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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 19, 2021

CONTACT:
Fernanda Durand
214-402-0186
fernanda@communicationsshop.us

Hispanic Federation Celebrates Passage of Build Back Better Act in the House as Step towards Creating Equitable and Resilient Communities

Calls on the Senate to strengthen and swiftly pass the landmark legislation

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act, a landmark piece of legislation that includes programs critical for all Latino communities. Hispanic Federation applauds passage of this transformative bill that will benefit all Americans by providing critical support to families with paid family leave, funding for childcare, expansion of the Child Tax Credit, and increased access to affordable housing and education for low-income children. Build Back Better will also advance environmental justice, provide work permits and protections for an estimated 7 million undocumented immigrants; and address deep racial inequities in our healthcare system. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where we oppose further attempts to weaken the final bill and urge a swift vote so that it can be signed into law by President Biden.

Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, on the passage of the historic bill in the House and the path ahead:

“Hispanic Federation welcomes the passage of the transformational Build Back Better Act in the House after weeks of tense negotiations. The bill includes many provisions we have been fighting for that will benefit Latino communities as well as Puerto Ricans on the island, including investments in clean energy, an extension of the Child Tax Credit, protections for immigrants, and cuts in childcare costs. These, among other provisions, will have an immediate impact on the lives of millions and put us on the path to building safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities for the future.

As co-founders of Latinos United for a Better Future, we are united in our call for a bold economic plan, one that includes landmark human and physical infrastructure provisions that will advance racial and social justice for impacted communities on the frontlines of climate change and pollution; address historic wrongs by investing in healthcare, education, create union jobs that sustain families and communities while caring for our climate and our neighbors; and enable a transition to a clean energy economy that supports a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Build Back Better Act as passed today is not perfect, with several key provisions having been omitted or diluted in the latest version to pass the House. In continuing to deny millions of undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship, and measures omitted to significantly lower prescription drug costs, Congress is kicking the can down the road yet again on foundational immigration reform and compounding poor health outcomes for low-income communities. Also, the bill does not address the fundamental lack of parity in federal benefits that denies access to equitable assistance for the most vulnerable US citizens who live on the island Puerto Rico. We encourage Democratic leadership in the Senate to continue fighting to strengthen the final bill.

Hispanic Federation remains committed to fighting for permanent solutions not included in this package while also recognizing that the passage of this historic and visionary piece of legislation will provide critical assistance to millions. We urge our elected representatives in the Senate to work for a swift passage of the Build Back Better Act so we can continue the journey to truly building back better and get this life-changing assistance into the hands of those who need it the most.”

To urge your Senator to support Build Back Better, go to the Take Action page for Latinos for a Better Future.