[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 214 (Monday, December 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXTENSION OF COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND PAYMENTS TO TRIBAL 
                              GOVERNMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5119, legislation 
that would extend availability of CARES Act funds provided to tribal 
governments through December 30, 2022.
  Currently, CARES Act funds will expire on December 31, 2021, and 
tribes will be unable to use these vital resources. Although $8 billion 
was set aside for Tribes in the CARES Act to help respond to the 
coronavirus pandemic, they did not receive any funds until May 5, 2020, 
and some are still in the process of being distributed.
  It is important to note that this legislation does not increase 
federal spending, rather it extends the timeline to use money already 
allocated.
  After the CARES Act was signed into law, there was minimal guidance 
offered on what this funding could and could not be put towards, which 
led to an inadequate timeframe for Tribes to prepare an effective 
spending plan. A one-year extension will allow them the necessary time 
to best allocate these resources to their members without a rushed 
agenda.
  Coronavirus Relief Funds have been put towards many essential 
services such as, improvements to health care, purchasing protective 
equipment, and distance learning programs.
  Tribes used these funds in many different ways. Whether it was 
turning facilities into emergency operation centers or building 
meatpacking warehouses to help with the food supply crisis, they 
stepped up to provide for their members and community during the 
pandemic.
  With the delayed allocations and limited guidance, tribes were put at 
an unfair advantage to begin with. This is why a December 31, 2022, 
extension of availability for CARES Act funds is necessary to allow 
tribes the time to effectively use these resources.
  As Co-Chair of the Native American Caucus, I commend Vice Chair Young 
and Representative O'Halleran in introducing this legislation. I urge 
my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5119.

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