Mccollum Statement on President Biden's Joint Address to Congress, First 100 Days

Statement

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today ahead of President Biden's first joint address to the United States Congress, and marking the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration:

"The last four years inflicted unprecedented damage to our democracy and our standing in the world. It will take time and sustained action to climb out of that darkness. After the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration, we are on our way. We are emerging from crisis stronger, safer, healthier, and ready to make the change that America needs.

"The life-saving American Rescue Plan is bringing in critical resources to our communities, families, and small businesses to help usher us from crisis to recovery. Here at home, nearly $4.9 billion in American Rescue Plan funds are arriving in Minnesota. Millions of Minnesotans have received $1,400 checks, unemployment benefits have been extended, more than 56% of eligible Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, and 42% are fully vaccinated. Small business relief programs have been replenished and extended, and state, county, local, and tribal governments are getting the resources needed to ensure essential services can continue. Schools are getting help to reopen safely. The extension of the child tax credit will cut childhood poverty in HALF -- including lifting more than 10,000 children out of poverty right here in Minnesota's Fourth District.

"Unfortunately, not a single Republican in the House or the Senate voted for this critical aid -- instead choosing to abandon families and small businesses looking to Congress for help. This callous insensitivity to the life-or-death needs of the American people won't be forgotten.

"I'm proud of what President Biden has already accomplished, from his leadership in enacting the American Rescue Plan, to proposing investments in our families and our infrastructure, to taking action on behalf of the American people with executive orders to reduce gun violence and protect our DREAMers.

"As President Biden addresses a joint session of Congress and the American people tonight, I will be in the House chamber listening to the President's words with confidence that Democrats are working to improve Americans' lives as our country moves toward a brighter tomorrow. President Biden will continue to be focused and committed to addressing the needs of the American people. I look forward to working with Senate Democrats and the Biden administration over the next 100 days to continue making progress for the American people."

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