Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
Florida’s 26th congressional district
As COVID-19 spreads through the country and Florida, I want to do everything possible to keep you informed of developments, guidance from health officials, and congressional actions.
Our office’s priority is to serve you, and make sure you have all the information and safeguards you need. In order to do so, we are implementing new operating procedures, consistent with guidance from public health and safety officials and directives from the House Sergeant at Arms.
My team in D.C. and Florida will continue to work around the clock from remote locations in order to keep you up to date. I will be delivering critical updates about the virus on my social media as the situation evolves.
Please know that my office is a resource. We will continue to:
- Receive and respond to telephone calls. If you need to speak to a member of my team, you can call my Florida office at (305) 222-0160 or my Washington office at (202) 225-2778.
- Provide casework assistance. If you need assistance with a federal agency, we may be able to help. More information can be found here.
- Monitor and answer correspondence. The best way to contact my office for assistance is by submitting an email.
- Schedule meetings. If you would like to request a meeting with me or my staff, you can submit a meeting request. Please note, as long as our telecommuting policy is in place, we will be conducting meetings over the phone rather than in person.
The House Sergeant at Arms has notified us that access to the Capitol will be limited, effective at 5:00 p.m. today until April 1, 2020 to protect the health and safety of members, staff and visitors. The Capitol Visitor Center and the Capitol will be closed to all tours. The White House is also closed to tours. As a result, our office will not be able to conduct Capitol tours or coordinate White House tours until further notice.
My colleagues and I are doing everything we can to help improve infection control and prevention practices to limit transmission of COVID-19. Last week, House Democrats pushed for an $8.3 billion emergency funding bill to address the virus, which the President signed into law.
This bill includes:
- $3 billion for research and development of vaccines
- $800 million for research for treatments
- $2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- $61 million to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- $1 billion for state and local public health efforts including community health centers and state and local governments
- $500 million for Medicare providers to administer telehealth services
As COVID-19 continues to spread, effecting our workers, families, and communities, Congress is working hard to move comprehensive legislation that protects the American people, mitigates the transmission of the virus, and bolsters available care for impacted individuals. Today, the House is planning on voting on H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which would focus directly on providing support for America’s families.
This legislation is expected the address the severe impacts of COVID-19 on Americans’ personal safety and financial security by providing:
- Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. In negotiations with the Administration, House Democrats insisted that all people who need to be tested, according to a medical professional, have access, and we defeated the Administration’s effort to impose burdensome income testing.
- Paid emergency leave, with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
- Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers. The Administration had insisted that UI changes be made by Administrative action; Democrats successfully ensured that this be done by legislation.
- Food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition and food banks. Democrats have ensured that SNAP work requirements will be paused for the duration of the public health crisis.
- Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs.
Time is of the essence, and it is the responsibility of the federal government to pass this legislation and ensure public safety.
In order to stay updated with the latest information and resources on COVID-19, please refer to the Florida Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This pandemic requires a community-wide response, from government action to individual responsibility. Continue to wash your hands conscientiously, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid physical contact like shaking hands, and practice social distancing. If you feel sick, it is your responsibility to stay at home to prevent further exposure. Little actions can go a long way in protecting yourself and others in your community.
Please know that I will be here with a dedicated team to work for you through this outbreak, and we are here to help you in any way we can. For more frequent updates, subscribe to my newsletter here.
We will get through this together, South Florida strong.
