[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 9, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MILLIONS OF AMERICANS WILL BE LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY

  (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, 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.

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