A Promising Step: Center for Progressive Reform Applauds Passage of Landmark Climate and Social Spending Package in U.S. House

Washington, DC — The Center for Progressive Reform applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for approving landmark legislation today that would make historic and long overdue investments in efforts to mitigate the climate crisis and support the health and well-being of the American people, particularly communities in need.

President Biden’s “Build Back Better” bill would invest $1.75 trillion in initiatives to decarbonize our economy and fuel a just transition to clean sources of energy; expand access to health care, child care, affordable housing, and early and higher education; cut taxes for low-income workers and families with children; and more.

This bill is a down payment on our planetary home and all who live here, particularly low-income and historically disenfranchised children, families, and workers. It would spur economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic and advance equity and justice. And, as U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen noted, it would be “fully paid for.”

Today’s vote in its favor comes after last week’s passage of another landmark bill that invests $1 trillion in improving access to clean water and high-speed internet services and building climate-resilient roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Together, these bills represent a promising step toward needed action, and we urge the U.S. Senate to pass the Build Back Better bill without delay — and without weakening it.

However, our nation must go much further. Even these historic bills won’t go far enough to ensure our nation meets our obligations to avert the climate crisis. According to climate scientists, faster and more ambitious reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, beyond what we and other countries have so far agreed to, are needed.

We are only crossing the first gate toward real and durable change, but these bills are a promising step.

Through the expertise of our 60+ scholars and staff, the Center for Progressive Reform creates powerful tools and strategies for policymakers and the public to advance policies and processes that ensure the health and well-being of people, their communities, and our environment.

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