Press Releases
House Democrats Advance Key Pieces of President Biden’s Economic and Civil Rights Agenda
Washington, D.C.,
August 24, 2021
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed historic legislation key to President Biden’s economic and civil rights agenda with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) support. House lawmakers approved a budget outline that is the first step in unlocking the reconciliation process that will allow Democrats to advance President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda with a simple majority in both chambers. The resolution instructs various House and Senate committees to write legislation that will be voted on in the coming months. DelBene serves as Vice Chair of the powerful Ways & Means Committee with jurisdiction over tax, economic, and health care policy. “We have a once in a generation opportunity to deliver for American families and help our economy build back better from the COVID-19 crisis,” DelBene said about the budget vote. “As Congress and the Biden administration continue this work, I’ll be fighting for workers and families by extending the enhanced Child Tax Credit, addressing the growing climate crisis, building on the Affordable Care Act, and making sure our children have access to quality education and opportunities to succeed.”
The House also passed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4), transformative civil rights legislation that would restore and expand the protections of the Voting Rights Act, which was gutted by the Supreme Court and opened the doors to the recent wave of voter suppression laws. The bill was also endorsed by the New Democrat Coalition. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. “Our responsibility as members of Congress is to ensure that the American people have trust in our democratic process and equitable access to the ballot box,” DelBene said about H.R. 4. “This legislation continues Congressman John Lewis’ legacy by keeping our elections fair and open. The right to vote is the most sacred and fundamental right our nation offers and it must be protected.” More information about the budget resolution can be found here. More information about H.R. 4 can be found here. |