WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today voted in favor of the emergency supplemental funding package to help states treat, prevent, and prepare for the Coronavirus. The funding package passed the Senate by a vote of 96 to 1.
“With this additional funding, our country is even more prepared to limit the spread of the coronavirus, test those showing symptoms, and treat those suffering. The federal government has organized a comprehensive, expansive response to this public health emergency, and the funding my colleagues and I approved today will help states continue efforts to keep their communities safe. At the same time, while these are critical funds that will help states and agencies, we must remain vigilant and adapt as we move forward. This is an issue I continue to be very focused on, and I will continue to monitor and encourage coordination and communication between agencies at the federal level,” Senator Capito said.
A portion of the funding provided for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is specifically tied to the FY2019 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) grant awards for states and localities. In West Virginia, this means the state will receive at least $5 million in funding.
A detailed summary of the funding is available here.
BACKGROUND ON SENATOR CAPITO’S CORONAVIRUS EFFORTS:
Senator Capito continues to be focused on this issue, particularly in ensuring the appropriate agencies have the funding they need to mitigate the spread of the virus, test those feeling ill, and treat those infected. As chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Capito has made a point to ask the agencies she funds if they are prepared and ready to combat the coronavirus.
Additionally, Senator Capito has met with a number of officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (WVDHHS) Commissioner and State Health Officer Dr. Cathy Slemp, members of the Coronavirus Taskforce, and others on the issue.
Yesterday, Senator Capito asked various government officials about the role of the aviation industry in containing the spread of the disease.
On Tuesday, Senator Capito questioned Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administrator David Pekoske about TSA’s coordinating efforts with health agencies.
During a Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee hearing last week, Chairman Capito asked Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad Wolf about the department’s efforts to monitor and control the coronavirus.
# # #
