May 12, 2021

CHAIRMAN JEFFRIES: “HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE FIGHTING FOR THE PEOPLE. HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE FIGHTING AMONGST EACH OTHER.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Vice Chair Pete Aguilar (D-CA) held a leadership press conference where they outlined how House Democrats have delivered critical relief for everyday Americans while continuing to work toward supercharging our economy through the American Jobs and Families Plans.

CHAIRMAN JEFFRIES: We had a very productive and extensive discussion this morning as House Democrats, thankful to be back together after spending time at home in our respective districts, continuing to serve the people we are privileged to represent and make sure that the benefits of the American Rescue Plan reach those who need the assistance as part of our continuing effort to ensure that the American people recover and recover in a way that brings about opportunity and prosperity in every single zip code. 

It's clear to many of us that the differences between Democrats and Republicans at this particular moment in time couldn't be any starker. It couldn't be any clearer. House Democrats are fighting for everyday Americans. We are fighting to crush the virus, to provide direct relief to everyday Americans who are struggling and to lay the foundation ultimately to supercharge our economy, working with President Biden and Senate Democrats to stand up for everyday Americans. the American Rescue Plan, the American Jobs Plan, the American Families Plan.

House Democrats are fighting For The People. House Republicans are fighting amongst each other. House Democrats believe in the rule of law. House Republicans believe in the big lie. House Democrats believe in democracy. House Republicans apparently support autocracy.

The differences between the two parties couldn't be any clearer. So we're going to continue our work, to get things done For The People, to Build Back Better to meet the moment, but it's a shame what's happening on the other side of the aisle. 

VICE CHAIR AGUILAR: As the Chairman said, House Democrats have been spending the last few weeks touting the benefits of the American Rescue Plan. Just this week we saw the guidance on the state and local assistance that I know it's going to be so impactful to my community and so many other communities around the country. We also saw the educational higher educational allocations given out to the country and to our higher educational institutions and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund guidance was put out in the past few weeks as well.

So while we are talking about delivering real results, the other side continues to be talking about fighting amongst themselves, as the Chairman said. We know that the American Rescue Plan and the principles within it are popular. We know that because even our Republican colleagues are talking about these programs. Vote no and tout the dough, that's what they're doing right now.

So now, as we turn the page and we continue to talk about the jobs plan and the families plan, we're going to be focused on legislating. We're going to be focused on delivering results for our communities, and we'll let them do what they're going to do.

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Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.