The Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives announced on Friday March 13 that she had reached an agreement with the administration of Donald Trump on measures to stem the impact of the coronavirus on the American economy and to make screening tests more accessible. .
The subject of tough negotiations, these measures also seek to help the tens of millions of precarious workers. "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration aimed at solving major challenges, and to vote soon" on this bill in the House, wrote Nancy Pelosi to her parliamentary group. The text was adopted by the House in the evening.
The text will then have to be approved in the Senate, which did not plan to be in session until Monday afternoon, and then be signed by Donald Trump to enter into force.
Free screening for all
"To stop the spread of the virus, we got free testing for everyone who needs to be tested, including those who have no insurance", she said.
The United States does not have a universal health coverage system and millions of Americans are uninsured, or underinsured.
The text also provides for sick leave"Emergency" : "Two weeks off and up to three months off for family or medical reasons", detailed Nancy Pelosi.
Paid sick leave is only available to a minority of American employees, many being paid by the hour.
Thirteen interviews to negotiate the agreement
The bill also provides for easier access to unemployment insurance, "A step which will strengthen the protection of employees on forced cessation", as well as food stamps, especially for children deprived of school to avoid the spread
And the text frees up federal funds intended for the states and local authorities in order to finance the Medicaid program, covering the health of Americans with the lowest incomes.
Nancy Pelosi and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held thirteen talks Friday to negotiate the deal, which Donald Trump had cast doubt on earlier, according to the Democrat spokesman.
