Merkley Applauds Swift House Passage of American Rescue Plan

Merkley Applauds Swift House Passage of American Rescue Plan

Legislation shows stark contrast with Republicans’ ‘delay and water down’ coronavirus strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan. President Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law this week.

“With the House’s vote today, this legislation is officially on its way to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This bill puts checks in Americans’ pockets, shots in arms, kids back in classrooms, and ‘open’ signs in windows across Main Street America.

“This bill comes not a day too soon, and addresses a huge number of critical issues throughout our nation. The signing of this bill will mean getting stimulus checks to working Americans, helping our Main Street businesses struggling to stay afloat, and saving the unemployment insurance program—which 20 million Americans are relying on to make ends meet. It’ll mean getting urgently needed resources to our state, local, and tribal governments so they support the health of our communities and can also pay firefighters, first responders, and other critical employees. It’ll mean investing in our schools and educators so we can safely get students back into classrooms. It’ll mean getting personal protective equipment in the hands of our frontline health heroes, and getting shots into arms with a massive, national vaccine distribution plan.

“Today, let’s celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel, and also fully commit ourselves to doing our part to stay vigilant and work together to get this crisis fully in the rear view mirror.”

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