Press Releases

Today, U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) in the U.S. House, to protect the health and economic security of American workers, families and seniors as the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread in the United States.

This legislation was crafted jointly by the House Appropriations, Agriculture, Education & Labor, Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Committees. It establishes free coronavirus testing (including for the uninsured); provides two weeks of paid sick leave, up to three months of paid family and medical leave and strong unemployment benefits; expands food assistance for vulnerable children, families and seniors; boosts Medicaid; protects health workers; and provides additional funding to states for the ongoing economic consequences of the pandemic, among other provisions.

“After passing a strong funding package to bolster our public health response to the coronavirus last week, we took further action this week to meet the critical needs of our hardworking families and seniors. Providing support for them is essential as we grapple with a growing number of cases and disruptions to our daily lives and our economy,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Making testing available to all, providing paid sick leave, and expanding Medicaid and food security programs are key measures to slow the spread of this new disease.

“I’m pleased that Democrats and Republicans have come together to support working people and older Americans in this trying time. Going forward, Congress will continue to take all necessary steps to fight this pandemic here in the U.S.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act passed the House on a bipartisan 363-40 vote. It now advances to the U.S. Senate for consideration. It would build on last week’s enactment of an $8.3 billion emergency funding package to address the spread of the novel coronavirus. It included support for state and local health agencies, vaccine and treatment development and loans for affected small businesses. Find out more about the emergency supplemental funding here.

The text of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, can be viewed here. A summary can be viewed here.

Rep. Cartwright will continue keeping people informed about how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as actions he is taking in Congress to respond to this public health crisis. He will share information via his Facebook, Twitter, e-newsletter, and a page on his website that is updated regularly throughout each day.