US House passes Coronavirus Relief Bill
Washington/UNI:The US House of Representatives on Saturday passed Coronavirus Relief Bill in view of coronavirus outbreak after intense negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration.
The bill was passed 363-40 with 40 Republicans voting against it and Independent Justin Amash of Michigan voting "present."
On Friday, President Trump had tweeted his support for the measure that includes provisions for paid emergency leave and free testing for COVID-19, after Pelosi announced that Democrats had struck a deal with the administration.
Trump's backing cleared the way for a broad, bipartisan vote in the House with the Senate expected to take it up when it returns to session next week.
President Trump tweeted, "I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which will be voted on in the House this evening."
"This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers. I have directed the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations that will provide flexibility so that in no way will small businesses be hurt. I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES!"
I fully support H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which will be voted on in the House this evening. This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers. I have directed....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2020
The announcement from the President put an end to uncertainty that had loomed over negotiations all day.
In a letter to the House Democrats on Friday evening ahead of the President's tweets, Pelosi announced a deal, saying, "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges."
According to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, issues regarding the legislative language was still being sorted out.
Pelosi said in her letter that the legislation is made up of a number of provisions, including "free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured."
According to Pelosi the legislation will also provide, "paid emergency leave with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave."
It will also expand federal funding for Medicaid "to support our local, state, tribal and territorial governments and health systems, so that they have the resources necessary to combat this crisis."
Trump had earlier criticized the bill even as Pelosi and Mnuchin were negotiating with the administration.
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