March 06, 2020

Weekly Wrap Up

Week 10 (March 6)

With the coronavirus continuing to spread around the world, the American people expect and deserve a well-coordinated, whole-of-government, fully-funded response that addresses this public health crisis in a smart, scientific, and strategic way. This week, the House passed a bipartisan, $8.3 billion package to fully fund a robust response to coronavirus, including vaccine development, support for state and local governments, and assistance for affected small businesses. 

As the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, the Congressman also led passage of legislation to enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stability of the transportation security workforce by providing these officers and other TSA employees the worker rights and protections afforded to most other Federal workers under Title 5 of the U.S. Code.

This Week’s Votes

H.R. 1140 – Rights for Transportation Security Officers Act of 2020 – Enhances the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security operations by applying the personnel system of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to Transportation Security Officers (TSO).

  • Terminates TSA’s authority to establish or modify a TSA personnel management system separate from Title 5.

  • Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend TSA personnel policies, directives, letters, and guidelines and move toward conversion of the TSO workforce to the Title 5 personnel system.

  • Ensures TSOs’ pay is maintained when transitioning to the Title 5 personnel system.

  • Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to consult with the labor organization certified by the Federal Labor Relations Authority as the exclusive representative for the TSO workforce.

  • Instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider the views or recommendations of the labor organization before taking final action on any aspect of the conversion plan.

  • Clarifies that nothing in the Act alters the prohibition on the TSO workforce striking.

H.R. 6074 – Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 – Provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Provides $8.3 billion in all new funding to combat the coronavirus. Includes funding for the research and development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, ensuring that vaccines are affordable.

  • Provides public health funding for prevention, preparedness, and response, especially to state & local health agencies.

  • Allows for procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

  • Supports overseas health systems, including responding to humanitarian needs.

  • Mitigates potential supply chain interruptions.

  • Allows for low-interest loans to affected small businesses.

  • Requires that funds are used only to fight the coronavirus and other infectious diseases.

  • Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain Medicare telehealth restrictions during the coronavirus public health emergency.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

Looking Ahead

Next Wednesday, the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing and continue to identify the impacts of the coronavirus as well as to assess the response of federal agencies towards this issue.  

On the floor, House Democrats will continue to work towards immigration reform through repealing the President’s Muslim travel ban and ensuring that those held or detained while attempting to enter the United States are guaranteed access to legal counsel.

Check back next week to learn more about how Congressman Correa is fighting for Orange County.