This week in Washington, legislators continue to focus their attention on the Coronavirus global pandemic, passing the third round of legislation to provide aid and economic stimulus. Confirmed cases continue to increase both globally and within the U.S.

Coronavirus Response

Today, Congress passed its third bill to provide needed aid, particularly for workers, and sick and vulnerable low-income persons. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748, CARES Act), passed Congress and was signed by the President into law on Friday. The $2.2 trillion dollar package is the largest stimulus bill in U.S. history and will give support to various sectors of the economy, back loans for small businesses, and cut checks to Americans. 

The package provides about $500 billion in loans and assistance for large companies, provided they do not conduct stock buybacks and retain most employees. There is a separate pot of about $350 billion for small business loans, which will not have to be paid back if used to make payroll or pay mortgage interest and rents. 

For individuals, the relief measure includes direct payments of $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, with the payment phasing out for individuals making more than $75,000 per year and couples making more than $150,000. Those without income, or with income solely from government benefits, such as seniors on Social Security, will be eligible. Individuals making above $99,000 and couples making more than $198,000 receive no payment. 

The stimulus bill also provides funding to allow states to boost weekly unemployment benefits by $600 through July 31, 2020. The added boost would provide an additional four months for those laid off now, but less time for those losing their jobs closer to July. 

Additionally, those affected by the virus would be allowed to take up to $100,000 out of their employer-sponsored retirement funds without penalty. It would also  let older retirees avoid having to sell retirement investments in a down market by waiving minimum distribution requirements for Individual Retirement Accounts. Students get relief from student loans, and some mortgage holders with government backed loans will be able to delay payments. 

The package also contains $340 billion in emergency supplemental funding for government and local efforts to stem the outbreak. That portion includes $117 billion for hospitals and veterans' health care. The Emergency Food and Shelter Program, utilized by many Catholic Charities agencies, will receive $200 million, and more monies are allocated for various homelessness and housing programs.

With Congress now having enacted three major bills in response to the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers have already begun discussing a possible fourth stimulus measure in the coming weeks.  

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

CCUSA advocated for Congressional leadership and House and Senate appropriators to increase funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). The COVID-19 legislation passed with $200 million for EFSP.

CCUSA Advocates for Nonprofit Support

CCUSA joined other national charities and nonprofits in advocating for a $60 billion infusion of support to help the most vulnerable. The coronavirus impact will undoubtedly result in a contraction in contributions and other sources of revenue; the lifeblood of many charitable organizations who are frontline responders in providing food, shelter, medical services and other critical community services to those in need. Without dramatic and immediate financial and programmatic backstop from the federal government, America's charitable nonprofits and the people we serve will face a precipitous decline in mission services at a time when our efforts are needed like never before. While nonprofits did receive some assistance in this week's COVID-19 legislation, advocacy will need to continue for additional nonprofit assistance in the anticipated 4th round of legislation in a few weeks.  

In an effort to keep everyone informed of the latest COVID-19 information and its impact, CCUSA has created a dedicated page highlighting the latest information on COVID-19 from our national office and from Catholic Charities agencies across the network. Check out the news, advocacy efforts and stories from our ministry, along with general guidance from the federal government. You can access the page here.

Faith and the Common Good

Pope Francis delivers an extraordinary blessing "To the City and to the World" on Friday to pray for an end to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

"Dear brothers and sisters, from this place that tells of Peter's rock-solid faith, I would like this evening to entrust all of you to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea. From this colonnade that embraces Rome and the whole world, may God's blessing come down upon you as a consoling embrace. Lord, may you bless the world, give health to our bodies and comfort our hearts. You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: 'Do not be afraid' (Mt 28:5). And we, together with Peter, 'cast all our anxieties onto you, for you care about us' (cf. 1Pet 5:7)."

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