Workforce Emergency Response Act of 2020
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (23 Mar 2020): Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
What this bill does
H.R. 6379, the "Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act" (introduced under the short title "Workforce Emergency Response Act of 2020"), was a large, wide-ranging emergency supplemental appropriations and policy bill responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided billions of dollars in additional funding across many federal agencies and programs—including agriculture and food assistance, food and drug safety, law enforcement, economic development, small business and community lending support, unemployment compensation, paid sick and family leave, education relief, aviation industry and worker relief, tax relief, telecommunications support, and oversight functions. Most funds were designated as emergency spending exempt from normal budget caps, and many appropriations were structured to remain available through fiscal year 2021 or 2022.
The bill would have affected a broad cross-section of the public and institutions: workers needing paid leave or unemployment benefits, small businesses and nonprofits, farmers and food-assistance recipients, state and local governments, healthcare and food-safety agencies, students and schools, veterans, federal employees, airlines and their workers, and consumers facing price gouging or needing broadband access, among others.
The bill was introduced on March 23, 2020, by Rep. Nita Lowey and referred to the House Appropriations Committee and several other committees. It did not receive a vote. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were ultimately incorporated into other legislation rather than being enacted as a standalone bill.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act
This bill responds to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) outbreak and its impact on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
The bill provides FY2020 supplemental appropriations for federal agencies to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The supplemental appropriations are designated as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
In addition, the bill
• expands paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, and food assistance programs;
• provides economic assistance payments of up to $1,500 per individual;
• eliminates cost-sharing (e.g., deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments) for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines;
• requires health care facilities to implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect health care workers;
Timeline
23 Mar 2020
Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6379 do?
- H.R. 6379, the "Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act" (introduced under the short title "Workforce Emergency Response Act of 2020"), was a large, wide-ranging emergency supplemental appropriations and policy bill responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided billions of dollars in additional funding across many federal agencies and programs—including agriculture and food assistance, food and drug safety, law enforcement, economic development, small business and community lending support, unemployment compensation, paid sick and family leave, education relief, aviation industry and worker relief, tax relief, telecommunications support, and oversight functions. Most funds were designated as emergency spending exempt from normal budget caps, and many appropriations were structured to remain available through fiscal year 2021 or 2022. The bill would have affected a broad cross-section of the public and institutions: workers needing paid leave or unemployment benefits, small businesses and nonprofits, farmers and food-assistance recipients, state and local governments, healthcare and food-safety agencies, students and schools, veterans, federal employees, airlines and their workers, and consumers facing price gouging or needing broadband access, among others. The bill was introduced on March 23, 2020, by Rep. Nita Lowey and referred to the House Appropriations Committee and several other committees. It did not receive a vote. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were ultimately incorporated into other legislation rather than being enacted as a standalone bill.
- Has H.R. 6379 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 6379. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6379?
- H.R. 6379 was sponsored by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-17] (D-NY), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6379?
- Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committees on the Budget, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (23 Mar 2020).
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