The Trump Administration Has Worked Tirelessly To Secure Free Testing, Paid Leave For Workers, Protections For Healthcare Workers And Emergency Funding To Counter The Coronavirus

The Facts:

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS SIGNED TWO CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILLS THAT WILL ENSURE FREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING, PAID LEAVE FOR WORKERS AND FUNDING FOR THE AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed an economic relief bill to help combat the coronavirus that provides paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expands food assistance and unemployment benefits and requires employers to provide additional protections for health care workers.

On March 6, 2020, President Trump signed an emergency spending bill that provided $8.3 billion in funding to federal agencies responsible for the coronavirus response.

The programs funded by the bill address issues such as developing, manufacturing, and procuring vaccines and other medical supplies; grants for state, local, and tribal public health agencies and organizations; loans for affected small businesses; evacuations and emergency preparedness activities at U.S. embassies and other State Department facilities; and humanitarian assistance and support for health systems in the affected countries.

PRESIDENT TRUMP DECLARED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY, OPENING ACCESS TO $50 BILLION IN FUNDING AND INVOKED THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT WHICH WILL EXPEDITE INDUSTRY PRODUCTION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

On March 13, the Trump Administration announced a national emergency declaration regarding coronavirus, opening access to up to $50 billion for emergency preparedness and coronavirus response efforts

Under the emergency order , the Secretary of HHS can immediately waive provisions of applicable laws and regulations to give doctors, hospitals and health care providers maximum flexibility to respond to the virus.

On March 18, 2020, President Trump announced he would invoke the Defense Production Act which would allow the Administration to force industry to manufacture medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS ENACTED SEVERAL TRAVEL BANS TO LIMIT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS WORKED TO PARTNER WITH PRIVATE INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO COUNTER THE VIRUS

The Administration has partnered with Google to develop a coronavirus screening website that will be dedicated to coronavirus education, prevention and local resources nationwide.

The Administration has also received commitments from grocery stores across the country to stay open throughout the crisis.

President Trump has met with top officials from banks and financial institutions and worked with them to mitigate economic pressure on consumers and small businesses.

President Trump has worked with drug companies & pharmaceutical retailers to speed the process of developing a vaccine and to expedite testing for the coronavirus.

The Trump Administration's Federal Communications Commission has worked with major broadband and telecom businesses to keep Americans connected by agreeing to not terminate services for customers, waiving late fees and opening access to public Wi-Fi.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS SIGNED TWO CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILLS THAT WILL ENSURE FREE CORONAVIRUS TESTING, PAID LEAVE FOR WORKERS AND FUNDING FOR THE AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

On March 18, 2020, President Trump Signed An Economic Relief Bill To Help Combat The Coronavirus That Ensured Free Testing And Paid Leave For Workers

The Bill Provides Sick Leave, Free Coronavirus Testing, Expands Food Assistance And Unemployment Benefits And Requires Employers To Provide Additional Protections For Health Care Workers. "This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/19/20)

The Bill Requires The Occupational Safety And Health Administration Issue An Emergency Temporary Standard That Requires Certain Employers To Develop And Implement A Comprehensive Infectious Disease Exposure Control Plan. "In addition, the bill requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard that requires certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect health care workers." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/19/20)

The Bill Specifically Includes Provisions That Provide Payments To Employees Taking Unpaid Leave Due To The Coronavirus Outbreak, Requires Employers To Provide Sick Leave To Employees, Establishes Requirements For Providing Coronavirus Diagnostic Testing At No Cost To Consumers, Temporarily Increases The Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage And Other Provisions. "The bill also includes provisions that establish a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the coronavirus outbreak, expand unemployment benefits and provide grants to states for processing and paying claims, require employers to provide paid sick leave to employees, establish requirements for providing coronavirus diagnostic testing at no cost to consumers, treat personal respiratory protective devices as covered countermeasures that are eligible for certain liability protections, and temporarily increase the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP)." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/19/20)

The Bill Also Provides Supplemental Appropriations For The USDA's Nutrition And Food Assistance Programs Including The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants And Children; The Emergency Food Assistance Program; And Nutrition Assistance Grants For U.S. Territories. "Specifically, the bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for nutrition and food assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and nutrition assistance grants for U.S. territories." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/19/20)

