On Friday evening, the House of Representatives, on a 363 to 40 vote passed H.R. 6201: the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help American Families financially withstand the Coronavirus.
This measure includes funding for:
- Free Coronavirus testing.
- Emergency Paid Sick Days.
- Emergency Paid Leave Days.
- Expanded Unemployment Insurance.
- Expanded Food Stamp Assistance
News organizations like the New York Times and Common Dreams have pointed out that loopholes and exemptions given to larger businesses mean that only twenty percent of American workers will be eligible for the emergency sick and leave days.
While that is a valid concern, it should be noted that this legislation is, in all likelihood, not the last bill designed to help people deal with the Coronavirus. Any deficiencies in the legislation passed on Friday evening will hopefully be sorted out in either negotiation with the Senate or in future measures.
Among the Arizona delegation, virtually all the Democrats (Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, Tom O’ Halleran, and Greg Stanton) and Republican David Schweikert (whose aide tested positive for the Coronavirus) voted for the legislation.
Anne Kirkpatrick was not available for personal reasons.
Paul Gosar could not vote because he is in the middle of a 14-day self-imposed quarantine after coming into contact with an infected individual during the annual CPAC conference.
Debbie Lesko and Andy Biggs were among the 40 Representatives that voted against this legislation.
What is wrong with them? What reality are they living in?
The Arizona Democratic 2020 Congressional Candidates looking to win in Districts Four, Five, Six, and Eight voiced their views of the newly passed legislation.
Delina Di Santo, the Democrat looking to defeat Paul Gosar wrote:
“I am relieved that Speaker Nancy Pelosi was able to hammer out a deal with the Administration and pass HR 6201.
-Paid sick leave for 2 weeks for employees who work at businesses with 500 employees or less, at two-thirds the rate.
-Employers get 100% refundable tax credit applied to the employer portion of the Social Security payroll tax for both paid sick leave and family leave wages.
-reimburse costs of diagnostic testing for uninsured individuals
-Expanded for aid for WIC program
-emergency grants would be given to states to expand unemployment insurance benefits
-Federal Medicaid assistance to states would be increased to help alleviate state budget shortfalls in an economic downturn.”
“What concerns me is Protection from liability for manufacturers of personal respiratory protective devices. I understand we need to have these protective devices now and the production and manufacturing of these devices are urgent, but I feel they are still liable for any defective products they produce. If you give a company the ability to cut corners, then protections can be cut.”
“I’m hoping that these monies and programs are put into place immediately to help those in need. I would have liked to add to the bill for those who cannot work, that they suspend mortgage payments until they are able to go back to work full time. This would include those who also rent their home to citizens who are quarantined and/or have Coronavirus.”
“We need leaders who can look at the whole picture. Protecting businesses is fine, but it’s the people who have no savings, struggle every day, and fear they can’t pay their bills or buy food that we need to ensure they don’t get hit hard by this economic blow. We need them to know we have their back so they can come back strong.”
“As my mom and grandmother taught me, we must be able to give them a hand up, not a handout. Let’s help them keep their dignity, by giving them respect.”
Joan Greene, the 2018 Congressional District Five Democratic Nominee, and 2020 contender issued a strong rebuke of Mr. Biggs’s “disgusting” vote (his second in two weeks against measures to combat the Coronavirus.) It said:
“Last night, Rep. Andy Biggs once again showed us why he is the worst of Washington politics.”
“For the second time, he voted NO on funding to help us during the COVID-19 crisis.”
“The bipartisan legislation, with apparent support from Trump himself, passed the House in the middle of the night. But not with Biggs on its side.”
“He voted NO on H.R. 6201: Families First CoronaVirus Response Act, which includes coronavirus testing for free, paid sick leave and some funding for those without insurance.”
“Biggs doesn’t want to protect our families. He continues to prove it time and time again especially now during this National Emergency.”
“Last week, he was just 1 of 2 House members to vote against the first coronavirus response package and last night he voted no on this second aid package.”
“Help us make sure he doesn’t get another term as the AZ-05 Congressman.”
2018 Democratic Congressional Six District Nominee Anita Malik relayed:
“I’m glad to see the House take action. Yet, I’m concerned that we are still falling behind and quickly.”
“The bill’s exemptions will leave too many of our families still struggling, particularly gig workers and employees at larger companies. If there ever was a case for emergency universal basic income, this is it.”
“Overall, we have more to do to ensure every family has paid family, medical and sick leave. Not just in times of emergency, but as a foundation.”
“As more and more cases of coronavirus are reported across the country, it is important we do not give in to fear and panic. We must take precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus and protect our communities. Every effort to contain the spread of this virus will result in lives saved. As we take the steps necessary to stop the spread, there will be challenges for millions of Americans.”
“This is a time where our nation’s leaders must put partisan politics aside, allow the experts to guide our decisions, and take care of those who will be hurt economically by these necessary measures.”
“Last night, the House passed a bill to help those who’ll be economically impacted by measures implemented to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The bill includes critically important actions- including free testing, extended unemployment benefits & food asst. for children & seniors.”
“However, it’s not enough. Congress must work to expand the bill to include paid sick leave for ALL workers who are experiencing symptoms or are at greater risk, not just the approximately 20% American workers outlined in the current legislation. This is not a time to prioritize corporate profits. We must also fully restore the Office of Pandemic Response so we are appropriately prepared in the future.”
“These measures are the right first steps to take to protect our communities at large. I urge our nation’s leaders to put partisan politics aside and make the health of Americans the overarching focus. There will be new challenges as we work our way through this, and our leaders must be proactive with solutions without political gamesmanship. Lives are at stake.”
“This is a moment that will test the fabric of our nation. We must always remember to look out for those less fortunate in our communities, to never close our hearts, and to put facts and science first.”
“We will get through this, together.”
Michael Muscato, one of the Democratic Congressional District Eight Candidates looking to unseat Debbie Coverup Lesko wrote:
The other Congressional District Eight Candidate Bob Musselwhite commented:
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