Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) today applauded House passage of 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.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides paid leave, establishes free coronavirus testing, supports strong unemployment benefits, expands food assistance for vulnerable children and families, protects frontline health workers, and provides additional funding to states for the ongoing economic consequences of the pandemic, among other provisions.

The package also included legislation sponsored by Rep. Trahan, along with Representatives Ron Kind (WI-03), and Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) that will make testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) free for seniors who receive coverage through Medicare Advantage.

“The coronavirus has presented our nation with an unprecedented public health challenge. As the United States and the international community grapples with our response to this global pandemic, it is clear that half-measures will not suffice. Workers and families are carrying an increasingly heavy burden, and they need our help. While the $8.3 billion coronavirus response funding we enacted into law was a crucial step aimed at stabilizing our public health system, more support for working families is clearly needed,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

“The bill we passed today provides our constituents with the health care coverage, food assistance, and financial support they need to cope with the widespread consequences of this pandemic. This legislation reflects our responsibility to stand with the American people as we move through this national emergency, together,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. 

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.

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