On March 6, 2020, President Trump Signed An Emergency Spending Bill That Provided $8.3 Billion In Funding To Federal Agencies Responsible For The Coronavirus Response

On March 6, 2020, President Trump Signed The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020. ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

"This Bill Provides $8.3 Billion In Emergency Funding For Federal Agencies To Respond To The Coronavirus Outbreak." "This bill provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the coronavirus outbreak." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

Within The Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS), The Bill Provides FY2020 Supplemental Appropriations For The Food And Drug Administration, The Centers For Diseases Control And Prevention, The National Institutes Of Health, And The Public Health And Social Services Emergency Fund. "Within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

In Addition, The Bill Provides Supplemental Appropriations For The Small Business Administration, The Department Of State, And The U.S. Agency For International Development. "In addition, the bill provides supplemental appropriations for the Small Business Administration, the Department of State, and the U.S. Agency for International Development." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

The Programs Funded By The Bill Address Issues Such As Developing, Manufacturing, And Procuring Vaccines And Other Medical Supplies; Grants For State, Local, And Tribal Public Health Agencies And Organizations; Loans For Affected Small Businesses; Evacuations And Emergency Preparedness Activities At U.S. Embassies And Other State Department Facilities; And Humanitarian Assistance And Support For Health Systems In The Affected Countries. "The programs funded by the bill address issues such as developing, manufacturing, and procuring vaccines and other medical supplies; grants for state, local, and tribal public health agencies and organizations; loans for affected small businesses; evacuations and emergency preparedness activities at U.S. embassies and other State Department facilities; and humanitarian assistance and support for health systems in the affected countries." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

The Bill Also Allows HHS To Temporarily Waive Certain Medicare Restrictions And Requirements Regarding Telehealth Services During The Coronavirus Public Health Emergency. "The bill also allows HHS to temporarily waive certain Medicare restrictions and requirements regarding telehealth services during the coronavirus public health emergency." ( Congress.gov , Accessed 03/18/20)

PRESIDENT TRUMP DECLARED A NATIONAL EMERGENCY, WHICH OPENED ACCESS TO $50 BILLION IN FUNDING, AND INVOKED THE DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT WHICH WILL EXPEDITE INDUSTRY PRODUCTION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

On March 13, The Trump Administration Declared A National Emergency Declaration Regarding Coronavirus, Which Has Opened Up Access To Up To $50 Billion For Emergency Preparedness And Coronavirus Response Efforts

On March 13, The Trump Administration Declared A National Emergency Declaration Regarding The Spread Of The Coronavirus. "NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 201 and 301 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) and consistent with section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5), do hereby find and proclaim that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency, beginning March 1, 2020." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

President Trump Announced That By Declaring A National Emergency He Was Opening Up Access To $50 Billion For States, Territories And Localities. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: "The action I am taking will open up access to up to $50 billion of very importantly - very important and a large amount of money for states and territories and localities in our shared fight against this disease." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

Additionally, The Administration Announced They Were Urging States To Set Up Emergency Operations Centers Immediately. TRUMP: "In furtherance of the order, I'm urging every state to set up emergency operation centers effective immediately." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

The Administration Asked Hospitals In The Country To Activate Their Emergency Preparedness Plans. TRUMP: "I'm also asking every hospital in this country to activate its emergency preparedness plan so that they can meet the needs of Americans everywhere." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

The Emergency Orders Issued By The Secretary Of Health And Human Services Also Conferred Broad Authority To The Secretary Of Health And Human Services. TRUMP: "The emergency orders I am issuing today will also confer broad new authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

Under The Emergency Order, The Secretary Of HHS Is Able To Immediately Waive Provisions Of Applicable Laws And Regulations To Give Doctors, Hospitals And Health Care Providers Maximum Flexibility To Respond To The Virus. TRUMP: "The Secretary of HHS will be able to immediately waive provisions of applicable laws and regulations to give doctors, hospital - all hospitals - and healthcare providers maximum flexibility to respond to the virus and care for patients." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

