Today, the House of Representatives, with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) support, passed the Build Back Better Act, a once-in-a-generation investment that will create jobs, grow our economy, and uplift families. As the Vice Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, DelBene was a key player throughout negotiations and helped shape this bill with her priorities.
“With the Build Back Better Act, we are making smart investments that will grow our economy, get Americans back to work, and build a brighter future for our kids,” said DelBene. “This historic legislation includes policies I fought for that will have an immediate effect on our communities and spur long-term economic growth and jobs. It’s time that we show the American people that governance can work.”
DelBene secured a number of major legislative provisions in the bill to help Washingtonians including:
Continuing the successful monthly Child Tax Credit payments of up to $300 per child through 2022. This is a historic tax cut for middle-class families, which has already helped over 3.3 million families put food on the table for their children and lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty. The bill also makes the credit permanently fully refundable, meaning the families most in need will continue to receive the full credit going forward. In Washington state, 1,381,000 kids qualified for Child Tax Credits in the most recent round of payments.
Expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that will finance the creation or rehabilitation of more affordable housing. The provisions in this bill will build or preserve over 800,000 units and create 1.2 million jobs over the next decade.
Establishing a national paid family and medical leave policy that guarantees American workers 4 weeks of paid family and medical leave. Until now, the U.S. was one of the only developed countries without a national paid leave policy.
Lowering the cost of child care and achieving universal pre-K, helping parents go back to work and making long-term investments in our children's future.
Decreasing the cost of health care for 9 million Americans and over half a million Washingtonians by continuing the enhancedAffordable Care Act premium subsidies through 2025.
Incentivizing clean energy innovation and direct carbon capture technology with tax provisions I led to help lower carbon emissions.
Modernizing the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by expanding federal assistance for workers hurt by tariffs and international competition. This includes expanding eligibility, increasing benefits to displaced workers, and targeting support for trade-affected communities.
Supportinglocal journalism with tax credits that help local, print, and digital publications grow sustainably and retain local journalists.
The Build Back Better Act now goes to the Senate for consideration.
