Hoyer, Brown Host Virtual Roundtable with Public Health Officials to Discuss the American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON, DC - On the American Rescue Plan Day of Action, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) hosted a virtual roundtable with public health officials to discuss the need to pass the American Rescue Plan.

"As we mark one year since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Maryland, it's critically important that we continue to work tirelessly to defeat this virus," said Congressman Hoyer. "The American Rescue Plan will improve vaccine distribution in our state, help local governments keep essential workers like teachers and medical personnel on the job, and provide direct financial assistance to families who need it most. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with Fifth District public health officials today to discuss the challenges they face as they work to control the virus and protect the health of our communities. Congressman Brown and I will continue to work with our colleagues to ensure the American Rescue Plan becomes law so that it can deliver desperately needed relief to our communities."

"Defeating the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to our nation's recovery. The American Rescue Plan prioritizes that effort with $160 billion to provide the supplies, emergency response, testing and public health workforce that our communities need," said Congressman Anthony Brown. "Our local health departments have been essential to our communities during this crisis, providing clear guidance for Marylanders and working to slow the spread of infections. As our state has struggled with vaccine equity, we will need their expertise to reduce these disparities. The American Rescue Plan provides the men and women on the frontlines of this pandemic with the tools they need. Leader Hoyer and I will continue to work alongside them to protect the health of our communities."

Congressman Hoyer and Congressman Brown were joined by Dr. Dianna Abney, Charles County Health Officer; Dr. Laurence Polsky, Calvert County Health Officer; Dr. Meenakshi Brewster, St. Mary's County Health Officer; Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman, Anne Arundel County Health Officer; and Olo Olakanmi, Prince George's County Health Department, Deputy Director/Chief Operating Officer.