Congress passed the third aid package related to the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, sending the bill to President Trump.
The third phase, known as the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act,” passed the Senate after midnight early Thursday morning in a 96-0 vote. The House on Friday held a voice vote – a procedure in which the chamber votes on the bill by unanimous consent. However, one member requested a roll call vote, which would override a voice vote. A majority of members were present at the time and rejected the move, thus the chamber passed the bill as-is. The bill now heads to President Trump for his signature.
The package is far broader than the previous two phases. In total, it is estimated to cost up to $2 trillion and includes individual tax rebates for Americans making certain incomes, $500 billion in loans for distressed businesses, $350 billion in loans for small businesses, an expansion of unemployment insurance benefits and various other provisions.
Funding for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) – an account that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses to purchase commodities including chicken – has been increased by $14 billion. Additionally, $9.5 billion has been set aside at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture to assist farmers markets, restaurants, schools, livestock producers and dairy producers in preventing, preparing for and responding to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Additionally, a provision was included that permanently rescinds the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) Loan Program Interim Final Rule (IFR) entitled “Express Loan Programs: Affiliation Standards,” which would have barred growers from utilizing the 7(a) loan program. As the provision is written, the IFR’s affiliation provisions impacting poultry will be permanently rescinded and have no force or effect once the CARES Act is signed by President Trump.
The bill also includes $34.9 billion for the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will receive an additional $55 million for use through FY2021 to cover salary costs associated with the Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Program.
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will receive an additional $45 million for use through FY2021 to cover salary costs associated with commodity grading, inspection and audit activities.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will receive an additional $33 million for use through FY2021 to support temporary and intermittent workers, relocation of inspectors, and costs of overtime inspectors under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA).
