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Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Floor Speech

Date: March 13, 2020
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Unemployed and Low-Income Health and Health Care

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Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this bill.

As Chairman of the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Subcommittee of Appropriations, I want to acknowledge the tremendous cooperation between the Appropriations and authorizing committees in producing this bill so quickly.

It takes a truly multi-jurisdictional approach to addressing the urgent needs, many families will have, as we face this pandemic.

[The fight against this scourge will be tough and we must be prepared.]

Last week we provided $61 million to FDA for the development and review of medical countermeasures, devices, therapies, and vaccines to combat the coronavirus.

Today, we work to protect our families.

Cancellation of conferences, sporting events and other gatherings is having a major impact on the hospitality, transportation, and related industries, resulting in layoffs that will likely cause families to turn to WIC and food banks for help.

Schools are closing, leaving children without free and reduced-price meals.

But I am pleased this bill would allow households with eligible children to receive emergency SNAP assistance to put food on the table.

Three programs get additional funds in this bill.

First, we provide $500 million for WIC to provide nutritious foods for low-income pregnant women or mothers with young children who lose their jobs or are laid off due to the coronavirus emergency.

Second, we provide $400 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program--TEFAP--to help local food banks meet increased demand during the emergency.

Third, we provide $100 million for Nutrition Assistance for the U.S. Territories. Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands rely on Congress to block grant their SNAP funds in an emergency and these funds will support their pandemic response.

Thanks to the Chairs and staffs of the Appropriations and authorizing committees who worked so hard over the last 72 hours on this bill. It will bring relief, consolation, and hopefully food security to our constituents.

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