Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. wants $8.5 billion in emergency funding to fight the coronavirus in the United States.
Schumer detailed his proposal in a statement released Wednesday.
“This proposal brings desperately-needed resources to the global fight against coronavirus.,” he said. “Americans need to know that their government is prepared to handle the situation before coronavirus spreads to our communities. I urge the Congress to move quickly on this proposal. Time is of the essence.”
The White House on Monday had sent congressional lawmakers a budget request for $2.5 billion to address the deadly outbreak.
Schumer’s proposal calls for $1.5 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including funds for the Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund.
“CDC is at the front lines of America’s domestic and international response to the coronavirus,” he said.
His proposal also includes $3 billion for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund that “helps drive our nation’s medical and public health preparedness.” The proposal calls for $2 billion for state and local reimbursement. “Many cities, like New York, have already spent millions on personnel, lab, equipment and supplies.” Schumer noted.
Also included is $1 billion for the National Institutes of Health for vaccine development and another $1 billion earmarked for the emergency reserve fund for the U.S. Agency of International Development.
On Tuesday, Schumer ripped President Donald Trump, saying the “administration has been caught “flat-footed” by the coronavirus outbreak. Trump blasted Schumer calling him “cryin’ Chuck Schumer.”
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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