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COVID-19 Relief Assistance to Small Businesses: Issues and Policy Options [Updated February 23, 2021]
From the Summary: "The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including direct disaster loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters; loan guaranty and venture capital programs; management and technical assistance training programs; and contracting programs. Congressional interest in these programs has always been high, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity and create jobs, but it has become especially acute in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's widespread adverse economic impact on the national economy. This report provides a brief description of the SBA's programs and examines congressional action to assist small businesses during and immediately following the Great Recession (2007- 2009) and during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lowry, Sean
2021-02-23
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Defense Production Act Committee (DPAC): A Primer [February 23, 2021]
From the Document: "The Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA, 50 U.S.C. §4501 et seq.) confers on the President authorities to mobilize domestic industry in service of national defense, broadly defined, including emergency preparedness. In 2009, the DPA statute was amended to create the DPA Committee (DPAC), which would serve as an interagency platform for advising the President and coordinating DPA activities across the government. This In Focus considers the establishment, development, and policy issues surrounding the DPAC, given ongoing congressional interest in DPA authorities and existing mechanisms for their current and future implementation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.
2021-02-23
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Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19: Guidance for Industry [February 22, 2021]
From the Background: "This guidance describes FDA's current recommendations regarding the data and information needed to support the issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) under section 564 of the FD&C Act [Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act] (21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3) for an investigational vaccine to prevent COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], including chemistry, manufacturing, and controls information (CMC); nonclinical data and information; and clinical data and information, as well as administrative and regulatory information. In addition, the guidance provides recommendations regarding key information and data that should be submitted to a relevant investigational new drug application (IND) or cross-referenced master file (MF) prior to submission of an EUA request in order to facilitate FDA's complete and timely review of such a submission, including convening the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC). This guidance also discusses FDA's current thinking regarding the circumstances under which the issuance of an EUA for a COVID-19 vaccine would be appropriate, providing additional context to the discussion regarding EUAs in the guidance for industry entitled 'Development and Licensure of Vaccines to Prevent COVID-19.'"
United States. Food and Drug Administration
2021-02-22
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19 [Updated February 19, 2021]
From the Summary:"In the months since the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] outbreak was first diagnosed, it has spread to over 200 countries and all U.S. states. The pandemic has negatively affected global economic growth beyond anything experienced in nearly a century. Estimates so far indicate the virus could reduce global economic growth to an annualized rate of -4.5% to -6.0% in 2020, with a partial recovery of a rate of 2.5% to 5.2% in 2021. Major advanced economies, which comprise 60% of global economic activity, are forecasted to operate below their potential output level through at least 2024. Compared with the synchronized nature of the global economic slowdown in the first half of 2020, the global economy showed signs of a two-track recovery in the third quarter of 2020 with developed economies experiencing a nascent recovery and economic growth in developing economies lagging behind. A resurgence in infectious cases in Europe, the United States, and various developing economies since September renewed calls for lockdowns and curfews and threatened to weaken or delay a sustained economic recovery into at least the first or second quarters of 2021. [...] The full economic impact of the pandemic likely will remain unclear until the negative health effects peak. This report provides an overview of the global economic costs to date and the response by governments and international institutions to address these effects."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Weiss, Martin A.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B. . . .
2021-02-19
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COVID-19 Vaccine: Financing for Its Administration [February 19, 2021]
From the Document: "A U.S. COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccination campaign is underway. 'For this effort, all vaccines and some supplies for their administration to patients have been purchased by the federal government, with appropriations provided for this purpose.' These are available at no cost to providers and patients. When the vaccine delivery approach allows for individual patient transactions, providers may seek reimbursement from available payers for their costs to administer the vaccines, including the costs of their time, vaccine storage, recordkeeping, and additional supplies. In general, by law and regulation, patients should not be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine or the costs of its administration during the campaign. There may be exceptions when the vaccine is administered during a visit in which other services--such as a check-up for a chronic condition--are also furnished, and a visit fee unrelated to vaccine administration may be billed. This Insight explores the provision of COVID-19 vaccines and payment for their administration, where applicable, from the perspectives of patients, providers, and public and private payers. It does not discuss (1) federal entities that provide direct health care services, such as the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs; (2) vaccination sites that are fully financed and do not involve individual patient transactions; or (3) payment policies that may apply after the initial vaccination campaign in spring 2021."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Baumrucker, Evelyne P.; Forsberg, Vanessa C.; Hahn, Jim . . .
