COMBATTING THE CORONAVIRUS

We continue working with state and federal officials to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We hope the information below will help to answer frequently asked questions about guidelines and resources we worked to secure to help North Dakotans. 

Note: As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our offices are taking precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our staff continues to be available by phone or email and are taking in-person meetings by appointment. Please click here to email my office or call 202-224-2551.

Congress has approved five pieces of legislation on a bipartisan basis to provide funding to combat the coronavirus. Please click the links below to find detailed information on the resources and priorities we worked to include to assist North Dakotans: 

Phase V – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – Passed December 21

• Provides $13 billion for agriculture
• Provides up to $600 in direct financial assistance for individuals and $1,200 for couples
• Funds a second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses and their employees
• Supports health care providers, including vaccine development and distribution
• Provides funding to help schools and teachers
• Extends pandemic unemployment insurance programs and includes a $300 federal supplement for 16 weeks
• Provides rental assistance and extends the federal moratorium on evictions through January 31

Phase IV – Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act – Passed April 21

• $310 Billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
• $60 Billion for EIDL and Emergency EIDL Grants
• At Hoeven’s request, includes language making agricultural enterprises eligible for EIDL and Emergency EIDL Grants
• $75 Billion for Hospitals and Health Care Providers
• $25 Billion for Additional COVID-19 Testing
• Includes a $750 million set-aside for tribes
• North Dakota will receive over $16.2 million for testing needs under the agreement

Phase III – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – Passed March 25

• Provides $127 billion to support health care workers and hospitals
• Direct financial assistance for American families, including relief checks of $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples
• Provides $350 billion in assistance for Small Businesses and Employees
• Includes nearly $25 billion for farmers and ranchers
• Assists States and Tribal Communities in responding to COVID-19
• Click here for a full summary of the legislation.

Phase II – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) – Passed March 18

• $105 billion in aid
• Ensures access to testing for the virus
• Requires paid family, medical and sick leave to help prevent the spread of the disease
• Provides emergency unemployment insurance
• Funds nutrition assistance for families in need and ensures children who rely on free or reduced-cost school meals can access these services when schools are closed

Phase I – Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Act, 2020 – Passed March 5

• $8.3 billion in aid
• Funds vaccine research and development
• Supports health system, telehealth flexibility