American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Latest action (11 Mar 2021): Became Public Law No: 117-2.
What this bill does
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a large economic relief package enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It directs federal spending across many areas, including food and agriculture assistance, education funding, public health and vaccine programs, housing and rental assistance, small business support, unemployment benefits, direct payments to individuals, an expanded Child Tax Credit, aid to state and local governments, and support for transportation, veterans' programs, tribal governments, and federal agencies. It also makes tax law changes, including extensions of paid leave and employee retention credits, modifications to earned income and dependent care credits, and provisions affecting multiemployer and single-employer pension plans.
The bill affects a wide range of groups: individuals and families eligible for recovery payments and tax credit expansions; unemployed workers receiving extended benefits; farmers, food processors, and food-insecure households; students and schools receiving emergency relief funds; renters, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness; small businesses and restaurants; state, local, and tribal governments; health care providers, nursing facilities, and public health agencies; veterans; and federal employees and agencies carrying out pandemic-related work.
H.R. 1319 was introduced in the House on February 24, 2021, passed both chambers through the budget reconciliation process, and was signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. As enacted legislation, its provisions are now being implemented by the relevant federal agencies, with no further congressional action required for the bill itself to take effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 This bill provides additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) on the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and businesses.
TITLE I--COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
Subtitle A--Agriculture
(Sec. 1001) This section provides funding for FY2021 to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) purchase food and agricultural commodities; (2) purchase and distribute agricultural commodities (including fresh produce, dairy, seafood, eggs, and meat) to individuals in need; (3) provide grants and loans for small or midsized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to COVID-19; and (4) provide grants, loans, and other assistance to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.
The section also requires USDA to use specified amounts of the funding to (1) conduct animal surveillance and monitoring related to COVID-19; and (2) reduce overtime inspection costs borne by federally inspected small and very small meat, poultry, or egg processors.
(Sec. 1002) This section provides funding for, and directs USDA to establish, an emergency pilot program to provide grants to certain applicants for rural health care and other rural development needs related to COVID-19.
(Sec. 1003) This section provides funding for necessary administrative expenses associated with carrying out this subtitle.
(Sec. 1004) This section provides funding through FY2022 to the Office of the Inspector General of USDA for audits, investigations, and other oversight activities of projects and activities related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Timeline
11 Mar 2021
Became Public Law No: 117-2.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1319 do?
- The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a large economic relief package enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It directs federal spending across many areas, including food and agriculture assistance, education funding, public health and vaccine programs, housing and rental assistance, small business support, unemployment benefits, direct payments to individuals, an expanded Child Tax Credit, aid to state and local governments, and support for transportation, veterans' programs, tribal governments, and federal agencies. It also makes tax law changes, including extensions of paid leave and employee retention credits, modifications to earned income and dependent care credits, and provisions affecting multiemployer and single-employer pension plans. The bill affects a wide range of groups: individuals and families eligible for recovery payments and tax credit expansions; unemployed workers receiving extended benefits; farmers, food processors, and food-insecure households; students and schools receiving emergency relief funds; renters, homeowners, and people experiencing homelessness; small businesses and restaurants; state, local, and tribal governments; health care providers, nursing facilities, and public health agencies; veterans; and federal employees and agencies carrying out pandemic-related work. H.R. 1319 was introduced in the House on February 24, 2021, passed both chambers through the budget reconciliation process, and was signed into law by the President on March 11, 2021. As enacted legislation, its provisions are now being implemented by the relevant federal agencies, with no further congressional action required for the bill itself to take effect.
- Has H.R. 1319 become law?
- Yes. H.R. 1319 has been enacted. Status last updated 11 Mar 2021.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1319?
- H.R. 1319 was sponsored by Rep. Yarmuth, John A. [D-KY-3] (D-KY), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1319?
- Became Public Law No: 117-2. (11 Mar 2021).
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