Rep. Cisneros Votes to Support Bipartisan Coronavirus Response Package

March 14, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) voted for the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). The President of the United States declared a national emergency this afternoon. 

“With the House passing $8.3 billion in emergency funding last week, we are continuing to step up to address the shortages and emergency response gaps throughout the country. The bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act delivers paid sick leave, student meals, and increased federal funds for Medicaid. Most importantly, this bill provides free coronavirus testing for every person who needs one, including people who are uninsured. We cannot fully address this pandemic if we don’t know the full scope of the problem.

“Amid the President declaring a national emergency, the growing number of patients with coronavirus, and the closing of our schools and large events, it’s important that our federal government continues to have a coordinated and comprehensive response. We must ensure that all Americans, especially the most vulnerable and those on the frontlines combatting the coronavirus, are kept safe and healthy. I urge the Senate and the President to act quickly so we can provide the resources, programs, and tools our families and communities need during this national crisis.”

A summary of the Families First Coronavirus Act can be found here. The bill provides the following:

  • Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured;
  • Paid emergency leave with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave;
  • Enhances Unemployment Insurance, a step that will extend protections to furloughed workers;
  • Strengthens nutrition security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition and food banks;
  • Increases federal funds for Medicaid to support our local, state, tribal and territorial governments and health systems.

Earlier in the evening, Rep. Cisneros joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and other House members in a press conference to talk about the bipartisan bill.

Issues: 
Health