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Washington, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) voted to pass the bipartisan 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.

“Today’s legislation will provide Americans with the financial support and resources they need to put their health and safety first during this time of crisis,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “We’re facing a pandemic and the best way to safeguard Virginia families from the financial consequences of coronavirus is to do everything we can to help prevent its spread. Anyone who needs a test should be able to get one for free, and anyone who gets sick needs paid sick leave to stay home -- the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will safeguard the financial security of working families by prioritizing public health first and foremost.”

The legislation provides paid sick leave as well as paid family and medical leave, establishes free coronavirus testing, supports strong unemployment benefits, and expands food assistance for vulnerable children and families, among other provisions.

Last week, Wexton helped pass an $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus spending package that was enacted into law on March 6. The package includes 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.

Early this week, Wexton called for legislation that would prioritize the health and financial security of working families. Wexton has introduced legislation to protect and expand telework options for federal workers. Wexton also recently urged the Office of Personnel Management to expand paid leave options for federal employees who are unable to telework and have medically vulnerable family members at home for whom transmission of coronavirus would likely be fatal.

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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