Rush Applauds House Passage of $8.3 Billion Spending Package to Combat Coronavirus

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Bobbly L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in support of the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074), a robust spending package to fully fund federal coronavirus emergency response efforts and protect Americans from this deadly disease.  The supplemental passed the House by a vote of 415–2. 

“Although the risk for most Americans remains low, we must do more to stop the spread of the disease and to advance scientific research towards a potential treatment and vaccine,” said Rep. Rush.  “With the bipartisan passage of this $8.3 billion spending package, the House of Representatives has proven its commitment to not only containing this virus in the United States and around the world but also to developing a vaccine to combat this contagion.  I am hopeful that the Senate and the President share our same sense of urgency — the American cannot afford to wait.”

The emergency supplemental provides $8.3 billion in entirely new funding to combat the coronavirus epidemic, including:

• More than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics;
• $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, $950 million of which will specifically support state and local health agencies;
• Nearly $1 billion for the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to support healthcare preparedness and medical surge capacity; and
• $1.25 billion to secure Americans’ health by addressing the coronavirus overseas.

Rep. Rush also encouraged his constituents to take necessary preventative measures to protect themselves from coronavirus in an email earlier this week.

“Although the total number of coronavirus cases worldwide has reached over 80,000, there have only been four confirmed cases in the State of Illinois.  Nevertheless, it is critically important that we all stay informed and take everyday preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus,” stated Rep. Rush.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.  According to the CDC, best practices include:

• Clean your hands often with soap and water;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Minimize close contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home when you are sick, except for when receiving medical care;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash; and
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe;

For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/, and Illinois residents can  call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s coronavirus hotline at 1-800-889-3931.