Authorities Conferred Included The Ability To Waive Laws To Enable Telehealth, The Power To Waive Certain Federal License Requirements And The Waiving Of Requirements Regarding Lengths Of Stay And Regarding Emergency Capacity Requirements. TRUMP: "The ability to waive laws to enable telehealth, a fairly new and incredible thing that's happened in the - in the not-so-distant past. I tell you, what they've done with telehealth is incredible. It gives remote doctors' visits and hospital check-ins. The power to waive certain federal license requirements so that doctors from other states can provide services and states with the greatest need. Number two. The ability to waive requirements that critical-access hospitals limit the number of beds to 25 and the length of stay to 96 hours. The ability to waive the requirements of a three-day hospital stay prior to admission to a nursing home. Big thing. The authority to waive rules that hinder hospitals' ability to bring additional physicians on board or obtain needed office space. They can do as they want. They can do what they have to do. They know what they have to do. Now they don't have any problem getting it done. The authority to waive rules that severely restrict where hospitals can care for patients within the hospital itself, ensuring that the emergency capacity can be quickly established." ( The White House , 03/13/20)

On March 18, 2020, President Trump Announced He Would Invoke The Defense Production Act Which Would Allow The Administration To Force Industry To Manufacture Medical Supplies Needed To Fight The Coronavirus

President Trump Announced He Would Invoke The Defense Production Act Which Would Allow The Administration To Force American Industry To Manufacture Medical Supplies In The Fight Against The Coronavirus Pandemic. "President Trump announced Wednesday that he will invoke the Defense Production Act (DPA), which would allow the administration to force American industry to manufacture medical supplies that are in short supply in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic." ( The Hill , 03/18/20)

The Act Which Was First Enacted In 1950 Will Streamline Production Of Medical Supplies And Require Businesses To Sign Contracts Or Fulfill Orders Deemed Necessary For National Defense. "The act, which was first enacted in 1950 as a response to the Korean War and has since been re-invoked more than 50 times since, will streamline production of medical supplies to help the country battle the coronavirus pandemic and require businesses to sign contracts or fulfill orders deemed necessary for national defense." ( Fox News , 03/18/20)

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS ENACTED SEVERAL TRAVEL BANS TO LIMIT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS

On March 18, 2020, President Trump Announced The Border With Canada Would Be Shut To Non Essential Traffic And That He Was Planning To Bar Entry To Migrants Crossing The US Southern Border

On March 18, 2020, President Trump Announced The U.S. Would Be Closing Its Northern Border With Canada To All Non-Essential Traffic. "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!" ( Twitter , 03/18/20)

Additionally, President Trump Confirmed That He Was Planning To Bar Entry to Migrants Crossing The US Southern Border Including Those Seeking Asylum In Order To Prevent The Spread Of The Coronavirus. "President Donald Trump confirmed he's planning to bar entry to migrants illegally crossing the US southern border, including those seeking asylum, in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 'The answer's yes,' Trump said at the White House when asked if he was planning to take that step, which he said would come 'very soon,' adding 'probably today.'" ( CNN , 03/18/20)

The Trump Administration Has Instituted A Travel Ban Barring Entry Of Non-American Travelers Who Have Been In Europe During The Preceding 14 Days

The Trump Administration Has Issued A Travel Ban From Europe Including The U.K. And Ireland, Countries Previously Exempted Under Prior Travel Bans. "The Trump administration said it was broadening travel restrictions from Europe to include the U.K. and Ireland, as countries across the globe raced to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate the economic damage. The expanded European travel restriction was made after a "unanimous recommendation" by health experts on the White House's coronavirus task force, Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday, though U.S. residents would be able to return." ( The Wall Street Journal , 03/14/20)

Under The Ban, The Entry Of All Foreign Aliens Who Have Been Present In Europe Within The Previous 14 Days Are Banned From Entry Into The United States. "Period Are Given the importance of protecting persons within the United States from the threat of this harmful communicable disease, I have determined that it is in the interests of the United States to take action to restrict and suspend the entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the Schengen Area during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States." ( The White House , 03/11/20)

