WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after he voted to pass H. Res. 774, the rule that will allow for the final passage of H.R. 5376 the Build Back Better Act, as well as H.R. 3684 the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the bipartisan infrastructure deal or BIF.
“It is no secret that our infrastructure is crumbling across the country – from roads, railways, and bridges to public transit and ports – and our communities desperately need investment so that our economy can continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I support both the Build Back Better Act and the infrastructure bill and agreed with Democratic Leadership and the President that these bills should move together, as we indicated early on in this process. Linking these bills was important to help ensure that Congress could fulfill as much of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda as possible. After months of difficult negotiations, extensive progress has been made and the Build Back Better Act is on a path to advancing.
“In just the last few weeks, we have seen legislative text and reached agreement on the vast majority of the Build Back Better Act. I commend the leadership of Chair Jayapal and the Congressional Progressive Caucus in helping us get to this point. Based on this substantive progress, and because of the assurances that our colleagues provided us about their firm support for the Build Back Better Act, today I felt comfortable sending the bipartisan infrastructure legislation to President Biden’s desk.
“The bipartisan infrastructure bill doesn’t just make vitally needed investment in our transportation system. It provides historic funding for clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, reliable high-speed broadband, and our electric grid. I appreciate the leadership of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair DeFazio and wish this legislation incorporated more of his Committee’s perspectives, especially as it relates to climate. The bill falls short when it comes to sufficient action to address this existential threat, however, the Build Back Better Act addresses this shortcoming.
“Based on the progress that has been made in recent weeks, I voted to pass BIF today while we continue the difficult process of advancing the Build Back Better Act. I strongly believe that Speaker Pelosi and the President can, and will, close this deal.”
BACKGROUND MATERIALS
White House: BIF Factsheet
White House: Build Back Better Homepage
“It is no secret that our infrastructure is crumbling across the country – from roads, railways, and bridges to public transit and ports – and our communities desperately need investment so that our economy can continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I support both the Build Back Better Act and the infrastructure bill and agreed with Democratic Leadership and the President that these bills should move together, as we indicated early on in this process. Linking these bills was important to help ensure that Congress could fulfill as much of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda as possible. After months of difficult negotiations, extensive progress has been made and the Build Back Better Act is on a path to advancing.
“In just the last few weeks, we have seen legislative text and reached agreement on the vast majority of the Build Back Better Act. I commend the leadership of Chair Jayapal and the Congressional Progressive Caucus in helping us get to this point. Based on this substantive progress, and because of the assurances that our colleagues provided us about their firm support for the Build Back Better Act, today I felt comfortable sending the bipartisan infrastructure legislation to President Biden’s desk.
“The bipartisan infrastructure bill doesn’t just make vitally needed investment in our transportation system. It provides historic funding for clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, reliable high-speed broadband, and our electric grid. I appreciate the leadership of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair DeFazio and wish this legislation incorporated more of his Committee’s perspectives, especially as it relates to climate. The bill falls short when it comes to sufficient action to address this existential threat, however, the Build Back Better Act addresses this shortcoming.
“Based on the progress that has been made in recent weeks, I voted to pass BIF today while we continue the difficult process of advancing the Build Back Better Act. I strongly believe that Speaker Pelosi and the President can, and will, close this deal.”
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White House: BIF Factsheet
White House: Build Back Better Homepage