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Overview of U.S. Domestic Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [Updated March 2, 2020]
From the Background: "This report discusses selected actions taken by the U.S. federal government to quell the introduction and spread of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] in the United States. The President, the HHS [Health and Human Services] Secretary, and other federal officials have taken several specific actions to address this threat. While some of these actions are based in generally applicable authorities, others may be contingent upon the Secretary or another federal official making a determination or declaration, specific to that action, regarding the existence of a public health emergency or threat. Key actions and their legal basis are discussed in this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.; Sekar, Kavya; Dabrowska, Agata . . .
2020-03-02
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Overview of U.S. Domestic Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) [February 10, 2020]
From the Background: "This report discusses selected actions taken by the federal government to quell the introduction and spread of 2019-nCoV [2019 Novel Coronavirus] in the United States. The HHS [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] Secretary has taken several specific actions to address the 2019-nCoV threat. While some of these actions are based in generally applicable authorities of the Secretary, other authorities may be contingent upon the Secretary or another federal official making a determination or declaration, specific to that authority, regarding the existence of a public health emergency or threat. Each of the actions taken by the Secretary, its statutory basis, and any distinct declarations and determinations supporting the action is presented in this report."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.; Sekar, Kavya; Dabrowska, Agata . . .
2020-02-10
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Novel Coronavirus 2019: Global Implications and Responses [Updated February 20, 2020]
From the Overview: "On December 31, 2019, China's government notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan, capital of the central Chinese province of Hubei. On January 7, 2020, Chinese scientists isolated a previously unknown coronavirus in the patients, and on January 12, the scientists made its genetic sequence available to WHO and international partners. WHO initially named the virus 2019- nCoV and later renamed it severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus can cause a disease in humans that WHO is calling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Salaam-Blyther, Tiaji; Lawrence, Susan V.; Tharakan, Sara M. . . .
2020-02-20
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Another Coronavirus Emerges: U.S. Domestic Response to 2019-nCoV [January 29, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China. Illnesses have since been linked to a previously unidentified strain of coronavirus, designated 2019 novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV. To date, thousands have been infected, mostly in China, and over 100 have died. The disease has spread to several other countries, including the United States. As the scope of the epidemic widened in China, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on January 27, 2020, that 'the immediate health risk from the new virus to the general American public is low currently.' With the situation rapidly changing, both WHO and CDC post frequent updates."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lister, Sarah A.; Sekar, Kavya
2020-01-29
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Coronavirus: U.S.-China Economic Considerations [February 19, 2020]
From the Document: "The novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) is slowing economic activity in China and raising concerns about potential U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities in a range of sectors that rely directly and indirectly on China-based suppliers. These sectors include medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, microelectronics, and strategic raw materials. Similar to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China in 2002-2003, most cases so far are concentrated in China, but the current number of infections is already an order greater and every Chinese province is affected. U.S. senior officials have expressed concerns about the completeness and timeliness of the information China is reporting, complicating assessments of the scope, trajectory, and economic impact of the outbreak. The Chinese government has also imposed tight content controls on media reporting and placed Sina Weibo, Tencent, ByteDance, and other Internet firms under 'special supervision' of the Cyberspace Administration of China, further limiting coverage of the outbreak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2020-02-19
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COVID-19: Current Travel Restrictions and Quarantine Measures [March 5, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States, along with many countries, is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease, now referred to as COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], which is caused by a novel coronavirus first detected in mainland China's Hubei Province in late 2019. Cases of COVID-19 have now been detected in several countries, including the United States. To date, the federal government has taken two key actions to deter persons with suspected COVID-19 infection from entering the country or spreading the virus to persons within the United States. First, the federal government has restricted many non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who recently travelled to mainland China or Iran from entering the United States. Second, the federal government has imposed a quarantine requirement on all persons entering the United States, regardless of citizenship status, who have recently been to mainland China. This Legal Sidebar examines the legal authorities underlying these actions, as well as possible legal challenges to their use."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2020-03-05
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COVID-19: U.S.-China Economic Considerations [Updated March 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) is slowing economic activity in China and raising concerns about potential U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities in a range of sectors that rely directly and indirectly on China-based suppliers. These sectors include medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, microelectronics, and strategic raw materials. Similar to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in China in 2002-2003, most cases so far are concentrated in China, but the current number of infections is already an order greater and every Chinese province is affected. U.S. senior officials have expressed concerns about the completeness and timeliness of the information China is reporting, complicating assessments of the scope, trajectory, and economic impact of the outbreak. The Chinese government has also imposed tight content controls on media reporting and placed Sina Weibo, Tencent, ByteDance, and other Internet firms under 'special supervision' of the Cyberspace Administration of China, further limiting coverage of the outbreak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sutter, Karen M.; Sutherland, Michael D.
2020-03-02
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COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses [Updated March 5, 2020]
From the Overview: "As of March 4, 2020, the novel coronavirus that began sickening patients in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 had spread to over 75 countries, including the United States. Daily new cases and deaths related to the virus outside China now exceed those reported in China, where the epidemic appears to be coming under control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the new virus 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2' (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease that it causes 'coronavirus disease 2019' (COVID-19). WHO has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and raised its global risk assessment to 'Very High.' It has refrained from labeling the outbreak a 'pandemic,' however. Doing so, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said, could 'signal that we can no longer contain the virus, which is not true.' On March 5, Tedros told countries, 'This is not the time to give up.' Rather, 'This is a time for pulling out all the stops.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tharakan, Sara M.; Gottron, Frank; Lawrence, Susan V. . . .
2020-03-05
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COVID-19: Federal Economic Development Tools and Potential Responses [February 28, 2020]
From the Document: "The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has led to tens of thousands of cases and thousands of deaths worldwide. In addition to the disease's mortality and public health effects, it may have potentially significant economic implications, including productivity losses, supply chain disruptions, labor dislocation, and potential financial pressure on businesses and households. Relatively few federal programs are available to provide timely economic relief to affected businesses. This Insight considers the outbreak's economic development implications and policy considerations for Members of Congress who have shown interest in addressing the economic dimensions of this public health issue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.
2020-02-28
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Defense Production Act (DPA) and COVID-19: Key Authorities and Policy Considerations [March 6, 2020]
From the Document: "As the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak develops, the United States faces drug and medical supply scarcities due to disrupted supply chains and increased demand. In response, the President may exercise emergency authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA; 50 U.S.C. §§4501 et seq.) to address supply shortages and economic development impacts, and may have begun the process of doing so. This Insight considers DPA authorities that may be used to address domestic essential goods and materials shortages caused by the outbreak, and explores potential policy considerations for Congress. For more information on the health and epidemiological aspects of COVID-19, see CRS products R46219 and IF11421."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cecire, Michael H.; Peters, Heidi M.
2020-03-06
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Telehealth and Telemedicine: Frequently Asked Questions [Updated March 12, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the health care industry is an emergent issue for Congress. Traditionally, legislation on health care addressed issues related to in-person care provided in brick-and-mortar buildings. With ongoing innovations in health care delivery--such as the use of telehealth and telemedicine--health care services can occur outside of traditional brick-and-mortar medical buildings, for example, inside patients' homes. [...] This report provides responses to frequently asked questions about telehealth and telemedicine, serving as a quick reference with easy access to information. Where applicable, the report provides the legislative background pertaining to the question."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Elliott, Victoria L.
