DeLauro Statement on New Coronavirus Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON, DC — (March 11, 2020) Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, today released the following statement after House Democrats introduced the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a new stimulus package to combat the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Today's economic stimulus package is directly targeted at helping working people and families who are being affected by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. In particular, I am proud to have helped craft provisions to provide paid sick days and paid leave for all employees affected. The CDC advises those who are sick to stay at home. Yet, 27 percent of private sector workers do not have paid sick days, especially in service industries. No one should face the impossible choice of caring for their health or keeping their paycheck or job, but countless hard-working people could be put in that position due to the coronavirus. That is why we included an emergency 14 paid sick days for everyone during this public health emergency, as well as longer term paid leave for those who experience severe symptoms and need more than 14 days to recuperate."

"I also worked with my colleagues to ensure all Americans have food security—especially vulnerable populations like children and seniors. For low-income seniors who depend on the Senior Nutrition programs in their communities, this bill will provide approximately 25 million additional home-delivered and pre-packaged meals. This is vital, as nearly two-thirds of recipients of home-delivered meals report these meals as more than half of their food intake for the day. And for our most vulnerable, we are increasing maximum monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and preventing the USDA from implementing rules that would cut benefits or eligibility. SNAP is a valuable anti-recession tool, generating $1.70 in economic activity for every $1 spent from SNAP benefits."

"This economic stimulus package will help working people and families, and I am proud to support it."

Importantly, the bill ensures coronavirus diagnostics testing will be free for everyone who needs a test. Earlier this week, DeLauro sent a letter with Congresswomen Katie Porter (CA-45) to the heads of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of diagnostic testing and services for all Americans, regardless of their health insurance.