Recent Announcements
President Donald J. Trump Announces New Guidelines to Address COVID-19 – The President’s Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread
Monday, March 16, President Donald J. Trump announced new guidelines to address COVID-19, stop the spread, and protect health.The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread. “My administration is recommending that all Americans, including the young and healthy, work to engage in schooling from home when possible, avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, avoid discretionary travel and avoid eating and drinking in bars, restaurants, and public food courts," President Trump stated. “With several weeks of focused action, we can turn the corner and turn it quickly -- a lot of progress has been made."
FEMA Releases Guidance On Public Assistance for States, Local Governments, and Eligible Non-Profits
The Administration continues to place its full weight and resources behind the response to COVID-19. FEMA currently has over $500 million in available balances in the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) Base to support all 56 States and Territories for COVID-19 response efforts, including for direct Federal assistance, temporary facilities, commodities , equipment, and emergency operation costs. State, Territorial, Tribal, local government entities and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations are eligible to apply for Public Assistance. States, Tribal and Territorial governments do not need to request separate emergency declarations to receive FEMA assistance under this nationwide declaration. The emergency declaration will reimburse foreligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials under Category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. FEMA will not duplicate assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or other federal agencies. More information.
Department of Homeland Security Releases Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response
Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations. Thursday, March 19, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency released guidance on the identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. This guidance and accompanying list are intended to support State, Local, and industry partners in identifying the critical infrastructure sectors and the essential workers needed to maintain the services and functions Americans depend on daily and that need to be able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic response. More information.
President Donald J. Trump Outlines Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19
Sunday, March 22, President Donald J. trump announced federal actions to ensure that the National Guard can effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis. President Trump issued a memorandum providing for 100 percent federal funding through FEMA for the cost of Governors deploying National Guard units in their States to carry out approved missions. Governors remain fully in command of their National Guard units. The Presidential Memorandum
President Trump Announces Approval of Existing Drugs to Test Treatments for Coronavirus
Thursday, March 19, President Donald J. Trump announced that the FDA is evaluating existing drugs that could serve as potential therapeutics for coronavirus patients. The drugs will be used in a clinical trial. "We have to re move every barrier or a lot of barriers that were unnecessary and they've done that to get the rapid deployment of safe, effective treatments and we think we have some good answers," the President said. The FDA continues to expand its work regarding therapeutic options and has a vaccine trial underway. More information.
President Trump Signs Legislative Package Providing Extensive Assistance to Americans Impacted by the Coronavirus
Wednesday, March 18, President Trump signed theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need (more information). The President and Administration worked tirelessly with Congress to secure the legislative package, which includes the following:
· Provides free coronavirus diagnostic testing for the American people, regardless of their economic circumstances or health coverage;
· Establishes tax credits to provide paid sick and family leave for coronavirus-related employment interruptions;
· Incentivizes States to ease access to unemployment benefits, assisting Americans who may be unemployed due to the impact of the virus;
· Provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families.
President Trump Issues Executive Order Invoking the Defense Production Act
Wednesday, March 18, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act.Under the Defense Production Act, the President has the authority to determine that certain supplies are essential f or the national defense during challenges like this The President’s action allows the Administration, if it becomes necessary, to order the distribution of health and medical supplies to where they are most needed. View the Executive Order
President Donald J. Trump Directs FEMA Support Under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19
The federal government continues to take aggressive and proactive steps to address the COVID-19 threat as the health and safety of the American people remain a top priority (President Donald J. Trump Has Mobilized the Full Resources of the Federal Government to Respond to the Coronavirus). On Friday, March 13, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”) (Letter from President Donald J. Trump on Emergency Determination Under the Stafford Act). This increases federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. As a result of the President’s decisive, unprecedented action, FEMA is directed to assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public. FEMA actions will be in support of HHS and in coordination with state, tribal and territorial governments. Eligible emergency protective measures taken at the direction or guidance of public health officials in response to this emergency, and not supported by the authorities of another federal agency, will be reimbursed strictly under the FEMA Public Assistance program. FEMA assistance will be provided at a 75 percent Federal cost share. Reimbursable activities typically include emergency protective measures such as the activation of State Emergency Operations Centers, National Guard costs, law enforcement and other measures necessary to protect public health and safety.To note, the declaration does not make direct financial assistance available to individuals..Municipalities and counties are encouraged to work directly with their local emergency management offices and through the State Emergency Management Agency for all requests for assistance.You can read more about the disaster recovery process here.
White House Announces New Partnership to Unleash U.S. Supercomputing Resources to Fight COVID-19
The White House announced the launch of the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium to provide COVID-19 researchers worldwide with access to the world’s most powerful high performance computing resources that can significantly advance the pace of scientific discovery in the fight to stop the virus. This unique public-private consortium, spearheaded by The White House, the U.S. Department of Energy, and IBM, includes government, industry, and academic leaders who have volunteered free compute time and resources on their machines.
Monday, March 16, President Donald J. Trump announced new guidelines to address COVID-19, stop the spread, and protect health.The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread. “My administration is recommending that all Americans, including the young and healthy, work to engage in schooling from home when possible, avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people, avoid discretionary travel and avoid eating and drinking in bars, restaurants, and public food courts," President Trump stated. “With several weeks of focused action, we can turn the corner and turn it quickly -- a lot of progress has been made."
