Last week, 80 members of the House of Representatives signed a bipartisan letter, requesting $75 billion to aid important COVID-19 activities, such as testing, contact tracing, and other assistance. They requested $2.1 billion to federal, state, and local facilities; $7.6 billion in emergency funding to facilities providing care to vulnerable populations; $2.1 billion to the Indian Health Service, specifically benefitting Native American communities; and $38.5 billion to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Additionally, the Representatives stressed the importance of at least a five-year extension, at a minimum of $69.7 billion, to expand the presence of facilities caring for vulnerable populations.
