John,
This morning, after months of debate, my colleagues and I finally passed the Build Back Better Act.
I'm proud that we were able to do this even if other colleagues, like GOP Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, wasted eight hours of our time to throw a temper tantrum on the floor, saying that Build Back Better was the "single most reckless and irresponsible spending bill in our nation's history" — when not addressing the climate crisis, childcare, and getting it done for our communities during these difficult times is what's really reckless and irresponsible.
And while we take some time to celebrate today, our work here is nowhere near close to finished. The Senate must pass the bill in its current state.
Know this, John: Build Back Better is historic, and it will be transformational. It is going to change generations of lives in New York's 16th and communities throughout the nation for the better.
In my twenty years as an educator working with families throughout New York, I've seen firsthand the intersectionality of the crises people experience day in and day out. And for months leading up to this vote, I've been meeting with community members, organizers, and local leaders to learn about the changes they need the most in terms of housing, child care, healthcare, immigration, education, and climate.
Amidst all this, there's one undeniable truth: people living in America need tangible solutions to the obstacles they face on a daily basis. Those solutions and visions of hope can finally begin to be realized with the Build Back Better Act.
John, I will do everything I can to make sure the Build Back Better Act in its current, full form is signed into law — but it's going to take a widespread, grassroots effort to continue holding the line and communicate to the establishment that we won't accept anything less.
Finally, I know that this bill wouldn't have seen daylight without the activists, organizers, and progressives pushing to ensure we deliver on our commitments to the people.
Thank you to all of you for all your hard work. We see you. Let's keep pushing.
Peace and love,
Jamaal Bowman
