Washington, D.C.— This evening, the United States Senate will vote on S.J.Res. 57, a Congressional Review Act resolution to cancel regulations finalized by the Treasury Department that provided rules and clarity for how cities can deploy resources under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Specifically, the resolution would undo guidance for the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), which have served as a critical lifeline for American cities and continue to be put to work to strengthen communities across the country. In advance of the Senate vote, U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran sent a letter to Senators urging a NO vote on the resolution. In the letter, he writes:

“Cities and towns nationwide have worked closely with the Department of the Treasury to implement programs and projects under the SLFRF. The Treasury regulations to date have provided much needed certainty and predictability in our efforts to undertake housing and infrastructure projects, along with many others, for which financing and development are complicated. These regulations have allowed local governments to move forward on critical projects with the certainty we need. Passage of SJ Resolution 57 would add tremendous confusion and uncertainty for local governments, thus impacting the projects they’re leading to strengthen our cities and the Nation. “

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

May 15, 2024

The Honorable Charles E. Schumer

The Honorable Mitch McConnell


Dear Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell:

The United States Conference of Mayors strongly encourages a ‘No” vote on the Senate’s consideration of Congressional Review Act SJ Resolution 57, which would revoke U.S. Treasury Regulations that were issued November 20, 2023, related to the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan (SLFRF).

The SLFRF has been and continues to be absolutely critical in helping local governments respond to and rebuild from the short and long term negative economic and social impacts of the pandemic. The nation’s recovery is not yet complete, but our progress to date is due in large part to the relief provided through the SLFRF. It has been a lifeline for cities.

Cities and towns nationwide have worked closely with the Department of the Treasury to implement programs and projects under the SLFRF. The Treasury regulations to date have provided much needed certainty and predictability in our efforts to undertake housing and infrastructure projects, along with many others, for which financing and development are complicated. These regulations have allowed local governments to move forward on critical projects with the certainty we need.

Passage of SJ Resolution 57 would add tremendous confusion and uncertainty for local governments, thus impacting the projects they’re leading to strengthen our cities and the Nation.

Sincerely,

Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director

cc: United States Senate