Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1319- the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Lucas opposed the legislation. 

“Last year, Republicans and Democrats worked together to provide nearly $4 trillion in COVID-19 relief for the American people. This collaborative, meaningful process led to much-needed direct support for families and small businesses, helped assist in a wartime-like effort leading to new vaccines, and provided emergency lending to lessen the economic blow of the coronavirus. Since Congress’ last bipartisan efforts less than two months ago, we’ve begun to see signs of economic recovery and a drop in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations rates.

“There’s no doubt about it though, many Americans are still suffering and healthcare workers on the frontlines still need additional support as we race to distribute vaccines across our country; but sadly, Democrats are using the crisis of the pandemic and budget reconciliation to fast track partisan policies resulting in a deeply misguided and costly stimulus package.

“Relief should have been targeted, temporary, and tied to COVID-19, but instead of working with Republicans, House Democrats have opted for the ‘my way or the highway’ approach. There is more than $1 trillion from previous COVID-19 packages that remains unspent in the fight against the virus, and while billions of dollars are going to special interests our research communities- many of whom we’ve relied on to help combat COVID- are being left to shutter.

“Bipartisanship- not partisanship- is Congress’ path to helping end this pandemic, addressing the needs of the American people, and returning to regular order. One of our most important duties as lawmakers is to ensure that we are good stewards of taxpayer money and misguided, partisan legislation isn’t the way.”

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