The Schengen Area Of Europe Currently Has The Highest Number Of Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus Outside Of China. "Highest Number Of The World Health Organization has determined that multiple countries within the Schengen Area are experiencing sustained person-to-person transmission of SARS-CoV-2. For purposes of this proclamation, the Schengen Area comprises 26 European states: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Schengen Area currently has the largest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases outside of the People's Republic of China. As of March 11, 2020, the number of cases in the 26 Schengen Area countries is 17,442, with 711 deaths, and shows high continuous growth in infection rates. In total, as of March 9, 2020, the Schengen Area has exported 201 COVID-19 cases to 53 countries. Moreover, the free flow of people between the Schengen Area countries makes the task of managing the spread of the virus difficult." ( The White House , 03/11/20)

The Trump Administration Has Initiated Travel Bans And Quarantines Of Non-American Travelers From China And Iran

On January 31, 2020, The President Signed A Proclamation Suspending Entry Into The United States Of Foreign Nationals Who Pose A Risk Of Transmitting The 2019 Novel Coronavirus. "AZAR: "Additionally, the President has signed a presidential proclamation, using his authority pursuant to Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, temporarily suspending the entry into the United States of foreign nationals who pose a risk of transmitting the 2019 novel coronavirus." ( The White House , 01/31/20)

As A Result, Foreign Nationals Who Have Traveled To China Within The Last 14 Days Are Denied Entry Into The United States. "As a result, foreign nationals, other than immediate family of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, who have traveled in China within the last 14 days will be denied entry into the United States for this time." ( The White House , 01/31/20)

On February 29, 2020, The Trump Administration Announced Do Not Travel Warnings To Areas Of Italy And South Korea, Barred All Travel To Iran And Barred Entry Of Foreign Citizens Who Have Visited Iran Within The Last 14 Days. "Vice President Mike Pence said the administration was issuing its highest-level warning, known as a 'do not travel' warning, to areas of Italy and South Korea most affected by the virus. The United States is also barring all travel to Iran, and barring entry to any foreign citizen who has visited Iran in the last 14 days. There will also be screenings of travelers coming from Italy and South Korea." ( The New York Times , 02/29/20)

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS WORKED TO PARTNER WITH PRIVATE INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO COUNTER THE VIRUS

The Administration Has Partnered With Google To Develop A Coronavirus Screening Website Dedicated To Coronavirus Education, Prevention And Local Resources Nationwide

On March 15, 2020, Google Announced They Were Partnering With The U.S. Government to Develop A Website Dedicated To Coronavirus Education, Prevention And Local Resources Nationwide. "We're partnering with the U.S. government in developing a website dedicated to COVID-19 education, prevention, and local resources nationwide." ( Google , 03/15/20)

Google Announced Their Website Would Include Best Practices On Prevention, Links To Authoritative Information From The WHO And The Centers For Disease Control And Helpful Tips And Tools From Google For Individuals, Teachers And Business. "This includes best practices on prevention, links to authoritative information from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and helpful tips and tools from Google for individuals, teachers and businesses." ( Google , 03/15/20)

Google Will Be Rolling Out An Initial Version Of The Website Late Monday And Continue Enhance And Update It With More Resources On An Ongoing Basis. "We'll be rolling out an initial version of the website late Monday, March 16, and we'll continue to enhance and update it with more resources on an ongoing basis." ( Google , 03/15/20)

The Administration Has Also Received Commitments From Grocery Stores Across The Country To Stay Open Throughout The Crisis

The President Has Been In Contact With The Leadership Of Grocery Stores Across The Country. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: "I just had a phone call with very impressive people - the biggest in the world, in the world of stores and groceries and all. And I'll give you the names: Dave Clark, Whole Foods. Mark Clouse, CEO of Campbell Soup Company. Brian Cornell, CEO of Target. Randy Edeker, Chairman and CEO, President of Hy-Vee. Jeff Harmening, CEO of General Mills. A great company. Kevin Hourican, President and CEO of Sysco. Craig Jelinek, CEO of Costco. Todd Jones, CEO of Publix Super Markets. Donnie King, Tyson Foods. David MacLennan, Chairman and CEO of Cargill. Rodney McMullan, CEO, Chairman of Kroger - a big company. Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart. He's been fantastic. Doug was here, as you know, on Friday. And he watched the market go up 2,000 points. On Friday, it went up 2,000 - almost 2,000 points. Todd Vasos, CEO of Dollar General Corporation. And Vivek Sankaran, President and CEO of Albertsons." ( The White House , 03/15/20)

