Tlaib Votes Yes on Build Back Better Act, Delivers on Promise to Pass The People’s Infrastructure

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) released the following statement about the House’s passage of the Build Back Better Act:

“Today, I was proud to vote yes with my fellow Democrats on the Build Back Better Act and deliver on our promises to the American people that help is on the way. Build Back Better – or what I lovingly call “The People’s Infrastructure” – creates a pathway for President Biden’s transformative investments in people and the planet, and it’s up to the Senate to send the bill to the President’s desk without delay or further cuts.

“I have remained totally committed to enacting the President’s Build Back Better agenda, and it felt great to cast this yes vote in favor of investing in the families of the 13^th district and their ability to thrive. Build Back Better will improve the quality of life for so many of our neighbors, with investments that include:

• Negotiating lower prescription drug prices for Seniors and halting Big Pharma’s outrageous price hikes;

• Expanding Medicare to help Americans access affordable hearing care;
• Saving most families more than half their current spending on childcare, ensuring the vast majority of families pay no more than seven percent of their income on child care;
• Establishing our country’s first paid family and medical leave program so folks don’t have to choose between caring for a loved one and putting food on the table;
• Investing $555 billion over the next 10 years in clean energy and climate investments to fight climate change; 
• Investing $9 billion in EPA programs for replacement of lead service lines and reduction of lead in drinking water systems throughout the country;
• Granting temporary protection to millions of undocumented immigrants to participate in our society and economy;
• Investing $151 billion towards affordable housing, including $65 billion to repair the nation’s public housing, preserving and improving over 500,000 public housing units, making public housing safer and healthier for millions of residents. This investment includes $3 billion for the Restoring Local Communities Left Behind Act that I introduced with Rep. Kaptur to direct affordable housing and neighborhood improvement resources to our hardest hit communities like Detroit and Highland Park;
• Providing $9 billion in investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions; and
• Investing $39 billion in sustainable, resilient, and equitable transportation infrastructure to reduce carbon pollution and promote clean transit.

“Build Back Better will lower the everyday financial burdens our residents face, like health care and childcare, while taking significant action to fight climate change, remove lead pipes, preserve and build affordable housing, and establishing our nation’s first paid family and medical leave program.

“I sincerely urge my Senate colleagues to act without delay and for the people, not corporate donors and interests, and pass the Build Back Better Act and send it to President Biden’s desk so he can sign this urgent legislation into law. Our residents have waited long enough for all that this transformative legislation makes possible.”