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 is ramping up his attacks on the media. Did the White House time his latest barrage against the press to match up with the Senate election in Alabama? Our round table debates that topic and more in today's edition of "Agree to Disagree."
Todd Johnson, Managing editor at The Grio, and Jack Hunter, editor for Rare Politics, discuss the accusations of sexual harassment and assault against President Trump, as his accusers speak out for the second time.
For the past couple of months, there has been a windfall of sexual harassment and assault allegations coming out of Hollywood, Washington, the media, and more. Sue Jacobson is the co-founder of Jacobson Strategic Communications, and she joins Cheddar to explain why responding quickly in these situations is so important.
Between Bells brings you the latest political news, along with a few doses of business, culture, beauty, and tech.
Kim Davis made headlines two years ago for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples as the county clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky. David Ermold and his now-husband were denied one of those licenses. Now David is running against Kim Davis to be the next Rowan County Clerk.
One of the most-controversial Senate elections in history is heading into the homestretch. Elle.com's Mattie Kahn joins us with everything you need to know before the people of Alabama head to the polls.
Nick Johnston, Editor in Chief at Axios, and Nate Madden, CRTV's Congressional Correspondent, give a preview of the upcoming weeks in Washington, including a discussion about the women accusing President Trump of assault and the future of tax reform and budget agreements.
The Congressman told Cheddar that the proposed Republican tax bill benefits the one percent, hurts the middle class, and runs a $1.5 trillion deficit. He also says the reform is robbing the military.
David Ermold was denied a same-sex marriage license twice by the county clerk, who drew national headlines with her move. Now he's running for her seat in Rowan County, Kentucky, trying to change what he deems wrong.
Valeisha Butterfield Jones is the CEO of Women In Entertainment Empowerment Network, a former Obama Administration official, and a former Google executive. Jones gives her perspective on the moment of reckoning that Hollywood, media, and politics are experiencing amidst sexual misconduct allegations.