The Administration Has Received Commitments From These Grocery Stores To Stay Open Throughout The Crisis. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE: "As the President said, he received a commitment from those grocery store executives that stores will stay open throughout the days that lie ahead." ( The White House , 03/15/20)

Additionally, These Grocery Store Executives Also Reiterated Their Commitment To Continue To Support Local Food Banks Around The Country. "Also, very movingly, those same executives all reiterated their commitment to continue to support local food banks in the way that our grocers continue to do around America." ( The White House , 03/15/20)

President Trump Has Met With Top Officials From Banks And Financial Institutions And Worked With Them To Mitigate Economic Pressure On Consumers And Small Business

President Trump Met With Top Officials From The Following Banks And Financial Institutions On Ways To Mitigate Economic Pressure On Consumers And Small Business . ( The New York Times , 3/10/20)

Goldman Sachs, Bank of America

Wells Fargo

JPMorgan Chase

Citigroup

American Bankers Association

USBancorp

Truist (formed by the union of BB&T and SunTrust banks)

President Trump Has Worked With Drug Companies & Pharmaceutical Retailers To Speed The Process Of Developing A Vaccine And To Expedite Testing For The Coronavirus

During A White House Meeting The Following Drug Companies Agreed To Cooperate And Collaborate To Speed The Process Of Getting A Vaccine And Therapeutics To Victims Of The Virus. ( Reuters , 3/2/20)

Gilead Sciences Inc

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

Moderna Inc

GlaxoSmithKline Plc

Pfizer Inc

Johnson & Johnson

Sanofi SA

President Trump Has Worked With The Following Companies To Expedite Testing For The Coronavirus . ( USA Today , 3/14/20)

Walmart

Target

CVS

Walgreens

LabCorp

Quest Diagnostics

Roche Diagnostics

The Trump Administration's Federal Communications Commission Has Worked With Major Broadband And Telecom Businesses To Keep Americans Connected By Agreeing To Not Terminate Services For Customers, Waiving Late Fees And Opening Access To Public WiFi

The Federal Communications Commission Introduced A New Broadband And Telecom Industry Measure "Keep Americans Connected Pledge," Which Will Ask Companies To Not Terminate Service For Customers, Waive Late Fees Due To Economic Effects From The Virus, And Open Access To Public WiFi Hotspots For The Next 60 Days. "Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai introduced a new broadband and telecom industry measure on Friday called the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which is designed to rein in any potential abuses from US internet service providers during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic. The pledge, which is for the next 60 days, asks that companies not terminate service for residential or small business customers, waive any late fees incurred due to the economic effects of the virus, and open access to public Wi-Fi hotspots to 'any American who needs them.' So far, Pai says that virtually every major company in the US broadband and telecom businesses has committed to the pledge, including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

The Pledge Also Encourages To Suspend Data Caps, Not Charge Long- Distance And Overage Fees, And "Prioritize Connectivity To Health Care Providers And Hospitals." "Part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is also urging other companies to follow AT&T in suspending data caps as well as asking companies not to charge long-distance and overage fees and to prioritize connectivity to health care providers and hospitals. All of these policies should help alleviate issues stemming from the spike in work-from-home policies being instituted throughout the country to promote social distancing and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

"Part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge is also urging other companies to follow AT&T in suspending data caps as well as asking companies not to charge long-distance and overage fees and to prioritize connectivity to health care providers and hospitals. All of these policies should help alleviate issues stemming from the spike in work-from-home policies being instituted throughout the country to promote social distancing and help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus." ( The Verge , 3/13/20) So Far Every Major Company In The U.S. Broadband And Telecom Business Has Committed To The Keep Americans Connected Pledge, "Including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, And Verizon." "So far, Pai says that virtually every major company in the US broadband and telecom businesses has committed to the pledge, including AT&T, Charter, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sonic, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, among others." ( The Verge , 3/13/20)

Foreign Relations

China

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