Mucarsel-Powell Votes To Pass Legislation To Address Economic Impact Of Coronavirus

Statement

Today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) voted to pass H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. H.R. 6201 bolsters the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak and addresses the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Americans' personal safety and financial security.

"Last week, we passed an $8.3 billion emergency spending package that was critical to our nation's public health response to coronavirus. As the pandemic has escalated, it's become clear that more support is needed to protect families and workers," said Mucarsel-Powell. "I am concerned that it took the President of the United States this long to treat this pandemic with the seriousness it deserves. It is discouraging that the president continues to avoid his responsibility and refuses to accept accountability for the response thus far."

"That's why today, I was pleased that the House is leading and that we passed another important funding bill that takes decisive action to protect individuals both economically and physically. I believe that establishing paid sick leave and free testing for COVID-19 will save lives," continued Mucarsel-Powell. "This is a time for action. I was shocked and disappointed by the partisan pushback from congressional Republicans, and I strongly urge all elected officials to remember why we are here--to fight for our constituents. We must all come together to protect the health of our country. Floridians are counting on the resources provided in this bill, and it would be reckless for the Republican-controlled Senate not to pass it immediately."

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act establishes:

Free testing for coronavirus: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures that all individuals who need a test, including those with private insurance, Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE, as well as the uninsured, will have access at no cost.
Economic security:
Paid emergency leave: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
Enhanced Unemployment Insurance: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives states the resources and flexibility to provide unemployment benefits to laid off and furloughed workers, as well as to those workers who exhaust their allotted paid leave. This measure also provides additional funding to help the hardest-hit states immediately and in the future if conditions worsen.
Food security: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act includes more than $1 billion to provide food to low-income pregnant women and mothers with young children, help local food banks, and feed low-income seniors. It ensures that students who depend on schools and child care for free and reduce-priced meals continue to have access to nutritious foods during closures. And it provides women, infants, and children with the flexibility to access food and infant formula without having to make unnecessary or unsafe visits to clinics.
Health security: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which the federal government provides to state and territorial Medicaid programs. This will prevent states from cutting benefits, reducing their Medicaid rolls, or imposing greater costs on enrollees.
Full text of the bill and a summary can be found here.

Source