Dear John,

I am deeply grateful to the public health workers and researchers who are working tirelessly around the clock to develop, manufacture, and distribute coronavirus vaccines to millions of Americans. Their work represents some of the important steps forward in our fight against this virus, and they are inspiring hope in one of America’s most difficult winters.

Now it’s up to the government to make sure those health workers have the resources necessary to ramp up the distribution of the vaccines, and that our communities get what they need to stay safe while they wait for their doses. That’s why President Biden released his American Rescue Plan -- and why I joined my Senate colleagues in voting early this morning to expedite the process for congressional committees to draft and turn it into law.

I’ve heard throughout my conversations with educators, business owners, frontline health workers and other essential workers, and families from all across Oregon about the difference more stimulus checks, personal protective equipment, and loans would make in weathering this storm. The American Rescue Plan would deliver on those needs, as well as help with desperately needed child care, keep people on the brink from being evicted, and help state, local, and tribal governments avoid laying off firefighters, teachers, and others we depend on. And of course, it will -- a year late -- finally fund a true national strategy to support testing and vaccinations.

The American people were sick and tired of the ‘delay and water down’ relief strategy that was on full display last year -- and they’re trusting President Biden and the new Congress to deliver bold emergency relief. I’m gratified that today’s vote will take us one step closer to delivering on that promise.

All my best,
Jeff