Congressman Al Green Commends Passage of Build Back Better Act in the House and Eagerly Awaits Passage in the Senate

(Washington, DC) — On Friday, November 19, 2021, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement after successful passage of H.R. 5376 – the Build Back Better Act:

“The passage of the Build Back Better Act is a turning point for America. This legislation will create millions of good-paying jobs, strengthening the working families who are the backbone of our country. It is a far-reaching bill with enormous investments in families, health care, and the environment. The U.S. is one of the only industrialized nations in the world that fails to provide some form of guaranteed paid parental and family leave. This bill will implement four weeks of universal, permanent paid parental, family, and medical leave. It is a milestone that will allow women to advance in the workforce, boost worker productivity, and help employers attract top talent. Under the Build Back Better Act, family and childcare costs will also be reduced dramatically, as it establishes universal pre-school for all three- and four-year-olds. It will also reduce child hunger by investing in child nutrition programs and expanding free school meals,” Congressman Al Green proudly shared. “I am gratified to know that all babies will now have the same start in life, since pre-k will be available to all children. My vote for this bill is a vote for our children and for our future.”

“The Build Back Better Act also halts the rising costs of prescription drugs and expands Medicare and Medicaid coverage. It puts a price cap on certain medications, such as insulin, and prevents drug companies from increasing their prices astronomically,” Congressman Al Green continued. “This critical legislation will expand Medicare coverage to include hearing aids and hearing services. It will also provide coverage for Medicaid to the millions of people who live in one of the 12 states across the country, including Texas, which have not expanded the program. This means 1,554,000 Texans who are currently uninsured will now gain coverage.”

“Lastly, the Build Back Better Act combats the climate emergency we are currently facing by investing in clean energy and replacing millions of lead pipes,” Congressman Al Green concluded. “This legislation will address some of the most pressing needs of our families and environment while creating millions of jobs and reinforcing the middle class. I am confident this bill will set our nation on the path toward a brighter future, and I look forward to the positive changes it will bring to people’s day-to-day lives.”