House Passes Families First Coronavirus Response Act

WASHINGTON — The House today passed, on a bipartisan 363-40 vote, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to bolster the federal government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and address the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Americans’ personal safety and financial security.

The legislation reflects bipartisan agreement between House Democrats and the Trump administration. It guarantees free coronavirus testing, secures paid emergency leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, strengthens food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding to states.

“Our top priority in this public health emergency must be providing support to the American people,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY). “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will help ensure the physical safety and financial security of our nation’s working families during this time of crisis. With this bill, we can provide paid leave, guarantee free testing, and enhance important benefits for children and families.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act builds on an $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus spending package enacted into law on March 6.

The text of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, is here. A summary of H.R. 6201, as passed by the House on Saturday, March 14, is here. A summary of paid leave provisions outside the Appropriations Committee's jurisdiction, incorporating changes made by technical correction, is here.

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