Rep. Leger Fernández Statement on House Passage of American Rescue Plan

Statement

Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) released the following statement after the House passed the American Rescue Plan:

"We made a promise to the American people to deliver a bold rescue package. Today, Democrats delivered on that promise. Today, we are one step closer to recovery.

"This pandemic has impacted every single aspect of our daily lives. This lifeline for the American people acknowledges the complexities of the issues we face and addresses them head on. It delivers immediate relief, puts money directly into our local economies and helps those most vulnerable.

"I've listened to the stories of need across my district, from our eastern borders, to our northwest quadrant, from our beautiful northern mountain villages to our larger cities of Santa Fe and Rio Rancho. We've communicated with thousands of constituents and local governments. This bill responds to those stories of need with action. For example, since the pandemic began, we've seen increased reports of abuse of women and children. This bill helps fund shelters, refuge and mental health services.

"By passing this bill we are honoring our commitment to our essential workers, who risk their lives every day. We are supporting families to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs, including child care, food, and housing. We are supporting Tribes and Tribal communities that were devastated by the virus.

"The work doesn't stop here. We will continue to listen to our communities and ensure funds get to those most in need."

The Rescue Plan's assistance is multifaceted, and cannot be summarized in a few bullets. However, in addition to the $1,400 in direct checks, expanded supplemental unemployment benefits, and money for vaccines, the American Rescue Plan also includes:

A $1 Billion Pandemic Emergency Fund to be distributed to the states for providing emergency assistance to low-income families with children.
A Restaurant Revitalization Fund to offer assistance to smaller, mom and pop restaurants and bars that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
Making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable which means lower income and military families can access these funds which will be paid monthly with increases in the annual amount from the current $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child ($3,600 for a child under age 6).
$350 billion for new relief funds to help states, localities, the U.S. Territories, and Tribal Governments so they can keep meeting the needs of their communities even as their revenues have plummeted.
Support for small businesses by providing $15 billion for COVID-19 emergency grants.

Source