About the CARES Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (2020) and the Coronavirus Response and Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021) provided fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, small businesses, and industries.

The CARES Act implemented a variety of programs to address issues related to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act continued many of these programs by adding new phases, new allocations, and new guidance to address issues related to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CARES Act was passed by Congress on March 25, 2020 and signed into law on March 27, 2020.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021) was passed by Congress on December 21, 2020 and signed into law on December 27, 2020.