WASHINGTON — This morning,  the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, a $1.75 trillion economic plan that focuses on support for families, the climate crisis, increasing access to health care, affordable housing, lowering costs for the middle class, and tax reforms. Following a divisive 2020 election and much debate, the bill passed the House today with remarkably unified Democratic support.

AAPI Victory Fund Founder and Chairman Shekar Narasimhan issued the following statement: 

“As America emerges from one of the most contentious elections of our lifetimes and, as we continue to combat rhetoric that seeks to alienate and divide us from our neighbors, it’s reassuring to witness the Build Back Better Act pass even in today’s political climate. President Biden promised us he’d build America back better, and this bill demonstrates his administration’s commitment to that pledge.

“Today, we finally have a federal framework to support the progressive policies that we have advocated for years to help women and children, middle class families and address racial inequity. Now, as we turn our attention to the Senate, we remind Senators that this is a once-in-generation opportunity to invest in the future of our country. Then we can elect candidates to Congress who will work towards making these policies permanent.”

AAPI Victory Fund Board Member Katie Nguyen Kalvoda issued the following statement: 

“All of us at AAPI Victory Fund applaud the House for uniting to pass the Build Back Better Act. What began as an ambitious and near-unbelievable proposal has come to fruition in an incredible way that will benefit each and every single American. I’m thrilled that the bill passed in the House, hopeful it will pass in the Senate, and cannot wait to see the impact its provisions have on my life, and the lives of my fellow Americans.

“As the parent of two young children, what Build Back Better promises families is phenomenal. From universal preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds—the biggest expansion of public education in 100 years—to expanding access to high-quality and affordable child care, this is a lifeline for the parents of America. This infrastructure will go a long way towards alleviating financial burden and stress. I hope that, in six years when funding for many provisions is up, our legislators will have the concrete evidence to advocate for the positive impact that universal child care has on American prosperity.”

###

The AAPI Victory Fund is focused on mobilizing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) eligible voters and moving them to the ballot box.