Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Our budgets are under extreme stress. Arts fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We run our cities with a balanced budget which we are required to do by law. So what does that mean . How do we possibly do that in the face of this tremendous crisis . It means the cut jobs. It means eliminating services and staff at the same time. Our First Responders have been on the job since day one of this pandemic transporting those with covid to hospitals with Public Health initiatives keeping social and family order
I want to thank her for an sent the National League of cities in the National Association of counties for their sheer dedication to this issue on badly needed federal assistance as we continue to fight the covid19 pandemic. A quick note for members of the press joining us today, we will take questions after brief opening remarks. If you have a question, please put your name and media outlet in the chat and well call on you. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We r
Day. We ask your blessing upon those throughout our country who are suffering so much more each day. Keep safe the firefighters out west. Keep safe those who are responding to the destruction of Hurricane Sally on the gulf coast. Listen to the cries of those who have lost so much as a result of these natural covid rs even as the pandemic weeks its havoc in our communities. Here in the capitol impel with your spirit the members of congress who, more than any others, have the opportunity to address our nations needs. Give them the wisdom and ourage to do so working as a united force for good in these times. Lord, have mercy. May all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory. Men. The speaker thank you, father. Pursuant to section 4a of House Resolution 967, the journal of the last days proceedings is approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from michigan, ms. Slotkin. Ms. Slotkin i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and
Next the director of the federal Housing Finance agency testifying on housing and mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic. House Financial Services Committee Members asked him how his agency is handling the rice in foreclosures and forbearances as well as the operations of fannie mae and freddie mac. The hearing runs over three hours. The committee will come to order. Before we begin, i want to remind members of a few matters including some required by the regulations accompanying House Resolution 965, which established a framework for Remote Committee proceedings. First, i would ask all members to keep themselves muted when theyre not being recognized. It will minimize disturbances while members are asking questions of our witnesses. Members are responsible for muting and unmuting themselves. The staff have been instructed not to mute members except when theyre not being recognized and theres background noise. Members are reminded that they may only attend one remote hearing at a ti
This minibus combines six appreciate appropriation bills, defense, commerce, justice, science, energy, Water Development, Financial Services and general government, labor, hhs, and education, transportation, housing and urban development. Than 200s more billion in emergency funding to rebuild our nations transportation, housing, and energy infrastructure, to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas and to rebuild age, Public Health, and support state and local Health Agencies and Global Health activities. The bill prioritizes public 47 and safety with billion for lifesaving medical research at the National Institutes of health, and 50 million, an increase of 25 million above f. Y. 2020, for firearm injury and Mortality Prevention Research at the n. I. H. And c. D. C. , and it includes strong funding for Numerous Public Health efforts, including initiatives to reduce h. I. V. Infections, address tobacco and ecigarette use, and ensure food safety. As we confront the twin crises