cbaker_admin
Wed, 07/29/2020 – 18:30
The Senate GOP’s coronavirus relief bill released Monday sets up new fights over health funding even as the pandemic continues to overwhelm the country. Senate Republicans are pitching a $25 billion boost to a hospital bailout fund, bringing the total to $200 billion when combined with past relief measures. That is well short of the $100 billion infusion the industry has demanded—and that Democrats provided in their relief bill, which passed largely along party lines in May. Republicans decided against boosting federal funds for Medicaid, despite bipartisan calls from governors warning they will have to cut benefits without more federal help. More dollars for coronavirus testing had appeared in jeopardy after the White House pushed Republicans to zero out funding. But as testing delays grew, Republicans rejected the demand and are including $16 billion more for testing, contact tracing and surveillance. Combined with money left over from previous relief packages, there would be $25 billion available for the public health measures. However, that number is well short of the $75 billion Democrats have pitched for those efforts.
