Annie Kuster: “Today I rise in strong support of the American Rescue Plan Act, ambitious and urgently needed legislation to end the…”

“Today I rise in strong support of the American Rescue Plan Act, ambitious and urgently needed legislation to end the COVID-19 epidemic and to facilitate our economic recovery. The Federal Government has a responsibility to provide support to millions of families struggling because of lost work or grieving because they lost a loved one. And this American Rescue Plan fulfills this responsibility, providing $1,400 relief checks to Americans that are hurting financially. For the Americans who have lost their job during the pandemic, the bill extends critical unemployment benefits so they can get back on their feet. For children and families who are approaching 1 year of remote schooling, this bill provides $125 billion to safely reopen our schools and protect teachers and students. For small businesses that have been hit hard, this legislation could increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and other support loans and grants. For over 25 million Americans who are struggling to put food on the table, this bill increases SNAP benefits so families do not go hungry. For nearly 10 million Americans who are behind on rent and utilities, this bill provides funds to keep a roof over their head and the lights on. And I am very pleased that this bill includes funding modeled after my legislation to ramp up and fund the manufacturing and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. ____________________”