On the recordOctober 1, 2020
I am thankful for this bill being brought forward on COVID relief before the House goes out of session. It is important to demonstrate to the American People that we are leading and willing to negotiate to provide real relief. Unfortunately, this bill does not include a pivotal provision--the Worker that would provide federal assistance to cover the full cost of COBRA premiums for laid off and furloughed workers. That policy is the only one that would protect the hard-earned benefits that union members and working families have fought for. So while this bill takes many important steps to protect Medicaid and private coverage, it provides premium tax credits for unemployed Americans--I am concerned that protections for employer-sponsored plans were not included. I urge this body to include all coverage measures in our relief package--including COBRA coverage for workers who have come to rely on their employer-sponsored plans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1161, the previous question is ordered. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey). The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that the noes appear to have it.
