The publication is reproduced in full below:
EXTENSION OF COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS RELIEF FUND PAYMENTS TO TRIBAL
GOVERNMENTS
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speech of
HON. TOM COLE
of oklahoma
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5119, legislation that would extend availability of CARES Act funds provided to tribal governments through December 30, 2022.
Currently, CARES Act funds will expire on December 31, 2021, and tribes will be unable to use these vital resources. Although $8 billion was set aside for Tribes in the CARES Act to help respond to the coronavirus pandemic, they did not receive any funds until May 5, 2020, and some are still in the process of being distributed.
It is important to note that this legislation does not increase federal spending, rather it extends the timeline to use money already allocated.
After the CARES Act was signed into law, there was minimal guidance offered on what this funding could and could not be put towards, which led to an inadequate timeframe for Tribes to prepare an effective spending plan. A one-year extension will allow them the necessary time to best allocate these resources to their members without a rushed agenda.
Coronavirus Relief Funds have been put towards many essential services such as, improvements to health care, purchasing protective equipment, and distance learning programs.
Tribes used these funds in many different ways. Whether it was turning facilities into emergency operation centers or building meatpacking warehouses to help with the food supply crisis, they stepped up to provide for their members and community during the pandemic.
With the delayed allocations and limited guidance, tribes were put at an unfair advantage to begin with. This is why a December 31, 2022, extension of availability for CARES Act funds is necessary to allow tribes the time to effectively use these resources.
As Co-Chair of the Native American Caucus, I commend Vice Chair Young and Representative O'Halleran in introducing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 5119.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 214
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