The U.S. House of Representatives today passed President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that includes funding for schools, state and local governments vaccine distribution, enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and extended unemployment insurance, as well as other items. In response the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:

“It has been over a year since the first COVID-19 case was reported in the United States. In that time half a million Americans have lost their lives, millions remain unemployed, essential workers are still struggling to get the personal protective equipment they need, and across the nation communities are struggling to keep their most vulnerable citizens safe.

“The package passed today by the House of Representatives will provide critically needed relief to put our nation on track to beating this pandemic and will position us to rebuild once the immediate crisis has passed. The inclusion of funding for schools, state and local governments, and funds to help expand and sustain our public health workforce will fill unfortunate gaps left by previous relief efforts. We thank President Biden for his leadership and his commitment to providing vital relief to all Americans and urge the Senate to move swiftly to approve this help for working people.”