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COVID-19: Support for Mortgage Lenders and Servicers [April 7, 2020]
From the Document: "The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the economy in numerous ways. Many states have issued some variation of a lockdown, restricting when citizens can leave their home and limiting business operations to critical services, such as groceries or pharmacies. Many businesses have closed operations, while others have reduced their workforce considerably. As a result, jobless claims have increased since the outbreak, leaving many consumers struggling to meet their financial obligations. One of the most significant financial obligations consumers are struggling to meet is their mortgage or rent payments. In the past three weeks, banking regulators have taken measures to provide consumers relief through payment deferral and loan modification plans. [...] Federal housing agencies issued a 60-day moratorium on foreclosures and evictions on March 18. In addition, Congress passed the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act (P.L. 116-136), which contains provisions allowing consumers to enter into forbearance (payment deferment) agreements on certain qualifying mortgages and temporarily suspend certain foreclosures and evictions. If, however, missed loan payments generate mounting losses on depository institutions (i.e., banks and credit unions), their capital can erode quickly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Scott, Andrew P.; Getter, Darryl E.
2020-04-07
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Webcasting in the Time of COVID-19: Copyright Implications of Remote Worship & Distance Learning [April 3, 2020]
From the Document: "Unauthorized public performance or display of a copyrighted work generally gives rise to liability for copyright infringement; however, current law exempts certain activities from infringement when performed in person. For example, singing a copyrighted hymn or performing a religious work during a religious service at a place of worship is exempted from infringement liability, as is the performance or display of a copyrighted work by an instructor while teaching in the classroom. As a result of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] social distancing policies, however, groups have begun webcasting what were previously in-person gatherings. ('Webcasting' is the practice of broadcasting an event live over the internet.) Places of worship may webcast their usual religious services. Schools and universities may webcast classes. Copyright law, however, treats transmissions like webcasting differently than in-person activities in some circumstances. Thus, certain activities generally exempt from copyright liability when performed in person may be infringing when they are transmitted or webcast over the internet. This Sidebar provides a background on copyright law before outlining possible approaches to exempting transmission of these events from copyright infringement liability."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Richards, Kevin T.
2020-04-03
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COVID-19: The Basics of Domestic Defense Response [Updated April 3, 2020]
From the Document: "As the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has unfolded, Congress has considered how the Department of Defense (DOD) might support the U.S. government's domestic response. Below are the funding, authorities, and descriptions of potential ways DOD might further contribute. Links in this product connect to more detailed information on the highlighted subjects. President Donald J. Trump declared a U.S. national emergency on March 13, 2020. On Friday, March 20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency assumed the lead agency role in the Coronavirus Task Force under the National Response Framework (NRF) for national emergencies. DOD participates in the national response within the NRF."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Vassalotti, Michael J.; Cecire, Michael H.; Kapp, Lawrence . . .
2020-04-03
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COVID-19: The Employee Retention Tax Credit [March 31, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) includes an employee retention payroll tax credit intended to help businesses retain employees during the Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, public health emergency. Employee retention remains a policy concern, as a number of economic sectors have announced layoffs resulting from the COVID-19 induced economic fallout. Unemployment insurance claims have surged following these widespread layoffs. This Insight summarizes the employee retention tax credit in the CARES Act, makes comparisons to previous employee retention tax credits enacted as disaster tax relief, and highlights some economic and policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.
