Peters Statement on Meeting with President and Vice President at White House on Urgent Need to Pass the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today released the following statement on his meeting—along with other Senate leaders—with President Biden and Vice President Harris at the White House on the urgent need to pass the American Rescue Plan:

“I appreciated the chance to speak with President Biden and Vice President Harris on the urgent need to pass the American Rescue Plan. We’re in an unprecedented economic and public health crisis. It’s very clear that we must pass robust relief for Michiganders who are struggling to put food on the table, afford their bills and make ends meet – and we must pass this relief swiftly. The relief bill that was passed late last year cannot be the final round of assistance.

“That’s why I support the American Rescue Plan, which will extend unemployment benefits and include $1,400 stimulus checks to individuals, increase support for small businesses, include resources to speed up vaccine distribution, and help our schools safely reopen under the guidance of public health officials and experts.

“As the Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I also discussed the importance of FEMA’s role as we work to increase the pace of getting vaccines into people’s arms and improve communication with local communities so they too have visibility into how much vaccine supply they can expect.

“I agree with the bipartisan group of economists, mayors and governors in saying that we must act boldly and quickly – and that not doing enough can jeopardize our ability to get through this pandemic. I will continue working to ensure Michigan and communities across the country have the resources and support needed to emerge from this stronger than before.”

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