Today, the House of Representatives passed The Families First Coronavirus Act. This robust legislation will provide critical provisions to combat the global Coronavirus pandemic, including paid leave, free coronavirus testing, unemployment benefits, food assistance , protections for health care workers, and additional funding to states to counter the economic impact of the virus.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act comes just one week after Congress passed the $8.3 billion Emergency Supplemental Funding supplemental package to ramp up resources needed to expedite the treatment of individuals and limit the spread of the virus. However, as the Coronavirus continues to spread, the House has proactively voted on a bill to immediately meet the additional needs of workers and families.
Key provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act include an emergency paid leave program through the Social Security Administration for people who are unable to work due to sickness, quarantine, or care for another; $1 Billion in unemployment insurance grants for furloughed or unemployed employees; increased federal reimbursements to expand Medicaid benefits; increased funding for nutrition assistance programs; and a suspension of work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.
The Congressional Black Caucus calls upon its colleagues in the Senate to fully support the Families First Coronavirus Act, the next step needed to safeguard the public and provide the necessary relief for all through this time.
