Congressional Record, House, November 1, 2021, Page H6056
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated November 1, 2021, at page H6056. Mr. LaMalfa, in a one-minute speech headed $450,000 Per Person to Illegal Immigrants, says he is outraged at what he describes as consideration by the Biden administration of awarding $450,000 per person. Another speaker criticizes the reconciliation bill, asking what if all 80,000 people were hired as new IRS agents. One tribute honors David, recipient of the Gerald W. Reichard Impact Award for the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and Mr. Johnson of Georgia speaks on Honoring the Freedom Riders. Ms. Jackson Lee leads a Congressional Black Caucus special order on the Build Back Better Act. The remarks are the speakers' own.
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H6056 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 1, 2021
Governors, State agriculture officials, if we hired all 80,000 people to be new of Americans. I am very proud to, as
and of course, a lot of farm family sto- IRS agents? well, represent those African-American
ries. Please, don’t let this country become descendants of freed slaves.
In January of this year, David was East Germany. Vote ‘‘no.’’ In fact, we rise today to emphasize
the recipient of the Gerald W. Reichard Mr. Speaker, I hope we all vote ‘‘no’’ the cruciality of the Build Back Better
Impact Award, given annually to some- on the reconciliation bill. Act for moving the Nation forward and
one who has had a significant overall f
particularly moving forward those
impact on the Pennsylvania Farm whom the Congressional Black Caucus
Show. $450,000 PER PERSON TO ILLEGAL represents. So I am very pleased this
Dave continues to use his platform IMMIGRANTS evening to be joined by my outstanding
for agriculture advocacy, highlighting (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given colleagues, who will include Congress-
the important work of farmers and permission to address the House for 1 woman ADAMS from North Carolina,
ranchers in Pennsylvania and across minute and to revise and extend his re- Congresswoman BONNIE WATSON COLE-
the country. marks.) MAN from New Jersey, Congressman
Thank you, Dave, for your important Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, today I DWIGHT EVANS from Pennsylvania, and
work, and thank you for being a voice rise in actually complete outrage at Congressman STEVE HORSFORD from
of agriculture. the unbelievable consideration that the Nevada. There are others, such as Con-
f Biden administration is putting for- gresswoman GWEN MOORE from the
ward of—get this—awarding $450,000 per great State of Wisconsin. Other Mem-
HONORING THE FREEDOM RIDERS bers may come.
person to illegal immigrants that have
(Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and broken our laws in this country. GENERAL LEAVE
was given permission to address the $450,000. How is it even rational that Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I
House for 1 minute and to revise and someone who took an illegal action in ask unanimous consent that all Mem-
extend his remarks.) order to get to our soil, how can that bers have 5 legislative days to revise
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- lead to an outcome where the perpe- and extend their remarks and include
er, I rise in recognition of the anniver- trator would receive a $450,000 payday? any extraneous material on the subject
sary of this important day in American There are American citizens whose of this Special Order.
history, November 1, 1965. On that day, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
families don’t even make half a million
the Interstate Commerce Commission objection to the request of the gentle-
dollars in 10 years. The President
ruled that segregation on interstate woman from Texas?
doesn’t even make $450,000 a year. There was no objection.
buses and facilities was illegal. This We have already seen that illegal im-
ruling came after months of protests Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let
migrants use children basically as me be very clear and refute a state-
and arrests of the Freedom Riders on shields—not even their own children—
public transit. ment that I just recently heard on the
to avoid deportation in order to come floor. Nothing is ignorant in the Build
The Freedom Riders, made up of across the border.
Black and White, male and female, Back Better bill and/or the bipartisan
Democrats in Congress are trying infrastructure bill. In fact, ignorance is
young and old, united to show the Na- their best to give illegal immigrants
tion that we are all equal. I had the stamped out by these bills. One, they
citizenship, and the White House wants are fully paid for as we are working the
honor of serving in Congress alongside to give them a very large check. final edges of that, and, number two,
one of the original Freedom Riders, my When I see proposals like this, I have they are doing things that are long
good friend and our colleague, the late to ask: Whose side are they on? It cer- overdue for America.
Congressman John Lewis. tainly doesn’t look like this adminis- Who are we as President Biden stands
To honor his legacy and commitment tration is on the side of the hard- at the G20 and now at the climate
to ending racial segregation, I reintro- working American citizens who are change conference? Who are we? We are
duced H.R. 1348, to award a Congres- trying to make ends meet, put their leaders of the free world. In fact, we
sional Gold Medal to the Freedom Rid- kids through school, pay their bills, are the leader.
ers in recognition of their unique con- when they hand out $450,000 checks to Although there are debates on the
tribution to civil rights. people who came here illegally. status of Russia and the competitive
I strongly encourage my congres- nature of China, all that has a basis in
f
sional colleagues to cosponsor H.R. facts. But at the same time, as these
1348. This year marks the 65th anniver- b 1945 facts are present, the United States
sary of the Freedom Riders, and it is continues to grow and to move and to
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS
past time that we recognize their cour- ensure opportunity for its citizens. It is
age and contributions. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. not our creed to randomly snatch peo-
f KAHELE). Under the Speaker’s an- ple off the street and lock them up. It
nounced policy of January 4, 2021, the is not our focus to ensure that voices
80,000 NEW IRS AGENTS gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON are not heard or that people of dif-
(Mr. GROTHMAN asked and was LEE) is recognized for 60 minutes as the ferent religions are treated differently,
given permission to address the House designee of the majority leader. arrested, isolated, and brutalized even.
for 1 minute.) Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I It is not our basic creed to enact laws
Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, over wish a good evening to all of my col- that would help us take very important
the weekend I attended a University of leagues and certainly members of the proprietary information from others.
Wisconsin football game, and for Congressional Black Caucus. It is my We are a democracy, and we are aided
awhile I sat high in the second deck privilege to be part of the Special by the laws of that principle. So I take
overlooking the campus and the beau- Order series of the Congressional Black no back seat to whether or not Russia
tiful Lake Mendota. Caucus as a coanchor with Congress- and China are competitive or are pro-
As I stood there looking at over 80,000 man TORRES from New York, and we posed world powers. What I say is that
people, I wondered what was going on thank him for his leadership. We the United States has all the elements
in different people’s minds. Some peo- thank, in particular, the chair of the of continuing her posture of leadership,
ple were looking at beautiful Lake Congressional Black Caucus, JOYCE and one of those elements will be the
Mendota. Some people were looking at BEATTY, who has been an enormous successful passage of the Build Back
the beautiful college buildings: Vilas leader on any number of issues that are Better Act and BIF, the bipartisanship
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Hall and Van Vleck Hall. Other people crucial to the American people and to infrastructure bill. This is the kind of
were looking down on the football African Americans. legislation that is not seen even
game. The one thing I say about the Con- amongst our European friends of late
As I looked at the 80,000 people, I re- gressional Black Caucus representing nor of China or Russia.
alized that some people looking at millions and millions of Americans is We are standing on the precipice of
80,000 people said: Wouldn’t it be great that we represent a diverse population history, and I am very grateful for the
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November 1, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6057
leadership of the Congressional Black colleges. I know we will hear that from Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to
Caucus that has been at the forefront my colleague, but it is extremely im- speak about the importance of passing
of these matters. Again, working with portant that we have never left our the Build Back Better Act, legislation
so many of our colleagues, we lead as HBCUs. They have been at the fore- nothing short of transformational for
full committee chairs having input front of funding since President Biden Black America.
into this bill. has come into office. Through the It extends the child care tax credit
Let me very quickly indicate that we years of the Congressional Black Cau- for a year, cutting child poverty in
are strongly supporting the $1.75 bil- cus, and the voices of our members half. In North Carolina, that is a life-
lion Build Back Better Act conceived joined with our chairwoman of the line for hundreds of thousands of chil-
and advanced by the President and HBCU Caucus, Congresswoman ADAMS, dren who go to bed hungry every night.
