Congressional Record, November 15, 2021, from Page H6260 — House
Summary
Page H6260 of the House section of the Congressional Record for November 15, 2021, in interleaved columns. Ms. Jackson Lee is recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus speak in support of the $1.75 trillion investment in the Build Back Better Act. One speaker says the bill is paid for and that no one making under $400,000 will see any tax increase, and another calls it the most transformative legislation since the Great Society and the New Deal, which are the speakers' views.
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“Congressional Record, November 15, 2021, from Page H6260 — House.”
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H6260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 15, 2021
BREAKING NEWS Madam Speaker, I am grateful to Breaking news, we are changing
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Chair BEATTY for her leadership and hearts and changing America, and I am
LEGER FERNANDEZ). Under the Speak- was eager to join my colleagues in the delighted to yield to our chair and
er’s announced policy of January 4, Congressional Black Caucus to stand thank her for her leadership. Keep on
2021, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. together to support this $1.75 trillion leading. We are going to keep on stand-
JACKSON LEE) is recognized for 60 min- investment. ing so that we can pass the Build Back
utes as the designee of the majority Very quickly: The bill is paid for. No Better Act this week. I am going to
leader. one making under $400,000 will see any claim it. We say that sometimes in our
GENERAL LEAVE
taxes go up at this time. In addition, community.
$130 billion will be provided for Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen-
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker,
healthcare. tlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY).
I ask unanimous consent that all Mem-
Breaking news: If you are uninsured Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, it
bers may have 5 legislative days to sub- in States that never expanded Med- gives me great pleasure to stand here
mit statements into the RECORD. icaid, you will have insurance; huge
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tonight as chair of the Congressional
numbers of African Americans. Over 30 Black Caucus. To be here at such a
objection to the request of the gentle-
percent of seniors over the age of 70 critical point in our country, in our de-
woman from Texas?
There was no objection. can benefit from hearing aids as well. mocracy, on the heels of leaving the
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, We know the Build Back Better bill South Lawn of the White House where
breaking news. Today, the President of will give us an additional amount of re- hundreds of people gathered in honor of
the United States signed the bipartisan sources for uninsured persons and pro- supporting the $1.2 trillion bipartisan
infrastructure bill, legislation that our vide the access to the Affordable Care infrastructure framework needed when
chairwoman and the Congressional Act. we think about our roads and our
Childcare, which impacts African bridges and our broadband.
Black Caucus were instrumental in
Americans, the Build Back Better Act Tonight, we are so honored to be
moving forward.
But breaking news: The President, will provide universal and free pre- here. To our chair of this night’s Spe-
Vice President, and Speaker of the school for three- to four-year-olds and cial Order hour, ‘‘Breaking News,’’ I
House made it very clear that we will cut down the amount of dollars that thank Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON
pass the Build Back Better Act, and many young working families have to LEE, who is anchoring tonight and
that they are two bills that go to- pay. I am excited about the fact that yielding to me.
gether. And so tonight, I am delighted we will be able to have working par- Madam Speaker, let me just take
to join the chair of the Congressional ents, they will be looking for work, but this point of personal privilege to
Black Caucus to discuss the pathway they will have the ability to have their thank her. I thank her for her leader-
and the vitality of the Build Back Bet- children taken care of, and they won’t ship and say to her and all of her con-
ter Act. pay more than 7 percent of their in- stituents watching: Texas is all the
There is one thing that I want to im- come for childcare; $150 billion. better because of Congresswoman SHEI-
mediately speak to. Pell grants that is Madam Speaker, this weekend, I was LA JACKSON LEE. When I think of some-
part of the Build Back Better will be at my public housing, public develop- one leading and talking about Build
an instrumental component to increas- ment. Families, they are going to see a Back Better, talking about how great
ing the number of students at commu- new makeover, more housing built, and this is for America, thank you for
nity colleges, historically Black col- more down payments. being part of that leadership.
In fact, I am very grateful to say Now, tonight, let me simply say,
leges, and other colleges—minority-
that we won’t see these signs: ‘‘My Madam Speaker, when I look to build
serving institutions—more than they
landlord is calling and I must pay.’’ back better, I see the faces of the Con-
have ever had the opportunity.
