Crush the Virus Act of 2021
This bill provides supplemental appropriations to several federal agencies for activities and equipment to respond to COVID-19.
Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The bill provides the appropriations for
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1371 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1371
Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2021, providing coronavirus emergency response and relief, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 25, 2021
Mr. Reed introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the
Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
Making supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September
30, 2021, providing coronavirus emergency response and relief, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Crush the Virus Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. FUNDING FOR COVID-19 VACCINE ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTERS FOR
DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION.
(a) In General.--In addition to amounts otherwise available, there
is appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this
Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') for fiscal year 2021, out of any
money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $8,500,000,000, to
remain available until expended, to carry out activities to plan,
prepare for, promote, distribute, administer, monitor, and track COVID-
19 vaccines, working with States, territories, and Tribes.
(b) Use of Funds.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in consultation
with other agencies, as applicable, shall, in conducting activities
referred to in subsection (a)--
(1) enhance, expand, and improve nationwide COVID-19
vaccine distribution and administration, including activities
related to distribution of ancillary medical products and
supplies related to vaccines;
(2) provide for the vaccination of employees and
individuals working or residing in congregate settings and
other high-risk environments;
(3) provide information and public outreach, that is
culturally and linguistically appropriate, with respect to
vaccines licensed under section 351 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262) or authorized under section 564 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360bbb-3)
in order to strengthen vaccine confidence in the United States,
including its territories and possessions, particularly in
minority and underserved communities with low rates of
vaccination; and
(4) provide technical assistance, guidance, and support to,
and award grants or cooperative agreements to, State, local,
Tribal, and territorial public health departments for
enhancement of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration
capabilities, including--
(A) the distribution and administration of vaccines
licensed under section 351 of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 262) or authorized under section 564 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
360bbb-3) and ancillary medical products and supplies
related to vaccines;
(B) the establishment and expansion, including
staffing support, of community vaccination centers,
particularly in rural, frontier, and underserved areas;
(C) the deployment of mobile vaccination units,
particularly in rural, frontier, and underserved areas;
(D) information technology, data, and reporting
enhancements, including improvements necessary to
support sharing of data related to vaccine distribution
and vaccinations and systems that enhance vaccine
safety, effectiveness, and uptake, particularly among
underserved populations;
(E) facilities enhancements; and
(F) communication with the public regarding when,
where, and how to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
SEC. 3. FUNDING RESEARCH ON AND DEVELOPMENT OF COVID-19 VACCINES,
THERAPEUTICS, AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund for fiscal year
2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated,
$11,500,000,000, to remain available until expended, for necessary
expenses with respect to research, development, manufacturing,
production, and the purchase of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary
medical products and supplies to prevent, prepare, or respond to--
(1) SARS-CoV-2 or any viral variant mutating therefrom with
pandemic potential; and
(2) COVID-19 or any disease with potential for creating a
pandemic.
SEC. 4. FUNDING FOR COVID-19 TESTING, CONTACT TRACING, AND MITIGATION
ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--In addition to amounts otherwise available, there
is appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021, out of any money
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $50,000,000,000, to remain
available until expended, to carry out activities to detect, diagnose,
trace, and monitor SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infections and related
strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, working with States,
territories, and Tribes.
