News

Coronavirus Government Response Update—Senate Approves Historic $2 Trillion Stimulus Deal

Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on the U.S. Senate approving a historic US$2 trillion stimulus deal, new ISSA “open for business” letters, questions and answers to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and more.

Senate Approves Historic $2 Trillion Stimulus Deal Amid Growing Coronavirus Fears
The Senate approved a historic, $2 trillion stimulus package to provide a jolt to an economy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, capping days of intense negotiations that produced one of the most expensive and far-reaching measures Congress has ever considered. In a remarkable sign of overwhelming bipartisan support for the legislation, the vote was unanimous at 96-0. The legislation represents the largest emergency aid package in U.S. history and the most significant legislative action taken to address the rapidly intensifying coronavirus crisis, which is overwhelming hospitals and grinding much of the economy to a halt.

ISSA Open for Business Letters for Employees, Customers, Vendors
Use these newly-created ISSA “open for business” letters and images especially designed for chemical manufacturers, paper manufacturers, distributors, cleaning service providers, and residential cleaners to notify employees, customers, and vendors of your “essential” status during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
As provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the U.S. Department of Labor will be issuing implementing regulations. Additionally, as warranted, the department will continue to provide compliance assistance to employers and employees on their responsibilities and rights under the FFCRA. In this Q&A resource, the department answers important and timely questions like “If I am a private sector employer and have 500 or more employees, do the Acts apply to me?” (Answer: No. Private sector employers are only required to comply with the Acts if they have fewer than 500 employees.)

Trump Administration Weighing 90-Day Deferral of Tariffs
The Trump administration is debating whether to defer payments of duties on imported goods from around the world for three months, people familiar with the talks said. Discussions in recent days involving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other government agencies about suspending tariffs, across a broad range of goods, for a three-month period sparked push back from domestic industry associations.

Other links of interest:

• ISSATV: How U.S. Governments Are Responding to COVID-19
• ISSA Essential Business Resources
• ISSA Federal Coronavirus Legislative Response Summary
• U.S. Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the Workplace
• SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
• SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
• Emerging Viral Pathogen Claims for SARS-CoV-2: Submission Information for Registrants