QUESTION:      I heard that Congress is considering legislation that would support nationwide responses to the risk of coronavirus.  What’s the status of that legislation?

ANSWER:        Yes, Congress is currently considering the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.  It has passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate.  Among other things, the proposed bill provides additional funding to the CDC, FDA, and NIH, and also provides funds for the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.  It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to purchase vaccines (when they become available).

It is likely that this draft will be revised significantly before it becomes law.  If you would like to track its progress, you can do so here.

UPDATE:         The bill has passed the Senate and it now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature.