Dear John,

In December when we had to compromise with Senate Leader Mitch McConnell to pass a much needed COVID-19 relief bill, I told you I'd vote for it but that I'd get right to work on more aid in 2021. It was clear we needed to do more to speed up vaccine distribution and ensure everyone's economic wellbeing, and that's why we've been working hard in the House to put the president's American Rescue Plan into writing.

This week we are getting it done. 

The American Rescue Plan is coming to the House floor today, and I will be supporting it. First, it invests in vaccine distribution and production, speeding up the process of getting shots in arms. The sooner we get the virus under control, the sooner we can recover and rebuild.

Second, it invests in our communities. We also need to get folks back to school, back to work, and put dollars back into people's pockets. The $1,400 stimulus checks and other economic lifelines this plan provides will protect working families from falling further behind.

These are the key pillars of the

American Rescue Plan:

Our goal is to pass it in the House this week, then send it to the Senate and have it signed by President Biden as soon as possible. Enacting this bill quickly will help us crush COVID-19, get our economy moving again and get our kids back in school.

Lots of Northeastern Pennsylvanians told me throughout last year they had difficulty receiving their stimulus checks.

Earlier this week, I raised those concerns again with with IRS Commissioner during an Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to ensure his department is ready to help Americans receive future payments as quickly and as early as possible. Americans can't afford to experience continued issues and the IRS is essential in delivering economic relief to Americans across the country. 

Here is my exchange with the IRS Commissioner this week:

Yesterday, I announced that Luzerne County Head Start has received its second installment of a federal grant for 2021. The installment of nearly $5 million will be used to continue providing young students in our area with a strong foundation for success later in life. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for federal investment in our children’s success, which is our country’s future success.

**Two Important Vaccine Updates**

Winter weather complicated vaccine distribution last week, and that unfortunately led to some delayed appointments. But things are getting back on track as the backlogs clear, and appointment availability should be picking up once again.

Let's end the week on a high note. We hit a significant milestone this week: all nursing facility residents and staff in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who opted in to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are fully vaccinated with both doses. Our seniors who live in nursing homes have been the most vulnerable to this virus, and the staff charged with protecting them have been among the most challenged during this pandemic. I'm grateful to all the health care workers who had a hand in this achievement.

Here's the latest on vaccine distribution in PA-08.

Be safe and well,

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