President Trump has signed into law a $484 billion aid package for small businesses and hospitals. The amendment to H.R.266 can be found here.
News and updates
House Passes COVID-19 “Phase 3.5”, Creates New Oversight Subcommittee
The House passed today a $484 billion aid package to provide relief to small businesses and healthcare providers. You can read more about the amendment to H.R.266 here.
President Trump is expected to sign the proposal into law.
Additionally, the House also voted to create a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. The Subcommittee will be part of the House Oversight Committee.
House Passes “Phase 3.5”
The House conducted a roll-call vote for the first time in nearly a month today to pass H.R. 266, the $484-billion measure that would add funds to the depleted Paycheck Protection Plan and send additional resources to hospitals as well as expand testing efforts. The Senate cleared the bill on Senate by unanimous consent. Both chambers are now once again holding only pro forma sessions.
Before voting on the legislation, the House approved the creation of a new oversight committee to oversee the administration of the COVID-19-related funds approved by Congress.
While discussions about a “Phase 4” bill are underway, it is unlikely that any formal movement will be seen until after both chambers fully return, which is not scheduled to occur until the first week of May.
President Trump Issues Immigration Executive Order
Earlier this evening, President Trump signed an executive order suspending “entry of immigrants who present risk to the U.S. labor market.” The order takes effect at 11:59 PM ET Thursday, April 23, and will be in place for 60 days. The suspension of entry could be extended, if he determines that it is warranted.
Executive Order on “Immigration Ban” Expected Today
Even though President Trump announced Monday that he would suspend immigration through an executive order, Administration officials were still working through the details Tuesday night and the order is expected to be officially signed today. The “ban” is actually expected to be a 60-day halt on certain kinds of “green card” applications and not a complete ban on the flow of individuals.
Read more about the “ban” here, here, and here.
We will provide further details as they become available.