Welcome to Thursday, March 26th, forks and knives...

The Senate passed the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 96-0.

The bill now needs the approval of the House before it can reach President Donald Trump's desk to be signed into law. The House will be in a pro forma session Thursday, but will take up the bill on Friday.

Because of limited flight options, quarantines, "stay at home" orders, and a lack of rules allowing for House members to vote remotely, the lower chamber is expected to pass the bill by voice vote.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced that the House will take steps "to ensure that those who are unable to return to Washington may express their views on this legislation remotely."

Some key elements of the proposal: $250 billion for direct payments to individuals and families, $350 billion in small business loans, $250 billion in unemployment insurance benefits, and $500 billion in loans for distressed companies.

Do you support the CARES Act?

On the Radar

Who Should Get COVID-19 Tests?

Amidst stories of everyday Americans having difficulty accessing tests, there's been numerous reports (and tweets) about celebrities, members of Congress, and athletes easily getting screened for COVID-19.

Luke Janka, a Brooklyn-based educator who spent 11 days seeking testing and care before finally being admitted to a hospital with COVID-19 symptoms, told the Washington Post:

“I think it’s unfortunate that we live in such a wealthy nation, and we can’t even provide access to the backbone of the nation, the people who actually do the work for the nation. And I think that it just helps to further illustrate the hypocrisy of our society, and who really gets valued in this country by the people with power and money.”

One senior lawmaker, however, suggested that members of Congress may warrant a higher standard of care.

“Look, we want to have all Americans have tests,” said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD). “But we also want to make sure that the Congress can respond to this crisis so we can protect all Americans.”

Should certain people - Congress, athletes, celebrities - receive priority COVID-19 testing?

Under the Radar

Companies vs. COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to stretch healthcare supply chains to their breaking points, various businesses are stepping up to repurpose their manufacturing capabilities to produce much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and hand sanitizer.

Here, we explore a few of the companies and entrepreneurs who are stepping up to help keep us safe in the current crisis, including:

Prada is making 110,000 masks and 80,000 overalls by April 6 (all to be manufactured in its factory in Montone, Italy) for the Tuscany area.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is one of many Delaware-based breweries and distilleries partnering with the state government to make hand sanitizers.

PIC-U