U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo issued a statement this month in response to the House passage of President Biden's Build Back Better Act, an initiative meant to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs and continue the recovery from COVID-19.
“This week, President Biden made history by signing into law the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure since the construction of America’s interstate highway system,” Raimondo said. “And today, we take another important step in making the investments needed to transform our nation and allow our country to better compete on the world stage."
The bill is split into three major components: The American Rescue Plan, American Jobs Plan, and American Families. Each part of the bill contains several measures to improve the country's recovery from the pandemic and create a foundation for the future, according to a White House press release.
“By passing and implementing President Biden’s full agenda, we can better complement the investments we are making in our nation’s roads, bridges, and universal broadband with investments that enable all Americans to participate in the economy,” Raimondo said. “From providing child care and universal pre-k to expanding health care coverage and reducing the cost of energy, the Build Back Better Act will make it easier for millions of Americans to return to the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic while also reducing inflationary pressures and getting our economy back up to full speed.”
The bill approves $2.2 trillion for the various initiatives. A total of $555 billion, the largest share, will go towards fighting climate change, according to TIME. Funds will also go to the Minority Business Development Agency in their fight for a more equitable workforce, a release from the Department of Commerce said.
“I am thankful for leadership in the House for passing both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Build Back Better Act,” Raimondo said. “I am confident that the Senate will meet this moment so that we can build our economy back stronger, fairer, and even better than it was before so that more Americans can participate in what has made this country what it is – a real shot of realizing the American Dream.”
