Update: In the 10 days since I wrote this article a lot has changed and I should post an update. Since then, H.R.6201 passed in the Senate and was signed into law by the President. The rate of testing around the country has picked up and the extent of the spread of the virus and its transmissibility has become clearer. The data clearly shows that we are experiencing exponential growth in the number of known cases and the number of fatalities, through a combination of latent discovery and aggressive transmissibility. The data is also confirming a very dangerous mortality rate. It seems clear that aggressive efforts to slow the spread are warranted. We must listen to the medical experts and heed the calls for social distancing.
Congress has moved on to a ‘phase 3’ virus response bill, S. 3548 - CARES Act, this time being lead by Senate Republicans. It does seem likely that a bipartisan compromise will emerge, hopefully soon, but there is a disappointing level of political gamesmanship and opportunism on display on both sides of the aisle in both chambers. The focus must remain on the urgent health-related needs to help contain the spread of the virus and on the economic needs of the most vulnerable citizens. The Senate bill seems to place too great an urgency on getting economic relief to corporations hit hard by the crisis without ensuring proper oversight of distribution of the relief funds. House Democrats have drafted a 1400+ page bill as a rebuttal that while containing some good ideas to focus the stimulus money better, also contains too much unrelated and not as urgent provisions like aircraft fuel efficiency regulations and student debt relief. These ideas have merit but this moment requires focus on the direct impacts of the virus.
I recently wrote an opinion lamenting the disfunction of Congress. The Covid-19 pandemic presents a challenge that will test the depths of this disfunction. The treatment of Bill H.R.6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act thus far is an encouraging sign that Congress can come together for needed action.
H.R.6201 is a Democrat-sponsored bill that hopes to do two important things, increase access to virus testing and provide focussed assistance to the most impacted citizens. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin conducted extensive negotiations prior to a vote to ensure support from President Trump. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support Friday night. This is an example of both sides putting aside childish partisan bickering and political posturing to put forth a much-needed compromise bill. Such instances of responsible governing should be recognized and rewarded. Let us hope that the Senate can join in the same spirit of compromise.
There has been much discussion in the media regarding the government’s response to the Covid-19 virus threat. These discussions have characterized the response as both over-reaction and under-reaction and unfortunately, though somewhat predictably, this apparent reality disconnect largely splits on the familiar ideological fault-line. The reality is that we are not in a position to judge whether the response is either an over or under reaction because there is far too much uncertainty due to a lack of testing data. In a situation of great uncertainty and potential danger, it is wise to err on the side of caution until the picture is more certain. The provision in the bill for free virus testing to all Americans is key to ensuring that we can attain the needed data to retire this uncertainty and mount an effective response. With a rich set of trusted data, the guidance of well trained medical professions, and a conviction to follow reasoned compromise over political advantage, we can expect our government to lead us through this challenge. Let’s send the message to our leaders that this is what we expect, and this is what we demand.