WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted to pass H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which makes coronavirus testing free and provides financial protections for working Americans. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and was endorsed by President Trump.
The bill:
- Makes coronavirus testing free, building on Executive and private-sector efforts to make testing more readily available.
- Provides financial assistance for working Americans who are “ill, quarantined, or caring for others due to coronavirus” via a tax credit to employers rather than a new entitlement.
- Protects seniors by ensuring the Social Security Administration is not running a new paid leave program for those affected by COVID-19.
- Limits relief to the duration of the COVID-19 threat.
- Excludes treatments unrelated to COVID-19, ensuring Hyde protections remain intact and no funds go toward abortion.
- Increases access to telehealth services for new Medicare beneficiaries to help lower the strain on health care facilities and providers.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“This bill provides American families with much-needed economic stability and certainty amidst the COVID-19 threat. It builds on President Trump’s commitment to expand and accelerate testing capabilities, and it limits new spending and health treatments to COVID-19. Overall, this legislation is a win. We are tackling the coronavirus threat with a whole-of-government focus and in close coordination with our states. We are working together, and I believe America will emerge better and stronger.”
