Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is an Act of Congress (H.R. 6201) meant to respond to the economic impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The act provides funding for free coronavirus testing, 14-day paid leave for American workers affected by the pandemic, and increased funding for food stamps.[1]
Acronyms (colloquial)
The bill was sponsored by House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D–NY) and passed the United States House of Representatives early on March 14, 2020, before moving on to the United States Senate. President Donald Trump had voiced support for the legislative agreement.[2] The Senate passed the legislation on March 18, 2020.[3] Trump signed the bill into law later that day.[4]
Votes[edit]
The House of Representatives passed the bill with broad bipartisan support in a vote that concluded at 12:30 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2020, in a 363–40–1 vote, with 26 not voting.[30] Forty Republicans and no Democrats voted against the bill.[31] Independent Representative Justin Amash voted present.[31]
Senator Rand Paul introduced an amendment to the bill to require a social security number in order to receive the child tax credit, to allow the President the authority to transfer funds as necessary, and to end United States military operations and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan by December 31, 2020. The amendment failed in a vote of 3–95 with 2 not voting.[32]
Senator Ron Johnson introduced an amendment to the bill to financial support provided through state-administered unemployment insurance systems and funds rather than having the provisions for Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Paid Family Medical Leave. The amendment failed in a vote of 50–48 with 2 not voting, since it needed 60 votes to pass under Senate rules.[33]
Senator Patty Murray introduced an amendment to the bill to provide Americans with paid sick time and paid leave for their own health needs and their families' health needs. The amendment failed in a vote of 47–51 with 2 not voting.[34]
On March 18, the Senate passed the bill with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 90–8 with 2 not voting.[35] The two Senators not voting were Cory Gardner of Colorado and Rick Scott of Florida who were in quarantine after exposure to people who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019.[36] Later the same day, the President signed the bill into law.[37]