Wagner Statement on H.R. 1319

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement on H.R. 1319, Pelosi's Payoff to Progressives Act:

"We are still in the midst of a pandemic, and it is critical we pass legislation that will immediately help those in need. Unfortunately, Democrats have pushed through a $1.9 trillion partisan legislative package that is not targeted, timely, nor tied to COVID. I submitted three amendments to this bill that would have specifically supported veteran and women-owned businesses and also help businesses reopen by improving access to the vaccine in our communities. Democrats rejected my amendments, along with hundreds of other amendments from Republicans, just another sign they are cynically politicizing this crisis. This is not the bipartisan relief package our country needs. It is a liberal wish list, and Democrats are doing everything they can to force it through.

"Only nine percent of this massive, $1.9 trillion package goes to fighting COVID-19, and, outside of stimulus payments, nearly half won't even be spent this year. We all agree Americans need relief now, which is why any bill we pass needs to combat COVID specifically and address problems immediately, not years down the road. This includes supporting vaccine manufacturing and distribution, providing relief for our small businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and supporting those who have been inordinately affected by the pandemic.

"Democrats made sure to make room for plenty of earmarks too, including funding for Chuck Schumer's bridge to Canada, and over $110 million for Nancy Pelosi's Silicon Valley rail project. The CARES Act distributed funding based on state population, but this new bill rewards large blue states that enacted onerous lockdowns and provides funding that can bailout unions.

"We have worked in a bipartisan manner to pass five legislative packages that addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and we still have $1 trillion left unspent from those bills. I am disappointed the Democrats have decided to be so egregiously partisan in a time of crisis when our constituents desperately need our help."