REP. VARGAS STATEMENT ON AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN SIGNED INTO LAW
Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2021) - Rep. Vargas (CA-51) released the following statement after the final passage of the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law today.
President Biden's comprehensive legislative package will deliver immediate relief to working individuals and support communities struggling with the public health crisis and economic fallout.
The Senate-amended American Rescue Plan passed the House on March 10, 2021 and the Senate on March 6, 2021. The American Rescue Plan passed in its original form out of the House on February 27, 2021.
"Help is on the way! I applaud President Biden for signing the American Rescue Plan into law today. The American Rescue Plan will put vaccines in arms, our children safely back in school, money in people's pockets, and people back to work. I'm optimistic that the historic legislative package will save lives and livelihoods in California's 51st District and across the nation.
"The American Rescue Plan contains language from two of my bills that are key to supporting our nation’s economic recovery and the public's well-being. It includes language from my bill, H.R. 1720 COVID-19 Medical Production Act, which will provide $10 billion in additional appropriations for the Defense Production Act to fund testing, personal protective equipment, and vaccine production to combat COVID-19.
"It also includes language from my other bill, H.R. 1719 Emergency Tribal Housing Assistance Act, which will appropriate a total of $750 million to support tribal people experiencing, or on the brink of homelessness. It will also fund tribal programs to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Without additional government assistance, the economic and public health crises could worsen. Many of the people living in my district are essential workers that do not have the privilege to work from home or the technology to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine. The American Rescue Plan will help crush the virus with a national vaccination plan that includes setting up community vaccination sites nationwide—including in rural communities. The American Rescue Plan also addresses the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 and ensures that federal relief reaches underserved communities. The plan will also support the hardest-hit small businesses— especially those owned by entrepreneurs of color that have experienced systemic discrimination.
"The health and safety of our communities continue being of utmost importance. I will continue my work in Congress to ensure Americans’ health, safety, and economic security remain a top priority.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County, and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fifth term in Congress.
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