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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Will Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Beneficiaries Receive the Recovery Rebate in the CARES Act? [Updated April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) provides emergency relief measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Section 2201 of the CARES Act provides recovery rebates, also known as Economic Impact Payments, for most individuals, structured as automatically advanced tax credits to be disbursed by the Treasury Department. This Insight addresses the recovery rebates from the perspective of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morton, William R.; Davies, Paul S., 1970-
2020-04-02
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COVID-19 and Direct Payments to Individuals: Summary of the 2020 Recovery Rebates in the CARES Act, as Circulated March 22 [March 23, 2020]
From the Document: "Legislative text of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, circulated on Sunday, March 22, 2020, proposes direct payments to individuals and families--'2020 recovery rebates.' This Insight provides a brief overview of the proposed 2020 recovery rebates included in the text circulated on March 22, which differ from those included in the legislation introduced on March 19. The proposed 2020 recovery rebates equal $1,200 per person ($2,400 for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return) and $500 per child. These amounts would phase down for higher-income taxpayers. These payments are structured as tax credits automatically advanced to households in 2020 'if they filed a 2019 income tax return' and would be received as a direct deposit or check by mail. If a 2019 return had not been filed, rebates would be advanced automatically based on 2018 return information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Crandall-Hollick, Margot L.
2020-03-23
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COVID-19 and Regulation of Public Drinking Water [March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "During infectious disease outbreaks, questions regarding public water supplies may emerge, as a safe and adequate water supply is a key component to protecting public health. As the United States and other countries respond to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), questions may arise regarding the potential for the COVID-19 virus to be present in public water supplies. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that 'Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.' To support water providers and others in addressing COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 19, 2020, issued interim guidance on water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus. The guidance states that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in water supplies and that the risk to water supplies is low based on current evidence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-03-26
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Retirement and Pension Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) [April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "Congress provides a variety of tax incentives for employers to offer retirement plans and for individuals to save for their retirement. In addition, a number of restrictions exist to ensure that retirement funds are used for retirement purposes. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) contains several provisions that affect pensions, retirement plans, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Among other provisions, the CARES Act includes an exemption to the 10% tax penalty for early withdrawals from retirement accounts for individuals affected by COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], one-year relief from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for all retirement plan account holders, and a delayed due date for employer contributions to private-sector defined benefit (DB) pension plans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Topoleski, John J.; Myers, Elizabeth A.
2020-04-01
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2020 Census Fieldwork Delayed by COVID-19 [April 2, 2020]
From the Introduction: "In a March 18, 2020, press release (CB20-RTQ.08), U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham announced that the bureau was suspending all 2020 census field operations until April 1 (but see the more detailed schedule, issued on March 21, below). This action, a response to the novel coronavirus disease first observed in 2019 (COVID-19) and designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, came at a critical time for the census. Although April 1 is the official Census Day, early data collection began in remote Toksook Bay, Alaska, on January 21. Other tightly timed field operations were underway or imminent, including the bureau's personal outreach to hard-to-count areas and groups. In-person visits to nonresponding households, originally set for mid-May, have been delayed by two weeks. Dr. Dillingham stated on March 18 that if 'additional adjustments' became necessary, the bureau would communicate them 'broadly and promptly.' The latest press release on the topic, dated March 28 (CB20-RTQ.14), announced an extended suspension of field operations, until April 15. The release did not present another revised schedule for the individual operations, but noted that the bureau 'continues to evaluate' them and 'will communicate any further updates as soon as possible.' This In Focus notes the various components of the bureau's 2020 census fieldwork, with their original and, as of March 21, adjusted schedules. Whether the bureau will have to make further adjustments in the timing of all, or some, components is uncertain. The In Focus will be updated to reflect any new delays or developments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Jennifer D.
2020-04-02
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Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19 [March 31, 2020]
From the Document: "The economic disruption from the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has led businesses and policymakers to ask whether insurance should cover associated losses. The loss of income from mandatory or voluntary closures, supply chain disruptions, and reduced demand due to social distancing measures may induce businesses of all sizes to seek compensation from insurers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Horn, Diane P.; Webel, Baird
2020-03-31
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CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) Section 4008: FDIC Bank Debt Guarantee Authority [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "Section 4008 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES; P.L. 116-136) authorizes the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) to guarantee certain deposits that are not eligible for regular FDIC deposit insurance due to the existing $250,000 per account insurance limit. This broadens FDIC authority from Section 1105 of P.L. 111-203 (Dodd-Frank Act) to establish a program that would guarantee bank debt in the event of a financial liquidity crisis. Section 4008 also preemptively grants the requisite congressional approval for any such program needed to respond to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak, provided the FDIC guarantee terminates no later than December 31, 2020. This Insight provides an overview of FDIC guarantees and Section 4008."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.
