John,
I stood outside the Capitol today with organizers and some of my Progressive Caucus colleagues to say one thing:
We will do everything we can to pass the president's Build Back Better agenda in the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package.
This moment is a historic, once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve people's lives across the country and shift the balance of power — away from billionaires and corporations, to kids and families and working people.
I'll say it again: This moment is historic. The opportunity is once-in-a-generation. And when I see my fellow members of Congress refusing to move on reconciliation, I can't help but be frustrated. I have to wonder whose interests they are really representing here.
I know that I was sent to Congress to represent the interests of the people. So make no mistake, John: I will vote down the bipartisan infrastructure bill unless the reconciliation package advances first.
I'm proud to be taking this stand with some of my progressive colleagues by my side. It's moments like this when I remember how critical it is to have progressives in Congress — and how critical it is to make sure that we're here to stay. It's never been more important to remind the world that our grassroots, progressive movement is here to stay and hold the establishment accountable.
While some of my colleagues in Congress will disagree with me, I'm here to remind you that infrastructure goes beyond roads and bridges. Care work is infrastructure. Green energy is infrastructure. Health care is infrastructure. Violence prevention is infrastructure.
But right now — without the reconciliation package — the bipartisan infrastructure bill addresses none of these things. And we simply can't afford NOT to address the crises we face.
My progressive colleagues and I want to work with everyone in our party and bring them along with us so we can invest in our people, our planet, and our economy. No more compromises, and no more waiting.
Peace and love, John. More soon.
Jamaal Bowman
