PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Sep 30, 2020
COVID Preparedness, Response, and Effective Planning for Advanced Requirements by the Executive Branch Act of 2020 or the COVID PREPARE Act of 2020
This bill requires federal agencies to submit to Congress plans for responding to any resurgence of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
Specifically, each agency shall submit (1) an initial report detailing an action plan, informed by research and best practices learned from the onset of COVID-19 and previous presidentially declared emergencies, for addressing the needs and mitigating and eliminating the risks and challenges associated with any resurgence in COVID-19 cases; and (2) subsequent reports, on a quarterly basis until the President ends the declared emergency, that update the details submitted in the plan.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The initial report shall include
agency priorities for preparing for and responding to any resurgence;
measurable goals specific to priorities and a time line for addressing each priority;
anticipated challenges to addressing priorities and how the agency will address such challenges;
how the agency will consult with Congress, the public, state and municipal governments, and relevant stakeholders while working remotely; and
how the agency plans to issue relevant guidance to entities under the jurisdiction of the agency.
People & committees
Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5075)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7496.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5075-5077)
Mr. Connolly moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3620)
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.7496 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.7496 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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