Press Releases

The United States House of Representatives today approved a $7.8 billion emergency spending measure to support the coronavirus response with Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's (R-Ga.) support.

"I am relieved that Washington Democrats put their political games on hold and we were able to approve this clean funding bill to fight the coronavirus today," said Carter."This funding will work to make diagnostic tests more widely available, invest in vaccine development, prevent potential medical supply shortages, protect Americans abroad and support the state and local response efforts on the frontlines of the virus. 

As a pharmacist, I have had the privilege of serving patients in Southeast Georgia for more than 30 years. During my career, I never saw a disease discriminate based on political party. This is a public health emergency that has the potential to impact all Americans, and Congress must work together in a bipartisan fashion to continue to provide the support our medical professionals and responders on the ground need.

Remember, there is no reason to panic, just prepare. I am very glad the House approved this funding today to ensure we are prepared as we can be."

Carter has been at the forefront of the coronavirus response in the United States House of Representatives. He has been in constant contact with top health officials, including questioning Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar last week on readiness and speaking with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs on the phone today regarding the status of a vaccine for the virus. 

According to the House Appropriations Committee, the funding bill approved in the House today includes:

• More than $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available; to support treatments to ease the symptoms of those infected with the virus; and to invest in vaccine development and to procure vaccines when they are available. Funds are also made available for the Food and Drug Administration to protect the integrity of medical products manufactured overseas and identify and prevent potential shortages.
  
• $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a robust response, including:
  • Nearly $1 billion exclusively for state and local response efforts; and
  • $300 million for CDC’s Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to diseases – keeping our nation prepared and positioned for any health threat.
    
• $1.25 billion for the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to protect Americans abroad and prevent the spread of the virus worldwide, including:
  • $264 million to evacuate Americans and maintain consular operations overseas; and
  • $200 million for USAID’s Emergency Response Fund to prepare for and respond to emerging health threats – working to prevent the spread of illness and infection before it reaches U.S. soil.
    
• $20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus.