News
Coronavirus Government Response Update—Uncertainty Hangs Over Latest Relief Package
July 29, 2020
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 uncertainty hanging over the next coronavirus relief package, the nearly US$3 billion allocated to immigration agencies by the Senate aid bill, the new wave the Fed is confronting, and more.
Uncertainty Hangs Over Coronavirus Relief Package as Clock Ticks
The passage of a bipartisan coronavirus aid package hit a road bump yesterday, as some Republicans declined to back their own new plan and Democrats expressed new concerns. One day after the U.S. Senate leaders unveiled a roughly US$1 trillion plan for pandemic relief, Republicans struggled to offer a united front on a measure that some consider too costly. The divided caucus could strengthen the hands of Democrats as bipartisan talks get underway on a compromise package.
Senate Aid Bill Allocates $3 Billion to Immigration Agencies
Two immigration agencies facing budget deficits after struggling to collect fees amid the coronavirus pandemic would get nearly $3 billion in relief from the Senate Republicans’ economic stimulus package. Under one part of the plan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would get a $1.2 billion loan from the Treasury Department to prevent the furlough of two-thirds of its staff. Under another part of the plan, $1.6 billion would go to Customs and Border Protection “to account for fee shortfalls to continue immigration processing and customs-related activities normally funded by fees,” according to Roll Call.
Fed Faces Viral Wave, Mounting Risks to Recovery
U.S. Federal Reserve officials are witnessing a set back from their positive predictions from early June when their forecasts showed guarded optimism for a sharpish early economic rebound and steady slow growth to follow. In the ensuing seven weeks, a resurgent virus has diminished the outlook for a speedy recovery
Other links of interest:
- Use ‘Find Politicians’ Tool in ISSA’s Action Center to Contact Your Elected Officials
- ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
- Take Action Now – Urge Your Elected Officials to Support Tax Credit to Reopen Safely
- The Fed: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Bouncing Back: A List of Statewide Return to Work Protocols
