[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NOW IS TIME TO ACT ON CORONAVIRUS

  (Mr. KILMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my sympathies for 
lives lost due to the coronavirus and to offer my gratitude to the 
first responders, healthcare professionals, and others working to 
respond to this public health emergency.
  Now is the time for action.
  Last week, Congress approved $8.3 billion in funding to ensure the 
Federal Government steps up to the scale and seriousness of this 
growing crisis: public health funding, support to State and local 
health agencies, investments in R&D for vaccines, and a measure I led 
to help our small businesses that are already feeling the impact.
  This week, the Federal Government should go further to help workers 
and families across the country. I am proud the House will be moving to 
ensure paid sick days and economic assistance for impacted workers, to 
increase capacity of the medical system, to protect first responders, 
to make testing more widespread and free, and to ensure access to food 
for the most vulnerable Americans.
  There is no time to waste. The House should act now to ensure the 
safety and security of the American people.

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