(b) Use of Funds.--From amounts appropriated by subsection (a), the
Secretary shall--
(1) implement an evidence-based strategy for testing,
contact tracing, surveillance, and mitigation with respect to
SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19;
(2) provide technical assistance, guidance, and support,
and award grants or cooperative agreements to State, local, and
territorial public health departments for activities to detect,
diagnose, trace, and monitor SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infections
and related strategies and activities to mitigate the spread of
COVID-19;
(3) award grants or cooperative agreements to State, local,
Tribal, or territorial public health departments or public
health laboratories--
(A) to increase their capacity to sequence genomes
of circulating strains of viruses and other organisms,
including SARS-CoV-2;
(B) to identify mutations in viruses and other
organisms, including SARS-CoV-2;
(C) to use genomic sequencing to identify outbreaks
and clusters of diseases or infections, including
COVID-19; and
(D) to develop effective disease response
strategies based on genomic sequencing and surveillance
data;
(4) support the development, manufacturing, procurement,
distribution, and administration of tests to detect or diagnose
SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, including supplies necessary for
administering tests, such as personal protective equipment;
(5) establish and expand Federal, State, local, and
territorial testing and contact tracing capabilities, including
investments in laboratory capacity, community-based testing
sites, and mobile testing units, particularly in rural,
frontier, and medically underserved areas;
(6) enhance information technology, data modernization, and
reporting, including improvements necessary to support sharing
of data related to public health capabilities;
(7) award grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements
or contracts with, State, local, and territorial public health
departments to establish, expand, and sustain a public health
workforce; and
(8) to cover administrative and program support costs
necessary to conduct activities related to subparagraph (a).
SEC. 5. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY APPROPRIATION.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for fiscal year 2021, out of
any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $30,000,000,000,
to remain available until September 30, 2025, for major disasters
declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
SEC. 6. COVID-19 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUPPLIES ENHANCEMENT.
(a) Supporting Enhanced Use of the Defense Production Act of
1950.--In addition to funds otherwise available, there is appropriated,
for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, $5,000,000,000, to remain available until September 30,
2025, to carry out titles I, III, and VII of the Defense Production Act
of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Medical Supplies and Equipment.--Amounts appropriated in
subsection (a) shall be used for the purchase, production (including
the construction, repair, and retrofitting of government-owned or
private facilities as necessary), or distribution of medical supplies
and equipment (including durable medical equipment) related to
combating the COVID-19 pandemic, including--
(1) in vitro diagnostic products (as defined in section
809.3(a) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations) for the
detection of SARS-CoV-2 or the diagnosis of the virus that
causes COVID-19, and the reagents and other materials necessary
for producing, conducting, or administering such products, and
the machinery, equipment, laboratory capacity, or other
technology necessary to produce such products;
(2) face masks and personal protective equipment, including
face shields, nitrile gloves, N-95 filtering facepiece
respirators, and any other masks or equipment (including
durable medical equipment) determined by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to be needed to respond to the COVID-
19 pandemic, and the materials, machinery, additional
manufacturing lines or facilities, or other technology
necessary to produce such equipment; and
(3) drugs and devices (as those terms are defined in the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.))
and biological products (as that term is defined by section 351
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262)) that are
approved, cleared, licensed, or authorized under either of such
Acts for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 and symptoms
related to COVID-19, and any materials, manufacturing
machinery, additional manufacturing or fill-finish lines or
facilities, technology, or equipment (including durable medical
equipment) necessary to produce or use such drugs, biological
products, or devices (including syringes, vials, or other
supplies or equipment related to delivery, distribution, or
administration).
(c) Delegation Authority.--For purposes of using amounts
appropriated in subsection (a), the President shall only delegate
authority to, with respect to any uses described under subsection (b)--
(1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and
(2) the head of any other agency responsible for responding
to the COVID-19 pandemic if the President determines that such
delegation is important to an effective response to such
pandemic.
(d) Application of Limitations Under the Defense Production Act of
1950.--The requirements described in section 304(e) of the Defense
Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4534(e)) shall not apply to the funds
appropriated in subsection (a) until September 30, 2025.
SEC. 7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, $5,000,000,000 to remain available until
expended, for necessary expenses with respect to the manufacturing,
acquisition, and distribution of personal protective equipment for
preventing the spread of COVID-19.
SEC. 8. STRATEGIC NATIONAL STOCKPILE.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, $15,000,000,000, to remain available until
expended, for necessary expenses with respect to the procurement and
stockpile pursuant to section 319F-2 of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 247d-6b) of vaccines, therapeutics, and ancillary medical
products and supplies to prevent, prepare, or respond to SARS-CoV-2 or
any viral variant mutating therefrom with pandemic potential, and
COVID-19.
