Letter to Democratic Colleague - Dear Colleague on Yesterday's Legislative Successes For The People

Letter

Dear Democratic Colleague,

Thanks to you, yesterday was an historic day in the Congress of United States. Because of the unity, strength and spirit of our Democratic Caucus, we have lifted up the Biden agenda and are delivering on our promises For The People: lower health care costs, bigger paychecks and cleaner government. Yesterday, we moved forward on all three of these priorities by adopting the budget resolution, advancing the bipartisan infrastructure bill and passing H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Our success yesterday was, as always, a team effort. Thanks to the leadership of Leader Steny Hoyer, Whip Jim Clyburn and Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark and to the spirited support of the House Democratic Caucus, we were unified on the vote and as we go forward.

Now that the House has adopted the budget, the Committee Chairs can continue to craft the Build Back Better Act, in consultation with all Members, so that we produce legislation that is inclusive and reflective of the diverse viewpoints of the communities that we represent.

The President's vision to Build Back Better will create jobs, cut taxes, and lower health costs for America's working families. This is a truly historic opportunity to pass the most transformative and consequential legislation for families in a century, and will stand alongside the New Deal and Great Society as pillars of economic security. We will not miss this chance to deliver For The People. We cannot squander our leverage For The Children.

With respect to timing: the rule provided the clarification desired by some in the Caucus as to passage of both the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act. As I said in my statement, we are committed to passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill by September 27. We have long had an eye to having the infrastructure bill on the President's desk by the October 1, the effective date of the legislation.

As we proceed, we want to deliver on the promises of delivering child care and universal pre-K, paid leave, home-based care, cutting taxes for families by expanding the Biden Child Tax Credit, continuing the ACA subsidies to lower the cost of health care, reducing the price of prescription drugs, and improving Medicare to cover vision, dental and hearing for our seniors. We want to do so in a way that is paid for, including by ensuring the wealthiest few and big corporations do their fair share. Please continue to make your views on all these subjects known to the Chairs of the Committees of Jurisdiction.

The coming weeks will be intense, but -- with gratitude to Committee Chairs, Members and staff -- we will achieve our goals, working with the Senate to ensure passage of our historic legislation.

Thank you for your continued leadership For The People.

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