2021-02-19
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Financial Audit: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Funds' 2020 and 2019 Financial Statements
From the Director's Letter: "This report transmits the GAO [Government Accountability Office] auditor's report on the results of our audits of the 2020 and 2019 financial statements of the two funds that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) administers--the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC) Resolution Fund (FRF). The auditor's report is incorporated in the enclosed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 2020 Annual Report. As discussed more fully in the auditor's report that begins on page 117 of the enclosed agency annual report, we found [1] the financial statements of the DIF and of the FRF as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; [2] although internal controls could be improved, FDIC maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting relevant to the DIF and to the FRF as of December 31, 2020; and [3] with respect to the DIF and to the FRF, no reportable instances of noncompliance for 2020 with provisions of applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements we tested."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02-18
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Community Vaccination Centers Playbook [February 18, 2021]
Version 2.0 of the "Community Vaccination Centers Playbook" incorporates comments submitted from the previous version. From the Purpose and Summary: "This playbook establishes guidance for providing federal support to Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs), to include interagency coordination, resource support, facility setup, and other requirements. CVCs are essential to support States, Tribes and Territories (STT) vaccine administration efforts. This guidance is not meant to be proscriptive, and jurisdictions may need to adapt this guidance based on their particular requirements for federal support. [...] To date, the ongoing COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 430,000 Americans. While mitigation measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks are effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19, an additional way to protect people and reduce the spread of this disease is with the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines. As part of a national effort to speed the pace of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the President has directed the federal government to establish new federally supported CVCs. As stated in the National Strategy for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, FEMA is charged with supporting the set-up and operations of such CVCs."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2021-02-18
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Emergency Rental Assistance Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund [February 18, 2021]
From the Introduction: "The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) included an appropriation of $25 billion to help low-income households make rent and utility payments through an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. The ERA is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF), a program created as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (P.L. 116-136), and administered by the Department of the Treasury, to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. While the CARES Act CRF appropriation could be used for multiple purposes, the ERA appropriation in P.L. 116-260 is directed only to rent and utility assistance and housing stability services. This report briefly describes the need for rental assistance during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, provides information about the allocation of the $25 billion in ERA funds, describes the parameters of the ERA program, and discusses outstanding questions about the program and renter needs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Driessen, Grant A.; McCarty, Maggie; Perl, Libby
2021-02-18
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MMWR Early Release: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, February 17, 2021: First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 in Minnesota -- December 2020-January 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This early release issue of MMWR contains the following article: "First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] Variant B.1.1.7 in Minnesota -- December 2020-January 2021." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from MMWR can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-02-17
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COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
From the Document: "The coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in an unprecedented crisis that affects not only our physical health and daily lives, but also our mental health. To address these needs, NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] is committed to providing credible information and resources to help people navigate through this crisis. In this guide, you will find answers to questions ranging from how to manage anxiety during this difficult time, to how to access medication while in quarantine, to how to deal with the loss of a loved one to COVID-19."
