2021
220
211
1
Issues
Chair John Yarmuth (D-KY) sponsored H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to help provide relief to families and communities across the country struggling with COVID-19 and its effects, which has disproportionately impacted communities of color and low wealth communities. This bill would provide funding to state and local governments, tribes, and territories to maintain essential services and additional funding of over $30 billion to support transit agencies’ operations. Additionally, this bill dedicates $4.5 billion for the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program, and several billion dollars to assist households with paying utility bills, as well as $50 million in funding each for environmental justice programs and air quality monitoring and research, especially as it relates to disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. On March 10, 2021, the House approved H.R. 1319 by a vote of 220-211 (House roll call vote 72). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.