2020-04-02
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Federal Prisoners and COVID-19: Background and Authorities to Grant Release [Updated April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 18, 2020, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Michael Carvajal asking them to release federal prisoners who might be at risk of serious illness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and to reduce the intake of new prisoners to reduce overcrowding. The ACLU called on BOP to utilize authorities granted to it, such as compassionate release and home confinement for elderly offenders, to reduce the number of at-risk prisoners in the federal prison system. The ACLU also asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to direct the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to release from custody any individuals who are at risk of serious illness related to COVID-19, such as those who are elderly and/or have chronic health conditions. Multiple Members of Congress have additionally urged DOJ and its BOP to take steps 'to reduce the incarcerated population and guard against potential exposure to coronavirus,' and legislation has been introduced that would require the release of some prisoners during a national emergency relating to a communicable disease."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
James, Nathan; Foster, Michael A. (Legislative attorney)
2020-04-02
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Courts and COVID-19 [March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The spread of the respiratory disease COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] has prompted far-reaching responses affecting many areas of American life. As Americans strive to practice social distancing to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes the disease, the United States federal courts have implemented various measures designed to protect litigants, jurors, court personnel, and members of the public, and to reduce the obstacles to litigation arising from the pandemic. As this Sidebar discusses in more detail, the courts generally possess significant discretion to modify their procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are some areas where further changes would require congressional action."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lampe, Joanna R.
2020-03-30
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Coronavirus Relief Fund (CARES Act, Title V): Background and State and Local Allocations [April 1, 2020]
From the Summary: "The sudden decline in economic output following the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has significantly altered the fiscal outlook for state and local governments. A sizable share of economic output derives from state and local government activity. These governments are generally required to balance their operating budgets every one or two years. Early evidence suggests that the COVID-19 economic shock will have a notable impact on state and local budgets. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136), signed into law on March 27, 2020, created the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which provides $150 billion in direct assistance for domestic governments. The CARES Act stipulates that the $150 billion provided to the Coronavirus Relief Fund is allocated to governments in states, territories, and tribal areas as follows: (1) $139 billion is allocated to state governments in the 50 states, with allocations based on their populations and with no state receiving less than $1.25 billion; (2) $8 billion is set aside for governments in tribal areas; and (3) $3 billion is allotted to governments in territories, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2020-04-01
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Leave Provisions [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "This In Focus examines the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; P.L. 116-127) leave provisions, as amended by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136), and regulations published by the Department of Labor (DOL) on April 1, 2020. The FFCRA created two new and temporary leave benefits for eligible employees: (1) emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave to care for the employee's minor child whose school or place of care is closed, or whose care provider is unavailable due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (such leave is paid leave after an initial 10 days of unpaid leave), and (2) paid sick leave for certain COVID-19 related needs. The FFCRA included tax credit provisions to help employers (including the self-employed) cover costs related to paid leave. Both paid leave benefits took effect on April 1, 2020, and apply to leave between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Donovan, Sarah A.; Shimabukuro, Jon O.
2020-04-02
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Federal Executive Agencies: Selected Pay Flexibilities for COVID-19 Response [April 3, 2020]
From the Document: "On January 31, 2020, Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar declared a public health emergency for the United States in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To assist the federal government in responding to the emergency, Congress passed legislation that provides exemptions from certain pay limitations for employees in certain executive departments. In addition, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) notified executive agency heads about the procedures for requesting a salary offset (dual compensation) waiver for the reemployment of individuals in emergencies or other unusual circumstances without reduction or termination of annuity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2020-04-03
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Small Businesses and COVID-19: Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated April 9, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected websites and CRS products potentially relevant to small businesses that are directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and seeking economic relief and assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2020-04-09
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Supplemental Appropriations for Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration Due to COVID-19 [April 3, 2020]
From the Document: "In March 2020, Congress passed and the President signed three supplemental appropriations acts in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-127, and P.L. 116-136;). This In Focus summarizes $36 billion of appropriations and policy changes in the jurisdiction of the Agriculture appropriations subcommittees. These supplemental appropriations acts are referred to in this In Focus by order of passage (i.e., first, second, and third). For comparison, the regular annual Agriculture appropriations are discussed in CRS [Congressional Research Service] Report R45974, 'Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2020 Appropriations.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Monke, Jim
2020-04-03
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Support for Homeless Youth in the Context of COVID-19: A Brief Overview [April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "The federal government provides targeted support for homeless teens and young adults primarily through the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As part of the federal response to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, P.L. 116-136) includes provisions relevant to the RHY program. The CARES Act also includes provisions for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant and for Department of Education (ED) supports for homeless students in elementary and secondary education."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.
