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Washington, DC -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to approve a $8.3 billion supplemental funding package to address the scale and seriousness of the public health threat posed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Coronavirus is a serious public health threat, and it is important for all Virginians to stay calm but be prepared,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “I’m committed to working closely with the executive branch as well as state and local agencies to keep all Americans safe and healthy. That’s why I voted to ensure that the experts and health professionals have the resources they need to address this crisis—we need to follow the facts and the science.”

The supplemental package passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. The $8.3 billion coronavirus supplemental provides $2.2 billion in public health funding for prevention, preparedness and response, including $950 million to support state and local agencies. The supplemental will also provide more than $3 billion for research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. Nearly $1 billion will be provided for medical supplies, health care preparedness, and medical surge capacity.

The full text of the coronavirus supplemental, H.R. 6074, is here. A summary of H.R. 6074 is here.

Wexton has published a list of resources and important updates about coronavirus on her website, available here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking preventative actions to stop the spread of respiratory illness, like coronavirus, including frequently washing your hands with soap and water, avoiding touching your eyes and face with unwashed hands, and cleaning household surfaces and objects regularly.

Up-to-date information on coronavirus can be found at the CDC website here.

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