House Democrats. We are grateful that we have them included again in this It puts $150 billion toward affordable
we have had moments of negotiations legislation. housing, which has been described as
with our other caucuses. Those cau- I will be discussing as we go forward the single largest and most comprehen-
cuses are likewise ensuring that the t’s healthcare, which is extremely impor- sive investment in affordable housing
are crossed and the i’s are dotted. tant. We are excited about getting aid in history. In Charlotte and so many
Mr. Speaker, what is wrong with to those in the 12 States, including other communities across the country,
that? When we finally bring a bill, we Texas, South Carolina, and North Caro- that is real progress on our affordable
want to make sure that it is vetted, lina, among others, that did not opt in housing crisis and real relief for over
and that is what so many of our mem- to the Affordable Care Act-expanded half a million Americans who don’t
bers of the CBC were able to do, to be Medicaid. We left so many families have a roof over their heads.
part of the vetting. along the highway of despair. Thank
As the chair of the CBC HBCU Cau-
It is also important in 2021, this 21st goodness we found a way to bring them
cus and cofounder of the Congressional
century, that we go big. It is often said now under the Affordable Care Act, to
Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, I am proud
that the Federal budget is an expres- give them subsidies.
Help is on the way, Houston. Help is to say that this package provides ap-
sion of the Nation’s values and that the proximately $10 billion specifically for
investments made to build back better on the way, Texas, with the highest
number of uninsured, 766,000. Now, with historically Black colleges and univer-
are, in fact, a clear declaration of con- sities and other minority-serving insti-
gressional Democrats, of the Congres- Build Back Better, we will have a path-
way for them to get healthcare. I can tutions, including $3 billion for re-
sional Black Caucus, to ensuring that search and development grants at these
our government, our economy, and our hear the noise of shouting now down in
Houston, Texas, and I can hear the institutions and $6 billion for increased
systems work for the people. Pell grants and institutional support
We have always been the voice of the noise of helping families with children
have healthcare, which they did not. to lower the cost of college.
vulnerable. We have always been the
We will talk about that more exten- Universal childcare and pre-K will
conscience of the Congress. So these
sively and, as well, childcare, as I have prepare children to receive the edu-
are long-overdue investments.
mentioned, to be able to ensure not cation that they need to succeed in
The Build Back Better Act makes
only childcare with only 7 percent of school and be admitted to college.
transformative investments, as our
chairwoman has often said. We need to your income but, again, universal and As the cofounder and co-chair of the
continue growing our economy and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds. Black Maternal Health Caucus with
That is something to say to China, Representative UNDERWOOD, I am also
lower costs for working families. This
Russia, and others, that America rec- proud to say that the Build Back Bet-
$1.75 trillion—which, by the way, I re-
ognizes what its priority is, and it is ter Act includes all eligible provisions
fute the statement of ignorance be-
our children. of our Momnibus legislation and per-
cause the statement was ignorant be- You will hear, Mr. Speaker, just a
cause they were speaking of $3.5 tril- manently expands yearlong
long litany of how lives will be helped, postpartum Medicaid and CHIP cov-
lion, which was paid for, but we have how we will rebuild families, home
come to a conclusion and a com- erage in every State.
care, giving dignity to those essential The maternal health and morbidity
promise of $1.75 trillion. workers, taking care of people in the
Are the American people worth this? crisis in this country is unacceptable,
latter part of their lives, ensuring dig- but the Build Back Better Act gets us
Are vulnerable communities worth nity and income but also ensuring the
this? Are children who suffer from lead closer to the day when every parent
opportunity for these individuals to be who enters the maternity ward and
pipes and water from those pipes worth able to be cared for at home.
it? every child born in America makes it
I will be discussing further the af- home safe.
The Congressional Black Caucus feels fordable housing that is very impor-
it is the case. That is why we have sup- Finally, I would like to take a point
tant. Then, of course, is a major ele-
ported the improvement in education, of personal privilege to recognize the
ment of all of this, as the President
healthcare, and childcare. Childcare, in hard work of our Congressional Black
stands in front of the tens upon tens of
particular, will particularly help those Caucus chair, JOYCE BEATTY, and all
countries, leading on climate change,
of our community who have for too for which we gave him a standing ova- the members and committee chairs on
long either gone without childcare and tion when he left for his European this legislation.
suffered or paid more than half of their meetings. I believe that promises made must be
income. Mr. Speaker, you will hear more promised kept, and this package keeps
Childcare is an important element of about this as we go forward this our promise to all Americans. I implore
our work, and so I have the Ginger- evening. I am delighted that the Con- my colleagues to pass the Build Back
bread Childcare Center husband and gressional Black Caucus played such an Better Act and the bipartisan infra-
wife who made the sacrifice to help instrumental role in dealing with the structure framework together. This is
vulnerable parents have childcare, par- Federal Medicaid problem and solving Our Power, Our Message.
ents who had to leave in the middle of childcare, HBCUs, climate change, and Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I
the night, people who worked at night, dealing with maternal issues for Afri- thank the gentlewoman from North
essential workers, parents who worked can-American women and many others. Carolina for her words. Again, I empha-
for a period of time and, of course, did Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield size her commitment, dedication, and
not have the kind of childcare that the to the gentlewoman from North Caro- work on historically Black colleges,
Gingerbread—a wonderful daycare—al- lina (Ms. ADAMS). and she is absolutely right: $10 billion.
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lowed us to have. Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I want to But more importantly, that is layered
We hope that these resources will thank the gentlewoman from Texas for upon the dollars out of the American
help these kinds of entities in our com- her stellar leadership, for coanchoring Rescue Act, out of the CARES Act, and
munity: $40 billion in education to spe- tonight, and for all the support that the debt under President Joe Biden
cifically improve Pell grants and, as she has continued to give, and the lead- that has been effectively worked on in
well, to work with historically Black ership of the CBC. this congressional session. We know
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H6058 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 1, 2021
that we are doing better by our stu- Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my wonder- In Pennsylvania, the average yearly
dents because we have done better by ful colleagues to support the Build cost of childcare centers for a toddler
them as it relates to education. Back Better Act. is over $11,000. That means a Pennsyl-
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I vania family with two young children,
woman from New Jersey (Mrs. WATSON thank the gentlewoman very much for on average, spends 22 percent of their
COLEMAN), who chairs the Sub- recognizing that this will be trans- income on childcare for 1 year.
committee on Transportation and Mar- formative, but as well, that it will do The lack of affordable options also
itime Security of the Committee on and improve in areas that we have not contributes to the 15 percent gender
Homeland Security and has been com- done in the history of the United gap in workforce participation between
mitted to improving the lives of young States of America. mothers and fathers; 15 percent. That
African-American women and, of Mr. Speaker, I am now delighted to is outrageous. That should not be ac-
course, those dealing with mental yield to the gentleman from Pennsyl- cepted.
health issues as well. vania (Mr. EVANS), from Philadelphia, The Build Back Better framework is
who has been instrumental in dealing the way to go. President Biden has
b 2000 shown the kind of leadership and vision
with issues of taxation and the em-
Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. that is necessary. That is why the Con-
powerment of small businesses.
Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I would gressional Black Caucus stands so
from Texas for spearheading this Spe- like to first thank my colleague from proudly to join this effort with the rest
cial Order hour and for giving me an of our colleagues who are ready to lead.
the great State of Texas for yielding.
opportunity to share a few of my re- This is just that kind of moment. We
Since I have been here, I have watched
marks. want to be at the right place at the
Mr. Speaker, I rise today optimistic, her relentless passion for Black people,
right time. The building back frame-
optimistic that our country is on the and she has not let anybody stand in
work would enable Pennsylvanians to
verge of taking a historic step forward the way, and I am proud to stand with
provide access to childcare for more
for all of our communities. The Build her and also the chair of the Congres-
than 737,000 young children ages 0 to 5
Back Better Act is a once-in-a-genera- sional Black Caucus, Chairwoman
per year from families earning under
tion investment in our country as a BEATTY. She, too, has led this Caucus,
2.5 times the State median income. I
whole and in Black Americans, specifi- and I am honored to be here just to add
want to repeat that. The building back
cally. For too long, our country’s insti- my voice to this discussion this
framework would enable Pennsylvania
tutions have been apathetic and even evening.
President Biden’s Build Back Better to provide access to childcare for more
adversarial toward Black people. Four than 700,000 young children ages 0 to 5
hundred years of slavery, Jim Crow, framework would bring down costs
that have held back families in Penn- per year from families earning under
mass incarceration, and other forms of 2.5 times the median income, and it
systemic violence have trapped Black sylvania for decades. It would do this
by cutting taxes and making childcare, would ensure these families would pay
Americans in a vicious cycle from no more than 7 percent of their income
which it can be nearly impossible to home care, education, healthcare, and
housing more affordable. on high-quality childcare.
break. This is something that is extremely
The Build Back Better Act will not Let me repeat that, Mr. Speaker.
important. This is something, when the
instantly remedy four centuries of that President Biden’s Build Back Better
President talks about building back
pain and hardship, but it is a crucial framework would bring down the costs
better, it puts us all in the right posi-
starting point. Through revitalizing in- that have held back families in Penn-
tion. It is something that needs to hap-
frastructure and funding essential so- sylvania for decades. It would do this
pen. It is something that is long over-
cial services, the President’s agenda by cutting taxes and making childcare,
due. We in the Congressional Black
will set the next generation of Black home care, education, healthcare, and
Caucus are prepared to join with the
Americans up for success. housing more affordable. These invest- President and to send a message that
Building back better means directly ments will provide new learning oppor- building back better is in the interest
confronting the Black mental health tunities for children, help parents—and of America.
crisis. This bill would fund universal especially working parents—make ends The President realizes that. He un-
childcare and pre-K, allowing Black meet, and it positions the economy for derstood a long time ago about the
mothers to return to the workforce a stronger growth for years to come. needs that we have. So I compliment
while giving Black children the early As the Congresswoman said from the him in joining with our chairperson
childhood care that they need. great State of Texas: This is trans- and joining with our colleague from
Building back better means giving formational. And that is why I am the great State of Texas and their lead-
those same Black children safe places happy to be a part of this discussion. ership, and all of us joining with him
to grow up, to learn, and to thrive. We The framework will create good-paying tonight to show that we are prepared
will do that by making the single-larg- jobs for Pennsylvanians, combat cli- to help lead this battle; that no one
est housing investment in our Nation’s mate change, give our kids cleaner air can do it by themselves, but we need to
history. and water, and make America the lead- be prepared.
Building back better means ensuring er in global innovation and 21st cen- We made a promise to build back bet-
those very same children have long, tury manufacturing, which means jobs ter after the pandemic and this frame-
successful lives. That is why the bill and opportunities, which means a sense work would do just that. Mr. Speaker,
invests billions of dollars into histori- of hope and optimism. this is an opportunity for all of us. This
cally Black colleges and universities. Mr. Speaker, this is a moment for all is an opportunity for us to stand tall,
This is new money on top of our annual of us and we must not sit back. And the to raise the issue about building back
funding of HBCUs. Congressional Black Caucus, by what is better. We all recognize this. This en-
Many of us in this Chamber today, taking place here, is demonstrating tire package, Build Back Better and
myself included, wanted more out of that it is there. As the late John Lewis the infrastructure package together,
the Build Back Better Act. No, this bill used to say: If you see something, do will make a huge difference in our
is not perfect, and much more work something. And the Congressional economy.
will remain to be done after its pas- Black Caucus is following that lead. It is something that we all have
sage. This does not change the fact, We all recognize, as the late John worked on and we all understand the
however, that the Build Back Better Lewis used to say: If you think things importance of it. So I share with you
Act represents monumental progress haven’t changed, just walk in my as one member of this Caucus, proudly
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for our country; progress for everyday shoes. of the Congressional Black Caucus,
Americans; progress for elder Ameri- I want to focus tonight on childcare, proudly of Pennsylvania, proudly a cit-
cans; progress for children in America; which is so vital to our families and izen of the United States, that I am
progress for working Americans; and, putting our economy back on track. It ready for this. And I thank my col-
yes, progress for African Americans is a major reason why many Americans league SHEILA JACKSON LEE for her
and other minorities. have not been able to go back to work. leadership and all that she has done.
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November 1, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6059
As I have watched her, even though So I want to again thank our leader- success, it improves academic skill at-
she hasn’t noticed it, she has been in ship because it wasn’t just this bill and tainment, allowing them to read at an
the forefront. She hasn’t missed a the drafting of this bill and, yes, Presi- early age. Reading is essential to every
fight, and I am glad to be a part of dent Biden wrote this bill, he wrote it other subject that they have to learn.
every effort. with the support of his team at the It will ensure that they improve their
So with the Congressional Black Cau- White House, but with a whole lot of graduation rates, which improves their
cus I stand proudly on the President’s good input from colleagues over here in life chances of success.
Building Back Better framework, and I the Capitol, including here in the Con- To my colleagues on the other side,
am ready to vote for it. gressional Black Caucus. when you say that we are spending too
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I much in this package, are we spending
b 2015 too much for that home care worker,
thank the gentleman from Pennsyl-
vania for recognizing that a vital part I know that there are colleagues of for Rosetta, and so many other people
of the lives of families is childcare. mine who have been working on key like her? Are we spending too much to
As a member of the Ways and Means elements of this bill for a very long give working families the support they
Committee, I know that he was ex- time. I know that they, like myself, need to be able to afford childcare? Are
tremely engaged in this very vital as- are ready to act on behalf of the Amer- we spending too much so that every
pect of the President’s Build Back Bet- ican people. child in our country has a good start
ter, and, again, we thank the wisdom of So I look forward to having a little through universal prekindergarten?
the President of the United States, bit of a colloquy with my colleague These are but just a few of the benefits.
President Biden and Vice President from Wisconsin. I believe that it is so Now, before I go on and I yield to my
HARRIS, for their wisdom about helping important, Mr. Speaker, that we talk colleague here, I want to talk about
American families. about what is in this bill. For far too one other important element. We have
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman long, people have been focused about a spent a lot of time on the Build Back
from Nevada (Mr. HORSFORD), the first top-line number, about the process, Better Act, but I am also for the bipar-
vice-chair of the Congressional Black about the personalities here on Capitol tisan infrastructure deal. Why? Yes, it
Caucus and someone who worked ex- Hill and whether certain factions are is going to create millions of good-pay-
tensively on work training issues, ex- with the bill or working on the bill. ing, union jobs. Yeah, I have no prob-
tensively on healthcare, and of course, With all due respect, I want to talk lem saying ‘‘union’’ here in this body,
on issues like childcare, as well. about policy and the policy that affects because it is the unions that helped
Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I want people, the people in my district, in Ne- build the middle class. If we are going
to thank my coanchor, my distin- vada’s Fourth District, and the people to build this country back better, we
guished colleague Congresswoman all across this country. need to do it with unions at the center
SHEILA JACKSON LEE for her tremen- Why? Because the Build Back Better of it.
dous leadership and for anchoring this Act will cut childcare costs. For fami- Not only does it do that, it expands
Special Order hour, and, of course, our lies that are eligible under this bill, broadband access, providing broadband
chairwoman, JOYCE BEATTY, for her they won’t pay more than 7 percent of connectivity in our households in rural
tremendous leadership in leading the their household income to cover communities and in urban areas.
childcare, something that women and My district covers 52,000 square
Congressional Black Caucus, which
communities of color desperately need miles. I have parts of Las Vegas and
represents more than 17 million Black
as we talk about the workforce short- North Las Vegas that need broadband,
constituents across this great country.
age and the inequities that are in our but I have six rural communities
We represent not only Black Ameri-
workforce. throughout Nevada, many of them that
cans, but all Americans, diverse Ameri-
What sense does it make when some- do not have adequate broadband. In
cans. And what those Americans have
one who has to work—I will give you fact, it is a broadband desert through-
been telling me in my district back
an example—Ms. Rosetta, who is a con- out certain parts of my rural commu-
home in Nevada’s Fourth District, it is
stituent of mine, is a home care work- nities. They need the investment.
time for us to build back better and to It also makes the largest Federal in-
do it in a more equitable and inclusive er. I had a roundtable with her and
vestment in public transit in history.
way. some other home care workers. She
Mr. Speaker, maybe more Members of
Tonight, we are here to bring atten- shared with me that when she started Congress should have to ride the bus,
tion to the fact that we are standing at her job several years ago, she got paid and they would understand the invest-
a crossroads of history. With the bipar- $9.50 an hour. Today, she makes just ments that are in this bipartisan infra-
tisan infrastructure deal and the Build over $10 an hour. Think about that. structure bill.
Back Better Act, Congress has the op- For several years, this woman, who is Yet, the minority leader on the other
portunity to finally rebuild our econ- a home care worker, who goes into el- side is literally trying to whip votes
omy to deliver huge tax cuts to the derly citizens’ homes to take care of against this bipartisan infrastructure
middle class and to lower the cost of them, to make sure that they are fed, bill, a bill that 19 Senate Republicans
living for families on everything from that they are bathed, that literally she voted for, along with every Democrat.
childcare to healthcare. changes their diapers, she is their com- Now, it is our turn to vote for it, and
The question is: Will our colleagues panion, she hasn’t been given a raise of they won’t work with us to deliver the
on the other side of the aisle work with more than 50 cents over the course of largest investment in public transit in
us to deliver these important invest- several years. That is unconscionable. history?
ments on behalf of the American peo- Under the Build Back Better Act, we You have constituents that rely on
ple? Now, we have seen transformative are actually investing in home care public transit. That is the only way
legislation like this before when Con- workers, not only to help make that some veterans can get to their doctors’
gress worked to rebuild the American profession what it should be, an honor- appointments. Seniors, college stu-
society in the wake of the Great De- able one that pays them what they are dents, working people. This has direct
pression, but never, and I mean never, worth, but also equips them with the implications on the climate crisis as
have people of color benefited like they support that they need for their own well. When people have to stand out-
could under the Build Back Better Act. families. Why is it okay for them to side for hours in order to catch a bus,
I think it is our majority whip, JIM take care of other people’s families and that affects their exposure to every-
CLYBURN, who has talked about the his- then not even have the resources and thing from heat to snow in Wisconsin.
tory of these other measures and how the means to take care of their own? We don’t have that in Vegas.
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
they actually left entire communities It also gives every child a head start Finally, it will remove lead from the
out. They left women out. They left with universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year- water our children and other vulner-
communities of color out, and we are olds. Mr. Speaker, we have talked a lot able populations drink. These are just
still dealing with the systemic issues of about how we help young people get three of the very important provisions
being left out of those policies for far the start they need in life, and we that are in the bipartisan infrastruc-
too long. know that by investing in their early ture deal.
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H6060 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 1, 2021
I am ready to vote for these bills, Mr. What good is it to just grow the econ- The other part that you so ably noted
Speaker. I wish we could schedule the omy when only the people at the top is what are some of the barriers that
vote tomorrow, because these are in- get it and it doesn’t, excuse me, trickle women face in the workforce. You
vestments that people in Nevada’s down to Rosetta, who is making $10.25 talked about this in our committee:
Fourth District are depending on. They an hour doing the hardest work on childcare, healthcare, transportation.
sent me to Congress to solve problems earth there is? These are the basics that people need,
and to make their lives better. These How does the earned income tax cred- particularly women. Who was the hard-
two bills do that, and they do it in very it—I mean, we were taxing, before we est hit during this pandemic and reces-
significant and meaningful ways. In changed this policy, to allow single, sion? Women, particularly women of
fact, it is probably the largest invest- hardworking, essential workers that color, Black women, Latinas, and Na-
ment in people in a generation, and we brought us food during the pandemic, tive American women. So if we are
have a chance to do it. It is the Con- stocked the shelves, we were taxing going to build back better, we need to
gressional Black Caucus, among oth- them into poverty. They had tax liabil- do it in a way that is intentional in a
ers, that are leading. ity before the earned income tax credit way of helping them and making sure
I want to yield to my colleague, Con- expansion. that they’re supported.
gresswoman MOORE. Let me ask you, Going to work with no healthcare, no
b 2030
because I know as a member of the health insurance, being unable to af-
Ways and Means Committee, you have ford it, not having childcare, as you I just want to share one story.
been a champion on the racial equity. mentioned. Expanded Pell grants. Keeonn, who is a constituent of mine,
You have been a champion for the poor, Please explain how the Build Back is a young father in my district. He
particularly women, women of color, Better plan really improves and buoys wrote to me about how he is using that
who have been disproportionately af- the economic platform upon which the child tax credit, which is a tax cut, and
fected by this pandemic and its reces- country can improve. The workforce the advance payment that we provided,
sion on our economy. So what is it in development initiatives that are in that $300 a month. You know what he
this bill that makes you so excited to here, I was wondering if you could elu- is using that money for? To buy
vote for it, and how will other commu- cidate the connection between that and healthy food for his daughter.
nities benefit, beyond just some of the our economy and sort of diffuse this Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Excellent.
things that I have touched on? notion that it is simply a safety net Mr. HORSFORD. And he said it may
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- and welfare. be only $300, but in the end, it is help
woman from Wisconsin (Ms. MOORE). Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, my that we are most grateful for. That is
Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speak- colleague from Wisconsin makes a very what this is about.
er, I thank the gentleman so very, very valid point. When the Republicans gave the tax
much for that question. It really has I heard you over the weekend on one cut to the very wealthy, some of those
been a joy working with him on the of the news outlets making the same corporations just went back and
Ways and Means Committee. It has point. Both of these bills are economic bought more stocks for themselves,
been an education, and it has also been packages. I really resent, in fact, some made themselves wealthier, gave their
an opportunity to do those things that of the inferences that have been made CEOs bigger bonuses, didn’t pay their
he has indicated that are close to my during this debate that somehow pro- workers more in wages, didn’t expand
heart, and that is to create some equi- viding economic support for people to healthcare, didn’t provide childcare,
ties for women and children. benefit and to fully participate in our didn’t make their workers feel valued.
