National League of Cities Statement on President Biden Signing American Rescue Plan Into Law

Washington, D.C. –  Today, National League of Cities (NLC) CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony issued the following statement after President Joe Biden signed the historic American Rescue Plan into law, providing direct relief to all 19,000 cities, towns and villages in the United States:

“We thank President Biden for affirming his commitment to supporting America’s hometowns by signing the American Rescue Plan into law. With the stroke of a pen, the President has ensured that a total of $65.1 billion in direct federal aid will be delivered to municipalities across the nation that have experienced unprecedented financial hardships over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to congressional leaders, their staff, and our advocacy partners who have fought every single day to secure the relief our communities need to emerge from this historic public health and economic crisis.

“As our municipalities prepare to receive much-needed relief through the rescue package, we are eager to bring these resources to bear to focus on recovering and rebuilding from the devastation of the pandemic. There is much left to be done to protect the lives and livelihoods of our residents, including ensuring equitable vaccine distribution, protecting our frontline workers, supporting our local businesses, and providing critical assistance to our residents struggling to make ends meet through rental relief and other support programs. The American Rescue Plan will spark new life into our nation’s hometowns and offer hope to those who need it most. Local governments will put this urgently needed aid into action for residents, households and small businesses that are at the heart of our nation’s cities, towns and villages everywhere.”