March 14, 2020

Weekly Wrap Up

Week 11 (March 13)

With the deadly coronavirus spreading across the world and in the United States, Congress swiftly acted last week to enact emergency funding to respond to this public health crisis. This week, it became clear that further legislative action was necessary as this crisis evolved to a pandemic, and the impact on workers and families deepened. In response, the House of Representatives passed additional emergency legislation focusing on keeping American workers and families afloat during this crisis. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides paid sick days; access to free testing for coronavirus; emergency assistance to those who may find themselves suddenly unemployed as a result of the crisis measures; expanded food assistance programs; and safeguarded Medicaid benefits. The House passed this vital legislation to help American families brace for the times ahead. 

In addition, the House passed S.J.Res. 68, a war powers resolution limiting the President’s military actions regarding Iran. 

This Week’s Votes

This week, House Democrats passed: 

  • H.R. 6201 – Families First Coronavirus Response Act – bolsters the federal government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and addresses the severe impacts of the coronavirus on Americans’ personal safety and financial security

    • Establishes an Emergency Paid Leave Program that replaces a significant share of lost wages so that those who take leave to avoid spreading the virus, or due to illness or caregiving responsibilities, can pay their bills.

    • Ensures that all individuals, including those with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, VA, FEHBP, and TRICARE, as well as the uninsured, will have access to tests at no cost.

    • Gives states resources and flexibility to provide unemployment benefits to laid-off and furloughed workers as well as workers who have exhausted their allotted paid leave.

    • Provides $1 billion to provide nutritious foods to low-income pregnant women and mothers with young children, help local food banks meet the increased demand for low-income Americans during the emergency, and provide home-delivered and congregate meals to low-income seniors.

    • Ensures that children who depend on schools’ free and reduced-priced meals continue to have access to nutritious foods in the event of school closures.

    • Prepares for potential new Medicaid enrollees by increasing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) that the federal government provides to states and territorial Medicaid programs, preventing states from cutting benefits and reducing Medicaid rolls.

  • S.J. Res. 68 – A War Powers Resolution Limiting the President’s Military Actions Regarding Iran – limits the President’s military actions against Iran 

    • Directs the President to terminate the use of U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran or any part of its government or military unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or AUMF against Iran.

    • States that nothing shall be construed to prevent the United States from defending itself from imminent attacks.

Catch Us In The News

What We’re Reading

Looking Ahead

Congressman Correa will be in the district next week. Due to growing concerns about coronavirus, the Congressman will be participating in community food drives. To find a food bank in your community visit: https://www.capoc.org or https://www.feedoc.org.