WASHINGTON – Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) spoke moments ago about the emergency spending package the House will pass this week to take on the coronavirus epidemic. Video of Cicilline’s remarks can be viewed by clicking the image below.

Mr. Speaker, two Rhode Islanders have already tested positive for coronavirus. Dozens more are being monitored.

Across the globe, more than 90,000 are sick and 3,000 have died.

Rhode Islanders and all Americans deserve a strong, effective, fully-funded response to this crisis.

That’s why the House will vote this week on an emergency appropriations bill that addresses the scale and seriousness of the coronavirus epidemic.

This bill will ensure public health officials have the resources they need right now.

It is critical that the Senate send it to the President’s desk as soon as the House acts.

And for his part, the President needs to stop calling this situation a hoax. This isn’t about him.

It’s about protecting the American people.

When the bill gets to his desk, he should sign it and then step aside to let the scientists, the doctors, and public health experts do their jobs.

This is no time for politics. It’s about keeping the American people safe.

The House will do our job. The President should start doing his.

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