COVID-19 Policy Update (April 3, 2020)

Pelosi and McConnell Both Look to Bipartisan Phase 4 Legislation

Congress now likely remains adjourned until April 20 for the safety of both members and congressional staff, but discussions have already begun on a Phase 4 stimulus bill. As unemployment numbers climbed this week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) recognized that a Phase 4 package would expand upon the recently enacted Phase 3 package in place of pursuing broad Democratic priorities.

Speaker Pelosi announced this week that she would establish a new bipartisan House Select Coronavirus Oversight Committee to oversee the Administration's distribution of the $2 trillion COVID-19 economic relief funds. The committee, which will be led by House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC), would have subpoena powers and the ability to oversee any future legislation related to the virus. Speaker Pelosi's announcement faced resistance from House Republicans who have argued that the committee is "duplicative" and would