Rep. Smith Votes in Support of the Budget Resolution to Start Negotiations to Enact the Build Back Better Proposal
August 25, 2021
SEATTLE, WA – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House passed H.Res. 601, a resolution that initiates the budget reconciliation process that will be the platform to enact President Biden’s Build Back Better proposal.
“Passage of the budget resolution is a critical step towards enacting transformative legislation to improve the lives of people and address some of our most pressing challenges. It starts us off with a bold vision for what Americans need to get back on the right foot after the difficulties we faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While specific provisions of the final reconciliation bill need to be negotiated, this budget resolution provides a framework for several key priorities to be included in a final bill.
“To address the growing climate crisis, the resolution allows for policies to decarbonize the electric grid, establish bold incentives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean transportation, and prioritize environmental justice. The Puget Sound region is unfortunately all too familiar with the housing crisis. This budget resolution envisions enormous investments in public housing, affordable housing supply, and green housing.
“Health care costs continue to burden far too many people. This resolution expands Medicare to include dental, vision, and hearing to create a more comprehensive health plan; extends health insurance subsidies and premium caps included in the American Rescue Plan to make insurance more affordable; and reduces prescription drug costs. It makes long overdue investments in home and community-based services. The framework further envisions universal pre-K for children, Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits, and an extension of the Child Tax Credit expansion.
“Importantly, the budget resolution also includes instructions that would allow for the inclusion of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrant youth, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, and essential workers. This is a vital opportunity to finally pass legislation in Congress to support immigrants who are too often left behind.
“These are just a few of the many priorities that the budget resolution makes possible in a final reconciliation bill. I will continue to work with my colleagues to push for the strongest reconciliation bill possible and help enact President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda.”
For more information about the budget resolution please click here.
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