LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, multiple elected officials issued reactions to the final House passage of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which now goes to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
U.S. Senator Gary Peters. (Photo courtesy of the Office of Gary Peters).
Senator Gary Peters (MI) released the following statement:
“A year into this pandemic, it’s clear that Michiganders and Americans still need additional support to put food on the table, pay their bills and make ends meet. I have heard gut-wrenching personal stories from countless Michiganders – who are trying to keep their heads above water and get through this public health and economic crisis. The American Rescue Plan will deliver much-needed relief, and I’m glad this bill is now going to be signed into law.
This landmark aid package includes robust funding to distribute direct $1,400 stimulus checks, accelerate vaccine distribution, help ensure schools can reopen safely, extend unemployment benefits, support small businesses and help communities carry out essential functions. I was proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan in the Senate, and I look forward to President Biden enacting this comprehensive relief that will help Michiganders emerge from this dark winter.”
Although Congressman Fred Upton did not share a statement on Wednesday at the time of this publishing, he did share a message on Twitter Tuesday regarding the plan.
In part, Upton said that the bill being considered has “simply been a partisan exercise.”
Upton also shared a brief clip of an interview he conducted with WHTC, where he elaborated more.
“I really hope it doesn’t poison the well for what we need to do, but so far, that’s been the approach by Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi,” Upton said.
He added that he wants to see more bipartisanship in the future.
View his Tweet embedded below:
Congress has passed several COVID-19 relief packages with support from both parties because it’s not just Republicans or Democrats struggling – all Americans have been impacted.
But, unfortunately, the bill being considered now has simply been a partisan exercise. #MI06 pic.twitter.com/dL6ALgfTTz
— Fred Upton #WearYourMask (@RepFredUpton) March 9, 2021
In addition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared a statement praising the plan.
““President Biden and Michigan’s Congressional Democrats have delivered critical aid to the people of Michigan and Americans nationwide with this investment in our families, communities, small businesses, and children. This bold bill will, among several other pieces, send $1,400 stimulus checks to 90% of households, extend $300 weekly unemployment benefits through September 6th, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families, vastly increase the child tax credit, and offer much needed support for America’s small and mid-sized businesses, including a dedicated restaurant relief fund.”
In a statement released by President Joe Biden, he said he would be planning to sign the bill into law this Friday.
