Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, sent a letter to Chairman Pallone yesterday asking that the Committee do its job and conduct oversight on the implementation of the American Rescue Plan. There have been numerous reports that localities have only spent 2.5% of the $350 billion and some funds are not going towards COVID-19 response needs.

"I urge you to hold a hearing on the implementation of the American Rescue Plan, so that we may fulfil the oversight responsibilities of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Nearly seven months have passed since the enactment of the American Rescue Plan, but despite costing the American taxpayer $1.9 trillion, many Americans have yet to feel or recognize its effects," Burgess wrote in the letter.

"During consideration of the American Rescue Plan, many lawmakers heard from states and localities on the urgent need for emergency funding. While I do not doubt that many localities were in need of assistance, it was reported that as of this summer, most had spent only 2.5% of the $350 billion that was appropriated to states and localities in the American Rescue Plan...I have read reports of the American Rescue Plan being used by cities to buy 78 electric vehicles, build technology labs at recreation centers, and fund long avoided infrastructure projects. Although these projects may have merit, are they really the intent of the American Rescue Plan?"