Madam Speaker, in 2021, there are How many were evicted because dollars gressional Black Caucus, six chairs of
still families that are sending their were not getting to people who worked major committees. So let me do break-
first generation to college. The Pell hard every day but yet, because of the ing news.
grants—unlike which was discussed pandemic and other factors, could not Breaking news, when we look to
just a few minutes ago—will give pay their rent. build back better housing, we know,
Americans and legal residents the op- b 1930 across America, that we have a housing
portunity to go to school, and many We will see that ended with the $150 problem. We know that we needed more
others who are DACA and are deserving billion for housing; education, $40 bil- dollars going into housing, vouchers,
of going to school to build a better fu- lion; and, of course, the Pell grants, as and affordable housing.
ture. I said. Breaking news, Congresswoman MAX-
Madam Speaker, I will speak very It is important to take note of the INE WATERS, chair of the powerful Fi-
briefly on how important the Build fact that poverty among Africa Ameri- nancial Services Committee under
Back Better Act is, and to emphasize cans will decrease seismically, particu- which housing and insurance falls, she
that it is often said that the Federal larly with the child tax credit that will was iconic in her leadership, from the
budget is an expression of the Nation’s end poverty as we know it among the White House to the Speaker, working
values. Build Back Better is an expres- impoverished children of America. both sides of the aisle, and, yes, $150
sion of our values, of our respect, and Again, I said, breaking news, the billion.
affection for our families and our chil- President signed the bipartisan infra- When I think of Congressman BOBBY
dren. It is long overdue. structure bill with the help of the Con- SCOTT, I think of education and labor.
And even though we are excited gressional Black Caucus. There has not been a stronger voice in
about the infrastructure bill that will Breaking news, we are committed to the Congress than BOBBY SCOTT in the
bring some $26.9 billion in transpor- leading on helping to pass Build Back Congressional Black Caucus. You heard
tation to Texas, some $3.3 billion in en- Better with all of our Democratic col- earlier from Congresswoman SHEILA
suring the improvement of public leagues, and Madam Speaker, I don’t JACKSON LEE, Pell grants, HBCUs, his-
transportation, making sure there is think that we would be against our bi- torically Black colleges and univer-
$100 million for broadband, and making partisan colleagues joining us. sities, billions of dollars going into our
sure that we have clean water—and Let me conclude by saying that I am universities.
that is in the $2.9 billion from the in- delighted to know this family at the Madam Speaker, let me take a point
frastructure bill. I can tell you that Gingerbread daycare, founded by a hus- of personal privilege because I am a
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Texans and Americans are excited band and wife, for hardworking essen- proud graduate of an HBCU, so I know
about the Build Back Better. African tial workers. How wonderful it will be what this means to young girls and
Americans who have suffered with pov- that 3- to 4-year-olds can have uni- boys and men and women who are ma-
erty and inequities will stand at the versal access to school and childcare triculating in our HBCUs. We cannot
forefront in helping to end poverty as and can now be supported by the Build have a democracy in a country without
we know it in our communities. Back Better Act and paid family leave. protecting our children. When we talk
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November 15, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6261
about the child tax credit, when we 3 million Black people and cuts the Plan and set our Nation on a path of fiscal re-
talk about universal childcare, this is Black poverty rate by 34.3 percent, sponsibility and broadly shared prosperity for
so critical. which will help the 85 percent of Black generations to come.
Breaking news, $400 billion—I want women who are either sole or co-bread- The Build Back Better Act will provide re-
to say that again, $400 billion—into winners for their families. sources to improve our education, health, and
childcare, taking some 40 percent of I am very pleased to be on the floor child care systems, invest in clean energy and
our children out of poverty. of the House with you, showing what sustainability, address the housing crisis, and
We know how important our climate will happen to many in the Black com- more, all while setting America up to compete
is to us, and if we didn’t, if you were munity who are out and about working and win in the decades ahead.
out on that South Lawn today, you and helping. This bill will help them, The Build Back Better Act is paid for by en-
clearly understood climate change. and it will help all of America. It will suring that the wealthy and big corporations
Madam Speaker, $555 billion is in for help those minorities who are in need. are paying their fair share and Americans
climate change. May I say: Our Power, Our Message. making less than $400,000 a year will not see
I am going to have other colleagues I always like to say: Our Power, Our their taxes increase by a penny.
come today, and we are going to hear Message. That is what we are tonight, Let me repeat that: Americans making less
how important it is when we talk and I am delighted to have been able to than $400,000 a year will not see their taxes
about taking lead out of our water, join her at this time. increase by a penny.
what that does for our children, for our Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the In sum, Madam Speaker, the investments
families, for the environment. Committees on the Judiciary, on Homeland made by the Build Back Better Act will expand
Breaking news, $1.7 trillion is in Security, and on the Budget, and the Congres- opportunity for all and build an economy pow-
Build Back Better. sional Black Caucus, I am pleased to co-an- ered by shared prosperity and inclusive
Earlier, one of the members of the chor this Congressional Black Caucus Special growth.
