Understanding the need for assistance, yesterday, House Democrats introduced the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act,” a 124-page piece of legislation that would provide paid sick leave to workers who don’t already have it, establish free tests for Coronavirus and the COVID-19 illness it causes, and help families not feel the economic brunt of a global pandemic so severely. The legislation is expected to be voted on by the House today, March 12. This legislation follows President Trump signing an $8.3 billion supplemental funding to find coronavirus last Friday, which helped the public health system get a crucial surge of cash. It also provided funds for vaccine development and loans for small businesses that might be affected by the emergency. The new spending package will ensure that families do not lose all of their income if they become ill and would have the ability to get tested should they think they have COVID-19. While the details of theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act still need to be ironed out in order to ensure passage, the Senate recently announced they would work through next week’s recess to coordinate funding packages and responses to the pandemic. The legislation, notably, will likely not receive a CBO score as it is considered emergency spending. On Thursday morning, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi signaled her commitment to the legislation and the need to act urgently to fight the disease. “We don’t need 48 hours,” Pelosi said. “We just need to make a decision to help families right now.” But what does the Families First Coronavirus Response Act include? And how would it help American workers? Here’s a summary of measures included: Due to the rapidly growing threat, this legislation was brought to the floor less than 24 hours after the House Democrats introduced it. However, it has not yet been signed into law, with reports suggesting that House Republicans refuse to pass legislation they consider “partisan” and “unworkable.” Talks are ongoing between the House, Senate, and White House to pass legislation.
