WASHINGTON — The total price tag for the American Rescue Plan was $1.9 trillion and the White House has been pressuring Congress to approve another $22.5 billion in additional COVID relief.
That push has top Republicans and even some Democrats telling the executive branch to pump the brakes, given the president’s assertion in a “60 Minutes” interview that “the pandemic is over.” President Biden has since walked back those comments somewhat.
Indiana Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN-8th) is requesting more information from the White House on just why more COVID relief is needed.
“I wish to know how the administration has spent the funds made available by the American Rescue Plan,” Bucshon said in a House Energy & Commerce Committee hearing. “And what data, and analysis, it is using to justify additional requests for COVID funding.”
Bucshon is skeptical that more COVID funding is needed because he says only about 9 percent of COVID relief in any previous legislation passed has actually been connected to the virus itself.
“Where is the money going,” Bucshon asked. “It’s certainly not helping my constituents who are suffering under the inflation caused by this spending. The cost of living is skyrocketing for Hoosiers in my home state. Our economy is truly bearing the burden of the American Rescue Plan’s inflation-inducing spending.”
Bucshon has filed a resolution that would demand President Biden turn over all data, documents, and everything in between to the House of Representatives that has anything to do with justifying the passage of more COVID relief, and an accounting of funds for ARP.
