Rashida Tlaib: “This pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 16,000 Michiganders with 25 percent of the deaths from Wayne County and the…”

“This pandemic has taken the lives of nearly 16,000 Michiganders with 25 percent of the deaths from Wayne County and the city of Detroit. Our communities are forever changed. The U.S. is on a course to reach 500,000 deaths by February 20. That is a half a million lives lost. And in response to this record death toll, Congress has sent out one $1,200 check almost a year ago and another $600 check, for a total of $1,800. That is an average of $163 per month. Mr. Speaker, there is not a single person in this Chamber or in my district who can survive on that little per month. My residents cannot afford to wait. The bills don't stop after 1 month; neither should the checks. The budget resolution ensures that we can do the work of delivering urgent relief to our families and every single district across the country. {time} 1615”