Statement from Congresswoman Cori Bush on CDC’s Decision to Extend the Federal Eviction Moratorium
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), along with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), issued the following statement today on the decision by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to extend the federal eviction moratorium through July 31. Earlier this week, the lawmakers led over 40 of their colleagues on a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium beyond June 30, 2021.
“An eviction is a disruptive life event and entirely preventable. With millions of vulnerable renters at risk of eviction, we must take every measure possible to keep our workers and families safely housed. Today’s decision to extend the federal eviction moratorium through July 31st is a welcome step that will provide an essential lifeline to the millions of people and families who were facing eviction in six days. We are grateful to the Biden administration for heeding our calls.”
“We know that it will take more than 30 days for families to recoup the financial losses of the ongoing pandemic and for the emergency rental assistance provided in the American Rescue Plan to be disseminated. We will continue to work with advocates, families, and the Biden administration to further extend and strengthen the moratorium to prevent widespread evictions of our most vulnerable families across the nation. This is a matter of public health, racial and economic justice, and we must act accordingly.”
Since taking office, Congresswoman Cori Bush has worked tirelessly to ensure families in St. Louis and across the country can remain safely in their homes for the duration of the COVID-19 global health emergency and beyond.
- In March, the Congresswoman helped pass the American Rescue Plan and secured $700 million in funding for the St. Louis region, in addition to $37.5 billion for emergency rental and utility assistance, supportive services, affordable housing and non-congregate shelter space for the unhoused, and support for homeowners.
- In April, the Congresswoman joined St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page in urging the County Council to adopt emergency legislation to temporarily halt 600 evictions, allowing residents additional time to access federal housing aid.
- In May, the Congresswoman led nearly 30 members of Congress in sending a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calling on the CDC to strengthen and extend the federal moratorium on evictions.
- Earlier this week, the Congresswoman led over 40 of her colleagues in sending a letter urging President Biden and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky to extend and strengthen the moratorium beyond June 30, 2021.
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Congresswoman Cori Bush represents Missouri’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She is also a Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is a registered nurse, single mother, and an ordained pastor. Following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. by a now-terminated Ferguson police officer, she became a civil rights activist and community organizer fighting for justice for Black lives on the streets of Missouri and across the country.