House E&C Passes COVID-19 Relief Legislation

Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), passed COVID-19 relief budget reconciliation legislation. The Committee advanced legislative proposals that, among other things, provide:

• $14 billion for vaccines;

• $46 billion for testing, contact tracing, and mitigation;

• $7.6 billion to hire 100,000 full time public health workers to support COVID-19 response;

• $25 billion to address health disparities and protect vulnerable populations;

• $4 billion for behavioral and mental health services;

• $5 billion to help struggling families pay their energy and water bills; and

• $7.6 billion to expand internet connectivity for students and teachers without internet access.