Rep Joe Kennedy III: Why The COVID-19 Relief Bill Is Important For Families

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III landed at Logan airport early Saturday morning, after the House of Representatives voted to approved a bipartisan bill that will provide relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

The bill, The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, was signed in the early hours of Saturday morning, after President Trump had signaled his support late Friday night.

Rep. Kennedy III told WBZ NewsRadio that the bipartisan legislation is especially important for families who rely on school meals.

"As we see schools close across Massachusetts and other states for a prolonged periods of time, we need to make sure that those kids are getting that food," Rep. Kennedy III said.

The legislation includes free coronavirus testing even for those without insurance, 14 days paid sick leave, and extended family and medical leave. Theres also about a billion dollars earmarked for food assistance programs like food stamps, food banks, senior meal assistance, and school meal programs.

"At a time when there is going to be severe economic dislocation for families, those additional funds and making sure those kids get access to the food and nutrition they need is critically important," Kennedy III said.

Massahusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley also tweeted about the passage of the bipartisan coronavirus relief bill.

The bill passed through the House by a vote of 363-40.

It now heads to the Senate, which could vote on it as soon as Monday.

(Photo: Getty Images)

WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports:

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