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Walls, Meghan
2021-02-17
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Behavioural Insights Research to Support the Response to COVID-19: A Survey of Implementation in the EU/EEA
From the Scope: "This Technical Report presents evidence about the current status of Behavioural Insights (BI) research being conducted in the ten EU/EEA [European Economic Area] Member States that responded to an ECDC [European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control] survey, within the context of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The focus is on identifying experiences, challenges, and key lessons learned in translating the findings from BI research into effective strategies for pandemic response, and for optimising risk communication activities. The work has been undertaken in the context of concern about sub-optimal compliance in some Member States to the non-pharmaceutical measures that are in place to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2], and also with regards to the need to support the implementation of national COVID-19 vaccination programmes."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
2021-02-17
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COVID-19: Potential Implications for International Security Environment-- Overview of Issues and Further Reading for Congress [Updated February 17, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Some observers argue the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic could be a world-changing event with potentially profound and long-lasting implications for the international security environment and the U.S. role in the world. Other observers are more skeptical that the pandemic will have such effects. This report provides a brief overview of some potential implications the pandemic might have for the international security environment, and a bibliography of CRS [Congressional Research Service] reports and other writings for further reading. Issues for Congress may include whether and how the pandemic could change the international security environment, whether the Biden Administration's actions for responding to such change are appropriate and sufficient, and what implications such change could have for the role of Congress in setting and overseeing the execution of U.S. foreign and defense policy. Congress's decisions regarding these issues could have significant implications for U.S. foreign and defense policy, and for the status of Congress as a co-equal branch relative to the executive branch in setting and overseeing the implementation of U.S. foreign and defense policy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; McInnis, Kathleen J.
2021-02-17
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National Emergency Powers [Updated February 16, 2021]
From the Summary: "The President of the United States has available certain powers that may be exercised in the event that the nation is threatened by crisis, exigency, or emergency circumstances (other than natural disasters, war, or near-war situations). Such powers may be stated explicitly or implied by the Constitution, assumed by the Chief Executive to be permissible constitutionally, or inferred from or specified by statute. Through legislation, Congress has made a great many delegations of authority in this regard over the past 230 years. There are, however, limits and restraints upon the President in his exercise of emergency powers. With the exception of the habeas corpus clause, the Constitution makes no allowance for the suspension of any of its provisions during a national emergency. Disputes over the constitutionality or legality of the exercise of emergency powers are judicially reviewable. Both the judiciary and Congress, as co-equal branches, can restrain the executive regarding emergency powers. So can public opinion. Since 1976, the President has been subject to certain procedural formalities in utilizing some statutorily delegated emergency authority. The National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. §§1601-1651) eliminated or modified some statutory grants of emergency authority, required the President to formally declare the existence of a national emergency and to specify what statutory authority activated by the declaration would be used, and provided Congress a means to countermand the President's declaration and the activated authority being sought. The development of this regulatory statute and subsequent declarations of national emergency are reviewed in this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Halchin, L. Elaine
2021-02-16
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Disaster Relief Fund: Overview and Issues [Updated February 16, 2021]
From the Summary: "The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is one of the most-tracked single accounts funded by Congress each year. Managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it is the primary source of funding for the federal government's domestic general disaster relief programs. These programs, authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), outline the federal role in supporting state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as they respond to and recover from a variety of incidents. They take effect in the event that nonfederal levels of government find their own capacity to deal with an incident is overwhelmed. [...] At the end of FY2019, the DRF carried over a balance of more than $29 billion, and Congress was considering the largest annual appropriation for disaster relief for the third year in a row. [...] Examining the history of the DRF and the programs it supports may help Congress consider future approaches to disaster relief. This report introduces the DRF and provides a brief history of federal disaster relief programs. It goes on to discuss the appropriations that fund the DRF, and provides a funding history from FY1964 to the present day, discussing factors that contributed to those changing appropriations levels. It concludes with discussion of how the budget request for the DRF has been developed and structured, given the unpredictability of the annual budgetary impact of disasters, and raises some potential issues for congressional consideration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Painter, William L.
2021-02-16
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SARS-CoV-2 - Increased Circulation of Variants of Concern and Vaccine Rollout in the EU/EEA, 14th Update
From the Summary: "Several EU/EEA [European Economic Area] countries have observed a decline in the overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2] in recent weeks, most probably due to the impact of tightened non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Nonetheless, the epidemiological situation is still of serious concern across the EU/EEA, with the majority of countries still experiencing high or increasing notification rates in older age groups and/or high death rates. Although vaccine rollout has started in all EU/EEA countries, targeting priority groups based on their risk of developing severe disease (the elderly and residents in long-term care facilities) as well as healthcare and other front-line workers, it is still too early to detect an impact on COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] mortality or hospitalisations. Several EU/EEA countries have observed a decline in the overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in recent weeks, most probably due to the impact of tightened non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Nonetheless, the epidemiological situation is still of serious concern across the EU/EEA, with the majority of countries still experiencing high or increasing notification rates in older age groups and/or high death rates. Although vaccine rollout has started in all EU/EEA countries, targeting priority groups based on their risk of developing severe disease (the elderly and residents in long-term care facilities) as well as healthcare and other front-line workers, it is still too early to detect an impact on COVID-19 mortality or hospitalisations. While most countries are currently seeing a decline in overall infections as a response to NPIs, the introduction and increased spread of new SARS-CoV-2 variants first identified in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7), South Africa
(B.1.351) and Brazil (P.1) has raised concerns. As suggested by recent anti-lockdown protests and civil disturbances in some European cities, pandemic fatigue could adversely affect the continued acceptance of and compliance with NPIs by the population."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
2021-02-15
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Using Face Masks in the Community: First Update; Effectiveness in Reducing Transmission of COVID-19
From the Document: "This document provides an update to and replaces the ECDC [European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control] opinion on the suitability of using face masks in the community [hyperlink] published on 9 April 2020. The aim was to review whether the scientific evidential basis has changed since April 2020. This document therefore builds on the evidence available in the literature and presents the main findings and recommendations for public health measures. The use of face masks by healthcare workers for the prevention of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] is out of the scope of this document and is covered in the latest update to the technical report 'Infection prevention and control and preparedness for COVID-19 in healthcare settings' [hyperlink], published on 9 February 2021."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Baka, Agoritsa; de Carvalho Gomes, Helena; Cenciarelli, Orlando . . .
2021-02-15
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Twelve Criteria for the Development and Use of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports
This Royal Society review of vaccine passports is meant to assist in the understanding and control of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]. From the Executive Summary: "Vaccine passports are certificates to establish proof of vaccination linked to the identity of the holder; the purpose of a passport is to aid the return to pre-COVID-19 activities and travel without compromising personal or public health. We propose 12 criteria that should be satisfied by a COVID-19 vaccine passport [...] Current evidence and precedents suggest that a COVID-19 vaccine passport system is feasible, but that not all criteria have yet been satisfied and consideration should be given to what longer term precedents this may create."
Royal Society (Great Britain)
2021-02-14
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Operation Warp Speed: Accelerated COVID-19 Vaccine Development Status and Efforts to Address Manufacturing Challenges, Report to Congressional Addressees
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "As of February 5, 2021, the U.S. had over 26 million cumulative reported cases of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and about 449,020 reported deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The country also continues to experience serious economic repercussions, with the unemployment rate and number of unemployed in January 2021 at nearly twice their pre-pandemic levels in February 2020. In May 2020, OWS [Operation Warp Speed] was launched and included a goal of producing 300 million doses of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines with initial doses available by January 2021. Although FDA has authorized two vaccines for emergency use, OWS has not yet met its production goal. Such vaccines are crucial to mitigate the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic. GAO was asked to review OWS vaccine development efforts. This report examines: (1) the characteristics and status of the OWS vaccines, (2) how developmental processes have been adapted to meet OWS timelines, and (3) the challenges that companies have faced with scaling up manufacturing and the steps they are taking to address those challenges. GAO administered a questionnaire based on HHS's [Department of Health and Human Services] medical countermeasures TRL [technology readiness levels] criteria to the six OWS vaccine companies to evaluate the COVID-19 vaccine development processes. GAO also collected and reviewed supporting documentation on vaccine development and conducted interviews with representatives from each of the companies on vaccine development and manufacturing."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2021-02-11?
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DSCA Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) [February 2021]
From the Preface Purpose and Scope: "This multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures (MTTP) publication for Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) is a single source, reference guide for tactical-level units. It assists military planners, commanders, and individual Department of Defense (DOD) components employing military resources and integrating with National Guard forces while responding to domestic emergencies, in accordance with United States (US) law. [...] This MTTP publication supports planners and warfighters by establishing tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) for actions taken by DOD components when directed to support local, territorial, state, tribal, or federal authorities responding to domestic emergencies. Support can be: expertise, equipment, personnel, plans, organizations, communication, training, or other resources." This guidance supersedes guidance of the same name dated September 2015.
