They argue the "robust funding" is vital in enabling "federal agencies to better respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future national emergencies as well as meet the…
The Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL-754) is shown with its deployed 26-foot over-the-horizon cutter boat and a “go fast” smuggling vessel interdicted off the Pacific coast of Central America in mid-May 2020. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The House measure arrived while Senate Democrats and the Trump administration were working on a different version of a massive package to boost the U.S. economy.
Agencies could apply to use part of the $3 billion through fiscal 2022 specifically for "technology-related modernization activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus."
The VA wants money for 100,000 laptops for teleworkers, 30,000 laptops for telehealth providers and 50,000 iPads for veterans to receive telehealthcare, FedScoop has learned.
"You start talking about these issues and many of my colleagues... their eyes glaze over and they want to talk about anything else," said Rep. Gerry Connolly.