Congressional Black Caucus said to me, Order with my colleague, the distinguished No one is better prepared or more experi-
‘‘Tell our story.’’ Well, you see, our fin- gentleman from New York, Congressman enced to lead the American renaissance that
gerprints and footprints are all RITCHIE TORRES. will be produced by the investments made by
through this $1.75 trillion, and if you I thank the Chair of the CBC, Congress- the Build Back Better Act than President
don’t claim it, people don’t know it. woman BEATTY of Ohio, for organizing this Biden, the architect of the American Rescue
So, I want everyone to know that the Special Order to discuss the reasons why the
Plan and who as Vice-President during the
Congressional Black Caucus is so proud CBC strongly supports the $1.75 billion Build
Obama Administration oversaw the implemen-
of Our Power, Our Message because we Back Better Act conceived and advanced by
tation of the Recovery Act, which saved mil-
understand that our diversity is our President Biden and House Democrats to sup-
lions of jobs and rescued our economy from
port visionary and transformative investments
strength and our unity is our power. the Great Recession the Nation inherited from
Tonight is so important for us to say: in the health, well-being, and financial security
a previous Republican administration.
$1.75 trillion, Build Back Better; $1.2 of America’s workers and families.
Over the next hour, several of our col- And let us not forget that President Obama
trillion, bipartisan infrastructure also placed his confidence in his vice-presi-
leagues will share their perspectives on why it
framework. It was the Congressional dent to oversee the rescue of the automotive
is essential that we ‘‘go big’’ in building back
Black Caucus that asked for a seat at better to our Nation and all of its people have industry, which he did so well that the Amer-
the table. the opportunities and resources to compete ican car industry fully recovered its status as
The late Congressman John Lewis al- the world leader.
and win in the changing global economy of the
ways said: If you see something, say 21st century. Madam Speaker, one aspect of the Build
something. So, Madam Speaker, the Madam Speaker, it is often said that the Back Better Act that does not get enough at-
Congressional Black Caucus decided federal budget is an expression of the Nation’s tention is the fact, as documented by the De-
that we were going to say something. values and the investments made to Build partment of the Treasury, that the legislation
We were going to say something to America Back Better are a clear declaration of will generate more than $2 trillion in fiscal sav-
make sure that all of our friends and congressional Democrats’ commitment to en- ings.
colleagues came together so we could suring that our government, our economy, and These savings come from ensuring large
do what is great for America, and that our systems work For The People. multinational corporations and wealthy Ameri-
is what we have done. Madam Speaker, these long-overdue invest- cans pay their fair share and reducing the cost
Let me say these closing remarks as ments in America’s future will be felt in every of prescription drugs.
we then call on our other colleagues. corner of the country and across every sector These provisions will not raise taxes on any
Let me simply say that I am honored of American life, building on the success of taxpayer making less than $400,000.
to serve in the United States Congress, the American Rescue Plan, accommodating As a result of these changes, the ability of
but I am extremely humbled and privi- historic infrastructure investments in the legis- large corporations to shift profits abroad will
leged and honored to be the chair of lative pipeline, and addressing longstanding be substantially limited, and the race to the
the Congressional Black Caucus in our deficits in our communities by ending an era bottom in corporate taxation will no longer be
50th year of existence with the largest of chronic underinvestment so we can emerge a driving force weakening capital taxation.
membership and the oldest of the cau- from our current crises a stronger, more equi- In short, the Build Back Better Act under
cuses in the Congress. table Nation. consideration in the House of Representatives
Madam Speaker, chair of our Special Madam Speaker, the bipartisan action we will be fully paid for and reduce the deficit.
Order hour, Our Power, Our Message, took in February 2021 when we passed the Madam Speaker, let me briefly highlight
we are the Congressional Black Caucus. American Rescue Plan was a giant step in the some of the key investments made by the
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, right direction, but it was a targeted response Build Back Better Act:
what a grand statement from our chair to the immediate and urgent public health and The Build Back Better Act expands access
who has captured the leadership of this economic crises; it was not a long-term solu- to quality, affordable health care by strength-
entire body. tion to many of the pressing challenges facing ening the Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable
As I conclude my remarks, I just our Nation that have built up over decades of Care Act (ACA) Marketplace programs that
wanted to say, Madam Speaker, to the disinvestment in our Nation and its people in millions of Americans already rely on.
chair, this is what you are doing and every region and sector of the country. It includes a major new expansion of Medi-
what we are doing by pushing Build We simply can no longer afford the costs of care benefits, adding a hearing benefit to the
Back Better and putting our stamp on neglect and inaction; the time to act is now. program for the very first time.
