Trump Declares National Emergency Over Coronavirus; Markets Rebound

Second Legislative Response

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said Friday afternoon in a televised address that the House is passing on Friday legislation that's "focused directly on providing support for America's families."

The three "most important parts" of the bill are: "Testing, testing, testing."

This legislation facilitates free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured, Pelosi said.

"We can only defeat this outbreak if we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope so that we can pursue the precise science-based response that is necessary."

The bill also secures "two weeks of paid sick leave and family and medical leave for those affected by the virus," Pelosi said.

For those who lose their jobs, the bill strengthens unemployment insurance.

The bill also "takes aggressive action to strengthen food security initiatives, including student meals as well as SNAP, seniors' meals and food banks."

The Wall Street Journal reported that House Democrats said they would proceed with a vote on the bill later Friday, even if they can't finalize an agreement with the Trump administration, amid uncertainty about the level of support from Trump and congressional Republicans.

"If we reach agreement, we'll vote on it," said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., in a letter to Democratic colleagues, the Journal reported. "If not, we will vote today on our bill, which incorporates nearly all of what the administration and Republicans have requested."

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