I want to just thank Representative economy is somehow an entitlement And now because of that, many work-
SHEILA JACKSON LEE for anchoring this program. ers today are having a hard time.
extremely important conversation with The child tax credit, for example. But yet Democrats, through the Con-
the American people today. You talked about the earned income gressional Black Caucus, are standing
One of the things that has been dis- tax credit. I will talk about the child up, and we are pushing back, and that
turbing me about this entire debate is tax credit. This is a tax program. It is is what the Build Back Better Act and
that people seem to really want to not an entitlement program. Just like the bipartisan infrastructure bill is all
make some sort of bright-line demarca- we give tax cuts to the very wealthy about. I yield.
tion or differentiation between the bi- and the big corporations—that is what Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. It is going
partisan infrastructure bill—which will the Republicans did when they were in to be great. Madam anchor, I don’t
create economic opportunities, get rid the majority. They spent the majority know how much time we have, but I
of those darned lead pipes, expand of their time trying to figure out how just want to say, I want to join Mr.
broadband, create good union jobs, help to provide 83 percent of the benefits to HORSFORD in saying that I am really
create some great jobs for guys—and the top 1 percent and a tax cut that enthusiastic about voting for both of
the Build Back Better initiative, as if some of the businesses did not even ask these bills, because I do think that it is
that is some sort of welfare, a give- for, as much as they got. going to create a brand-new environ-
away. Social spending is what it is re- Now, Democrats are in charge, and ment for all of us where we will have
ferred to, a safety net. what have we done? We started with workforce development training for
So what I wanted to seek from you, a the American Rescue Plan. In that, we these new technologies on climate and
clarification from you, Mr. HORSFORD, provided a tax cut for middle-class battery storage.
particularly since you were appointed families, the child tax credit, which ac- I am so proud of the African Ameri-
by the Committee on Ways and Means, tually has already lifted about 50 per- cans who have been chairs of these
along with our colleagues, Representa- cent of children out of poverty, higher committees, like BOBBY SCOTT and
tives SEWELL and GOMEZ, to look at our rates for Black, Latino, and Native EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, MAXINE
racial equity issue. Of course, we know American children out of poverty. WATERS who put $150 billion in for
that African Americans and Latinos Now, there was a debate a couple of housing. As was indicated, these things
are more likely to be poor, have a weeks ago that we now need to put a are going to enable workers to truly
greater wealth gap, and lack of edu- work requirement, means test, and we participate in the economy. It is going
cational opportunities, so that when need to change the threshold to make to help companies, and we are going to
we think that we are investing in their people with lower incomes eligible and build back better.
improvement, that somehow it is wel- those with higher incomes—like $90,000 I yield back to the gentlewoman from
fare. is enough to not receive a tax credit. I Texas.
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But I would sort of want you to take am glad that President Biden rejected Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker,
up the argument where you left it with those ideas. But it was the Congres- first of all, let me thank both Mr.
regard to some of the economic prob- sional Black Caucus that stood up and HORSFORD and Ms. MOORE for one of the
lems that we are experiencing. There said no, because this is an economic important colloquies that I have heard
are major complaints in our country package, and we need provide economic on the floor of this body, and that is to
about a slowdown in economic growth. supports to families. be able to speak to people who are
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November 1, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6061
working hard every day, who are single said that that was continuing to be ne- all of the tremendous work on behalf of
parents, who work with their minds gotiated. No, Mr. Speaker, it is work- our families, on behalf of children, on
and their hands. ing under the umbrella and framework behalf of communities.
I am glad to hear that we did not of President Biden’s agenda, and we I want to just point out one addi-
limit who would be able to receive want to just make sure that all of his tional thing that Ms. JACKSON LEE has
these benefits, and we also crafted the agenda, within the context of being worked on as the chair of the Sub-
vitality and the vigorous efforts of the paid for, gets recognized. We want committee on Crime, Terrorism, and
Congressional Black Caucus. these families to receive the kind of re- Homeland Security in the Judiciary
As I close, Mr. Speaker, I would like sources that are necessary. Committee and for her tremendous
to just reiterate what Members, includ- My colleagues talked about the child leadership on this. In her capacity on
ing the leadership of our chair, Chair- tax cut. I would like to call it that. I the Judiciary Committee, last year the
woman JOYCE BEATTY, Congresswoman would just like to be sure that we real- United States saw the highest increase
ADAMS, Congresswoman WATSON COLE- ize that if this plan is implemented, it in gun homicides since national record-
MAN, Congressman EVANS, obviously may impact 17 million low-wage em- keeping began. That was in 2020. And,
Mr. HORSFORD and Ms. MOORE, what ployees, such as hospitality workers sadly, we are still on track to see that
they all have said, if I might. And that and childcare providers, a framework number continue to increase this year.
is, let me reiterate that each piece of of a tax cut that would help children. This violence, Mr. Speaker, falls dis-
Build Back Better is a piece that is They are people who work important proportionately on young Black men.
vital for the lives of Americans and Af- jobs but receive low pay, and this Even though we make up only 6 per-
rican Americans. would get nearly 6 million people out cent of the U.S. population, we account
For example, $550 more in Pell grants of poverty with this kind of cut. This is for about 50 percent of gun homicide
for more than 5 million students. Then a crucial contribution. victims. Now, those statistics aren’t
HBCUs, again, $10 billion. Seniors who Let me finish by letting you know just numbers. They are lives. And they
have never had hearing aids, only 30 what we have certainly gone through are lives that every one of us should be
percent of seniors over the age of 70 in Texas. Infrastructure is extremely held to account for.
who could benefit from hearing aids important. Part of that is housing. For me, as a Black man, raising
have ever had them. Medicare in this During the pandemic, these are the three children with my wife—two sons
Build Back Better will include that kinds of signs we saw: ‘‘My landlord is and a daughter—it hits me very di-
extra benefit. Many of us have seen the calling, and I must pay or I will be rectly because this is what we worry
caricatures of our seniors on television evicted.’’ about every single day when our chil-
and elsewhere trying to hear. That is Now, we have the American Rescue dren leave our homes, because these
Plan and the CARES Act, but $150 bil- are our friends, they are our children.
not anything that is funny, but it has
lion will be in for housing, improving I am proud, Mr. Speaker, that the
been made light of. I want to give
the infrastructure of public housing. Congressional Black Caucus made this
every senior an opportunity to hear. issue a priority, and we went to Presi-
At the same time, I want to empha- That hasn’t been done in decades; 50
years I am told. And we will get that dent Biden and to Vice President HAR-
size the importance of childcare. We
done. That is what is important about RIS, and we talked to them about the
are telling the story. Only 26.8 percent
the BIF bill, the infrastructure bill need to stop the onslaught of deaths.
of Black 3- to 4-year-old children are And he listened. He listened, and he in-
that will have broadband. The very
enrolled in publicly funded preschool, cluded $5 billion of funding and a bill
places where those people live, take
with the average cost of preschool for that I am proud to have sponsored,
the lead out of the pipes.
those without access $8,600. We are And then, of course, for those of us along with my colleagues, the Break
going to stop it with this. who live in hurricane alley, our friends the Cycle of Violence Act, which funds
We are not going to be the Trump community-based violence interven-
in Louisiana with Hurricane Ida, my
trillion-dollar tax cut to the top 1 per- constituents with Hurricane Harvey, tion programs to save lives.
cent and putting a deep dive into our and the number of hurricanes that Now, this is proven to work. These
deficit. We are going to put a deep in- have crossed the United States during are community-based programs and
vestment into the American people, 2017, one after another. We will have in partnerships with faith-based, commu-
particularly those people of color. that infrastructure bill a worthy re- nity-based organizations to provide
I think it is extremely important sponse to the failing infrastructure of mental health and wellness, job train-
that we talk about children and this Nation. ing and placement, and intervention
healthcare. We won’t have to worry about what programs so that when we pass the
Mr. Speaker, how much time do we people say about Russia and China or Build Back Better Act, it will include
have remaining? any other country. We will be enor- $5 billion of funding over 8 years and an
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- mously competitive, even to the point additional amount of funding specifi-
tlewoman has about 8 minutes. of NASA. No one has even expressed cally for workforce development and
Ms. JACKSON LEE. This is about their interest in that. They will have a placement.
children getting access to healthcare space here to be able to keep us com- For months now we have negotiated
but, Mr. Speaker, there are many chil- petitive in space exploration. in good faith. We have worked with our
dren that don’t have access to It will be extremely important that colleagues. We have listened. Now it is
healthcare. In those States where fami- we have the opportunity to stop vio- time for us to move forward. No more
lies were not able to access the Afford- lence with our community violence in- delays. No more excuses about process,
able Care Act—and there is something vestment, $2.5 billion. no more focusing on personalities here
called Children’s Health Insurance Pro- I am delighted to say this is the work in Washington. Let’s focus on the peo-
gram, and that does provide for some of the Congressional Black Caucus. ple and the policy that will benefit
aspect of care—we had the Federal They put their hands around all of it, them and their lives.
