Washington, D.C. -Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, spoke on the House Floor in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 1319, the “American Rescue Plan Act of 2021." Below are her remarks, as prepared for delivery.
Thank you. I strongly support this bill, and the Oversight Committee, which I chair, is responsible for the provisions in this package that provide funding to states, local governments, Tribes, and territories.
When we began our work, hundreds upon hundreds of community leaders and local officials from across the nation called out to us for help.
They told us the relief in this bill would mean recovery instead of recession.
Democrats answered that call, and today, we are delivering $362 billion in dedicated aid.
1.4 million essential government workers have already been laid off due to state and local budget shortfalls that threaten the very fabric of our society.
This relief will mean our first responders, teachers, transit workers, and other public servants can continue serving our children, helping our neighbors, and protecting our communities as we see the fight against the pandemic through to the end.
This bill will provide many local governments dedicated support for the first time since the pandemic struck.
It can be used to administer vaccines, increase testing, and save countless jobs.
For New York City, which projected a $10.5 billion loss in expected tax revenue in January, this money will mean it can continue to provide vaccines and food assistance, and reopen schools safely.
The Oversight Committee also delivered a provision providing emergency paid leave for federal employees to prevent the spread of the virus, as well as critical oversight provisions to ensure transparency and accountability for the full $1.9 trillion dollar package.
The American Rescue Plan Act will rebuild our pandemic-torn nation from the ground up-and stronger than ever.
I yield back.