it. The Build Back Better Act makes the trans- Only 30 percent of seniors over the age of
Madam Speaker, 22.1 percent of formative investments that we need to con- 70 who could benefit from hearing aids have
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Black people fall below the poverty tinue growing our economy, lower costs for ever used them.
line, struggling to pay expenses like working families, and position the United The Build Back Better Act strengthens the
food, rent, healthcare, and transpor- States as a global leader in innovation and the Affordable Care Act and reduces premiums for
tation for their families. But with the jobs of the future. 9 million Americans who buy insurance
child tax cut, the Build Back Better This $1.75 trillion gross investment will build through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace
Act provides a major tax cut to nearly on the successes of the American Rescue by an average of $600 per person per year.
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H6262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 15, 2021
Just for example, a family of four earning nities across the country established public housing by providing resources to increase
$80,000 per year would save nearly $3,000 high school 100 years ago. housing vouchers and funding for tribal hous-
per year (or $246 per month) on health insur- This is important because our Nation is ing.
ance premiums and experts predict that more strongest when everyone can join the work- It also supports investments in programs
than 3 million people who would otherwise be force and contribute to the economy. that will help address our Nation’s housing cri-
uninsured will gain health insurance. That is why this investment is vital to so sis by increasing the supply of affordable
The Build Back Better Act closes the Med- many millions of people—especially women— homes for those in need and investing in his-
icaid coverage gap, leading 4 million unin- who are often forced to choose between work- torically underserved communities and those
sured people to gain coverage. ing to support their family or caring for their that have been previously left behind.
The Build Back Better Act will deliver health family. Specifically, the Build Back Better Act
care coverage through Affordable Care Act The Build Back Better Act will ensure that makes the single largest and most com-
premium tax credits to up to 4 million unin- the vast majority of working American families prehensive investment in affordable housing in
sured people in states that have locked them of four earning less than $300,000 per year history and will enable the construction, reha-
out of Medicaid. will pay no more than 7 percent of their in- bilitation, and improvement of more than 1 mil-
A 40-year-old in the coverage gap would come on child care for children under 6. lion affordable homes, boosting housing sup-
have to pay $450 per month for benchmark Under the Build Back Better Act, parents ply and reducing price pressures for renters
coverage—more than half of their income in who are working, looking for work, partici- and homeowners.
many cases, but thanks to the Build Back Bet- pating in an education or training program, It will address the capital needs of the public
ter Act individuals would pay $0 premiums, fi- and who are making under 2.5 times their housing stock in big cities and rural commu-
nally making health care affordable and acces- states median income will receive support to nities all across America and ensure it is not
sible. cover the cost of quality care based on a slid- only safe and habitable but healthier and more
The Build Back Better Act strengthens the ing scale, capped at 7 percent of their income. energy efficient as well.
ACA by extending the enhanced Marketplace The Build Back Better Act will help states It will make a historic investment in rental
subsidies that were included in the American expand access to high-quality, affordable child assistance, expanding vouchers to hundreds
Rescue Plan. care to about 20 million children per year— of thousands of additional families.
It also provides an affordable coverage op- covering 9 out of 10 families across the coun- And, perhaps even more importantly, the
tion for the more than two million Americans try with young children. Build Back Better Act includes one of the larg-
living in states that have not expanded Med- For two parents with one toddler earning est investments in down payment assistance
icaid under the ACA and do not earn enough $100,000 per year, the Build Back Better Act in history, enabling hundreds of thousands of
to qualify for Marketplace subsidies. will produce more than $5,000 in child care first-generation homebuyers to purchase their
When the Build Back Better Act is fully im- savings per year. first home and build wealth.
plemented, soon gone will be the terrible old In addition, the Build Back Better Act pro- In short, Madam Speaker, this legislation
days when too many Americans are forced to motes nutrition security to support children’s will create more equitable communities,
choose between medical care and putting food health and help children reach their full poten- through investing in community-led redevelop-
on the table or affording other necessities. tial by investing in nutrition security year- ment projects in historically under-resourced
Madam Speaker, approximately 3.9 million round. neighborhoods and removing lead paint from
Black people were uninsured in 2019 before The legislation will expand free school hundreds of thousands of homes, as well as
President Biden took office and even with the meals to 8.7 million children during the school by incentivizing state and local zoning reforms
Affordable Care Act’s premium subsidies, cov- year and provide a $65 per child per month that enable more families to reside in higher
erage under the ACA was too expensive for benefit to the families of 29 million children to opportunity neighborhoods.
