Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02) offered the following statement after the Senate sent the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to the President’s Desk:

“Everyone must do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and contain this pandemic, and that includes Congress. I commend the Senate for advancing our second coronavirus response bill, which will expand access to free testing for patients who need it and help Americans keep their jobs by increasing support for sick and family leave. 

“This will not be the last action Congress takes to combat this coronavirus. As Americans hunker down and follow CDC guidelines to minimize social contact, Congress continues to work on the next installment of legislation to provide additional relief to the businesses and workers that are struggling,” said Congressman Brad Wenstrup.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act contains:

• Free COVID-19 testing for patients.
• Emergency Paid Leave for workers who become sick or can’t go to work because they are caring for a loved one who is affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Refundable tax credits for small businesses to offer paid emergency leave to their employees.
• Gives authority to the Secretary of the Treasury to immediately provide small businesses with the tax credit refund in order to protect small businesses’ cash flow.  

It provides additional funding, building off of the $8.3 billion provided, including:

• $1.2 billion to help cover the costs of coronavirus testing, including $142 million to eliminate copay requirements for servicemembers and veterans.
• $1.25 billion to provide emergency nutritional assistance for senior citizens, women, children, and low-income families, including:
• $500 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children;
• $400 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program

You can read more about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and other actions taken by the federal government here.

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