Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Following the passage of the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376) in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) issued the following statement:   

“With the House passage of the historic Build Back Better Act, we have prioritized investments in our people and our planet. From combatting the climate crisis to supporting the needs of working families, children, and older Americans, the Build Back Better Act will uplift our communities for years to come. 

“This feat could not have been possible without the perseverance of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. While the final version of this bill may not be the exact legislation we originally pushed for, there is no denying that the bill will be life-changing for hardworking families in California’s 34th Congressional district and across the country.   

“I am particularly pleased that several priorities I fought for on the Ways and Means Committee have made it into the final bill. These provisions will promote the development of new affordable housing, establish a paid family and medical leave program, extend the enhanced Child Tax Credit and restore eligibility for immigrant children, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.   

“The Build Back Better Act moves us closer to delivering on the promise of this country for all Americans. Now we need Senate approval to bring this bill forward for the President’s signature, so we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future.” 

The Build Back Better Act incorporates several bills and provisions championed by Congressman Gomez, including:  

·         Establishing a universal and permanent paid family leave program;  

·         Enhancing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to directly incentivize the development of affordable housing for extremely low-income households through the Affordable Housing Equity Act (H.R. 5219);  

·         Creating a first-of-its-kind tax credit for the purchase of preowned electric cars through the Affordable EVs for Working Families Act (H.R. 4817);  

·         Increasing incentives to make homes more efficient, help lower consumers’ energy bills, and reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously creating jobs through the Home Energy Savings Act (H.R. 5187) and the New Home Energy Efficiency Act (H.R. 5188);  

·         Providing dedicated funds to federally recognized tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities to administer their own Health Professional Opportunity Grant (HPOG) programs through the Tribal Healthcare Careers Act (H.R. 4316).  

Rep. Gomez also consistently advocated for the reinstatement of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for immigrant children. The 2017 Republican tax bill cruelly eliminated CTC eligibility for roughly 1 million, predominantly low-income and Latino immigrant children, even though their parents dutifully paid their taxes and filed their tax returns. The Build Back Better Act restores full inclusivity of immigrant children.   

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