World News: Here's how the feds are working to help

Wednesday, March 18

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, right, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force, at the White House, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

OnPolitics: Two things could directly matter to you

The federal government announced several items today aimed at helping the nation respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump invokes wartime authority

President Trump on Tuesday invoked the Defense Production Act, a wartime authority that allows him to direct industry to produce critical equipment, to confront the spiraling crisis over coronavirus pandemic.

Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said the authority is needed now for fast production of ventilators and other medical equipment needed to treat patients critically ill with the disease.

Senate aid for sick leave, testing

The Senate approved a multibillion-dollar emergency aid package Wednesday that will provide paid sick and family leave for many Americans while also offering free testing for the coronavirus and bolstering unemployment insurance.

Here's what it will do:

•	Offer two weeks of paid sick and family leave to many American workers who are in quarantine, helping a family member with COVID-19 or who have children whose schools have closed. Workers will get 100% of their normal salary.
•	A total of 12 weeks of paid leave to many of those who have children whose schools have closed. Workers would get about 67% of their normal salary for this period.
•	Bolsters unemployment insurance
•	Free testing for the coronavirus for those who need it
•	Boosts food assistance (SNAP) and federal funding for Medicaid