many families, and over 570,000 Black people purchase food during the summer. The Build Back Better Act will provide two
fell into the Medicaid ‘‘coverage gap’’ and The Build Back Better Act will deliver afford- years of free pre-K and two years of free com-
were locked out of coverage because their able, high-quality care for older Americans and munity college to ensure every student has
state refused to expand Medicaid. people with disabilities in their homes, while the tools, resources, and opportunity to suc-
The Build Back Better Act closes the Med- supporting the workers who provide this care. ceed in life.
icaid coverage gap while also lowering health Right now, there are hundreds of thousands It will also invest in our teachers and institu-
care costs for those buying coverage through of older Americans and Americans with dis- tions that serve minority students and provide
the ACA by extending the American Rescue abilities on waiting lists for home care services funding to give school buildings long-overdue
Plan’s lower premiums, which could save or struggling to afford the care they need, in- infrastructure updates.
360,000 Black people an average of $50 per cluding more than 800,000 who are on state People lead happier, healthier, and more
person per month. Medicaid waiting lists. productive lives when they have had access to
With these changes, more than one in three A family paying for home care costs out of high-quality education and that is why the
uninsured Black people could gain coverage, pocket currently pays around $5,800 per year Build Back Better Act makes necessary invest-
and with the addition of hearing coverage, for just four hours of home care per week. ments to increase quality education by four
more than 5.8 million Black people on Medi- The Build Back Better Act will permanently years for all students at no cost to hard-work-
care will benefit. improve Medicaid coverage for home care ing families.
The Build Back Better Act will make an his- services for seniors and people with disabil- The Build Back Better Act expands access
toric investment in maternal health, including ities, making the most transformative invest- to affordable, high-quality education beyond
for Black women, who die from complications ment in access to home care in 40 years, high school, which is increasingly important for
related to pregnancy at three times the rate of when these services were first authorized for economic growth and competitiveness in the
white women. Medicaid. 21st century.
Madam Speaker, the cost of preschool in The Build Back Better Act will improve the Specifically, the Build Back Better Act will
the United States exceeds $8,600 per year on quality of caregiving jobs, which will, in turn, increase the maximum Pell Grant by $550 for
average, and for as long as we can remem- help to improve the quality of care provided to the more than 5 million students enrolled in
ber, child care prices in the United States beneficiaries. public and private, non-profit colleges and ex-
have risen faster than family incomes, yet the Madam Speaker, I cannot emphasize pand access to DREAMers.
United States still invests 28 times less than enough how important it is that the Build Back It will also make historic investments in His-
its competitors on helping families afford high- Better Act will also reduce the cost of home- torically Black Colleges and Universities
quality care for toddlers. based care for the hundreds of thousands of (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities
The Build Back Better Act supports families older Black adults and Black people with dis- (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions
in need of child care by providing access to abilities who need it and are unable to access (MSIs) to build capacity, modernize research
safe, reliable, and high-quality care delivered it. infrastructure, and provide financial aid to low-
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by a well-trained child care workforce. Not to mention that investment in home care income students.
The Build Back Better Act will provide uni- will raise wages for home care workers, 28 The Build Back Better Act will help more
versal and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year- percent of whom are Black. people access quality training that leads to
olds. In the area of housing, the Build Back Better good, union, and middle-class jobs and will
This is the largest expansion of universal Act makes investments to ensure that Ameri- enable community colleges to train hundreds
and free education since states and commu- cans have access to safe and affordable of thousands of students, create sector-based
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November 15, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6263
training opportunity with in-demand training for Tax Credit, which help families make ends THE INFRASTRUCTURE ACT ON ROADS, BRIDGES, AND
at least hundreds of thousands of workers, meet and put food on the table, reduce child SAFETY
and invest in proven approaches like Reg- poverty, and lessen the burden on hard-work- Delivers $121 billion for better roads and
istered Apprenticeships and programs to sup- ing Americans so they can provide a better fu- bridges faster by increasing investment by 54
