Bonamici Bill to Feed Children During COVID-19 School Closures Passes House
Measure is Part of Families First Coronavirus Response Act
WASHINGTON, DC [03/13/20] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) issued the following statement on the House passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which included her bipartisan bill to make sure children can access nutrition when schools are closed:
"The House has passed the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response bill," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "This legislation provides relief and security to the families in Oregon and across the country who are already being hurt by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, it offers families paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, enhanced unemployment insurance, food security, and free and widespread testing for the virus.
"We know that many children across the country rely on school meals to combat food insecurity, which is why I am proud that the Families First bill includes my legislation to make sure children can still access school meals during closures.
"Nonetheless, the latest developments at home and across the country are deeply concerning. My thoughts are with the Oregonians coping with this illness, including several Oregon veterans, and their families. The deaths of seniors and others in Washington and other states have shaken and saddened us all.
"Additionally, our healthcare workers are on the front lines every day fighting this pandemic, and we must make sure they have the resources they need during this trying time. We have much more work to do to slow the spread of this virus, support families, and stabilize the economy. In particular, more needs to be done to increase and improve testing and make sure we have enough protective equipment to keep frontline health care workers safe.
"The Families First bill will aid families and provide some needed financial assistance. Congress will keep working hard to provide the supports our communities need now and in the future. I will continue to listen to the needs and concerns of Oregonians and do everything I can to address them."