Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack touted provisions in the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress this week. The House of Representatives passed the bill Wednesday afternoon, following previous Senate approval, which made a few changes to the legislation previously passed by the House.
Vilsack says, “America’s farmers, ranchers and producers will reap the benefits of the American Rescue Plan as more resources flow through the economy.”
In rural America, Vilsack says the plan provides significant investments to help struggling homeowners pay their mortgages, property taxes and property insurance. It expands rental assistance and funds broadband to schools and hospitals, and other community facilities.
He adds, the bill “provides historic debt relief to Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, and other farmers of color who for generations have struggled to fully succeed due to systemic discrimination and a cycle of debt.” National Farmers Union says the bill “provides a lifeline” for struggling Americans and takes “several steps towards more meaningful, enduring improvements” in the food system.
