With Election Day here, it is certain the next opportunity for COVID-19 relief legislation will come during the “lame duck” legislative session, after the November elections and before the new Congress convenes in January.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have not made significant progress in finding agreement on outstanding COVID-19 policies and issues. Despite this, Pelosi indicated she hopes to strike a deal with Republicans to provide much-needed relief and potentially clear the way for additional legislative activity in January in the event of a change election.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has acknowledged that additional COVID-19 relief is likely necessary. However, he does not expect Congress to act on a relief package until after Jan. 1.
Meanwhile, a group of House Republican leaders introduced a COVID-19 legislative package last week, signaling the caucus’ policy preferences as broader negotiations remain at an impasse.
Their legislation, the Commitment to Defeat the Virus and Keep America Healthy Act, includes several essential hospital policy priorities, such as liability protections for health care workers and making permanent several telehealth flexibilities provided in response to COVID-19.
Register for Virtual Postelection Policy Assembly
Regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 3 election, lawmakers will continue to work on many issues and policies important to essential hospitals. Join America’s Essential Hospitals virtually Dec. 8–9 for our postelection Policy Assembly.
Attendees will receive a full analysis of the November elections and learn how the outcomes of presidential and congressional races will impact essential hospital advocacy priorities moving forward. Attendees also will have the opportunity to virtually engage their congressional delegations.
Association members can register for this year’s Policy Assembly here.
