National Urban League President Urges Senate To Pass Build Back Better Act

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT AND CEO ACKNOWLEDGES HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT; URGES THE SENATE TO PASS BILL BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR

Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2021) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to House passage of the Build Back Better Act and urges the Senate to pass the bill before the end of the year:

“We appreciate the House of Representatives taking the first step to prioritize the American people and passing the Build Back Better Act. However, we need the Senate to follow suit and finish the job. This bill -- and the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act that was just signed into law -- are key components of President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda to rebuild the middle class and ensure our nation remains competitive in the global economy. 

“The Build Back Better Act builds upon recommendations the National Urban League has championed for decades. This bill would invest in our nation’s human infrastructure, including: 

• Expansion of the child tax credit;
• Affordable childcare and universal Pre-k;
• Paid family and sick leave;
• Expansion of Medicaid and Medicare;
• Investments in affordable housing and homeownership opportunities;
• Job training and workforce development;
• Expansion of broadband access;
• Minority business development;
• Lowered cost of prescription drugs; and,
• Expanded access to affordable, high-quality education beyond high school. 

“The Build Back Better Act will provide historic commitments to our children, families and communities to ensure we all have access to a more equitable economic future. We urge the Senate to swiftly pass the Build Back Better Act, so that we can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”