The US Senate of Democrats and Republicans reached a deal of $10 billion on Monday for COVID aid. The funding is less than half the proposed $22.5 billion by the Biden Administration.
What aspects do the funds cover?
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the entire $10 billion funding would go to the Department of Health and Human Services.
$9.25 billion is allocated for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority—the agency that looks over the vaccine, treatment, and testing for COVID-19.
The remaining $750 million will be for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund—solely for research, development, and manufacturing of vaccines for any future COVID variants.
What aspects does the funding miss to cover?
The funds do not cover the global distribution of vaccines, which could cost about $5 billion. The Chief Republican Negotiator, Senator Mitt Romney said he is willing to look for ways to support other countries in the coming weeks.
