[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 49 (Friday, March 13, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE FROM PANDEMIC

  (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, today, the House will vote on the 
Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  This critical legislation provides much-needed support for working 
people across America.
  It includes funding for free coronavirus tests for everyone who needs 
it; 14 days of paid sick leave and up to 3 months of paid family and 
medical leave; enhanced unemployment insurance that will protect 
furloughed workers; food security through SNAP, student meals, senior 
nutrition, and food banks; and increased Federal funds for Medicaid.
  We are facing an enormous crisis in our country right now.
  Once we pass this bill, the Senate and the President need to act 
swiftly so these resources are made available to the American people.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi and all of our colleagues 
who worked so hard on this over the last several days. Nothing is more 
important than protecting the health and well-being of the American 
people.
  There is more work to be done, and we will do whatever it takes, bear 
any burden, confront any obstacle in order to minimize the damage that 
this pandemic will do to our country, and we will do all that we can to 
keep our country and our constituents safe.

                          ____________________