Dear John,

Last week, the House of Representatives was supposed to vote on both the Build Back Better Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework. But they didn’t. Only one bill made it to the floor.

While we’re happy about the incredible investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework, which President Biden is expected to sign into law soon, we’re pretty frustrated that Congress hasn’t yet kept its promise to women and families by passing the Build Back Better Act too.

We’ve waited too long for this historic legislation, which will change millions of lives—and specifically help Black, brown, and immigrant women and families, who have suffered the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current version of the Build Back Better legislation includes life-changing investments in child care, universal pre-kindergarten, home care, the child tax credit, and housing. And because of advocates, families, and caregivers who shared their stories and refused to give up, the legislation also includes paid family and medical leave. While the bill doesn’t include everything women and families need to recover, and it isn’t the end of the fight, it IS a significant and crucial down payment our families and communities need and deserve. We must urge Congress to pass Build Back Better without delay. We’re not taking no for an answer.

Please tell your representatives you’re counting on them to pass Build Back Better as soon as possible.

In solidarity,

Anna Chu
she/her/hers
Vice President, Strategy and Policy
National Women’s Law Center