Air Land Sea Application Center (U.S.)
2021-02-11
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Canada-U.S. Relations [Updated February 10, 2021]
From the Introduction: "This report presents an overview of Canada's political situation, foreign and defense policies, and economic and trade policies, focusing particularly on issues that may be relevant to U.S. policymakers. It also examines several environmental and transboundary issues that may be of interest to Members of the 117th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.; Ek, Carl
2021-02-10
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FEMA's Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
From the Document: "In alignment with President Biden's plan to respond to COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] [hyperlink], FEMA will work with other federal agencies to coordinate with state, tribal and territorial authorities and private sector partners and others to 'assist, augment and expedite' vaccinations in the United States."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2021-02-10
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Master Question List for COVID-19 (Caused by SARS-CoV-2) Weekly Report [February 9, 2021]
From the Foreword: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is paying close attention to the evolving Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) situation in order to protect our nation. [...] [T]he DHS Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) developed the following 'master question list' that quickly summarizes what is known, what additional information is needed, and who may be working to address such fundamental questions as, 'What is the infectious dose?' and 'How long does the virus persist in the environment?' The Master Question List (MQL) is intended to quickly present the current state of available information to government decision makers in the operational response to COVID-19 and allow structured and scientifically guided discussions across the federal government without burdening them with the need to review scientific reports, and to prevent duplication of efforts by highlighting and coordinating research." This version is from the February 9, 2021 update.
United States. Department of Homeland Security. Science and Technology Directorate
2021-02-09
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Infection Prevention and Control and Preparedness for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings: Sixth Update - 9 February 2021
From the Scope: "This document aims to provide guidance to healthcare facilities and healthcare providers in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and the United Kingdom (UK) on preparedness and infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for the management of possible and confirmed cases of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities (LTCFs). In addition, this document addresses the management of clinical diagnostic specimens at laboratories in the EU/EEA. This is the sixth update of the ECDC [European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control] guidance on 'Infection prevention and control and preparedness for COVID-19 in healthcare settings', and replaces the document dated 6 October 2020."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
2021-02-09
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MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, February 5, 2021
The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). [It] is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. This issue of MMWR contains the following: "Sexual Orientation Disparities in Risk Factors for Adverse COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]-Related Outcomes, by Race/Ethnicity -- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States, 2017-2019"; "Decreases in Young Children Who Received Blood Lead Level Testing During COVID-19 -- 34 Jurisdictions, January-May 2020"; "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Prevalence of Stress and Worry, Mental Health Conditions, and Increased Substance Use Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic -- United States, April and May 2020"; "'Vital Signs': Prevalence of Multiple Forms of Violence and Increased Health Risk Behaviors and Conditions Among Youths -- United States, 2019"; "Demographic Characteristics of Persons Vaccinated During the First Month of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program -- United States, December 14, 2020-January 14, 2021"; "Early COVID-19 First-Dose Vaccination Coverage Among Residents and Staff Members of Skilled Nursing Facilities Participating in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program -- United States, December 2020-January 2021"; and "'QuickStats': Death Rates for Motor-Vehicle-Traffic Injuries, Suicide, and Homicide Among Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 15-24 Years -- United States, 1999-2019." Notifiable Diseases and Mortality Tables from this issue can be accessed at the following link [http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index2021.html].
