Skip to main content
 

Soto Votes to Pass Families First Coronavirus Response Act

March 16, 2020

Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09) voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bill to bolster the federal government's response to the coronavirus outbreak and address the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Central Floridians' personal safety and financial security.

The legislation reflects the 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.

"As coronavirus spreads, the impacts on our nation's workers, students and families deepen," said Rep. Soto. "While the $8.3 billion coronavirus supplemental that was signed into law last week was a critical first step, it has become abundantly clear that our constituents need more. We cannot fight the growing pandemic unless everyone has access to free testing, paid emergency leave, food assistance and more. For the sake of communities in Central Florida and across America, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to bring this legislation for a vote immediately."

The legislation passed today builds on an $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus spending package enacted into law on March 6. That package – consisting entirely of new funds – included support for state and local health agencies, vaccine and treatment development and loans for affected small businesses to lessen the economic blow of this public health emergency.

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

###

Issues:Health