Representative Adriano Espaillat Statement on the Passing of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package that will deliver vital aid to millions of Americans:

"The American Rescue Plan Act is a robust, carefully crafted package that will deliver vital public health and economic relief to communities around this country that are still struggling to gain their footing after the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. "As it stands, thousands of New Yorkers are behind on rent, small business owners are struggling to stay afloat, state and local governments face budget shortfalls, and brave health care professionals remain ill-equipped to fully tackle this public health crisis.

"The passing of this relief bill could not come soon enough – it will deliver $1,400 checks to individuals, extends federal unemployment support, provides $14 billion for vaccine distribution, and sends billions of relief to state and local governments so they don't have to cut vital programs, and makes a once-in-a-generation, historic expansion to safety-net program by expanding child tax credits and health care subsidies. This relief package will position communities to pull themselves up and out of the economic downturn precipitated by this public health crisis.

New York City has weathered the devastating impact of COVID-19 for a year now and is looked at as the frontlines of the pandemic. I was proud to work with Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and my colleagues from the New York congressional delegation to tailor this legislation so that New Yorkers finally receive the essential relief that has been blocked by Republicans for months. The American Rescue Plan Act will bring roughly $24 billion in relief to state and local governments and other entities in New York, including $6 billion for New York City, $6.5 billion for the MTA, millions in aid for schools to safely reopen, and assistance for ongoing efforts to improve and preserve affordable housing. Additionally, the package will make key changes and replenishments to federal loan and grant programs that provide billions of dollars in loans to small businesses, while establishing a new, tailored aid program for restaurants to meet their unique needs.

"I am proud to have twice supported this robust package and now look forward to working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues in Congress to address other key issues, such as increasing the minimum wage, reforming our immigration system, combating climate change and investing in our nation's infrastructure."

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