The U.S House of Reps has passed an $8.3 billion coronavirus response package, as lawmakers scramble to combat the spread of the disease, CNN reports.
According to the report, the coronavirus response package was supported by a good number of House members. The vote was 415 to 2 with just two Republicans voting against the measure; Andy Biggs, the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, and Ken Buck. The legislation now moves to the Senate.
The coronavirus response package was formally unveiled this afternoon after lawmakers worked to hammer out a package to respond to the outbreak. The funding package is far higher than the $2.5 billion the White House requested. Despite that, however, the White House is expected to back the deal, the report added.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated today that the aim is to pass the emergency funding bill this week.
“Our goal would be to do it this week, if we get cooperation,” McConnell said, shortly after a broad agreement was reached.
While the House is passing the coronavirus response package, California has recorded its first death, as Washington battle to contain the spread.
According to report, King County, Washington, is setting up more modular buildings to serve as quarantine and isolation units for novel coronavirus cases, as the state has recorded six deaths since the first case was confirmed.
County Executive Dow Constantine announced in a news conference today that they now have three sites set aside for the buildings in the communities of White Center, Interbay and North Seattle.
Constantine also confirmed they are moving forward with the purchase of a motel in Kent to use for quarantine, despite concerns from Kent community leaders. Constantine says they hope to have the motel “operational within days.”
“This situation requires us to act with urgency,” Constantine said. “We all need to be in this together.”