2020-03-31
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COVID-19: The Financial Industry and Consumers Struggling to Pay Bills [Updated March 31, 2020]
From the Document: "A growing number of cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been identified in the United States, significantly impacting many communities. For background on the coronavirus, see CRS In Focus IF11421, 'COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses', by Sara M. Tharakan et al. While this situation is evolving rapidly, the economic impact may be large due to illnesses, quarantines, and other business disruptions. Consequently, many Americans may lose income and face financial hardship due to the coronavirus outbreak. This Insight focuses on regulatory and policy responses relating to the financial services industry for consumers who may have trouble paying their bills."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2020-03-31
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Tax Treatment of Net Operating Losses (NOLs) in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act [March 31, 2020]
From the Document: "Increased benefits from net operating losses (NOLs) had been discussed as part of the response to the economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) included a provision increasing tax benefits for NOLs. This revision temporarily suspends current rules that were last revised in the 2017 tax revision, popularly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) (P.L. 115-97)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gravelle, Jane
2020-03-31
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Legal Issues Related to the COVID-19 Outbreak: An Overview [Updated March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak has rapidly shifted the congressional agenda in recent weeks, while altering the daily lives of millions of American residents. Alongside the many medical, economic, social, and public policy questions raised by the pandemic are a range of legal issues. These include both short-term legal questions related to the unfolding outbreak as well as longer-term legal issues that are anticipated to persist in the wake of the crisis. Among the most immediate questions are those related to the scope of state and federal authorities concerning quarantine measures, travel and entry restrictions, the movement of medical goods, health care coverage, and the like. Of more ongoing concern may be legal issues ranging from those related to the development of vaccines, testing, treatments, and other medical countermeasures, to postponing national elections, to civil liability for COVID-19 exposure, to criminal actions related to hoarding and price gouging, to providing economic assistance to individuals and businesses, to foreclosure, eviction, and debt collection moratoria. This Legal Sidebar provides a list of legal resources discussing these and other legal topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be updated intermittently as additional legal issues emerge."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lewis, Caitlain Devereaux
2020-03-26
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Entry Restrictions at the Northern and Southern Borders in Response to COVID-19 [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "In response to the global spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the federal government has issued several orders restricting the entry of foreign nationals into the United States. Many of these restrictions were implemented through President Trump's authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to suspend the entry of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) whose entry the President 'finds ... would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.' One proclamation issued on January 31, 2020, suspends the entry of foreign nationals who have been in mainland China within the prior 14 days. A second proclamation issued on February 29, 2020, suspends the entry of foreign nationals who have been in Iran in the prior 14 days. Two more proclamations issued in March 2020 restrict the travel of foreign nationals from countries in the Schengen Area, Ireland, and the United Kingdom within the prior 14 days. The Trump Administration has taken further action, relying on authority outside INA Section 212(f), to restrict the movement of foreign nationals over land borders into the United States. Two orders restrict non-essential travel by foreign nationals into the United States through ports of entry on the land borders with both Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued an order (along with implementing regulations) suspending the 'introduction' of foreign nationals from countries with COVID-19. These new orders raise a number of legal issues--most notably their effect on migrants seeking asylum in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Santamaria, Kelsey Y.; Harrington, Ben
2020-04-02
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COVID-19 and Stock Market Stress [April 3, 2020]
From the Document: "Induced by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the longest U.S. stock market bull run of 11 years ended in mid-March, the quickest drawdown on record (Figure 1). The market subsequently rebounded, responding to the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package (P.L. 116-136). The swing of stock prices has created unprecedented 'volatility', a risk metric that measures the degree of price dispersion. This Insight explains the function of the U.S. stock market, the different ways to view stock pricing, and how certain pandemic-induced conditions could affect policymaking. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary regulator of U.S. capital markets."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Su, Eva
2020-04-03
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Economic Development Administration and the CARES Act (P.L. 116-136) [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "States and communities will be able to apply for funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to plan and implement economic recovery strategies in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) includes $1.5 billion for EDA to administer grants through its established Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. For years the EAA has been used to address ongoing economic restructuring needs. In FY2018 and FY2019, Congress used the EAA to fund economic recovery and resiliency efforts following select natural disasters. The base EAA program supports coordinated, longterm strategies to address economic injury and create new opportunities. As a flexible program, the EAA can channel funds to community-specific initiatives and to meet a variety of industry needs for both rural and urban communities. EAA can be used for infrastructure or broadband projects aimed at diversification, entrepreneurship, or creating new modes of commerce. The EAA can also be used for non-construction, planning, and implementation activities that support businesses and jobs. For instance, the EAA can be used to increase access to business capital or enhance the resiliency of business operations. This Insight considers the role of the EAA in the economic development response to the coronavirus pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawhorn, Julie M.
2020-04-02
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COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Commission (COC) [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law (P.L. 116-136). Section 4020 of Title IV, Subtitle A, the Coronavirus Economic Stabilization Act of 2020, established a five-member Congressional Oversight Commission (COC) as one of several oversight mechanisms. The COC is to 'conduct oversight of the implementation of this subtitle by the Department of the Treasury and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,' report to Congress on the Treasury Secretary's and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors' actions, and review the federal government's implementation of the act."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Straus, Jacob R.; Egar, William T.
2020-04-02
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Domestic Violence in the Context of COVID-19 [April 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Domestic violence (DV), also referred to as intimate partner violence, affects approximately one-third of women and men over their lifetimes in the United States. Empirical research and anecdotal information from organizations that serve DV victims indicate that disasters and emergencies can heighten the frequency and severity of abuse. This Insight provides background about DV in the context of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and the current federal response to supporting victims, primarily through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The CARES Act (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act; P.L. 116-136) provides additional funding under FVPSA and includes a VAWA-related provision. Other coronavirus response packages to date (P.L. 116-123, P.L. 116-127) did not address domestic violence. If Congress wishes to consider further emergency relief or other actions to address the needs of DV victims during the pandemic, it may do so through FVPSA, VAWA, and VOCA programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fernandes-Alcantara, Adrienne L.; Sacco, Lisa N.