2020-04-01
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COVID-19: International Trade and Access to Pharmaceutical Products [March 30, 2020]
From the Document: "As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues, governments and the private sector have begun assessing the possibility of developing medical countermeasures (e.g., vaccines, antiviral treatments) to improve patient recovery rates and contain the virus's spread. Some Members of Congress have expressed concern about access to, and the affordability of, any potential countermeasures. As outlined in this CRS [Congressional Research Service] Sidebar, Congress can take, and has taken, several steps to address these issues, some of which may raise questions under U.S. law. This Sidebar addresses how certain congressional or executive actions intended to increase access to medical countermeasures might be viewed under the rules of the international trade regime, including: (1) exclusion from patent protection; (2) compulsory licensing of patented products; and (3) increasing domestic capacity."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2020-03-30
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National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers: COVID-19 Assistance [Updated April 3, 2020]
From the Introduction: "On January 31, 2020, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a Public Health Emergency (PHE). During this public health emergency, the Secretary of HHS has taken action to encourage the use of 'telehealth.' Telehealth generally refers to a health care provider's use of information and communication technology in the delivery of clinical and nonclinical health care services. The use of telehealth during public health emergencies can assist health care professionals with, for example, reserving in-person care for patients with critical health care needs and diminishing the spread of communicable diseases. Some stakeholders, however, are experiencing challenges with establishing, implementing, and offering virtual health care services through telehealth programs. This report provides a brief overview of the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers and describes its capacity to help various stakeholders adapt telehealth to provide care during national public health emergencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elliott, Victoria L.
2020-04-03
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COVID-19: Restrictions on Travelers at U.S. Land Borders [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "New actions by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic restrict the entry of certain foreign nationals into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have recently issued orders regarding travelers arriving at land ports of entry (POEs) at both the northern and southern borders of the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Singer, Audrey
2020-04-02
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National Guard in the COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Framework for Action [April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "The Guard is an adaptable tool at the disposal of State Governors and, when 'federalized,' at the disposal of the President to respond to a range of threats to the security of the U.S. populace. [...] The Stafford Act allows the U.S. government to provide assistance to state and local governments after a disaster or during an emergency, to include funding National Guard state active duty for a state mission or FTNGD-OS [full-time National Guard duty for operational support] for a federal mission. DOD's DSCA [Defense Support of Civil Authorities] policy allows it to assist states if reimbursed by another federal agency, such as FEMA (DOD Directive (DODD) 3025.18)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ott, Alan
2020-04-01
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COVID-19: Potential Impacts on the Electric Power Sector [April 1, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could impact the electric power sector directly (e.g., illness in the workforce) or indirectly (e.g., reduced economic activity caused by responses by governments, businesses, and the public at large). In the near-term (i.e., the next few weeks), most impacts will likely be caused by reduced economic activity. Long-term impacts are highly uncertain and likely depend on the pandemic's ultimate toll on U.S. public health and the economy. Potential impacts include reduced electricity demand, electric reliability risks, reduced utility bill payments, and delayed or reduced industry investment activity. Congress could choose to address these issues, or related issues, in future bills addressing the pandemic, in annual appropriations (which are currently being discussed for FY2021), in supplemental appropriations bills, or in other legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Ashley J.
