The Florida House voted to pass an $8 billion spending package on Wednesday, to deal with the coronavirus outbreak as lawmakers fight to control the spread of the disease.
More than $3 billion will go to funding research to develop a vaccine and diagnostic tests.
Another $2.2 billion will be used to help prevent the infections from spreading. Almost $1 billion of that will go to state and local health agencies.
In total, $7.8 billion will fund a response to COVID-19.
The measure also includes $500 million to pay for a telehealth program to help expand healthcare access to seniors.
The measure passed with a vote of 415 to 2, with 13 members abstaining, and inspired a viral twitter photo:
Reviewing the coronavirus supplemental appropriation and preparing to go vote. pic.twitter.com/wjJ4YY4VZz
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 4, 2020
The measure will next need to be taken up by the Senate.
The White House is expected to back the deal.
