Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is weighing in on the Trump administration’s approach to providing funding for testing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Margaret Brennan, the host of CBS’ “Face the Nation,” claimed President Donald Trump opposed including more funding for testing in the next coronavirus relief package.
Azar explained the previous bills provided $25 billion in funding for testing. States received $11 billion and have used $40 million.
He argued Trump will make sure there is enough funding for testing.
“The president’s going to make sure that he works with Congress, that there’s adequate funding for testing. I’m going to leave it to the chief of staff and the secretary of the treasury who are negotiating with Congress now, but we’ll make sure there’s adequate money that meets the needs of this response,” Azar said.
Check out his comments below:
MORE TESTING MONEY? .@SecAzar doesn’t say why @realDonaldTrump opposed more testing money in the latest #coronavirus relief package.
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) July 26, 2020
Says administration will make sure there's "adequate money that meets the needs of this response." pic.twitter.com/e0Rd3Vkt7O
Republicans and Democrats are struggling to come to an agreement on the next coronavirus relief package.
As extended unemployment benefits are scheduled to expire this week, lawmakers are scrambling to produce a proposal both parties can agree on.
The Republicans are not willing to extend the $600 in additional unemployment benefits, as IJR previously reported.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows revealed he has been working with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to refine the bill that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is predicted to introduce on Monday.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized Republicans for failing to produce a feasible proposal in a timely manner.
Schumer took to the Senate floor on Wednesday slamming Republicans, calling them “disorganized, chaotic and unprepared,” as IJR previously reported.
During her press conference on Friday, Pelosi also slammed Republicans, suggesting they lack urgency over another relief bill.
“The Republicans are derelict in their duty,” Pelosi said.
The two lawmakers later released a joint statement demanding McConnell provide an adequate proposal.
