Senators Unveil a $10 Billion Deal to Fund the Covid-19 Tests, Treatment

Share Us

587
Senators Unveil a $10 Billion Deal to Fund the Covid-19 Tests, Treatment
05 Apr 2022
5 min read

News Synopsis

Senators have revealed a $10 billion deal to fund the US response to the coronavirus pandemic with money repurposed from earlier aid rounds. 

This package allows the United States to purchase supplies containing more tests and vaccines, which the Biden administration said are needed to continue the fight against the coronavirus. The $10 billion does not represent new spending, but from unused funds from previous bills passed by Congress.

One of the key negotiators, Mitt Romney has been working to get 10 Republican senators to join with all 50 Democrats to pass the Covid-19 response deal through the senate. Lawmakers expect the bill to pass this week. 

The US health officials have been closely monitoring the Omicron BA.2 variant, which has caused a surge in cases in parts of Europe and Asia, and now it represents more than half of new Covid-19 cases in the USA

The White House upheld the deal, calling on Congress to pass the bill immediately, saying the government demanded vaccines, boosters, treatments and tests for less than $ 22.5 billion.

The package would repurpose funds from Small Business Administration programs, including the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, along with a transportation aviation manufacturing jobs program and a higher-education relief fund. 

TWN In-Focus