2020-03-12
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19: In Brief [Updated March 17, 2020]
From the Overview: "Since the World Health Organization (WHO) first declared Covid-19 a world health emergency in January 2020, the virus has been detected in over 100 countries and almost all U.S. states. The infection has sickened more than 150,000 people, with fatalities. On March 11, the WHO announced that the outbreak was officially a pandemic, the highest level of health emergency. During that time, it has become clear that the outbreak is negatively impacting global economic growth. The virus is affecting a broad swath of economic activities, from tourism, medical supplies and other global value chains, consumer electronics, and financial markets to energy, food, and a range of social activities, to name a few. Without a clear understanding of when the effects may peak economic forecasts must necessarily be considered preliminary. Efforts to reduce social interaction to contain the spread of the virus are disrupting the daily lives of most Americans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A.
2020-03-17
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Development and Regulation of Domestic Diagnostic Testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions [March 9, 2020]
From the Document: "On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. Illnesses have since been linked to a disease caused by a previously unidentified strain of coronavirus, designated Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19. Despite containment efforts in China, the United States, and elsewhere, by late February there were indications that the COVID-19 outbreak may have entered a new phase, with community spread occurring or suspected in several countries other than China, including in the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sarata, Amanda K.
2020-03-09
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Financial Industry and Consumers Struggling to Pay Bills During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Outbreak [March 16, 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. This outbreak may continue to cause disruptions as federal, state, and local governments limit public gatherings, close schools, and encourage workers to telework to contain the coronavirus's spread. 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. Some workers may need to take time off work if they or their families fall ill. In addition, layoffs or reduced hours may impact workers in particular industries affected by the outbreak, such as the travel, restaurant, and entertainment industries. To address these concerns, on Saturday, March 14, the House passed H.R. 6201, which, among other things, expands sick leave access, unemployment insurance, and food assistance benefits. Even if this bill is enacted, some families may continue to feel the economic impact. This Insight focuses on possible policy options relating to the financial services industry for consumers who may have trouble paying their bills due to the outbreak."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cooper, Cheryl R.
2020-03-16
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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Poses Challenges for the U.S. Blood Supply [March 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak may pose significant challenges for the United States' blood supply. Mitigation strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as closures of schools and workplaces, have led to blood drive cancellations, resulting in a critical blood supply shortage in the Pacific Northwest (specifically, western Washington and Oregon). School closures, event cancellations, and other mitigation strategies in other areas of the country may provide challenges for maintaining a sufficient blood supply. The management and distribution of the U.S. blood supply is largely coordinated by private organizations, with some oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congress may consider how best to address critical storages, such as through HHS or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority over blood safety and donation guidance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sussman, Jared S.
2020-03-13
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COVID-19 and Broadband: Potential Implications for the Digital Divide [March 13, 2020]
From the Document: "According to the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 2019 Broadband Deployment Report, approximately 21.3 million Americans lack a broadband connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download/3 Mbps upload, which is the FCC's benchmark for high-speed broadband. In the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, federal, local, and state governments, in addition to large and small businesses, are considering remote working or distance learning options to help abate the spread of the virus. As these decisions are made, some portion of the population will likely have the option and the capability to shift activities online, while others will not. COVID-19 mitigation efforts will likely reveal discrepancies in broadband availability and accessibility--termed the digital divide--across the United States."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rachfal, Colby Leigh
2020-03-13
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COVID-19: Potential Economic Effects [March 11, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight discusses the potential economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the U.S. economy. For background on the coronavirus, see CRS In Focus IF11421, 'COVID-19: Global Implications and Responses', by Sara M. Tharakan et al."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Labonte, Marc
2020-03-11
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COVID-19: The Potential Role of TANF in Addressing the Economic Effects [March 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant provides grants to the 50 states, District of Columbia, American Indian tribes, and certain territories with the broad purpose of ameliorating and addressing root causes of childhood economic disadvantage. Some of the flexibility the block grant affords to states has been used, and augmented by federal legislation, to address the fallout from Hurricane Katrina and the deep economic recession of 2007-2009. TANF is currently funded on a short-term basis, with funding set to expire on May 22, 2020."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Falk, Gene
2020-03-16
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COVID-19: Current Travel Restrictions and Quarantine Measures [Updated March 17, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States, along with many countries, is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease, now referred to as COVID-19, which is caused by a novel coronavirus first detected in mainland China's Hubei Province in late 2019. Cases of COVID-19 have now been detected in several countries, including the United States. To date, the federal government has taken two key actions to deter persons with suspected COVID-19 infection from entering the country or spreading the virus to persons within the United States. First, the federal government has restricted the entry of many non-U.S. nationals (aliens) who recently have been physically present in mainland China, Iran, or much of Europe. Second, the federal government has imposed a quarantine requirement on all persons entering the United States, regardless of citizenship status, who have recently been to those areas. This Legal Sidebar examines the legal authorities underlying these actions, as well as possible legal challenges to their use."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Liu, Edward C.