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
2021-02-05
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New Presidential Directives on the Defense Production Act (DPA) and the COVID-19 Pandemic [February 5, 2021]
From the Document: "On January 21, 2021, the Biden Administration issued several executive orders invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to address the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. The DPA authorizes the President to mobilize domestic industry in service of the national defense, including emergency preparedness. DPA authorities include (1) provisions under Title I to prioritize contracts and allocate scarce goods, materials, and services; (2) financial incentives under Title III to expand productive capacity for critical materials and goods; and (3) coordination, information-gathering, and other supporting provisions under Title VII. This Insight examines the new Administration's recent DPA actions and related congressional policy considerations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.; Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-05
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram, Volume 21 Issue 5, February 4, 2021
The Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's (EMR-ISAC) InfoGram is a weekly publication of information concerning the protection of critical infrastructures relevant to members of the Emergency Services Sector. This issue includes the following articles: "February is American Heart Month, a time to promote heart health for firefighters"; "FEMA's COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] response continues with support for vaccine distribution"; "DHS S&T's [Science and Technology Directorate] Technology Clearinghouse Pathways to Innovation Learning Series (PILS) is back!"; and "Cyber Threats."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2021-02-04
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Community Vaccination Centers Playbook
From the Purpose and Background: "This playbook establishes guidance for providing federal support to existing and new Community Vaccination Centers (CVCs) that are essential to accomplishing the mission, to include interagency coordination, resource support, facility setup, and other requirements that may necessitate federal support. [...] To date, the ongoing COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has claimed the lives of more than 430,000 Americans. While mitigation measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks are effective tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19, an additional way to protect people and reduce the spread of this disease is with the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines. As part of a national effort to speed the pace of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, the President has directed the federal government to establish new federally supported CVCs. As stated in the National Strategy for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, FEMA is charged with supporting the set-up and operations of such CVCs."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2021-02-04
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Road to Recovery: Ramping Up COVID-19 Vaccines, Testing, and Medical Supply Chain, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, First Session, February 3, 2021
This is from the February 2, 2021 hearing on "Road to Recovery: Ramping Up COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] Vaccines, Testing, and Medical Supply Chain" before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health. From the Opening Statement of Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr: "There is no more pressing issue to begin with than the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our response so far, and our need to increase vaccinations, testing, and mitigation, and building a robust supply chain. This pandemic is taking a devastating toll on families and communities all around our nation. More than 440,000 Americans have died from this terrible virus, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has projected that number will grow to more than 500,000 before the end of the month. As Americans, we mourn every loss. As Members of Congress, we must do everything we can to ensure this new Administration has all the tools and resources it needs to crush COVID-19." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Luciana Borio, Greg Burel, Michael O. Leavitt, and Julie Morita.
United States. Congress. House. Committee on Energy and Commerce
2021-02-03
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Defense Primer: The National Technology and Industrial Base [Updated February 3, 2021]
From the Document: "The National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) consists of the people and organizations engaged in national security and dual-use research and development (R&D), production, maintenance, and related activities within the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The NTIB, as established by 10 U.S.C. §2500, is intended to support national security objectives of the United States, including supplying military operations; conducting advanced R&D and systems development to ensure technological superiority of the U.S. Armed Forces; securing reliable sources of critical materials; and developing industrial preparedness to support operations in wartime or during a national emergency. [...] Officials from the United States and other NTIB member countries have stated that, while coordination is moving in the right direction, the industrial bases are not meaningfully integrated. Furthermore, some contend that the NTIB currently falls short of the aspiration of a seamless integration of the 'transfer of knowledge, goods, and services' called for in the FY2017 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act]. Potential related considerations for Congress include the following options. [1] Establish a governing body of NTIB members; [...] [2] Amend laws affecting integration of the NTIB; [...] [and 3] Increase international cooperation[.]"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peters, Heidi M.
2021-02-03
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Stress Test on Logistical Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination Deployment Plans: Final Report
From the Summary: "ECDC [European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control], together with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, organised a stress test of the logistical aspects of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] vaccination deployment plans. Twelve EU/EEA [European Economic Area] Member States participated in this stress test, a focused simulation exercise conducted in two rounds, one in mid-December 2020 and the second in early January 2021. Member States were asked to describe the deployment plans in place for delivering a vaccine with strict cold chain requirements to their target priority groups. All participating Member States were able to describe the process, albeit in varying levels of detail, reflecting that they were at different points in their planning. Most described bespoke cross-government governance arrangements where a task force had been convened to oversee the deployment. Electronic systems for logistics management and vaccination registries were described, some newly developed and others that had been used in previous vaccination programmes. Plans were also in place, or in development, to promote the vaccination campaign including using and monitoring social media to support the roll-out."
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
2021-02-03