port underserved communities. ture for America’s children. percent, with an emphasis on fixing existing
The Build Back Better Act will increase the Madam Speaker, 22.1 percent of Black peo- infrastructure;
Labor Department’s annual spending on work- ple fall below the poverty line, struggling to Dedicates $32 billion for bridge funding to
force development by 50 percent for each of pay expenses like food, rent, health care, and ensure bridges in communities of all sizes are
the next 5 years. transportation for their families. safer, more reliable, and more resilient;
The Build Back Better Act will spur and em- By extending the Child Tax Credit, the Build Invests $4 billion in electric vehicle charging
power comprehensive action to build an equi- Back Better Act provides a major tax cut to infrastructure, helping the U.S. shift to the next
table clean energy economy with historic in- nearly 3 million Black people and cuts the generation of clean vehicles;
vestments to transform and modernize the Black poverty rate by 34.3 percent, which will Dedicates $8.3 billion for activities targeted
electricity sector, lower energy costs for Amer- help the 85 percent of Black women who are to reduce carbon pollution and provides $6.2
icans, improve air quality and public health, either sole or co-breadwinners for their fami- billion for mitigation and resiliency improve-
create good-paying jobs, and strengthen U.S. lies. ments, also advances the development and
competitiveness—all while putting our country By permanently extending the American utilization of green construction materials;
on the pathway to 100 percent carbon-free Rescue Plan’s increase to the Earned-Income
Makes our roads safer with a significant
electricity by 2035. Tax Credit from $543 to $1,502, the Build
boost to roadway safety programs, record lev-
The Build Back Better Act extends and ex- Back Better Act will benefit roughly 2.8 million
els of investment in walking and cycling infra-
pands clean energy tax credits and supports Black low-wage workers, including cashiers,
structure, complete streets planning and
clean electricity performance payments so util- cooks, delivery drivers, food preparation work-
smarter road design, and safe routes to
ities can accelerate progress toward a clean ers, and child care providers.
Earlier today, I celebrated with many of my schools;
electric grid at no added cost to consumers. Focuses transportation planning to promote
The Build Back Better Act invests in clean colleagues on both sides of the aisle at the
White House where President Biden signed mobility and facilitate access to jobs and other
energy, efficiency, electrification, and climate essential services, and reconnects commu-
justice through grants, consumer rebates, and into law the Senate Amendment to the Invest
Act of 2021, which invests into our infrastruc- nities that were divided by highways with a
federal procurement of clean power and sus- new $3 billion program to correct planning
tainable materials, and by incentivizing private ture:
$121 billion for Roads, Bridges, and Safety; mistakes of the past;
sector development and investment. $89.9 billion for Public Transit; Targets investments to areas of persistent
Another exciting aspect of the Build Back $66 billion for Passenger and Freight Rail; poverty, rural communities, Tribes, and other
Better Act, Madam Speaker, is that it will drive and continually disadvantaged areas;
economic opportunities, environmental con- $55 billion for Drinking Water Infrastructure Helps elevate state and local priorities by
servation, and climate resilience—especially in and Assistance. funding Member Designated Projects.
underserved and disadvantaged commu- Of the amount of public transit funding au- THE INFRASTRUCTURE ACT ON TRANSIT
nities—including through a new Civilian Cli- thorized in the legislation, my home state of
mate Corps. Provides $89.9 billion and makes record in-
Texas is expected to receive $3,269,170,516, vestments in transit to increase routes, reduce
Madam Speaker, the Build Back Better Act which is more than ample for the Federal
includes a $100 billion investment to reform the transit maintenance backlog, and provide
Transit Administration to allocate the $20 mil- more frequent service, resulting in better op-
our broken immigration system—and does it lion authorized for Harris County’s METRO’s
consistent with the Senate’s reconciliation tions for riders, improved environmental out-
BOOST Corridor project in my congressional comes, and increased access to jobs and es-
rules—as well as to reduce backlogs, expand district provided in the version of the Invest
legal representation, and make the asylum sential destinations;
Act passed by the House in June of this year. Scales up investment in zero-emission tran-
system and border processing more efficient The population of Harris County is projected
and humane. sit vehicles, supporting fleet conversion to re-
to exceed 10 million people by 2040, which
Madam Speaker, immigrants eligible for duce local air pollution and related health im-
makes it crucial to develop a plan that ad-
such protection are an integral part of Texas’ pacts and these investments are paired with
dresses the growing demand for expansion of
social fabric. strong Buy America requirements and provi-
public transit.