2020-04-10
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COVID-19 and Foreign Assistance: Issues for Congress [April 6, 2020]
From the Document: "As Congress considers policy responses to the global spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Members of Congress may consider the impact of the pandemic on U.S. foreign assistance agencies and programs, and explore the pandemic's influence on U.S. foreign aid priorities. This analysis focuses on current pandemic-related personnel and program issues at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other U.S. foreign assistance agencies, and identifies potential concerns about the pandemic's effect on U.S. global development strategies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Nick M.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo; Morgenstern, Emily M.
2020-04-06
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CARES Act Eviction Moratorium [April 7, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has disrupted business operations nationwide, leading to dramatic job losses that threaten the ability of many to meet their financial obligations, including housing rental payments. To aid individuals and businesses harmed by the pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136). Section 4024 of the CARES Act provides a temporary moratorium on eviction filings as well as other protections for tenants in certain rental properties with federal assistance or federally related financing. These protections are designed to alleviate the economic and public health consequences of tenant displacement during the COVID-19 outbreak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
McCarty, Maggie; Carpenter, David Hatcher
2020-04-07
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COVID-19 and Short-Run Federal Deficits [April 7, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak and ensuing economic shock may have major effects on future federal budget deficits (the amounts by which annual outlays exceed annual revenues). The latest federal budget baselines from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) use economic forecasts produced before the COVID-19 outbreak; baselines with updated forecasts would typically not be expected for several months, though agencies could decide to provide updates sooner. This Insight briefly discusses the effects that recent economic and legislative developments may have on short-term federal budget outcomes."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.
2020-04-07
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Effects of COVID-19 on the Federal Research and Development Enterprise [April 10, 2020]
From the Document: "The federal research and development (R&D) enterprise is a large and complex system that includes government facilities and employees as well as federally funded work in industry, academia, and the non-profit sector. The nation's response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting the federal R&D enterprise, and the federal government and others are trying to address those effects. A number of congressional and other policy issues may arise as the situation develops."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.); Sargent, John F., Jr.
2020-04-10
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Eligibility of Religious Organizations for the CARES Act's Paycheck Protection Program [April 9, 2020]
From the Document: "The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) contained a number of provisions authorizing the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide economic relief to small organizations. One such provision, Section 1102 of the CARES Act, established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which expands the SBA's authority to guarantee loans under Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act, discussed in more detail in this CRS Report. Another provision, Section 1110 of the CARES Act, expands the SBA's authority to grant Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) under Section 7(b)(2) of the Small Business Act, discussed in this CRS Report. After the CARES Act was signed into law, there was some uncertainty about whether religious organizations, including churches and other houses of worship, would be eligible for the new PPP or EIDL relief. [...] This Legal Sidebar discusses legal considerations related to religious organizations' eligibility for SBA aid. Specifically, this Sidebar explores possible considerations under the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, both of which are implicated when public funds are provided to religious organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brannon, Valerie C.
2020-04-09
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CARES Act (P.L. 116-136): Provisions Designed to Help Banks and Credit Unions [April 7, 2020]
From the Document: "Individuals and businesses have significantly reduced economic activity in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, potentially inflicting unanticipated losses on banks and credit unions and possibly putting them in financial distress. Because these institutions are vital to the functioning of the economy, the government has created 'safety nets' to prevent them from failing and to protect depositors. To reduce the likelihood that these safety nets need to be used, the depository regulators have implemented 'safety and soundness' regulations, which include rules related to banks' lending, capital, and liquidity. Regulators also have the authority to supervise banks, which includes the periodic collection and examination of banks financial information. As part of Congress's response to COVID-19, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) includes four sections--4011, 4012, 4013, and 4014--that temporarily relax some of the regulations banks face."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Perkins, David W.; Gnanarajah, Raj; Getter, Darryl E.
2020-04-07
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Community Development Block Grants and the CARES Act [April 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD's) Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) can be employed by states and local units of government to support economic and community development efforts in response to the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136) includes $5 billion for the Community Development Fund, enabling additional HUD support for CDBG grantees. This Insight provides an overview of the conventional CDBG program, considers how CDBG funds may be used to support community and economic development efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses provisions in the CARES Act pertaining to CDBG."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jaroscak, Joseph V.
