Congressman Horsford Votes For Coronavirus Economic Relief and Free Testing Package

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford voted to pass 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.

This legislation also includes Congressman Horsford's H.R. 6199, the Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020. The provision would secure $5 million in assistance for Nevada immediately, with another $5 million and 100 percent funding for extended benefits if the state sees very significant job loss.

"Today, Congress takes its stand against the consequences of coronavirus for the good of the American people. This legislation will not only ensure that all individuals are able to be tested without the burden of cost, but also provides necessary resources to those who may become ill or may care for someone who becomes ill," Congressman Horsford said. "For my constituents, I hope this legislation calms their worries and uncertainties around the coronavirus—I am working in Washington every day to keep my constituents safe, healthy and supported through this uncertain time. No American family should need to worry about their physical and financial health at the same time. After days of negotiation, I'm glad Congress was able to come to a bipartisan agreement for the health and safety of the American people."

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 Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides:

Free testing for coronavirus: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act ensures that all individuals who need a test, including those with private insurance, Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE, as well as the uninsured, will have access at no cost.

Paid emergency leave: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.

Enhanced Unemployment Insurance: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives states the resources and flexibility to provide unemployment benefits to laid off and furloughed workers, as well as to those workers who exhaust their allotted paid leave. This measure also provides additional funding to help the hardest-hit states immediately and in the future if conditions worsen.

Food security: The Families First Coronavirus Response Actincludes more than $1 billion to provide food to low-income pregnant women and mothers with young children, help local food banks, and feed low-income seniors. It ensures that students who depend on schools and child care for free and reduced-priced meals continue to have access to nutritious foods during closures. And it provides women, infants, and children with the flexibility to access food and infant formula without having to make unnecessary or unsafe visits to clinics.

Health security: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act increases the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), which the federal government provides to state and territorial Medicaid programs. This will prevent states from cutting benefits, reducing their Medicaid rolls, or imposing greater costs on enrollees.