Gregory Meeks: “As chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I speak in strong support of the international provisions of the…”

“As chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, I speak in strong support of the international provisions of the American Rescue package. With a total of $10 billion, this is a relatively small yet critical investment in fighting COVID and its effects around the world. Pandemics do not respect international borders. To control this pandemic, we need to mitigate its global spread. This provision puts global health front and center, supporting efforts to relieve overburdened health systems and medical workers and help governments develop and distribute vaccines. To address the humanitarian crises that have been exacerbated by this pandemic, this provision will provide funding for the most immediate lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, clean water, basic medical care. Additionally, it provides COVID-related relief for vulnerable refugees who are already vulnerable. Madam Speaker, this provision would also provide flexible funding for economic support to help ensure that even more need isn't created as a result of the economic impacts of COVID, which are already severe.”