Congress Passes Second Stimulus Package, Immediately Pivots to Third Package
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Last week, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The $8.5 billion package, known as the “second stimulus,” begins to address the economic impact of the virus.
The new law creates an “emergency leave” benefit to provide 14 days of paid leave due to a public health emergency if workers need to take time off due to exposure, illness, quarantine, or caregiving, including:
- Care for children due to school and childcare closures
- Emergency funding to states to support the rapid processing of claims for unemployment protections
- Flexibility for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve emergency plans for food assistance to households impacted by school closures with children who rely on school meals
CARES Act
As H.R. 6201 was being debated and passed in the Senate last week, Congress had already turned to drafting a third stimulus. On Thursday, Senate Republicans, led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the text of their own third stimulus proposal.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act proposal is currently being negotiated and the education portion of the bill, along with many other provisions, are still in flux.
Congress’ response to the Coronavirus remains dynamic. The House and Senate are currently negotiating the third stimulus package, and more Congressional action is expected to follow as the ripple effect of the COVID-19 outbreak continues.
To view the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, go here.
To view the CARES Act, go here.