Medicaid concept, and so Build Back for our constituents and the American Four years ago, when the Repub-
Better now is going to put all of those people. What Mr. HORSFORD has been licans were in control of the White
people under the Affordable Care Act, speaking of is that he is proud to give House, the House, and the Senate, they
and that is going to give the family ac- a listing. That is what I did, I did a roll used their majority to pass tax cuts for
cess to healthcare, which makes a siz- call of just what is going to be helped the wealthiest 1 percent and the big-
able difference. I think it is extremely with Build Back Better and with BIF. gest corporations in our country.
important that we do that, to be able I am delighted to stand here with the Today, Democrats are in the majority,
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to provide family healthcare. vice chair, and I yield to the gen- and our priority is to deliver for the
Now, I heard our Members be very tleman. people.
truthful. We still want to get Medicare Mr. HORSFORD. Mr. Speaker, I I am proud to work with my col-
reduction on prescription drugs, a sys- thank the gentlewoman for yielding. leagues in the Congressional Black
tem that would allow that. We still I want to laud her and the members Caucus and the House Democrats to de-
want family paid leave, and somebody of the Congressional Black Caucus for liver this historic package. We are
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H6062 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 1, 2021
going to get it done. I yield back to the The Build Back Better Act makes the trans- (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities
gentlewoman from Texas. formative investments that we need to con- (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, we tinue growing our economy, lower costs for (MSIs) to build capacity, modernize research
are excited about this violence empha- working families, and position the United infrastructure, and provide financial aid to low
sis. As I conclude my remarks, let me States as a global leader in innovation and the income students.
pay tribute to deputies in my district jobs of the future. The Build Back Better Act will help more
who were shot by an AR–15. We pray This $1.75 trillion gross investment will build people access quality training that leads to
for them, their families, and we should on the successes of the American Rescue good, union, and middle-class jobs and will
understand that violence has to end. Plan and set our nation on a path of fiscal re- enable community colleges to train hundreds
At the same time, let’s take the sponsibility and broadly shared prosperity for of thousands of students, create sector-based
words of John Robert Lewis, who sat generations to come. training opportunity with in-demand training for
with us on this floor for more than 27 The Build Back Better Act will provide re- at least hundreds of thousands of workers,
years, and in his last life he said to all sources to improve our education, health, and and invest in proven approaches like Reg-
of us, the Congressional Black Caucus, child care systems, invest in clean energy and istered Apprenticeships and programs to sup-
that is what we are going to do, carry sustainability, address the housing crisis, and port underserved communities.
on. We are going to carry on to make more; all while setting America up to compete The Build Back Better Act will increase the
sure that we bring transformative— and win in the decades ahead. Labor Department’s annual spending on work-
transformative—legislation, not only The Build Back Better Act is paid for by en- force development by 50 percent for each of
to the American people but to African suring that the wealthy and big corporations the next 5 years.
Americans and people of color to are paying their fair share and Americans The Build Back Better Act expands access
change their lives forever. That is what making less than $400,000 a year will not see to quality, affordable health care by strength-
Build Back is, and that is what the bi- their taxes increase by a penny. ening the Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable
partisan bill is. We will work to make Let me repeat that: No American making Care Act (ACA) Marketplace programs that
sure we cross the T’s and dot the I’s. less than $400,000 a year will not see their millions of Americans already rely on.
Carry on. taxes increase by a penny. It includes a major new expansion of Medi-
Mr. Speaker, as a senior member of the In sum, Mr. Speaker, the investments made care benefits, adding a hearing benefit to the
Committees on the Judiciary, on Homeland by the Build Back Better Act will expand op- program for the very first time.
Security, and on the Budget, and the Congres- Only 30 percent of seniors over the age of
portunity for all and build an economy pow-
sional Black Caucus, I am pleased to co-an- 70 who could benefit from hearing aids have
ered by shared prosperity and inclusive
chor this Congressional Black Caucus Special ever had them.
growth. The Build Back Better Act strengthens the
Order with my colleague, the distinguished No one is better prepared or more experi-
gentleman from New York, Congressman Affordable Care Act and reduces premiums for
enced to lead the American renaissance that
RITCHIE TORRES. 9 million Americans who buy insurance
will be produced by the investments made by
I thank the Chair of the CBC, Congress- through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace
the Build Back Better Act than President
woman BEATTY of Ohio, for organizing this by an average of $600 per person per year.
Biden, the architect of the American Rescue Just for example, a family of four earning
Special Order to discuss the reasons why the
Plan and who as vice president during the $80,000 per year would save nearly $3,000
CBC strongly supports the $1.75 billion Build
Obama Administration oversaw the implemen- per year (or $246 per month) on health insur-
Back Better Act conceived and advanced by
tation of the Recovery Act, which saved mil- ance premiums and experts predict that more
President Biden and House Democrats to sup-
lions of jobs and rescued our economy from than 3 million people who would otherwise be
port visionary and transformative investments
in the health, well-being, and financial security the Great Recession the nation inherited from uninsured will gain health insurance.
of America’s workers and families. a previous Republican administration. The Build Back Better Act closes the Med-
Over the next hour, several of our col- And let us not forget that President Obama icaid coverage gap, leading 4 million unin-
leagues will share their perspectives on why it also placed his confidence in his vice-presi- sured people to gain coverage.
is essential that we ‘‘go big’’ in building back dent to oversee the rescue of the automotive The Build Back Better Act will deliver health
better to our nation and all of its people have industry, which he did so well that the Amer- care coverage through Affordable Care Act
the opportunities and resources to compete ican car industry fully recovered its status as premium tax credits to up to 4 million unin-
and win in the changing global economy of the the world leader. sured people in states that have locked them
21st century. Mr. Speaker, let me briefly highlight some of out of Medicaid.
Mr. Speaker, it is often said that the federal the key investments made by the Build Back A 40-year old in the coverage gap would
budget is an expression of the nation’s values Better Act. have to pay $450 per month for benchmark
and the investments made to Build America The Build Back Better Act will provide two coverage—more than half of their income in
Back Better are a clear declaration of congres- years of free pre-K and two years of free com- many cases but thanks to the Build Back Bet-
sional Democrats’ commitment to ensuring munity college to ensure every student has ter Act individuals would pay $0 premiums, fi-
that our government, our economy, and our the tools, resources, and opportunity to suc- nally making health care affordable and acces-
systems work For The People. ceed in life. sible.
