The Woodlands, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement in response to the Labor Department’s report on weekly jobless claims.
4/2: Avoid Scams and Schemes Tied to Coronavirus Relief Checks
Key points:
-Multiple federal agencies have issued warnings to taxpayers cautioning them to be aware of potential scams related to coronavirus relief checks.
-Scams can come in the form of emails, text messages, websites, and social media attempts. Red flags to look for include requests for money or personal taxpayer information.
-“The IRS isn’t going to call you asking to verify or provide your financial information so you can get an economic impact payment or your refund faster,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.
4/2: CARES Act: Coronavirus Relief Check Questions Answered
The CARES Act provides financial support through a one-time check for American workers to help them as our country continues its work to defeat the novel coronavirus.
4/1: Brady Lauds Automatic Coronavirus Relief Payments for Social Security Recipients
The Woodlands, TX – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to provide automatic coronavirus relief payments for Social Security beneficiaries.
4/1: ICYMI: No One Thinks Pelosi’s Call to Cut Taxes for the Rich Will Cure COVID-19
After the New York Times reported that Speaker Pelosi sees a “wonderful opportunity” to cut taxes for the top 1 percent of households by repealing the cap on the SALT deduction, experts across the political spectrum swiftly panned the idea. Democrats held up phase 3 negotiations because they saw it as “a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision…”
3/31: Eliminating the SALT Cap to Help the Rich Doesn’t Fight Coronavirus
In a time where jobless claims are reaching historic highs and the world is fighting to stop a global pandemic, House Democrats are seeking to cut taxes for the rich by repealing the cap on the SALT deduction.
Prior to tax reform, the wealthy could deduct taxes, subject to limitations, they paid to state and local governments from what they owed to the federal government. Republican reforms capped those deductions to ensure everyone paid their fair share.
3/31: Getting Medical Supplies to Our Health Care Providers
Key points:
-The federal government is getting more tests, masks, and resources to medical providers and patients.
-Using public-private partnerships, this work will lead to quicker development of products and faster allocation of resources.
3/30: CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance Questions Answered
The CARES Act – the economic relief bill signed into law on Friday – provides much-needed temporary support for American workers impacted by COVID-19. It dedicates $250 billion to give workers more access to unemployment benefits during this public health emergency.
3/27: Brady: “Faith is answering.”
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following closing remarks on the House Floor in support of the CARES Act.
3/27: Brady Opening Floor Remarks on Coronavirus Relief Package: “Today’s vote is about saving lives and livelihoods”
WASHINGTON — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) delivered the following remarks in support of the CARES Act, the third package aimed at staving off the novel coronavirus.
3/26: CARES Act: Helping Workers in Distressed Industries
The CARES Act provides more than $500 billion of emergency relief in the form of direct loans, loan guarantees, and tax relief to those industries hit hardest by the novel coronavirus.
This is NOT a bailout. A bailout infers fault; in this case, many industries were forced to close shop by the government. These loans are to be used to keep these job creators afloat so they can keep workers on the payroll and ensure that people have jobs to come back to once we beat the coronavirus.
3/26: Individual Tax Rebates: How they Work
Key points:
-The “CARES” Act ensures that only taxpayers who are actually eligible for cash assistance receives it.
-The process for receiving these funds are simplified for seniors and individuals with disabilities who did not file taxes to ensure they get these dollars quickly.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Health
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Tax
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Protecting Americans’ Livelihoods
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Helping Small Business
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Helping Small Business
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: The Senate CARES Bill: Unemployment
Senate Republicans and Democrats have unveiled legislation to provide emergency relief to workers, families, small businesses, and distressed industries. The full package is big, targeted, and will make a difference.
3/25: IRS Announces Additional Relief for Taxpayers During the COVID-19 Crisis
Today the IRS released its “People First Initiative,” which is designed to provide relief to taxpayers during the fight against COVID-19. The relief includes postponing certain payments related to installment agreements and offers in compromise. It also includes limiting certain enforcement actions. IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig noted that the IRS is “temporarily adjusting [its] processes to help people and businesses during these uncertain times.” To determine whether this relief applies to your specific situation, review the IRS guidance here.