2020-04-06
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COVID 19: Consumer Loan Forbearance and Other Relief Options [Updated June 2, 2020]
From the Summary: "A growing number of reported Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases have been identified in the United States, significantly impacting many communities. This situation is evolving rapidly, and the economic impact has been large due to illnesses, quarantines, social distancing, local stay-at-home orders, and other business disruptions. Consequently, many Americans will lose income and face financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many consumers may have trouble paying their loan obligations, such as mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards. Due to increasing hardship, 'loan forbearance' has become a common form of consumer relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Loan forbearance plans are agreements that allow borrowers to reduce or suspend payments for a short period of time, providing extended time for consumers to become current on their payments and repay the amounts owed. These plans do not forgive unpaid loan payments and tend to be appropriate for borrowers experiencing temporary hardship. Loan forbearance may become a less viable option to deal with the financial ramifications of COVID-19 if the pandemic causes prolonged disruptions, such as persistent elevated levels of unemployment or permanent business closures."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.; Getter, Darryl E.; Gnanarajah, Raj . . .
2020-06-02
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COVID-19: U.S. Public Health Data and Reporting [Updated June 4, 2020]
From the Document: "The daily updated counts of cases and deaths during the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic have served as important indicators throughout the crisis--informing policy decisions, research, and public awareness. Ongoing data collection, or 'surveillance', is a key component of public health practice. As the nation's lead public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has sought to conduct surveillance within the U.S. system of federalism where many public health authorities are based in state law. Some observers have called for improved public health surveillance during the pandemic; this Insight provides an overview of the current systems and policy considerations for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sekar, Kavya
2020-06-04
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Legal Issues in COVID-19 Vaccine Development [June 8, 2020]
From the Summary: "Private companies, universities, and governmental entities are working to develop a vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccines are biological products regulated under the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). New vaccines must generally be licensed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be marketed and used in the United States. To obtain licensure, the vaccine must be tested in human subjects through clinical trials. The clinical trials inform the dosing schedule and labeling that will be used for the approved vaccine. Sponsors use the data from clinical trials, along with other information, to prepare a biologics license application (BLA) to submit to FDA. FDA approves the BLA if it determines that the vaccine is safe, potent, and pure. Because the development and review process can be lengthy, the FD&C Act provides several avenues to accelerate this process for pharmaceutical products intended to treat or prevent serious diseases or conditions. FDA may grant fast track product and breakthrough-therapy designation at the sponsor's request for products that are intended to fill an unmet need or improve on existing therapies. Both designations entitle the sponsor to increased communication with FDA regarding the clinical trial design and data collected, as well as rolling review of the BLA. Products may also qualify for accelerated approval based on intermediate or surrogate endpoints likely to predict a clinical benefit. In addition, FDA may designate products for priority review."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hickey, Kevin J.; Ward, Erin H.
2020-06-08
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Federal Reserve's Response to COVID-19: Policy Issues [June 12, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to the economy. The Federal Reserve (Fed) has taken multiple policy actions in response to the crisis, and Congress has taken the unprecedented step of providing up to $500 billion to the Treasury to support Fed programs through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748, CARES Act), signed into law as P.L. 116-136 on March 27, 2020. The Fed has taken a number of steps to promote economic and financial stability in both its monetary policy and its 'lender of last resort roles'. Some of these actions are intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates, and others are intended to provide liquidity so firms have access to needed funding. The Fed acts as a lender of last resort for banks by making short-term loans through the discount window, which it encouraged banks to access and made the borrowing terms more attractive when the pandemic began. Because foreign banks are reliant on U.S. dollar funding but cannot borrow from the discount window, the Fed has also allowed foreign central banks to swap their currencies for hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars so that the central banks can lend those dollars to banks in their jurisdiction."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-06-12
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COVID-19: Remote Voting Trends and the Election Infrastructure Subsector [June 10, 2020]
From the Summary: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated the systems and assets used to administer elections as a critical infrastructure subsector in 2017. The federal elections policy framework--including infrastructure protection--has generally assumed in-person voting at official polling places as the primary means of elections administration. Therefore, infrastructure security efforts have focused on reducing risk to existing systems and assets such as voter registration databases, voting machines, polling places, and elections storage facilities. However, recent elections cycles have witnessed increased use of alternatives to in-person voting. Public health concerns about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have accelerated consideration of remote voting options as many voters have sought to avoid the possible health risks of crowded polling places. Elections authorities have invested in new physical and cyber infrastructures to reduce in-person interactions throughout all phases of the election cycle, including but not limited to the casting of ballots on Election Day. These efforts have focused on universal mail voting--the only form of remote voting in wide use. (Some states provide for electronic marking and return of ballots in certain limited cases.) The rapid pursuit of expanded mail voting and development of accompanying infrastructures during the pandemic has presented near-term technical, logistical, administrative, and security challenges to the election infrastructure subsector (EIS)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Brian E.
