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!)
Explainers and FAQs
- Unemployment Insurance FAQs (NEW!)
- 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:
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