Texas is home to 386,300 immigrants who Approved by voters in November 2019, the sions for workforce training to ensure America
are eligible for protection, 112,000 of whom BOOST plan includes 500 miles of travel im- can compete in the clean energy economy;
reside in Harris County. provements to help ease traffic congestion Funds and incentivizes transit-oriented de-
These individuals live with 845,300 family and provide more ways to move around. velopment to make transit more convenient to
members and among those family members, The BOOST plan calls for 75 miles of new where people live and work and builds sus-
178,700 are U.S.-born citizen children. METRO Rapid bus service that operates like tainable, walkable communities;
These persons in Texas who are eligible for light rail, along with expansions to two-way Increases funding for rural transit by more
protection under the bill arrived in the United HOV lanes, park and rides, transit centers, than 50 percent in the first year and sets aside
States at the average age of 8 and on aver- light rail, and community connector service, $50 million a year for rural persistent poverty
age have lived in the United States since and enhancement to local bus stops to im- communities and creates a pilot to improve
1996. prove accessibility, safety, and security. flexibility in paratransit trips, allowing for brief
They own 43,500 homes in Texas and pay With funding provided in the legislation be- stops such as childcare pick-ups and drop-
$340,500,000 in annual mortgage payments fore us, my constituents and residents and offs, and short trips to the grocery store, phar-
and contribute $2,234,800,000 in federal taxes visitors in Harris County can look forward to a macy, or bank;
and $1,265,200,000 in state and local taxes better walk with new or improved sidewalks Creates a new reduced-fare pilot program to
each year. along and/or near the route and improved improve access for low-income riders, and
Annually, these households generate crosswalks at intersections for your safety; a doubles the set-aside for urban area formula
$10,519,000,000 in spending power in Texas better wait at bus stops; and a better bus ride, dollars based on low-income population and
and help power the national economy. with faster and more reliable service with deep poverty census tracts and directs transit
The expansion of the Child Tax Credit streamlined stops along the route, traffic signal agencies to serve these populations;
(CTC) enacted in the American Rescue Plan improvements at key intersections to improve Streamlines the Capital Investment Grant
has already benefitted nearly 66 million chil- bus speed and reliability by reducing the time program to improve project delivery, reduce
dren, put money in the pockets of millions of buses spend waiting at red lights, and im- red tape, and achieve cost savings for transit
hard-working parents and guardians, and is provements designed to create easy traffic agencies; and
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expected to help cut child poverty by more flow for buses and cars. Creates new programs to address several
than half. Let me highlight a few of the major compo- pressing transit challenges—improving compli-
The Build Back Better Act not only extends nents of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 3684, ance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
this meaningful tax cut, but it also extends the the Invest In America Act, which represents (ADA), and addressing transit deserts by pro-
expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) the fulfillment of a promise to the American viding expanded transit service to unserved
and the expanded Child and Dependent Care people. and underserved communities.
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H6264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 15, 2021
THE INFRASTRUCTURE ACT ON PASSENGER AND FREIGHT I would urge my Republican colleagues to Caucus, Black women in America carry
RAIL heed the words of Republican Governor Jim the highest amount of student debt in
Provides $66 billion for passenger and Justice of West Virginia who said colorfully America. So when we talk about Pell
freight rail, tripling funding for Amtrak, allowing earlier this year: grants, this has a direct impact for
for enhanced service, ADA upgrades, and in- ‘‘At this point in time in this nation, we need Black women in America. When we
vestments to renew and support service on to go big. We need to quit counting the egg- talk about childcare and eldercare,
the Northeast Corridor and long-distance and sucking legs on the cows and count the cows women are the predominant workforce
state-supported routes; and just move. And move forward and move in eldercare and childcare, and they are
Provides funding for corridor planning and right now.’’ disrespected with one of the lowest sal-
development of high-speed rail projects, re- The same sentiment was expressed more aries for employment in the country.
ducing traffic congestion and shortening travel eloquently by Abraham Lincoln in 1862 when Let’s talk about expanding the child
times; he memorably wrote: tax credit. We know that for single
Improves rail safety by addressing highway- ‘‘The dogmas of the quiet past are inad- women heads of households and fami-
rail grade crossings needs, requiring additional equate to the stormy present. The occasion is lies who are struggling to work and put
rail safety inspectors, addressing trespasser piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with their children in safe and affordable
and suicide fatalities, and eliminating gaps in the occasion. As our case is new, so we must childcare, this is transformational.
