'Testing, testing, testing': Pelosi introduces 'evidence based' coronavirus response just before Trump speech
House speaker says Democrats will pass bill to provide financial assistance for small businesses, paid sick leave and nutrition assistance for children and seniors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.House speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced what she has called an "evidence-based" plan to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has sparked global market panic as cases have skyrocketed across five continents.
During a speech roughly an hour before Donald Trump was set to deliver an emergency speech on his administration's response, Ms Pelosi announced that the House of Representatives would pass a funding bill aimed at helping Americans as they struggle with a range of difficulties posed by the virus outbreak, including free testing for the virus.
"The three most important parts of this bill are testing, testing, testing," Ms Pelosi said.
Ms Pelosi said that the bill would be passed on Friday, and that it "facilitates free coronavirus testing for everyone".
In addition, the bill would also address other pressing concerns sparked by the outbreak, including the implementation of paid sick leave for workers and strengthening unemployment insurance, helping small business with loans and providing nutrition assistance for children and seniors.
The announcement comes after days of negotiations between leaders in Congress and the Trump administration, with Ms Pelosi and House Democrats engaging in a series of phone calls with administration leaders like Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin as they try to scramble a response. Democrats had hoped for a fast-tracked response, but a deal has so far eluded Congress.
Speaking to the necessity of accurate testing numbers, Ms Pelosi urged widespread testing that could help officials to understand the scope of the problem facing the country. The comments come after reports indicated Mr Trump sought to delay testing in January, worried that positive tests could damage his re-election prospects this November.
"We can only defeat this outbreak if we have an accurate determination of its scale and scope, so we can pursue the appropriate, science-based response that is necessary," Ms Pelosi said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments