Statements on the passage of the American Rescue Plan

U.S. SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ

“Today, Senate Democrats delivered on our promise to act boldly and swiftly to end this pandemic and send relief to the families, communities and businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The American Rescue Plan will put the United States on a path to defeat this virus once and for all and restore opportunity in our economy for hardworking families all across the nation.

“With this legislation, we have set the stage for the Biden Administration to launch an aggressive national vaccination campaign critical, not only to saving lives, but ultimately to restoring the sense of normalcy families crave in every corner of this country.

“While I am disappointed not a single Republican colleague joined us in this effort, make no mistake, their constituents will benefit greatly from the financial relief Democrats fought for in this bill. Our legislation puts another $1,400 in the pockets of working people, keeps the unemployed afloat, makes student debt relief tax-free, delivers historic tax relief to families with children, and helps millions of people avoid eviction and foreclosure.

“This legislation invests billions to help schools reopen safely and provides direct aid to state and local governments across America reeling from the enormous costs of responding to the worst pandemic in a century. I expect nearly $9.5 billion in direct, flexible assistance to flow to New Jersey with aid going to every single municipality in our state, a priority I have long fought for throughout the duration of this crisis.

“Additionally, as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am pleased that this bill makes a $10 billion down-payment on fighting COVID-19 worldwide, because the longer we allow this virus to spread around the globe the more it will mutate into new strains that threaten American lives and our national security.

“I urge my colleagues in the House to pass the American Rescue Plan without delay. To me, this legislation is ultimately about rescuing the American way of life, so that our children can learn in classrooms instead of on computer screens, so that we can gather with loved ones without fear, so that we can join hands in prayer in our houses of worship, enjoy a night out at our favorite restaurants, and rebuild a spirit of community across our country that we have all missed out on over the last year.”

U.S. SENATOR CORY BOOKER

“As we face economic and public crises unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes, the American Rescue Plan is an urgently needed and historic investment in the health and financial security of New Jerseyans and people across the country, a boost to our small businesses, a lifeline to state and local governments and a necessary step in our country’s long-term recovery.

“This landmark legislation will issue another round of direct cash payments to families that need them, extend critically needed pandemic unemployment assistance, extend protections for renters and homeowners, dedicate resources to safely re-opening our schools and supporting our teachers, and, critically, will expand the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit to get help to those who need it the most.  Expansions to the CTC and EITC as a part of the American Rescue Plan will lift millions of children out of poverty, put more money into the pockets of American workers and help middle class families across the country.

“To get COVID-19 under control, this bill also allocates urgently needed resources for vaccine distribution, testing and tracing, and other public health activities. It also expands affordable health coverage to millions and provides critical resources to help our loved ones in nursing homes.

“Additionally, we have secured state and local funding needed to support our first responders, educators, essential workers, and critical programs, additional support for small businesses, including dedicated funding to go towards small and minority-owned small businesses and debt forgiveness for farmers of color who have been among those hardest hit by the economic crisis.

“I urge the House to act quickly to send this measure to President Biden’s desk. I’m grateful for the President’s vision and commitment to building back better and am ready for the work to come to ensure our country continues down the road to recovery.”

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

“President Biden, Senator Menendez, Senator Booker, and Congressional Democrats deserve tremendous credit for their leadership and commitment to providing long-delayed relief for millions of American families and small businesses in need. Congress now needs to finish the work of passing the American Rescue Act to provide direct checks, establish a robust vaccination program, boost aid for small businesses, and safely re-open our schools.”