railroad safety; and think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall Madam Speaker, I had a father text
Creates a federal blocked crossing program ourselves, and then we shall save our coun- me. We were on a Zoom townhall on
to collect data and enforce a 10-minute try.’’ this issue of childcare. He said: Con-
blocked crossing limit. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- gresswoman, I pay more for childcare
THE INFRASTRUCTURE ACT ON DRINKING WATER ance of my time. than I do for the mortgage of my home.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSISTANCE
f b 1945
Authorizes $55 billion for the Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund, the primary source of BREAKING NEWS This is transformational. When we
federal funding for safe drinking water infra- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under talk about build back better, we are
structure; the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- not talking about going back to a time
This investment in drinking water infrastruc- uary 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from in history. We are talking about being
ture, will help eliminate the Nation’s lead serv- Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY) is recognized for transformational and visionary and
ice lines and pipes, thereby delivering clean the remainder of the hour as the des- planning and plotting a path to success
drinking water to up to ten million American ignee of the majority leader. for all Americans. We know it is
families and more than 400,000 schools and Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, it women—we saw this very clearly dur-
child care facilities that currently do not have gives me great pleasure to yield to the ing the pandemic—who are bearing the
it, including in Tribal nations and disadvan- gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. brunt of all of these social challenges
taged communities; LAWRENCE). She is the second vice and Black women being in the top of
As many as 10 million lead service lines are chair of the powerful Congressional that group bearing the brunt of this
currently in use, including an estimated Black Caucus. She is also one of the co- pandemic.
400,000 schools and child facilities with lead chairs of our Women’s Caucus. It is Black and Brown women who
components; and At this time, I would like to say to disproportionately make up our
The legislation also strengthens drinking my colleague and to my friend: Thank childcare workers, and, again, I empha-
water standards and improves the Environ- you for your leadership, and thank you size making poverty level wages. We
mental Protection Agency’s ability to set those for your strong voice. can’t turn a blind eye to this. The
standards, and directs EPA to set health-pro- As a former mayor, we know she is Black Caucus will not be quiet. The
tective national standards for PFAS, 1,4- used to leading, guiding, and speaking Women’s Caucus will not be quiet. We
dioxane, and microcystin toxin within two out. know that when we lift women—when
years. Mrs. LAWRENCE. Madam Speaker, I we lift Black women—out of poverty,
In addition, the legislation provides: want to thank my CBC colleague, my we are changing the economic struc-
1. $15 billion in zero emission and clean CBC chair, an amazing leader for our ture in America. There are women who
buses and ferries and builds the first-ever na- country, JOYCE BEATTY, for leading work two jobs—one to pay for childcare
tional network of electric vehicle chargers in this Special Hour. I also want to thank and one to pay for the mortgage, food,
the United States, in order to address the Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON LEE, and shelter. I want you to know,
adoption of electric vehicles and support do- my colleague and mentor. She is just Madam Speaker, that the Build Back
mestic manufacturing jobs; amazing. Better plan builds back better for
2. $42 billion to modernize our airports, Madam Speaker, I rise today in women and families, and it is time to
ports, and waterways; strong support of Build Back Better. get it done.
3. $50 billion to weatherize our infrastructure We have a once-in-a-generation oppor- I am so proud today to sit outside
and insulate it against the threats of droughts, tunity to make a transformational and watch the President sign into law
floods, and wildfires; change for women, for families, and for the largest investment in our infra-
4. $65 billion to upgrade our power infra- communities of color. structure to fix roads. For me, the pri-
structure to facilitate the expansion of renew- Abigail Adams wrote a strong letter ority is fixing the water infrastructure
able energy; to her husband, John Adams, ‘‘Remem- in America. A pothole is an inconven-
5. $21 billion in environmental remediation, ber the ladies and be more generous ience, but we need water to drink to
making it the largest investment in addressing and favorable to them than your ances- stay alive and for human life.
the legacy pollution that harms the public tors.’’ We know we have kicked this can
health of communities and neighborhoods in Today, I stand on the floor so proud down the road. We have had so many
American history; and and blessed to say that we have Presi- infrastructure weeks. But now history
6. $65 billion to connect every American to dent Biden and Vice President HARRIS, will say that Joe Biden led the way
reliable high-speed internet, building on the who are laser-focused on helping with this Congress and this Senate to
billions of dollars for broadband deployment in women and families in Michigan and start investing in our infrastructure.
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. across the country. We are going to get the job done. We
To put it all in perspective, Madam Speaker, We are talking about remembering are really going to build back better.
although we already passed the Bipartisan In- women and women of color. From af- Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I
frastructure Bill, we now have a once-in-a-cen- fordable childcare, eldercare, expand- thank the gentlewoman so much,
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tury opportunity to make gigantic progress in ing the child tax credit, and providing BRENDA LAWRENCE, for her leadership—
making ours a more perfect union, and to do universal pre-K, this agenda lifts breaking news.
it in a single bound with enactment of the women out of poverty and educates our Let me just say, as Congresswoman
Build Back Better Act, the most transformative children while lowering costs. BRENDA LAWRENCE said so well, we are
legislation passed by this Congress since the I want to be very clear as we stand not going to be quiet. Today, we heard
Great Society and the New Deal. here today as the Congressional Black President Joe Biden not be quiet. We
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