Anybody come across this? Why would Congress introduce the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act - HR 748) in January 2019 when it wasn't even an issue until January 2020? Bill was introduced by Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2] (Introduced 01/24/2019)

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/all-actions?actionsSearchResultViewType=compact&overview=closed&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

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/bill-announcement-93/

On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law:

H.R. 748, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES Act,” which provides emergency assistance and health care response for individuals, families and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide emergency appropriations to support Executive Branch agency operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.