2020-06-10
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COVID-19 Electric Utility Disconnections [June 9, 2020]
From the Introduction: "To limit the spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in the United States, many state and local governments required or encouraged residents to stay at home as much as possible during March, April, and May 2020. These actions increased interest in residential utility service access, especially water and electricity. Many utilities, local governments, and state governments have implemented policies to suspend disconnections for nonpayment (i.e., when utility service is stopped after customers fail to fully pay a utility bill). These policies are known as disconnection moratoria. [...] This report discusses the status of electric utility disconnection moratoria during the COVID-19 emergency, and potential policy considerations that could arise, especially if moratoria remain in place for an extended period of time. The focus of this report is implications for residential customers and utilities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Campbell, Richard J.; Lawson, Ashley J.
2020-06-09
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COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses [Updated June 12, 2020]
From the Overview: "Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) is believed to have emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, and it has since spread around the globe. Confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are most numerous in the United States, Russia, and Brazil (Figure 1). As of June 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 7.4 million people had contracted COVID-19 worldwide, and that over 400,000 people had died from it. WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30 and labeled it a 'pandemic' on March 11."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Gottron, Frank . . .
2020-06-12
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COVID-19: Selected Federal Resources for Businesses Seeking to Assist with Research and Manufacturing Efforts [June 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Some U.S. businesses have been engaging in research or retooling their manufacturing operations, supply chains, or products to assist with fighting the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected federal resources potentially relevant to businesses that seek to support COVID-19 mobilization efforts. At the subfederal level, state and local economic development or commerce agencies may be valuable general resources for new and established enterprises. A few local and state governments have created their own COVID-19 grants for businesses to ramp up production of critical supplies, such as personal protective equipment. These kinds of state or local government initiatives may vary widely; in many jurisdictions, they may not exist at all."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kreiser, Maria
2020-06-10
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Larger Businesses and COVID-19: Financial Relief and Assistance Resources [Updated June 11, 2020]
From the Document: "This CRS [Congressional Research Service] Insight presents selected resources and CRS products potentially relevant to medium and large businesses directly affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic seeking economic relief and assistance. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, contains provisions to assist businesses. This Insight focuses on potential sources of assistance designated for medium and large businesses that do not qualify for Small Business Administration programs or other assistance programs for small businesses."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jennings, Julie; Murray, Justin
2020-06-11
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COVID-19 and Workplace Liability: Selected Issues Under Antidiscrimination Laws [May 18, 2020]
From the Document: "The COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has forced unprecedented workplace changes and raised a host of legal issues. Employers may struggle with how to protect workers from infection, including whether to make any special changes for at-risk employees. Employers may worry about workers' well-being, disruptions from absenteeism, and potential liability if an employee falls ill. Federal law requires reasonable accommodations for one risk group, people with disabilities. At the same time, antidiscrimination statutes restrict employers from singling out employees based on three characteristics that put them at enhanced risk, or impose uncertain risk, for COVID-19: disability, age, or pregnancy. This Sidebar provides general background on antidiscrimination considerations that might arise as employers consider accommodations for at-risk employees."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Anderson, April J.
2020-05-18
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Treatment of COVID-19: Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine [Updated May 27, 2020]
From the Document: "To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any therapeutics--drugs or biologics--for the treatment of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. However, FDA has authorized the emergency use of three drugs, including two drugs that have been approved by FDA for other uses: hydroxychloroquine sulfate ('hydroxychloroquine') and chloroquine phosphate ('chloroquine'). The agency authorized the emergency use of both drugs on March 28, 2020. [...] Some stakeholders--including several former FDA officials--have expressed concern regarding FDA's EUA [emergency use authorization], stating that current data regarding the safety and effectiveness of these drugs for treatment of COVID-19 are largely anecdotal and that expanding access may jeopardize research into the drug. On April 24, 2020, FDA issued a drug safety communication warning against the use of these drugs for treatment of COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial due to risk of heart rhythm problems. Further, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines on use of antivirals for COVID-19 state that '[t]here are insufficient clinical data to recommend either for or against using chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19' and recommend against using high-dose chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dabrowska, Agata; Green, Victoria R.
2020-05-27
