The US House of Representatives on Friday passed the President Joe Biden’s domestic agenda – Build Back Better Act in a 220 to 213 vote. The act aims to make far-reaching changes in taxation, health care, energy, climate change, family services, education and housing.
Members of the House broke into applause when the Democratic votes were all counted. They chanted, “Build Back Better! Build Back Better!”
“If you are a parent, a senior, a child, a worker, if you’re an American, this bill’s for you,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, underscoring Democrats’ efforts to impress the public.
Also read: Joe Biden to undergo colonoscopy, power to be transferred to VP Kamala Harris
The House vote also gave Biden a momentary taste of victory, and probably relief, during perhaps the rockiest period of his presidency. He’s been battered by falling approval numbers in polls, reflecting voters’ concerns over inflation, gridlocked supply chains and the persistent coronavirus pandemic, leaving Democrats worried that their legislative efforts are not breaking through to voters.
Biden this week signed a $1 trillion package of highway and other infrastructure projects, another priority that overcame months of internal Democratic battling. The president has spent recent days promoting that measure around the country.
Also read: US President Joe Biden praises Canada, Mexico as leaders discuss strains
Last month, President Biden called the Build Back Better framework as a historic one.
“It’s a framework that will create millions of jobs, grow the economy, invest in our nation and our people, turn the climate crisis into an opportunity, and put us on a path not only to compete, but to win the economic competition for the 21st century against China and every other major country in the world.”
“It’s fiscally responsible. It’s fully paid for. Seventeen Nobel Prize winners in economics have said it will lower the inflationary pressures on the economy,” the White House released Biden’s statement.
With inputs from the Associated Press
