[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 37 (Friday, February 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              COVID RELIEF

  (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in strong support of the 
American Rescue Plan Act, bold and desperately needed legislation to 
crush the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster our economic recovery.
  As our Nation mourns over 500,000 Americans who have lost their lives 
due to this terrible virus, we must act decisively and with great 
purpose to support our families and communities that are struggling. 
The American Rescue Plan delivers on this need, providing $1,400 relief 
checks to Americans who are hurting financially.
  For the nearly 16 million Americans who have lost their jobs during 
the pandemic, this bill extends critical unemployment benefits so they 
can get back on their feet.
  For our children and families who have been practicing distance 
learning, this bill provides over $125 billion to safely reopen our 
schools and protect our teachers and students.
  For businesses who have been hit hard, this bill includes increased 
funding for economic injury disaster loans.
  For the one in seven Americans who are struggling with food 
insecurity, this bill increases monthly SNAP benefits so they do not go 
hungry. And for the good of the country, this bill ramps up funding for 
the manufacture and distribution of the vaccine.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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