SEC. 9. PROVIDER RELIEF FUND.
(a) In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is
appropriated for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund
for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, $35,000,000,000, to remain available until expended, to
prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, domestically or
internationally, for necessary expenses to reimburse, through grants or
other mechanisms, eligible health care providers for health care
related expenses or lost revenues that are attributable to coronavirus.
(b) Of the eligible health care providers that are recipients of
payments under this section, $7,000,000,000 of such amount shall be for
suppliers and providers located in a rural area (as defined in section
1886(d)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(2)(D))).
(c) These funds may not be used to reimburse expenses or losses
that have been reimbursed from other sources or that other sources are
obligated to reimburse.
(d) Recipients of payments under this section shall submit reports
and maintain documentation as the Secretary determines are needed to
ensure compliance with conditions that are imposed by this section for
such payments, and such reports and documentation shall be in such
form, with such content, and in such time as the Secretary may
prescribe for such purpose.
(e) The term ``eligible health care providers'' means public
entities, Medicare or Medicaid enrolled suppliers and providers, and
such for-profit entities and not-for-profit entities not otherwise
described in this subsection as the Secretary may specify, within the
United States (including territories), that provide diagnoses, testing,
or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19.
(f) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, on a rolling
basis, review applications and make payments under this section in this
Act.
(g) Funds appropriated under this section in this Act shall be
available for building or construction of temporary structures, leasing
of properties, medical supplies and equipment including personal
protective equipment and testing supplies, increased workforce and
trainings, emergency operation centers, retrofitting facilities, and
surge capacity.
(h) In this section, the term ``payment'' means a pre-payment,
prospective payment, or retrospective payment, as determined
appropriate by the Secretary.
(i) Payments under this section shall be made in consideration of
the most efficient payment systems practicable to provide emergency
payment.
(j) To be eligible for a payment under this section, an eligible
health care provider shall submit to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services an application that includes a statement justifying the need
of the provider for the payment and the eligible health care provider
shall have a valid tax identification number.
(k) Not later than 3 years after final payments are made under this
section, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health
and Human Services shall transmit a final report on audit findings with
respect to this program to the Committees on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
(l) Nothing in this section limits the authority of the Inspector
General or the Comptroller General to conduct audits of interim
payments at an earlier date.
(m) Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide a report to
the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and
the Senate on obligation of funds, including obligations to such
eligible health care providers summarized by State of the payment
receipt.
(n) Such reports shall be updated and submitted to such Committees
every 60 days until funds are expended.
SEC. 10. FUNDING FOR BLOCK GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, $1,750,000,000, to remain available until
expended, for carrying out subpart I of part B of title XIX of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x et seq.), subpart III of part
B of title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300x-51 et seq.), and section
505(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa-4(c)) with respect to mental
health. Notwithstanding section 1952 of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 300x-62), any amount awarded to a State out of amounts
appropriated by this section shall be expended by the State by
September 30, 2025.
SEC. 11. FUNDING FOR BLOCK GRANTS FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF
SUBSTANCE ABUSE.
In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated
to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury
not otherwise appropriated, $1,750,000,000, to remain available until
expended, for carrying out subpart II of part B of title XIX of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x-21 et seq.), subpart III of
part B of title XIX of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300x-51 et seq.), section
505(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa-4(d)) with respect to substance
abuse, and section 515(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb-21(d)).
Notwithstanding section 1952 of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300x-62), any amount awarded to a State out of amounts
appropriated by this section shall be expended by the State by
September 30, 2025.
SEC. 12. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
(a) Applicable Requirements.--Amounts appropriated by this Act are
subject to the requirements contained in Public Law 116-94 for funds
for programs authorized under sections 330 through 340 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.).
(b) Emergency Designation.--Amounts appropriated by this Act are
designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement
pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.
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Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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