National Urban League Statement on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act

For millions of American families, affordability is not an abstract policy debate. It is the daily struggle to keep the lights on, put food on the table, and make ends meet. In historically underserved communities, rising energy costs can mean choosing between paying an electricity bill and meeting other basic needs. Families need relief, and Congress has an opportunity to act.

The National Urban League supports today's procedural vote to advance consideration of the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA) and urges the Senate to move the legislation forward. We are encouraged by provisions that would expand access to affordable, reliable energy, protect consumers from rising electricity costs associated with data centers, and accelerate infrastructure investments that create jobs and strengthen local economies. We also welcome improvements in the manager's amendment, including enhanced Tribal consultation and technical assistance to help communities assess the impacts of infrastructure development.

These provisions advance important goals of our Affordability for All agenda, but economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for the communities that need them most. That means meaningful opportunities for workforce training, apprenticeships, local hiring, and minority-owned businesses. We also remain concerned about provisions that could weaken historic preservation protections, limit environmental accountability, and diminish community participation. Historically Black communities should not have to choose between economic opportunity and protecting their health, history, and cultural heritage.

We support the vote to move this bill forward, and we urge the Senate to do the same. There is more work to do to ensure BAAJA helps those who need relief and assistance the most and we look forward to working with Congress, including the House, to strengthen community protections and ensure that infrastructure investment delivers affordability and opportunity for all.