3/25: “Phase Three” COVID-19 Package ”Big, Targeted, and Will Make a Difference”
Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Kevin Cirilli on Bloomberg TV to break down the phase three package.
3/24: Brady on MSNBC: “Let’s lock down this virus”
Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Ayman Mohyeldinon on MSNBC to talk about the federal response to the novel coronavirus.
On federal efforts:
“I think Leader McConnell is exactly right – time has run out. This bill has been delayed now for three days; and those working groups he put together, Republicans and Democrats, were working. They were within inches on a final agreement on Sunday. That got blown up and were held hostage for several days. Now is the time to come together.”
3/24: Brady on Fox Business: “I think the design of this bill really tackles the economic challenges”
Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) joined Stuart Varney on Fox Business to talk about the federal response to the novel coronavirus.
On Dems’ delay:
“I am frustrated. Three days – that is how long we’ve lost when Nancy Pelosi rode into town and really bullied the Senate Democrats into holding this bill hostage.”
3/23: Pelosi Proposes Government Slush Fund,
Rejects Timely Coronavirus Relief
The Senate’s bill to help workers, families and small businesses directly contains a number of priorities for both Republicans and Democrats, but now Senate Democrats are balking. Speaker Pelosi is pursuing a separate coronavirus proposal that prioritizes topping off budgets for government agencies, bails out government-subsidized corporations, and singles out favored “friendly” organizations.
3/23: Partnering with our Allies to Fight COVID-19
Key Points:
- The federal government did an emergency international mission recently to receive 500,000 swabs and sample kits used in the COVID-19 testing process in order to amplify diagnostic testing supplies in the U.S.
- The supplies came from Italy and are now in Memphis, Tennessee, a prominent distribution center for FedEx.
3/22: What’s in the Senate’s Coronavirus Bill
While some provisions may be amended as the Senate negotiates on a compromise, this is what we’re seeing as of Sunday, March 22. While this is subject to change, many of these provisions may remain in the final compromise legislation.
3/20: What We’re Seeing in the Phase 3 Package to Protect Americans’ Health (So Far)
On Thursday afternoon, Senator McConnell introduced the Republican proposal for a Phase 3 package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While this package will change very soon due to ongoing negotiations (perhaps even as this is being sent!), we wanted to flag for you that the Senate’s new bill has three main components in the Medicare and health tax portion (Subtitle D):
- It Boosts Investments in Hospitals
- It Expands Access to Quality Care
- It Removes Limitations Employers and Individuals are Facing on Their HSA-eligible Plans
3/20: President Trump Gives Taxpayers Option to Extend Tax Filings to July 15
Key Information:
- Deadline extension will give everyone maximum flexibility to do what is best for them.
- Taxpayers who expect to get a refund are still encouraged to file their taxes.
- This action will help protect seniors and others who are more vulnerable and may need extra time and help filing their taxes.
- We are awaiting formal guidance from Treasury that changes the guidance issued on Thursday, March 20th.
3/20: Brady Supports President’s Decision to Give Taxpayers the Option to Extend Tax Filings to July 15
THE WOODLANDS, TX — The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced President Trump’s decision to move the deadline for tax filing to July 15. Taxpayers can still file their taxes and seek a refund now.
“I applaud the President and Secretary Mnuchin for extending further relief to families and businesses. This is smart and measured leadership in the face of the novel coronavirus….
3/19: House Republicans Praise Bicameral Partnership in Making Third COVID-19 Aid Package
Washington, D.C. – The top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (TX-08) and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following joint statement with Ranking Republican members from multiple House committees on the coronavirus response package, introduced today by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), which will enhance Congress’ bicameral and bipartisan effort to mitigate the spread and effects of COVID-19 on American families and businesses.
3/19: Ways and Means Leaders Urge Social Security Administration to Safeguard Health and Minimize Disruptions Amid Coronavirus Crisis
WASHINGTON, DC – House Ways and Means Committee Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) and Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), along with Social Security Subcommittee Republican Leader Tom Reed (R-NY) and Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT), Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Republican Leader Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul calling on SSA to continue their work to prioritize health and transparency in an effort to minimize disruptions as they administer vital services during the coronavirus crisis.
