The House passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, legislation designed to help the American people combat the spread of COVID-19, the disease associated with coronavirus. The bill guarantees two weeks of paid sick leave for those affected by the virus; allows up to three months of paid family and sick leave; strengthens unemployment programs for those who lose work; and makes testing free for everyone, including those without health insurance. To provide state and local governments with the resources they need to provide adequate care, the bill increases funds for Medicaid. It also strengthens food security initiatives such as SNAP, and food programs for seniors and food banks to help address food insecurities created by closures.

After voting to pass the bill, Rep. Aguilar issued the following statement:

“This legislation is a key step toward ensuring San Bernardino County families can meet the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis. By providing paid sick leave for working people, enhancing unemployment resources and ensuring all tests are administered free of charge, House Democrats are taking important steps to mitigate the economic effects of this crisis. The Senate must immediately reconvene and take up this legislation to provide the American people with the support they need.”

The bill passed the House by a vote of 363 to 40 to 1 and is now pending before the Senate.