WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) joined Representatives Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Brendan Boyle (PA-02) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) this morning to discuss their work as members of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) to pass the American Rescue Plan in the House this week to help crush the COVID-19 virus and get the economy moving again – including making sure every American who wants a vaccine can get it.

The American Rescue Plan invests in a coordinated, nationwide vaccine program to ensure every American who wants a vaccine can get it, including:

1. Research, development, manufacturing, production, and purchase of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to ensure we have enough vaccines for all Americans,
2. Community vaccination centers, mobile vaccination units and more to ensure all Americans can get the vaccine, and
3. Better communication so all Americans know when, where and how to get the vaccine.

“It’s been 11 months since the coronavirus pandemic hit South Jersey, and we are still in the midst of both a public health crisis and an economic crisis,” said Congressman Norcross. “The American Rescue Plan and its extensive COVID-19 vaccination program will provide residents with access to the vaccine, funding for our State and local governments and a plan to assist our economy in building back better. I commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their leadership and responsiveness during these uncertain times to get testing, vaccines and resources to our communities.”

“The American Rescue Plan is a comprehensive approach to getting people back to work, kids back in the classroom, and ensuring Americans’ economic wellbeing – but we know our economy can truly recover only when we crush this virus,” said DPCC Co-Chair Cartwright. “That’s why the American Rescue Plan makes big investments in a nationwide COVID-19 vaccine program that ensures we have enough vaccines for all Americans. Let’s get this package through Congress quickly so we can crush COVID-19, get our economy moving again and get our kids back in school.”

“The American Rescue Plan will get money into the American people’s pockets, children back into school, and folks back to work - and all of that begins with getting shots into people’s arms. Economists from across the political spectrum, from Jerome Powell to Janet Yellin have said that we need a relief package that’s scope meets the magnitude of this moment. The American Rescue package does just that and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to deliver the relief the American people expect and need,” said Congresswoman Blunt Rochester.

“This week, we marked a half a million Americans dying of this virus,” said Congressman Boyle. “This grim milestone is compounded even further by delays in vaccine distribution, and the expiration of extended unemployment benefits looming just a few weeks away. The American people cannot afford any more delays, and Democrats are delivering. I look forward to swift passage of this historic relief package in the full House this week, the Senate next week, and the President’s signature that will make the American Rescue Plan law.”

The American Rescue Plan is expected to pass the House this week. Then it will be sent to the Senate for consideration.