“We know the decision to close SSA field offices…was a difficult decision. … This move will save lives and will also protect the health of SSA frontline staff, whose public service is so critical,” the lawmakers wrote.
3/18: Families and Small Businesses get immediate relief from tax payments
Key Information:
- The Treasury Department today provided further guidance on their work to allow taxpayers to defer tax payments due to the novel coronavirus.
- This relief is targeted to provide taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 emergency with up to $300 billion in liquidity for the next couple of months.
- Who qualifies? Any individual who owes less than $1 million or corporation that owes less than $10 million.
- The relief will be automatically provided to taxpayers. No additional forms are required to be filed.
- The filing deadline for tax returns remains the same: April 15, 2020.
3/18: FAQ: Coronavirus Legislation
Ways and Means Republicans assembled a comprehensive FAQ to help explain how the federal government is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It covers what small businesses, seniors, and workers need to know and is broken into sections about what Congress has passed, what Congress is going to do next, and what the Administration has done to help Americans fight this global pandemic.
3/18: Washington Post Editorial Board: Trump and Congress are moving in the right direction to save the economy
“A CORONAVIRUS epidemic is now inevitable in the United States, but appropriate, large-scale public health measures can still forestall the worst scenarios. Similarly, economic damage is inevitable, yet large-scale monetary and fiscal measures can prevent the worst from happening in that realm…”
3/18: Phase III: Strong Economic Action to Stave COVID-19
Key Information:
- Congress and the Administration and set to begin negotiations on a “phase three” package aimed at securing our economy as communities work to fight the novel coronavirus.
- Secretary Mnuchin is aiming to have four key parts be included in this package:
- Support for parts of the economy that are seeing the greatest economic and financial loss;
- Stabilization of the money market mutual fund industry;
- Cash for workers and families; and
- More help for Main Street businesses.
3/17: Move to Expand Telehealth Makes Care Safer for Seniors
Key Information:
- Vulnerable seniors on Medicare need care, and providers must be able to focus on the most critical patients, especially during this national emergency.
- The Trump Administration has quickly acted on Congress’s work in the first coronavirus emergency supplemental to expand access to telehealth.
- Beginning on March 6, 2020, Medicare will temporarily broaden its policy to pay clinicians to provide telehealth services for seniors across the country.
3/17: Secretary Mnuchin Defers Tax Payments, Delivers Relief for Taxpayers & Small Businesses
Because many families, businesses, and tax preparers may be unable to meet their tax obligations despite their best efforts, President Trump is allowing “the Treasury Department to defer tax payments, without interest or penalties, for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted.”
Key Information:
The Treasury Secretary Has Deferred Tax Payments, and Waived Penalties
- Families and small businesses can defer tax payments for 90 days. This covers a broad range of Americans, including small businesses that file as individuals who owe up to $1 million, and other categories of small businesses, sole proprietors, and corporations owing up to $10 million.
- Penalties and interest that would otherwise apply during this nearly three-month period will be waived.
3/17: EXPLAINER: How We Ensured the Coronavirus Relief Bill Answered President Trump’s Call to Put Families First
President Trump called on Congress to take decisive action to provide relief for families and local businesses. After the President’s national address, Speaker Pelosi put forward a bill. House Republicans and Secretary Mnuchin worked to improve it. The goal? Focus on those who need relief most, as quickly as possible. A subsequent vote on a “technical fix” strengthened the bill’s assistance to small businesses further.
Key Information:
Now, families really do come first with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- Free Tests for COVID-19: We answered the President’s call to provide free tests for COVID-19
- Emergency Paid Leave for Workers: Many workers who become sick, or have to care for a loved one who falls ill, will have access to emergency paid leave
- Assistance for Small Businesses: Small businesses will receive flexibility and support to care for their employees and remain open
Below are resources to keep you up-to-date:
Coronavirus Guidelines for Americans from the White House
Guidance From the White House Coronavirus Task Force