Congressman Cohen Votes for Families First Coronavirus Response Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) early this morning voted for, and the House passed, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The measure provides paid leave, establishes free testing, supports strong unemployment benefits, expands food assistance for vulnerable children and families, and increases funding for Medicaid programs across the country. It also contains tax credits for small and medium-sized businesses affected by the relief measures.

The vote on passage was 363 to 40. It now moves to the Senate for a vote.

After the vote, Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"We must urgently and thoughtfully respond to this pandemic. This virus is deadly and it needs to be treated with the whole-of-government approach put in effect by this necessary measure. I urge everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidance, including regularly washing hands, staying home when you're sick and avoiding large crowds. This legislation provides essential support to ensure all Americans can take necessary precautionary steps to combat this disease."

For CDC guidance on the Coronavirus outbreak and proper response to it, see this.