2020-04-01
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National Cemetery Administration and Department of Defense Response to COVID-19 Regarding Funerals and Military Honors [April 3, 2020]
From the Overview: "The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is responsible for providing interment benefits to eligible veterans and dependents and for administering America's national veterans' cemeteries. Veteran benefits for interment in a national cemetery include the gravesite and grave liner, opening and closing of the grave, government headstone or marker, U.S. burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and the perpetual care of the gravesite. These benefits are provided at no cost to the family. NCA operates 142 national cemeteries and 133 soldiers' lots and monuments sites in 40 states and Puerto Rico. Over 4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in one of NCA's sites. As localities grapple with the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), NCA has temporarily adjusted its procedures regarding burials scheduled to take place in a national cemetery."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salazar, Heather M.; Torreon, Barbara Salazar
2020-04-03
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COVID-19: Defense Support of Civil Authorities [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. military has a long history of providing support to civil authorities, particularly in response to disasters or emergencies (examples include responding to yellow fever epidemics in 1873 and 1878). The Department of Defense (DOD) defines defense support of civil authorities as 'Support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DOD civilians, DOD contract personnel, DOD Component assets, and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Governors of the affected States, elects and requests to use those forces in Title 32, U.S.C., status) in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or from qualifying entities for special events.' (DOD Directive 3025.18, 18.) Defense support of civil authorities for major incidents is typically carried out in accordance with the National Response Framework (NRF), which is 'a guide to how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies.' (NRF, p. 2) Among other things, it establishes broad lines of authority for federal government agencies to prepare for and respond to any terrorist attack, major disaster, or other emergency."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kapp, Lawrence; Ott, Alan
2020-04-02
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COVID-19: China Medical Supply Chains and Broader Trade Issues [April 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first in China, and then globally, including in the United States, is drawing attention to the ways in which the U.S. economy depends on manufacturing and supply chains based in China. This report aims to assess current developments and identify immediate and longer range China trade issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Sutherland, Michael D.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2020-04-06
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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136): Selected Provisions on Federal Hiring [April 10, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted as P.L. 116-136 on March 27, 2020. The law establishes new hiring authorities for several federal executive branch departments and agencies: the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The law also authorizes a Special Inspector General and a Congressional Oversight Commission and provides authorities for establishing those entities with needed personnel."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2020-04-10
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COVID-19: The Drug Enforcement Administration's Regulatory Role [April 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused strain on many health care and medical facilities around the country, and some doctors and pharmacists have altered conventional practice to accommodate the needs of patients during this public health emergency. Changed practices include maintaining increased supplies of Schedule II controlled substances needed for intubation at hospitals and increasing the use of telemedicine as an alternative to in-person patient visits with a provider. Such changes require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to make exceptions to Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regulatory requirements. DEA has made these and other accommodations during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This Insight focuses on DEA's regulatory role and how related polices have changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also plays a significant role in regulating the nation's drug supply, but is only briefly mentioned here."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sacco, Lisa N.
2020-04-09
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Funding for HUD in the CARES Act [April 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Division B of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided $12.4 billion in additional FY2020 funding for several Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and activities. The funds are generally for one of three broad purposes: to provide additional resources to meet emerging needs, to support existing rental assistance programs, or to provide additional administrative capacity and oversight. Three-quarters of the funding can be considered new resources to meet emerging needs, with most of the remaining funding supporting rental assistance programs. HUD has announced allocations of some grant funding provided by the law."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Jones, Katie; Perl, Libby . . .
2020-04-07
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Interaction of International Tax Provisions with Business Provisions in the CARES Act [Updated April 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) included two general tax benefits for business: net operating losses (NOLs) and interest deductions, which reduce taxable income and tax liability. These provisions may interact with existing international tax provisions enacted in the 2017 tax revision, popularly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA (P.L. 115-97). The TCJA also decreased tax rates, including reducing the corporate rate from 35% to 21%."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-04-10
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and COVID-19 [Updated April 8, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not currently have a specific standard that protects healthcare or other workers from airborne or aerosol transmission of disease or diseases transmitted by airborne droplets. Some in Congress, and some groups representing healthcare and other workers, are calling on OSHA to promulgate an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect workers from exposure to SARS-Cov-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) gives OSHA the ability to promulgate an ETS that would remain in effect for up to six months without going through the normal review and comment process of rulemaking. OSHA, however, has rarely used this authority in the past--not since the courts struck down its ETS on asbestos in 1983."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Szymendera, Scott
2020-04-08
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PREP Act and COVID-19: Limiting Liability for Medical Countermeasures [April 8, 2020]
From the Document: "To encourage the expeditious development and deployment of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency, the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to limit legal liability for losses relating to the administration of medical countermeasures such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. In a February 4, 2020 Declaration (the HHS Declaration), the Secretary of HHS invoked the PREP Act and declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a public health emergency warranting liability protections for covered countermeasures. Under the HHS Declaration, covered persons are generally immune from legal liability (i.e., they cannot be sued for money damages in court) for losses relating to the administration or use of covered countermeasures against COVID-19. The sole exception to PREP Act immunity is for death or serious physical injury caused by 'willful misconduct.' However, individuals who die or suffer serious injuries directly caused by the administration of covered countermeasures may be eligible to receive compensation through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.
2020-04-08
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Iraq and U.S. Policy [Updated April 9, 2020]
From the Document: "Iraqi authorities have instituted curfews and travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic, which poses serious public health, economic, and fiscal risks for the country. Public health measures to slow the spread of the disease have diminished participation in the protest movement that has swept central and southern Iraq since October 2019. Security forces and militia members killed hundreds of protestors and wounded thousands in Baghdad and several southern Iraqi cities, fueling calls for the ouster of the ruling elite. While crowds have dispersed, protestors' demands for systemic change and an end to corruption and foreign interference remain unmet. Meanwhile, intense U.S.-Iranian confrontation has reinvigorated some Iraqis' efforts to drive U.S. and other foreign forces out of Iraq."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-04-09
