Should the government provide $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies?

Economy and Taxation Health
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R.6074)
This bill has Passed the House of Representatives
Bill Summary

This bill provides $8.3 billion for federal agencies as emergency funding in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The funding will be split across three main federal agencies: the Department of Health and Human Services, the Small Business Administration, and the United States Agency for International Development. Thus, the bill provides funds for programs that address issues like developing and manufacturing vaccines and medical supplies, grants for public health agencies, loans for affected small businesses, emergency preparedness activities at US embassies and state department facilities, and support for health systems in affected countries. Sponsor: Nita Lowey (Democrat, New York, District 17)
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Opponents say

• “We already have longstanding, tried-and-true procedures so the government can buy and distribute new medicines in scenarios like this, to ensure accessibility.” Source: Sen. Mitch McConnell (Republican, Kentucky)
• "By passing this larded-up bill, Congress again fails to wisely appropriate taxpayer dollars. ... Throwing money at a potentially serious issue does not alleviate the American people’s concerns." Source: Rep. Andy Biggs (Republican, Arizona, District 5)
• “We have no idea what the actual price tag is or how it will impact small businesses. We all want our country to get back on its feet, but this isn’t the way to do it.” Source: Rep. Ken Buck (Republican, Colorado, District 4)

Proponents say

• “House Democrats’ emergency supplemental consists of robust, entirely new funding and strong transparency and accountability measures to fully address the virus and keep Americans safe from this growing public health emergency.” Source: Rep. Nita Lowey (Democrat, New York, Distritct 17)
• “The legislation protects against price-gouging of these medicines developed with taxpayer dollars by ensuring that the federal government will only pay a fair and reasonable price for coronavirus vaccines and drugs and providing HHS the authority to ensure that they are affordable in the commercial market.” Source: Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House, Democrat, California, District 12)
• “This should not be about politics… This is about doing our job to protect the American people from a potential pandemic. We worked together to craft an aggressive and comprehensive response that provides the resources the experts say they need to combat this crisis.” Source: Sen. Richard Shelby (Republican, Alabama)
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