Meng Issues Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Act
November 19, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) tonight issued the following statement after voting to pass the Build Back Better Act.
"The Build Back Better agenda is a once in a generation opportunity for the revitalization we need to deliver real change to working families and boost our economy.
It is critical to invest in the vital areas addressed in the Build Back Better Act: child care and home care, paid leave, universal pre-K, health care and lower prescription drug pricing, housing, internet access, immigration reform, combating the climate crisis and more. I am particularly pleased with the inclusion of the $300 million that I and Senators Markey and Van Hollen fought to secure for connecting more students to the internet. All of these crucial investments will move our country forward and strengthen our nation's economy.
My congressional district was the heart of the epicenter when COVID-19 struck our nation, and two-and-a-half months ago, Queens was hit hard by flooding from Hurricane Ida. Over the past year-and-a-half, many of my constituents have had their lives turned upside down, and many families continue to struggle.
As we seek to move past these extremely difficult and challenging times, going backwards is not an option. We have to rebuild better, stronger, more equitably, and with greater resiliency than ever before. The Build Back Better Act would help many in our country and in my district, from kids and families to seniors. However, there are many immigrants who are still left without protections and more work that needs to be done to ensure local hospitals and healthcare providers have the means to deliver the best possible care to underserved and vulnerable communities. While I was proud to vote for this legislation, the fight to build back better cannot end here.
The Senate must now follow suit and approve the Build Back Better Act as well to ensure that our nation can move full speed ahead with no one left behind."