If another Covid wave hits the U.S., Senate Republicans and Democrats agreed on $10 billion in additional Covid funding to buy drugs and vaccines.
At least $5 billion is earmarked to purchase and develop Covid treatments. $750 million is set aside to develop vaccines that target specific variants and to expand vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
The funding is less than what the president requested. The administration's efforts to increase vaccinations around the world are not included in the deal.
Jen Psaki said that the White House will work to get Congress to pass more aid after she said that every dollar the administration requested is essential. Psaki urged lawmakers to quickly pass the $10 billion.
The $10 billion package can begin to fund the most immediate needs as we currently run the risk of not having some critical tools like treatments and tests starting in May and June.
The White House warned that the U.S. wouldn't have enough money to give all Americans access to vaccines in the fall without new aid. Republicans insisted on redirecting money already appropriated for state and local governments to cover any new spending when the Democrats tried to pass Covid funding last month. The House failed to reach a bipartisan agreement.
The $10 billion is paid for by redirecting unspent Covid funds from the Agriculture, Education, Treasury and Transportation Departments as well as the Small Business Administration.
Schumer was disappointed that the legislation did not include money to support the Biden administration's efforts to increase vaccinations around the world. Schumer said the initiative is crucial to prevent the emergence of a breakthrough Covid variant that can evade the protection provided by the current shots.
Schumer and Romney are willing to work together on a supplemental international Covid aid package.
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