CHAIRMAN BISHOP SUPPORTS FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released the following statement regarding the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) by the full U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 363-40:
"The COVID-19 pandemic requires a full-throated response from elected officials everywhere. The $8.3 billion supplemental we passed last week was critical to our nation's public health response, but more support is clearly needed as the virus spreads.
"This new legislation establishes:
- Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured.
- Paid emergency leave, with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
- Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers.
- Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, free and reduced-price lunches, seniors' nutrition and food banks. SNAP work requirements will be paused for the duration of the public health crisis.
- Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs. This prevents states from cutting benefits, reducing Medicaid rolls, or increasing costs for enrollees.
"I am hopeful this bill will help increase food security and provide some consolation for Americans at this difficult time. We can save lives if we respond quickly. The Senate must pass this bill and send it to the President to be signed into law immediately."
The full text of the bill can be found here. A summary can be found here.