House Speaker Nancy Pelosi repeated a phrase throughout her update this morning on the latest federal response to the coronavirus: "Testing, testing, testing."
The speaker said testing is "so very important, to take inventory, to understand the epidemiological spread of the virus, and also to meet the needs of the people affected."
She confirmed that Democrats and Republicans are working closely to pass a bill today that would provide additional protections, and free testing, following an $8.3 billion aid package last week. "No one will say I can't afford it," she said.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act would ensure free coronavirus testing, paid emergency sick leave, expanded unemployment insurance, increased protections for health care workers on the frontline, and food security initiative for children while schools are closed.
The bill is currently being debated in the House, but the clock is ticking as lawmakers consider whether they should leave the capital out of an abundance of caution.
When asked if House Democrats would stick around if a deal was not made within the next two days, Pelosi insisted lawmakers would get it done.
"We don't need 48 hours. We need to make a decision to help families now," she said.
"If people have to stay home, we have to stay home, but we don't want people to panic," Pelosi added but held off from outlining further plans to address the virus.
"We're here to pass a bill. When we pass a bill, we'll make a judgment about what comes next," she said.
As an addendum to her update on the coronavirus response, the speaker chimed in on the Democratic primary race.
"In case you were going to ask, no, I don't think Bernie Sanders should get out of the race. I'm a grassroots person. I'm chair of the California Democratic Party. I know the enthusiasm of supporters of candidates, and they want to see it play out."
CEO and Founder of Chat Sports James Yoder talks Trump and the thrilling NCAA Football national championship. Yoder says some fans were delayed getting into the stadium by as much as 45 minutes thanks to the President's presence. Traffic also came to a standstill in downtown Atlanta.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat says that the President is holding the livelihood of DACA recipients "hostage" to appeal to his base. "It's sad. It's something that's unprecedented."
Jack Hunter, editor of Rare Politics, discusses what an Oprah Winfrey presidency would mean for the future of U.S. politics.
President Trump spoke in Nashville on Tuesday at The American Farm Bureau Convention. This is the first time we have heard from the President since the release of White House tell-all "Fire and Fury." Washington Examiner media reporter Eddie Scarry, weighs in as Trump made comments.
Illinois state legislators are crafting legislation to help the state welcome innovation in cryptocurrency. Illinois state Rep. Michael Zalewski (D) explains the market opportunity he sees in this space.
Oprah Winfrey for President? Former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power on Obama's final year, and the Golden Globes kick off a new chapter in Hollywood. With The Young Turks, Extra, Magnolia Pictures, CBN News, Red Alert Politics Dr. Evan Antin, and more.
After serving more than 40 years in the Senate, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) will retire at the end of the year. All eyes are on Mitt Romney, who now has a clear path to the Senate, and the ambitions to get him there.
Former UN Ambassador Samantha Power says North Korea was--and still is--the "hardest problem in the world."
The state legislator, a Democrat representing the 23rd district, says that the technology offers the government a chance to "hold information in an individualized way."
Is Attorney General Jeff Sessions doing the legalization movement a favor by rolling back Obama-era policies? Red Alert Politics' Lauren Cooley, and Democratic Coalition's Jarad Geldner, join Cheddar to break down what the move means for the country's booming marijuana market.
