Washington, D.C. — Last night, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) voted to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a bipartisan bill focused on providing support for American families during this public health crisis. The emergency response package passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 363-40.

The legislation includes:

• Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test
• Paid emergency family and medical leave 
• Enhanced Unemployment Insurance to protect furloughed workers
• Stronger food security initiatives for students, seniors, and food banks
• Increased federal funds for Medicaid as states face higher costs

“The health and safety of our families is my top priority in Congress. We must work together and be proactive about this public health crisis, and do all we can to keep our families, and those most at risk, healthy and whole,” said McBath. “I am proud to support this bill to make coronavirus tests free to everyone who needs one, to give workers who should stay home to keep people healthy the support to do so, and to make sure that our children, our seniors, and our families have access to the food they need.”

This bipartisan bill is the next step in the coordinated, fully-funded response America needs to stay safe from this pandemic. It follows the $8.3 billion emergency funding that was approved and signed by the President last week and will be used for prevention and preparedness, emergency response, treatment, and vaccine development.

Please visit Rep. McBath’s website for information regarding symptoms, prevention, response, and further information about the COVID-19 virus as it continues to develop. McBath’s office is working with state and local partners and closely monitoring cases in Georgia. If you or someone in your household are in a higher risk population because of your age or health problems, it is important to prepare in the event of community outbreak of COVID-19.

It is advised that you be ready to stay home for an extended period of time in order to limit your exposure to the virus. Look ahead to the things you may need; ask your health care provider about having extra prescription medication on hand, stock up on over-the-counter medicines to treat your symptoms, and be sure you have enough, groceries, water, and items you need in so that you can keep yourself and others healthy.