Today in Washington - March 20, 2020: COVID-19 Updates

Today in Washington – March 20, 2020: COVID-19 Updates

Published by: Hall Render

Friday, March 20 Recap

Note – We believe this is the most up-to-date information available at this time, but it is subject to change as circumstances warrant. Also, all finalized resources can be found on the COVID-19 Resource Center page of Hall Render’s website.

Congressional Outlook

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) continued negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over the third emergency spending/stimulus bill known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act (S. 3548). While McConnell said his goal is to have an agreement on the bill by the end of today, at the time of publication no such agreement had been reached.
Secretary Mnuchin told reporters today the proposed Senate Republican stimulus measure is too small in some aspects and Sen. Schumer called it “inadequate.” Thus, additional changes are expected.
Meanwhile, late this afternoon, the Senate began the floor process and cast procedural votes that will allow for debate over the bill to begin on Sunday with the aim of passing the bill and sending it to the House on Monday.
The House won’t return to session until the Senate’s bill is ready for a vote.

Drug Enforcement Administration Press Release

On 3/20/2020, the DEA released a press release on the agency’s response to COVID-19.

FDA News

The FDA issued a letter to health care providers on Medical Glove Conservation strategies. The FDA also released Frequently Asked Questions on shortages of Medical Gloves.
The FDA issued a new policy that allows expanded use of devices to monitor patients’ vital signs remotely.
On March 25, the FDA will hold a virtual Town Hall for clinical laboratories and commercial manufacturers developing a diagnostic test for COVID-19.