Tonight, House Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021:

“As our nation grieves the collective tragedies of the last year, it is our responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods. Tonight, we showed the American people that the help they’ve been calling for is finally on the way. Building on President Biden’s blueprint, Ways and Means Committee Democrats met this moment by leading with proven policies that will fight the public health and economic crises. We acted decisively and boldly to deliver relief to keep those who are struggling afloat and to spread hope that better days lie ahead.

“The Ways and Means Committee proudly contributed an aggressive course of action. We targeted another round of direct assistance and expanded critical refundable tax credits for low- and middle- income workers and families. We ensured that the millions of jobless Americans won’t lose their pandemic-related unemployment benefits and can afford life’s necessities until the economy rebounds. Affordable, accessible health coverage is a necessity in a pandemic. That’s why we included provisions to contain costs, particularly for unemployed workers.

 “The time for action is now. Economists from the left, right, and center agree that failing to do enough is much riskier than doing too much. There are no shortcuts to defeating this virus, and this package recognizes the challenges that lie ahead. But all of this work will only matter if the Senate can move quickly to bring this legislation to President Biden’s desk. This is our moment, and together, we will recover from this virus and set the American people on a new path.”

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