Mr. Speaker, these long-overdue invest- It will also invest in our teachers and institu- The Build Back Better Act strengthens the
ments in America’s future will be felt in every tions that serve minority students and provide ACA by extending the enhanced Marketplace
corner of the country and across every sector funding to give school buildings long-overdue subsidies that were included in the American
of American life, building on the success of infrastructure updates. Rescue Plan.
the American Rescue Plan, accommodating People lead happier, healthier, and more It also provides an affordable coverage op-
historic infrastructure investments in the legis- productive lives when they have had access to tion for the more than two million Americans
lative pipeline, and addressing longstanding high-quality education and that is why the living in states that have not expanded Med-
deficits in our communities by ending an era Build Back Better Act makes necessary invest- icaid under the ACA and do not earn enough
of chronic underinvestment so we can emerge ments to increase quality education by four to qualify for Marketplace subsidies.
from our current crises a stronger, more equi- years for all students at no cost to hard-work- When the Build Back Better Act is fully im-
table nation. ing families. plemented soon gone will be the terrible old
Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan action we took The Build Back Better Act expands access days when too many Americans are forced to
in February 2021 when we passed the Amer- to affordable, high-quality education beyond choose between medical care and putting food
ican Rescue Plan was a giant step in the right high school, which is increasingly important for on the table or affording other necessities.
direction, but it was a targeted response to the economic growth and competitiveness in the Mr. Speaker, approximately 3.9 million Black
immediate and urgent public health and eco- 21st century. people were uninsured in 2019 before Presi-
nomic crises; it was not a long-term solution to Specifically, the Build Back Better Act will dent Biden took office and even with the Af-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
many of the pressing challenges facing our increase the maximum Pell Grant by $550 for fordable Care Act’s premium subsidies, cov-
nation that have built up over decades of dis- more the more than 5 million students enrolled erage under the ACA was too expensive for
investment in our nation and its people in in public and private, non-profit colleges and many families, and over 570,000 Black people
every region and sector of the country. expand access to DREAMers. fell into the Medicaid ‘‘coverage gap’’ and
We simply can no longer afford the costs of It will also make historic investments in His- were locked out of coverage because their
neglect and inaction; the time to act is now. torically Black Colleges and Universities state refused to expand Medicaid.
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November 1, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6063
The Build Back Better Act closes the Med- Right now, there are hundreds of thousands create good-paying jobs, and strengthen U.S.
icaid coverage gap while also lowering health of older Americans and Americans with dis- competitiveness—all while putting our country
care costs for those buying coverage through abilities on waiting lists for home care services on the pathway to 100 percent carbon-free
the ACA by extending the American Rescue or struggling to afford the care they need, in- electricity by 2035.
Plan’s lower premiums, which could save cluding more than 800,000 who are on state The Build Back Better Act extends and ex-
360,000 Black people an average of $50 per Medicaid waiting lists. pands clean energy tax credits and supports
person per month. A family paying for home care costs out of clean electricity performance payments so util-
With these changes, more than one in three pocket currently pays around $5,800 per year ities can accelerate progress toward a clean
uninsured Black people could gain coverage for just four hours of home care per week. electric grid at no added cost to consumers.
and with the addition of hearing coverage, The Build Back Better Act will permanently The Build Back Better Act invests in clean
more than 5.8 million Black people on Medi- improve Medicaid coverage for home care energy, efficiency, electrification, and climate
care will benefit. services for seniors and people with disabil- justice through grants, consumer rebates, and
The Build Back Better Act will make an his- ities, making the most transformative invest- federal procurement of clean power and sus-
toric investment in maternal health, including ment in access to home care in 40 years, tainable materials, and by incentivizing private
for Black women, who die from complications when these services were first authorized for sector development and investment.
related to pregnancy at three times the rate of Medicaid. Another exciting aspect of the Build Back
white women. The Build Back Better Act will improve the Better Act, Mr. Speaker, is that it will drive
Mr. Speaker, the cost of preschool in the quality of caregiving jobs, which will, in turn, economic opportunities, environmental con-
United States exceeds $8,600 per year on av- help to improve the quality of care provided to servation, and climate resilience—especially in
erage, and for as long as we can remember, beneficiaries. underserved and disadvantaged commu-
child care prices in the United States have Mr. Speaker, I cannot emphasize enough nities—including through a new Civilian Cli-
risen faster than family incomes, yet the how important it is that the Build Back Better mate Corps.
Act will also reduce the cost of homebased Mr. Speaker, the Build Back Better Act in-
United States still invests 28 times less than
care for the hundreds of thousands of older cludes a $100 billion investment to reform our
its competitors on helping families afford high-
Black adults and Black people with disabilities broken immigration system—and does it con-
quality care for toddlers.
The Build Back Better Act supports families who need it and are unable to access it. sistent with the Senate’s reconciliation rules—
in need of child care by providing access to Not to mention that investment in home care as well as to reduce backlogs, expand legal
safe, reliable, and high-quality care delivered will raise wages for home care workers, 28 representation, and make the asylum system
by a well-trained child care workforce. percent of whom are Black. and border processing more efficient and hu-
The Build Back Better Act will provide uni- In the area of housing, the Build Back Better mane.
Act makes investments to ensure that Ameri- Mr. Speaker, immigrants eligible for such
versal and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-
cans have access to safe and affordable protection are an integral part of Texas’s so-
olds.
This is the largest expansion of universal housing by providing resources to increase cial fabric.
Texas is home to 386,300 immigrants who
and free education since states and commu- housing vouchers and funding for tribal hous-
are eligible for protection, 112,000 of whom
nities across the country established public ing.
reside in Harris County.
high school 100 years ago. It also supports investments in programs These individuals live with 845,300 family
This is important because our nation is that will help address our nation’s housing cri- members and among those family members,
strongest when everyone can join the work- sis by increasing the supply of affordable 178,700 are U.S.-born citizen children.
force and contribute to the economy. homes for those in need and investing in his- These persons in Texas who are eligible for
That is why this investment is vital to so torically underserved communities and those protection under the bill arrived in the United
many millions of—especially women—who are that have been previously left behind. States at the average age of 8 and on aver-
often forced to choose between working to Specifically, the Build Back Better Act age have lived in the United States since
support their family or caring for their family. makes the single largest and most com- 1996.
The Build Back Better Act will ensure that prehensive investment in affordable housing in They own 43,500 homes in Texas and pay
the vast majority of working American families history and will enable the construction, reha- $340,500,000 in annual mortgage payments
of four earning less than $300,000 per year bilitation, and improvement of more than 1 mil- and contribute $2,234,800,000 in federal taxes
will pay no more than 7 percent of their in- lion affordable homes, boosting housing sup- and $1,265,200,000 in state and local taxes
come on child care for children under 6. ply and reducing price pressures for renters each year.
Under the Build Back Better Act, parents and homeowners. Annually, these households generate
who are working, looking for work, partici- It will address the capital needs of the public $10,519,000,000 in spending power in Texas
pating in an education or training program, housing stock in big cities and rural commu- and help power the national economy.
and who are making under 2.5 times their nities all across America and ensure it is not The expansion of the Child Tax Credit
states median income will receive support to only safe and habitable but healthier and more (CTC) enacted in the American Rescue Plan
cover the cost of quality care based on a slid- energy efficient as well. has already benefitted nearly 66 million chil-
ing scale, capped at 7 percent of their income. It will make a historic investment in rental dren, put money in the pockets of millions of
The Build Back Better Act will help states assistance, expanding vouchers to hundreds hard-working parents and guardians, and is
expand access to high-quality, affordable child of thousands of additional families. expected to help cut child poverty by more
care to about 20 million children per year— And, perhaps even more importantly, the than half.
covering 9 out of 10 families across the coun- Build Back Better Act includes one of the larg- The Build Back Better Act not only extends
try with young children. est investments in down payment assistance this meaningful tax cut, but it also extends the
For two parents with one toddler earning in history, enabling hundreds of thousands of expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
$100,000 per year, the Build Back Better Act first-generation homebuyers to purchase their and the expanded Child and Dependent Care
will produce more than $5,000 in child care first home and build wealth. Tax Credit, which help families make ends
savings per year. In short, Mr. Speaker, this legislation will meet and put food on the table, reduce child
In addition, the Build Back Better Act pro- create more equitable communities, through poverty, and lessen the burden on hard-work-
motes nutrition security to support children’s investing in community-led redevelopments ing Americans so they can provide a better fu-
health and help children reach their full poten- projects in historically under-resourced neigh- ture for America’s children.
tial by investing in nutrition security year- borhoods and removing lead paint from hun- Mr. Speaker, 22.1 percent of Black people
round. dreds of thousands of homes, as well as by fall below the poverty line, struggling to pay
The legislation will expand free school incentivizing state and local zoning reforms expenses like food, rent, health care, and
meals to 8.7 million children during the school that enable more families to reside in higher transportation for their families.
year and provide a $65 per child per month opportunity neighborhoods. By extending the Child Tax Credit, the Build
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benefit to the families of 29 million children to Th Build Back Better Act will spur and em- Back Better Act provides a major tax cut to
purchase food during the summer. power comprehensive action to build an equi- nearly 3 million Black people and cuts the
The Build Back Better Act will deliver afford- table clean energy economy with historic in- Black poverty rate by 34.3 percent, which will
able, high-quality care for older Americans and vestments to transform and modernize the help the 85 percent of Black women who are
people with disabilities in their homes, while electricity sector, lower energy costs for Amer- either sole or co-breadwinners for their fami-
supporting the workers who provide this care. icans, improve air quality and public health, lies.
