Biden American Recovery Plan makes up for lost time

Statement of CSPI president Dr. Peter G. Lurie

The American Recovery Plan introduced last night by President-elect Joseph R. Biden, Jr., shows every sign that the incoming administration is serious about making up for lost time both in responding to the virus and rebuilding a better, more just economy. The plan calls for a well-funded national vaccination strategy, provides direct and immediate economic relief to Americans, and supports the communities and businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

If you want schools to open safely, there is something in this plan for you. If you want better access to COVID-19 testing or want your aging parents vaccinated faster, there is something in this plan for you. If you are employed in a high-risk occupation and want better protections and paid sick leave, there is something in this plan for you. And if you are having a hard time paying your bills or feeding your family healthy food there are direct cash payments, extended unemployment benefits, and an extension of the 15 percent increase in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

This is a plan for each and all of us. Importantly, the plan recognizes that communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and specifically addresses health disparities at every step.

The American Recovery Plan deserves broad, bipartisan support. We hope that members of the Republican party in Congress who are interested in being good-faith governing partners with the incoming administration will support this ambitious plan.