2020-03-17
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Stafford Act Assistance for Public Health Incidents [March 2, 2020]
From the Document: "This Insight provides a brief overview of presidential declarations under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (hereinafter the Stafford Act--42 U.S.C. §5121 et seq.) that could be authorized in response to public health incidents. It also provides examples of Stafford Act declarations that have been previously issued to address public health hazards, including infectious disease incidents, which may be relevant to the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.; Lee, Erica A.
2020-03-02
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Venezuela: Background and U.S. Relations [Updated March 12, 2020]
From the Document: "Venezuela remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of Nicolás Maduro of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Maduro, narrowly elected in 2013 after the death of Hugo Chávez (president, 1999-2013), began a second term on January 10, 2019, that is widely considered illegitimate. Since January 2019, Juan Guaidó, president of Venezuela's democratically elected, opposition-controlled National Assembly, has sought to form a transition government to serve until internationally observed elections can be held. The United States and 57 other countries recognize Guaidó as interim president, but he has been unable to wrest Maduro from power and has faced increased danger since returning home from a January-February 2020 tour, which included a meeting with President Trump. Some observers believe that National Assembly elections due this year might start an electoral path out of the current stalemate."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Brown, Phillip (Specialist in Energy Policy); Margesson, Rhoda . . .
2020-03-12
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U.S. Role in the World: Background and Issues for Congress [Updated March 12, 2020]
From the Introduction: "The U.S. role in the world refers to the overall character, purpose, or direction of U.S. participation in international affairs and the country's overall relationship to the rest of the world. The U.S. role in the world can be viewed as establishing the overall context or framework for U.S. policymakers for developing, implementing, and measuring the success of U.S. policies and actions on specific international issues, and for foreign countries or other observers for interpreting and understanding U.S. actions on the world stage."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
O'Rourke, Ronald; Moodie, Michael, 1948-
2020-03-12
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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for COVID-19 [March 6, 2020]
From the Document: "The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak may have significant economic implications for businesses and nonprofit organizations including negative impacts on imports, global supply chains, and tourism. Furthermore, if COVID-19 becomes widespread or prolonged it may slow global growth, and some businesses may be forced to furlough or lay off workers. This Insight considers whether the Small Business Administration (SBA) could provide economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs) to eligible businesses and organizations that have suffered substantial loss as a result of COVID-19."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lindsay, Bruce R.
2020-03-06
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Global Economic Effects of COVID-19: In Brief [Updated March 18, 2020]
From the Overview: "Since the World Health Organization (WHO) first declared Covid-19 a world health emergency in January 2020, the virus has been detected in over 150 countries and almost all U.S. states. The infection has sickened more than 200,000 people, with thousands of fatalities. On March 11, the WHO announced that the outbreak was officially a pandemic, the highest level of health emergency. During that time, it has become clear that the outbreak is negatively impacting global economic growth. The virus is affecting a broad swath of economic activities, from tourism, medical supplies and other global value chains, consumer electronics, and financial markets to energy, food, and a range of social activities, to name a few. Without a clear understanding of when the health and economic effects may peak economic forecasts must necessarily be considered preliminary. Efforts to reduce social interaction to contain the spread of the virus are disrupting the daily lives of most Americans."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jackson, James K., 1949-; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Weiss, Martin A. . . .
