American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken with New Mexicans all across my district. I have talked to mayors, local officials, Tribal leaders. I have asked them the same question: What do you need?

What they have all said, Republicans and Democrats alike, is that they need this rescue plan. Our small businesses are ready to put this lifeline to use. Our frontline workers, families, and farmers are ready. New Mexico is ready to start climbing out of this crisis.

Americans have told us what they need. We have listened, and now we are delivering.

Mr. Speaker, this is a most significant day, and this legislation meets the challenge of history and calls Americans to act upon this crisis. This is the opportunity now, and we should act.

This is not about self-correction. Far too much is at stake.

Mr. Speaker, I thank our colleagues and, particularly, the Committee on Ways and Means' staff, who wore many hats through this, from crafting this package to the brutal negotiations with the Senate. They worked long hours while facing the same challenges presented by remote school, lack of childcare, and concern for family members that Americans face every moment through this crisis. There are too many names to include, but I know that their counsel has been unparalleled and their expertise always unmatched.

Mr. Speaker, over the Speaker's rostrum is a magnificent admonition from a son of Massachusetts, Mr. Webster: ``Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also in our day and generation may not perform something worthy to be remembered.'' That is what we are going to do in the next few minutes.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source