Not a single Republican in either the House or Senate supported President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The problem for them is that they’re having a very difficult time undermining the bill when the American people are already starting to see the real benefits of the legislation.
From $1,400 stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, funding to reopen schools safely, money to expand coronavirus vaccine and testing capabilities, and money for state and local governments to pay frontline healthcare workers and first responders, the bill continues to have a meaningful, direct impact on the lives of millions of Americans.
After Voting Against The American Rescue Plan, GOP Lawmakers Are Having A Hard Time Finding a Narrative To Criticize The Legislation
HEADLINE: Republicans Struggle To Drown Out Biden’s ‘Help Is Here’ Pandemic Relief Tour.” [Reuters, 3/16/21]
- Political Operatives From Both Parties Say It Will Be Tough To Sell Opposition To The Relief Bill Due To Its Popular Provisions. “With an estimated 160 million households getting $1,400 relief checks, about $350 billion pouring into state and local coffers, and billions of dollars more for industries, opposition to the package may be a hard sell, political consultants from both parties said.” [Reuters, 3/16/21]
HEADLINE: “The GOP’s Political Nightmare: Running Against A Recovery.” [Politico, 3/18/21]
- Conservative Economist: We’re Going To See Some Fairly Amazing Economic Numbers” And “I’m Sure Republicans Will Try To Spin This […] But The Reality Of A Crazy Strong Expansion Will Be Tough To Spin.” “‘We’re going to see some fairly amazing economic numbers, and I imagine for the next few years, people will look around and say: ‘This is pretty darn good!’’ says American Enterprise Institute fellow James Pethokoukis, a conservative economist who believes the Biden stimulus is somewhat excessive. ‘I’m sure Republicans will try to spin this, and I have long-term concerns myself, but the reality of a crazy strong expansion will be tough to spin away.’” [Politico, 3/18/21]
- Republican Strategist: Maybe You Could Say The Economy Is Running Too Hot, But I Don’t Think ‘The Biden Bill Was Too Effective’ Would Sell Too Well.” “‘It worked in 2009, when the economy was still struggling, but I don’t see how it works if we get mammoth job creation numbers,’ says Republican strategist Tony Fratto, a former assistant Treasury secretary in the Bush administration. ‘Maybe you could say the economy is running too hot, but I don’t think ‘the Biden bill was too effective’ would sell too well.’” [Politico, 3/18/21]
The Reason Is Clear: The Relief Legislation Is Positively Impacting The Lives Of Millions Of Americans
HEADLINE: “American Rescue Plan Sends Billions In Pandemic Aid To West Virginia. Most Of Our Congressional Delegation Voted Against The Help.” [West Virginia Public Broadcasting, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “How the American Rescue Plan Expands Access To Free Or Low-Cost Healthcare For Hawaii Residents.” [KHON2, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “Stimulus Checks Arrive In Moment Of Need For Many Mainers.” [Portland Press Herald, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “USDA Increasing SNAP Benefits Up To $100 Per Household With Funding From American Rescue Plan.” [KLFY, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “American Rescue Plan Sends Millions Of Dollars To Help Oregon Schools Reopen.” [KMTR, 3/18/21]
HEADLINE: “American Rescue Plan Federal Money Helps Boost Amherst County Pay Raises To 4%.” [Amherst New Era-Progress, 3/21/21]
HEADLINE: “Oregon To Get More Than $4 Billion For State, Local Government From American Rescue Plan.” [KATU, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “Larimer County To Receive $69 Million From American Rescue Plan.” [New 99.1 Country, 3/19/21]
HEADLINE: “East Hartford To Receive $37 Million As Part Of The American Rescue Plan As Announced At A Press Conference Earlier This Week.” [Town of East Hartford, 3/18/21]
HEADLINE: “American Rescue Plan Brings More Than $2B To R.I.” [The Narragansett Times, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “Pa. Residents Will See Expanded Healthcare Through The American Rescue Plan. Here’s How | Opinion.” [Pennsylvania Capital-Star, 3/23/21]
HEADLINE: “Toledo Outlines How It Will Spend $188 Million From American Rescue Plan.” [WTVG, 3/22/21]
HEADLINE: “Montgomery County To Receive Over $200 Million In American Rescue Plan Aid.” [WDMV, 3/22/21]