2020-03-18
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Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: Fy2020 Budget and Appropriations [Updated March 12, 2020]
From the Document: "Each year, Congress considers 12 distinct appropriations measures, including one for the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS), which includes funding for U.S. diplomatic activities, cultural exchanges, development and security assistance, and U.S. participation in multilateral organizations, among other international activities. On March 11, 2019, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress its SFOPS budget proposal for FY2020, which totaled $42.72 billion in discretionary funds ($42.88 billion when $158.9 million in mandatory retirement funds are included), reflecting adherence to discretionary funding caps, as determined by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; P.L. 112-25)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Gill, Cory R.; Morgenstern, Emily M.; Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2020-03-12
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Saudi Arabia [Updated March 11, 2020]
From the Document: "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant global influence through its administration of the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large oil reserves. Saudi leaders' domestic and foreign policy decisions are fueling calls from some U.S. leaders for a reassessment of longstanding bilateral ties. The Al Saud have sought protection, advice, technology, and armaments from the United States, along with support in developing their country's natural and human resources and in facing national security threats. U.S. leaders have valued Saudi cooperation in security and counterterrorism matters and have sought to preserve the secure, apolitical flow of the kingdom's energy resources and capital to global markets. The Trump Administration seeks to strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties as the kingdom implements new domestic and foreign policy initiatives, while some in Congress call for change."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Blanchard, Christopher M.
2020-03-11
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Telework in Executive Agencies: Background, OPM Guidance, and 116th Congress Legislation Following Coronavirus [Updated March 16, 2020]
From the Background: "The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, enacted on December 9, 2010 (P.L. 111-292, 124 Stat. 3165), and codified at Chapter 65 of Title 5 of the 'United States Code', authorizes telework in executive agencies, defines 'teleworking', and establishes requirements for telework programs. The law (at 5 U.S.C. §6504(d)(1)) requires that the telework policy of each executive agency 'incorporate telework into the continuity of operations [COOP] plan of that agency.' A COOP plan ensures that essential functions continue to be performed during disruption of normal operations. Furthermore, Section 6504(d)(2) requires that '[d]uring any period that an executive agency is operating under a continuity of operations plan, that plan shall supersede any telework policy.'"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2020-03-16
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Tax Credit for Paid Sick and Family Leave in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) [March 16, 2020]
From the Document: "The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) includes an employer tax credit for the paid sick and family leave required as part of this legislation. This tax credit is intended to help businesses with the cost of providing paid leave to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sherlock, Molly F.
2020-03-16
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Hours of Service (HOS) Rule for Commercial Truck Drivers and the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate [March 18, 2020]
From the Summary: "In response to the COVID [coronavirus disease]-19 outbreak, on March 13, 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a national emergency declaration to exempt from the Hours of Service (HOS) rule through April 12, 2020, commercial drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to the virus. This includes transport of certain supplies and equipment, as well as personnel. Drivers are still required to have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty (eight hours if transporting passengers) before returning to duty."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Peterman, David Randall
2020-03-18
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COVID-19: An Overview of Trade-Related Measures to Address Access to Medical Goods [March 20, 2020]
From the Document: "As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, government officials around the world have raised questions and concerns about how to ensure that their countries have adequate access to, and supplies of, medical goods, including personal protective equipment (e.g., masks, gloves, garments), medical equipment (e.g., ventilators), and pharmaceuticals. This Sidebar presents an overview of some of the trade-related measures taken by the United States and its trading partners in their efforts to address these concerns, including: (1) introducing export restrictions; (2) reducing or eliminating tariffs; (3) revising import procedures; and (4) prioritizing domestic production. It then discusses possible legal challenges to each of these measures, as well as avenues for congressional action or oversight."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hart, Nina M.
2020-03-20
