Congressman Lowenthal Applauds Historic $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Relief Package

Press Release

Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), last night, joined with his House colleagues in passing the American Rescue Plan Act, a historic COVID-19 relief package that will see $1.9 trillion in aid, grants, and loans go to American workers, families, and businesses.

"Our nation is facing immense problems due to the pandemic and these problems require big solutions," Congressman Lowenthal said. "The historic relief bill will take critical and overdue action to end the pandemic. It will aid millions of struggling Americans and is a major down payment on the economic recovery ahead. It provides nearly $2 trillion in much needed aid and relief to American families, workers, businesses and local governments that have been devastated by this crisis. It will ensure a swift and fair economic recovery, which ensures that no Americans are left behind."

The relief bill, which passed the House in a 219-212 vote, would provide $1.9 trillion in relief funding that includes another round of stimulus payments to tens of millions of Americans; $350 billion in aid to local and state governments; an extension and increase in per-week additional unemployment benefits; support for $150 billion in loans and grants to small businesses; nearly $129 billion to assist student learning during the pandemic; program changes to make healthcare more accessible and affordable; nearly $40 billion to help renters, homeowners, and those in need of emergency housing; over $20 billion to address health disparities and protect vulnerable populations; more than $20 billion to speed up vaccine distribution and increase COVID-19 testing; and an expansion of tax credits for paid sick and family leave.

Our cities, county and state governments--starved of tax revenue and incurring tremendous costs to combat the pandemic--have been especially hard hit. Of the $350 billion in the bill for government entities, the California state government is set to receive a total of $42 billion, of which the governments of Los Angeles County would directly receive nearly $2 billion and Orange County would receive $610 million. Five city governments within the 47th District would also receive direct funds. These include: Buena Park, $22 million; Garden Grove, $51 million; Lakewood, $12 million; Long Beach, $153 million; and, Westminster, $25 million.

"Just as we have done so many times in the past when faced with national adversity, we can and will get through this current crisis together," Congressman Lowenthal said. "Despite the untold tragedy of this pandemic, our nation will move forward and we will emerge as a stronger nation."

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