FEMA Releases Guidance On Public Assistance for States, Local Governments, and Eligible Non-Profits
The Administration continues to place its full weight and resources behind the response to COVID-19. FEMA currently has over $500 million in available balances in the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) Base to support all 56 States and Territories for COVID-19 response efforts, including for direct Federal assistance, temporary facilities, commodities , equipment, and emergency operation costs. State, Territorial, Tribal, local government entities and certain private non-profit (PNP) organizations are eligible to apply for Public Assistance. States, Tribal and Territorial governments do not need to request separate emergency declarations to receive FEMA assistance under this nationwide declaration. The emergency declaration will reimburse foreligible emergency protective measures taken to respond to the COVID-19 emergency at the direction or guidance of public health officials under Category B of FEMA’s Public Assistance program. FEMA will not duplicate assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or other federal agencies. More information.
Department of Homeland Security Releases Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response
Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations. Thursday, March 19, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency released guidance on the identification of essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. This guidance and accompanying list are intended to support State, Local, and industry partners in identifying the critical infrastructure sectors and the essential workers needed to maintain the services and functions Americans depend on daily and that need to be able to operate resiliently during the COVID-19 pandemic response. More information.
President Donald J. Trump Outlines Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19
Sunday, March 22, President Donald J. trump announced federal actions to ensure that the National Guard can effectively respond to the COVID-19 crisis. President Trump issued a memorandum providing for 100 percent federal funding through FEMA for the cost of Governors deploying National Guard units in their States to carry out approved missions. Governors remain fully in command of their National Guard units. The Presidential Memorandum
President Trump Announces Approval of Existing Drugs to Test Treatments for Coronavirus
Thursday, March 19, President Donald J. Trump announced that the FDA is evaluating existing drugs that could serve as potential therapeutics for coronavirus patients. The drugs will be used in a clinical trial. "We have to re move every barrier or a lot of barriers that were unnecessary and they've done that to get the rapid deployment of safe, effective treatments and we think we have some good answers," the President said. The FDA continues to expand its work regarding therapeutic options and has a vaccine trial underway. More information.
President Trump Signs Legislative Package Providing Extensive Assistance to Americans Impacted by the Coronavirus
Wednesday, March 18, President Trump signed theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act, ensuring that American families and businesses impacted by the virus receive the strong support they need (more information). The President and Administration worked tirelessly with Congress to secure the legislative package, which includes the following:
· Provides free coronavirus diagnostic testing for the American people, regardless of their economic circumstances or health coverage;
· Establishes tax credits to provide paid sick and family leave for coronavirus-related employment interruptions;
· Incentivizes States to ease access to unemployment benefits, assisting Americans who may be unemployed due to the impact of the virus;
· Provides funding and flexibility for emergency nutritional aid for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families.
President Trump Issues Executive Order Invoking the Defense Production Act
Wednesday, March 18, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act.Under the Defense Production Act, the President has the authority to determine that certain supplies are essential f or the national defense during challenges like this The President’s action allows the Administration, if it becomes necessary, to order the distribution of health and medical supplies to where they are most needed. View the Executive Order
President Donald J. Trump Directs FEMA Support Under Emergency Declaration for COVID-19
The federal government continues to take aggressive and proactive steps to address the COVID-19 threat as the health and safety of the American people remain a top priority (President Donald J. Trump Has Mobilized the Full Resources of the Federal Government to Respond to the Coronavirus). On Friday, March 13, President Trump declared a nationwide emergency pursuant to Sec. 501(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (the “Stafford Act”) (Letter from President Donald J. Trump on Emergency Determination Under the Stafford Act). This increases federal support to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in its role as the lead federal agency for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic response. As a result of the President’s decisive, unprecedented action, FEMA is directed to assist state, local, tribal, territorial governments and other eligible entities with the health and safety actions they take on behalf of the American public. FEMA actions will be in support of HHS and in coordination with state, tribal and territorial governments. Eligible emergency protective measures taken at the direction or guidance of public health officials in response to this emergency, and not supported by the authorities of another federal agency, will be reimbursed strictly under the FEMA Public Assistance program. FEMA assistance will be provided at a 75 percent Federal cost share. Reimbursable activities typically include emergency protective measures such as the activation of State Emergency Operations Centers, National Guard costs, law enforcement and other measures necessary to protect public health and safety.To note, the declaration does not make direct financial assistance available to individuals..Municipalities and counties are encouraged to work directly with their local emergency management offices and through the State Emergency Management Agency for all requests for assistance.You can read more about the disaster recovery process here.
White House Announces New Partnership to Unleash U.S. Supercomputing Resources to Fight COVID-19
The White House announced the launch of the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium to provide COVID-19 researchers worldwide with access to the world’s most powerful high performance computing resources that can significantly advance the pace of scientific discovery in the fight to stop the virus. This unique public-private consortium, spearheaded by The White House, the U.S. Department of Energy, and IBM, includes government, industry, and academic leaders who have volunteered free compute time and resources on their machines.