Pelosi introduces bill to respond to coronavirus

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has introduced a legislative package to respond to the spread of the coronavirus, with measures including free testing, paid emergency sick leave, and increasing funds for food security programs and Medicaid.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced that the planned recess for the Senate next week has been canceled to address the virus.

“I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong,” McConnell said in a tweet.

In a statement accompanying the announcement of the bill on Wednesday, Pelosi said that “we cannot fight coronavirus effectively unless everyone in our country who needs to be tested knows they can get their test free of charge.”

“We cannot slow the coronavirus outbreak when workers are stuck with the terrible choice between staying home to avoid spreading illness and the paycheck their family can’t afford to lose,” Pelosi continued. The House had initially planned to vote on the bill Thursday morning, but lawmakers are still in talks with the Trump administration about legislation to address the virus’ economic impact.

In her weekly press conference, Pelosi declined to say whether the House would have its expected spring recess next week or stay in session.

“We are here to pass a bill. When we pass the bill, we’ll make a judgment about what comes next,” Pelosi said. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has expressed opposition to the bill, and called it “partisan.”

Pelosi said she does not believe it will be difficult to address GOP concerns about the bill, adding that the changes can be made quickly. She also urged unity among members of Congress in her press conference.

“What we really have to do is come together and get the job done,” Pelosi said.

Meanwhile, Republican Senators Todd Young, Steve Daines and Mitt Romney and Democratic Senators Gary Peters, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono introduced a bill in the Senate to provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the outbreak. The bill has also been introduced in the House.

Last week, President Trump signed an $8.3 billion bill to respond to the crisis. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Trump announced a suspension of travel from Europe, causing confusion among airlines and travelers.

“To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days,” Mr. Trump said in an address from the Oval Office. However, he made an exception for the U.K., and the White House also later clarified that American travelers and legal U.S. residents are exempt from the suspension, but they must travel from airports that have appropriate screening.

In his address, the president indicated that trade would also be subject to the suspension. “These prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval,” he said. However, after his speech, he clarified by tweet that it’s “very important for all countries & businesses to know that trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe. The restriction stops people not goods.” The White House had to issue several other clarifications later on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate Sergeant at Arms announced Thursday that the U.S. Capitol will be temporarily closed to tours from visitors. Senators Tom Cotton and Mitt Romney have temporarily closed their Washington offices, and a staffer in Senator Maria Cantwell’s office tested positive for the virus.