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COVID-19 Recovery Plan: Where does America Stand? By Anthony Issa Edited by Brenagh Rapoport The American election is scheduled for the 3rd of November. The campaign has been divisive, and the Republican and Democratic Parties hold very separate visions of what they want for the United States. One thing that concerns both parties is the COVID-19 recovery plan after the elections. What exactly are the policies that each party is proposing? Beginning with the Republican Party, their 2020 platform is the same one that they used in the 2016 Election. As such, no COVID-19 recovery plan is mentioned. Instead, we will need to consider statements made by President Trump and by the Republican National Committee. The Republican pandemic response centres primarily around the economy. Back in May, the current administration signed a US$2 trillion stimulus package aimed at bringing urgent relief to families and businesses. Government checks of $2000 were sent to American families with an annual income under $75,000, as well as a check to households of $500 per child. The federal government sent money directly to state governments and supported unemployment programs. They also put forward loans and tax breaks for businesses facing bankruptcy. Looking forward, the Republicans have proposed more stimulus packages. They are willing to implement another $1 trillion plan to protect the economy. This would include investing $100 billion in education and more financial aid for citizens. They also would reduce unemployment benefits from $600 to $200 so that states can install a target system that covers 70% of a worker’s wage before they were unemployed. 1 As for the presidency, in May of 2020, the Trump-Pence Administration launched Operation Warp Speed, a program aimed at delivering 300 million prescriptions for a COVID-19 vaccine by 2021. The administration has spent about $10 billion on six potential vaccine trials. 2 President Trump also used the Defense Production Act to force private companies to create medical equipment such as N95 masks and ventilators. 3 Finally, President Trump’s strong attempts on “America First” policies will continue despite the economic hardships of the pandemic. 4 This has guided his “Opening Up America Again” approach in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This three-phased economic plan assists state and local officials to reopen their economies, increase employment, and place COVID-19 safety measures without returning to lockdown. 5 As for the Democratic Party, their 2020 election platform is available on their website. The party platform contains a detailed list of promises they wish to accomplish if they win the election. The recovery plan is robust, and I will aim to highlight its most important aspects. BBC News, “Republicans Introduce $1tn Pandemic Recovery Plan,” July 27, 2020. HHS Office of the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA), “Fact Sheet: Explaining Operation Warp Speed,” October 14, 2020. 3 BBC News, “Coronavirus: Trump Signs into Law Largest Bailout in US History,” March 30, 2020. 4 BBC News, “Donald Trump Policies: Where Does the President Stand on Key Issues?” September 28, 2020. 5 The White House, “Opening Up America Again,” 2020. 1 2