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H6064 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 1, 2021
By permanently extending the American And as Chairwoman of the House Science, America during the 8 years of the
Rescue Plan’s increase to the Earned-Income Space, and Technology Committee, I am Obama administration went down by 30
Tax Credit from $543 to $1,502, the Build steadfastly committed to strengthening our na- percent, on average. During the Trump
Back Better Act will benefit roughly 2.8 million tion’s research and innovation capabilities administration, it didn’t go down. It
Black low-wage workers, including cashiers, through the Build Back Better Act—both to en- went up significantly.
cooks, delivery drivers, food preparation work- sure our continued international competitive- As I look at what is being proposed in
ers, and child care providers. ness and the wellbeing of our citizens here at the Build Back Better program, and I
To put it all in perspective, Mr. Speaker, we home. I believe that investments in research see this administration having can-
have before us a once in a century opportunity and development now will pay untold divi- celed the Keystone XL pipeline, which
to make gigantic progress in making ours a dends for the future health and prosperity of certainly was going to, and has, caused
more perfect union, and to do it in a single our nation, which is why we put resources in an escalation in fuel prices and energy
bound with enactment of the Build Back Better this bill that will help us address the climate prices, and of course, President Biden
Act, the most transformative legislation passed crisis, rebuild after this pandemic, promote in- released the penalties that had been
by this Congress since the Great Society and novation, and renew and repair our research put on the Russian natural gas pipe-
the New Deal. infrastructure. It also makes an unprecedented line, so it is doing great now, and took
I would urge my Republican colleagues to investment in the National Science Founda- off some of the penalties on Iran—any-
heed the words of Republican Governor Jim tion, tapping into the diverse talent and institu- way, we have seen the price of energy
Justice of West Virginia who said colorfully tions from across our nation. We need a going up significantly.
earlier this year: STEM workforce that represents the rich diver- It brought back to mind yet again
At this point in time in this nation, we sity of America—because we cannot continue the Honorable John Dingell’s com-
need to go big. We need to quit counting the to lead in science and technology if we do not ment. He was looking forward to push-
egg-sucking legs on the cows and count the tap into all the brainpower our nation has to ing through, in essence, a socialized
cows and just move. And move forward and medicine program through the com-
move right now.
offer. To make sure of this, we included a pro-
vision that provides resources to support re- mittee he was chair of in 2009 and 2010,
The same sentiment was expressed more search capacity building at our nation’s minor- but he was famously asked about the
eloquently by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 when ity-serving institutions and invests in research, cap-and-trade bill. He responded that
he memorably wrote: scholarships, and fellowships across all STEM the cap-and-trade bill is not only a tax,
The dogmas of the quiet past are inad- disciplines. but it is a great big tax.
equate to the stormy present. The occasion He explained before that when you
is piled high with difficulty, and we must
Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Black Cau-
cus has been and will continue to be at the raise the price of energy, you are not
rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so
we must think anew and act anew. We must forefront of these negotiations. Fifty-seven hurting the billionaires, the
disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save members—and six committee chairs—strong, megawealthy. It is an inconvenience to
our country. our presence at the table, on behalf of our di- them when you raise the price of en-
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance verse constituencies, remains steadfast and ergy, be it electricity, propane, natural
of my time. will ultimately serve as the driving force behind gas, coal, whatever it is. It is an incon-
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, let our work For the People. venience to the very wealthy, but to
me begin by thanking my good friend and those who are on fixed incomes, those
f
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, who are scraping by working so hard
Congresswoman BEATTY, for hosting this Spe- b 2045 every week and just getting by, if you
cial Order Hour and to Congresswoman JACK- increase the price of gasoline, elec-
ISSUES OF THE DAY
SON LEE and Congressman TORRES for an- tricity, energy, you just devastate
choring it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under those households. It is not just a little
Mr. Speaker, this is a consequential mo- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- tax to them. It is devastating.
ment in our nation’s history. uary 4, 2021, the gentleman from Texas The inflation that comes with an up-
On the tail end of a once-in-a-century pan- (Mr. GOHMERT) is recognized for 60 min- ward explosion of the price of fuel and
demic—one that has resulted in hundreds of utes as the designee of the minority energy, but especially fuel, as this ad-
thousands of deaths, record unemployment leader. ministration has done, it inflates the
rates, and that has left our economy counting Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, in re- price of everything. There is just not
the costs—we are in desperate need of sub- cent days, I have been doing some re- much of anything, unless you are buy-
stantive relief in all aspects of our society. We search. In fact, one of the things I was ing from some pickup truck or some
need bold action, from bold leadership, in looking at is the average income over roadside kiosk—otherwise, you are
order to deliver bold results—and that’s what the last couple of decades going back having to pay a lot of extra energy
we have in President Biden’s Build Back Bet- to 1991, and this was average annual costs, whether it is for the ingredients
ter agenda. This agenda is a real opportunity wage according to the Social Security of something you are buying or wheth-
to make historic, transformative investments in Administration, so maybe somebody er it is the product getting to market.
projects and programs that are supported by would take issue with their accuracy. But usually, it is all of the above. The
an overwhelming majority of the American But according to their numbers, during energy prices inflate costs of every-
people. the Clinton administration, the aver- thing, basically.
As a Senior Member of the House Trans- age American’s income went up each That is what has happened to the
portation and Infrastructure Committee, I year about $1,000 a year. So over Presi- working poor in America. That is what
fought to include several provisions in this dent Clinton’s 8 years in office, the av- has happened to seniors on fixed in-
agenda through the Infrastructure Investment erage income went up about $8,000 over comes. They are being devastated as
& Jobs Act that would greatly benefit commu- those 8 years. prices continue to skyrocket, with no
nities not only in my district, but across the Under President Bush, it was a little end in sight.
country. These include funding for a program more than $1,000 a year during his 8 On a trip some years back during the
that provides federal dollars to reconnect and years. Obama administration, some of us
revitalize communities historically harmed and But during the Obama administra- went to Germany, and we met with
marginalized by the construction of the Inter- tion it was between a $7,000 and $8,000 some of their energy leaders. In one
state Highway System; language to ensure increase during the Obama administra- meeting, the driver of our little van
prompt payment and sufficient payments to tion. was from Berlin, and he sat in and lis-
minority and disadvantaged subcontractors; Then during the 4 years of the Trump tened. I was talking to him privately
and legislation to establish an electric grid re- administration, the average income after the meeting, and he said I hear
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silience program for states like Texas to went up about $2,000 a year. It was be- all these rich people talking about how
weatherize their power grids. Each of these tween $7,000 and $8,000 for the 4 years, great our green energy is in Germany,
measures—though different in nature and pur- a dramatic increase. but I have had to go from having one
pose—will collectively contribute to the rebuild- But I was shocked, as I was looking job to having three jobs, hardly ever
ing of our economy by creating more good- at different numbers, to find that the getting to see my family, so they could
paying, equitable job opportunities. net worth for Black households in brag about our green energy. But it is
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