For Immediate Release: March 8, 2021

Contact: Mark Brueggenjohann  202-728-6014

 American Rescue Plan Provides Vital Relief to Working America

IBEW International President Lonnie R. Stephenson issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s passage of the American Rescue Plan:

“The American Rescue Plan is historic legislation that provides direct financial relief to millions of struggling working families, funds state and municipal authorities so they can continue to provide critical public services and expands vaccination efforts across the nation. I thank members of the U.S. Senate for their support of this crucial bill.

I’m especially pleased that the American Rescue Plan includes language from the Butch Lewis Act. This provision would ensure retirement security for millions of working and retired Americans by rescuing troubled multi-employer pension plans.

Congress kicked this problem down the road for years, increasing the difficulty and the cost of solving it and putting millions of retirees at risk through no fault of their own. I am proud that President Biden made this one of his first priorities.

This legislation isn’t just about stopping COVID-19 but kick-starting our economy from the bottom up and making sure America’s frontline workers get the support they need to keep this nation moving.

It’s time for both houses of Congress to take action and get it to President Biden to sign into law.”

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.