Why was the CARES Act introduced in the House in Jan 2019? This topic arose in another post.  CARES Act: "This bill responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses."  Why was this bill introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2019?  https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/actions?KWICView=false Date Actions Overview 03/27/2020 Became Public Law No: 116-136. 03/27/2020 Signed by President. 03/27/2020 Presented to President. 03/27/2020 Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote. 03/25/2020 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate, under the order of 3/25/20, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 96 - 0. Record Vote Number: 80. 07/17/2019 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 6 (Roll no. 493).(text: CR H5958-5959) 01/24/2019 Introduced in House