Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, gave the following statement on the House floor urging the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Madam Speaker, thank you so very much. I am so grateful that we have President Biden’s leadership in the White House to tackle the ongoing pandemic. H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, carries out this plan and delivers the relief communities across this country need so much.

Critically, the bill provides more than $75 billion for programs in my Committee’s jurisdiction, including: $20 billion for emergency rental assistance, $5 billion for 70,000 new housing vouchers, $10 billion in homeowner assistance, $10 billion to boost emergency medical equipment production, $10 billion for small businesses, and $15 billion for airline workers. 

I’m also pleased that we are increasing the stimulus payments from $600 to $2000 for each of our constituents.

I am a happy camper tonight. This is what America needs. Republicans, you ought to be a part of this - if you are not, we are going without you. With hunger growing, and millions out of work and at risk of eviction or foreclosure, America needs this bill to be passed into law. Vote yes, everybody, on this bill.

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