COVID Bill a Welcome Relief, Reminder of Work Ahead

WASHINGTON – People’s Action Director George Goehl today released the following statement in response to the imminent final passage of the American Rescue Plan through Congress:

“This rescue plan brings much needed relief to struggling people and communities from coast to coast. We look forward to President Biden signing this far-reaching bill as soon as possible, so we can get emergency aid into the pockets of low-income and working class people who need it most.

“Thank you to the House Democrats for leading on this legislation, and to the Senate Democrats who staved off most of the Republicans’ callous amendments and blew up their austerity thinking. Over 75% of Americans support this $1.9 trillion plan. Zero percent of Republicans voted for it. We’ll remember that.

“Our fight is far from over. Congress must use the next reconciliation process to pass recurring cash benefits and unemployment insurance linked to economic conditions, raise the minimum wage, cancel rent and rental debt, and put us on a path to recovery that is just and sustainable.

“The package is a reminder that elections have consequences. Such a package would have been completely impossible under Trump and McConnell, and was made possible by organizers across the country playing a critical role in sending Trump packing and helping Democrats win a Senate majority.

“The places where the bill falls short sharpens the need to elect a more progressive Senate that believes in a government that is accountable to and serves low-income and working class people. The fact that extremely popular provisions were cut by conservatives and centrists is a reminder that we need democracy reform to fix the Senate and that it is never too early to be building toward the 2022 elections.”

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