Congressman Gonzalez Votes in Favor of Emergency Funding for Coronavirus

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) voted in favor of H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $8.3 billion in new funding to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic and will keep Americans safe.

This bill will give seniors access to telemedicine services for treatment, requires the Administration to reimburse health accounts used to pay for the COVID-19 response, and ensures state and local governments are reimbursed for costs associated with the federal response.

"Keeping the American people safe from any threat, biological or otherwise, is one of my highest priorities," said Congressman Gonzalez. "The bill we passed on Wednesday positions the United States to more adequately address the coronavirus threat and epidemic, develop treatments and vaccines, and give those affected the care that they need. I have faith in American medical ingenuity and the professionals who are working around the clock to keep us safe and contain this virus."

This emergency supplemental contains:

• $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics
• $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention and response
• $1.25 billion to address the threat of the coronavirus abroad and at home
• Almost $1 billion for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to support Community Health Centers

The bill is currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate. Upon passage, it will head to the president's desk for signature.

More information on the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act can be found here.