U.S. House of Representatives Passes Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Late last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, on a bipartisan 363-40 vote, the 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. NMMA supported the measure – which guarantees free coronavirus testing, secures paid emergency leave, enhances Unemployment Insurance, strengthens food security initiatives, and increases federal Medicaid funding to states – and the U.S. Senate is expected to pass a version of the legislation in the coming days.
“Our top priority in this public health emergency must be providing support to the American people,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY). “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will help ensure the physical safety and financial security of our nation’s working families during this time of crisis. With this bill, we can provide paid leave, guarantee free testing, and enhance important benefits for children and families.”
“After taking the necessary time to make sure we get it right, this bill will ensure Americans have the support they need to care for their family and not face economic hardship,” said U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “I am proud to support this bill and get America prepared to defeat this virus.”
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act builds on an $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus spending package enacted into law on March 6. Congress and the White House are expected to announce additional economic aid packages in the coming days and NMMA will work with all decisionmakers to ensure the recreational boating industry’s priorities are included.
For more information, please contact NMMA senior vice president of government and legal affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected], NMMA director of federal government relations, Clay Crabtree at [email protected], or NMMA director of federal government relations, Callie Hoyt at [email protected].