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."
President Trump left most of America wondering what he'll say next after an impromptu interview with the New York Times. Philip Wegmann, Commentary Writer for the Washington Examiner joins Cheddar to give his thoughts on the President's statement regarding the Russia probe.
Between Bells brings you the top tech, entertainment, and political stories of the day.
Your Future Home: Housing trends and tips with Quicken Loans. On Between Bells: can gaming become a mental health condition? With GameSpot, Nerdist, and Racked.
When President Trump returns to Washington in the new year, one of the first moves he could make is killing the Iran Nuclear Deal. He will only have a few weeks before coming up against legal deadlines to impose sanctions against Tehran.
President Trump's first year in office has seen style choices turn into political controversies. Racked's Eliza Brooke joins Cheddar to explain why Americans are so fixated on fashion choices coming out of The White House.
Jacqueline Ayers, Director of Legislative Affairs for Planned Parenthood, discusses 2017's historic year for women - from the women's marches that kicked off President Trump's inauguration to the #Metoo campaign.
The intersection of Washington DC, Wall Street and Silicon Valley and the egos at play in each.
Liz Wolfe, Managing Editor at Young Voices, breaks down allegations within the Department of Justice and says she's not "super optimistic" things will change.
President Trump signed the Republican tax bill into law last week. While most taxpayers will not be impacted until its time to file 2018 taxes in 2019, there are ways you can be proactive now. TurboTax Chief Tax Officer Dave Williams shares his advice for planning ahead.
VF Hive + Between Bells: Vanity Fair's Hive gets candid with departing Vanity Fair Editor Graydon Carter. On Between Bells: the countdown to legal recreational weed. With New York Magazine, IMore.com: iPhone and iPad, FHM, and more.
