Catholic Lobby Celebrates Build Back Better House Passage, Urges the Senate to Follow Suit

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For Immediate Release: November 19, 2021
Contact: Colleen Ross | cross@networklobby.org | 202-601-7877

Catholic Lobby Celebrates Build Back Better House Passage, Urges the Senate to Follow Suit
Mary J. Novak: “I encourage all Senators to pass this life-giving legislation immediately. Vulnerable families and communities cannot wait.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, H.R.5376, the Build Back Better Act passed the House in a 220-213 vote. The Catholic Sisters and activists of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice strongly support this legislation and urge the Senate to act immediately and pass this bill.

Mary J. Novak, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“I applaud each member of the House who voted yes on the Build Back Better Act for their courageous and moral action. By supporting this transformative legislation, you support a future that is more racially equitable and economically just. I encourage all Senators to pass this life-giving legislation immediately. Vulnerable families and communities cannot wait.

“The perpetuation of the racial wealth and income gap in the United States is scandalous. The tax provisions included in this bill will reduce racial economic disparities exacerbated by the pandemic by targeting income produced by wealth, including corporate wealth. This critical, justice-oriented legislation will help our families and communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and work to dismantle racism in our systems and structures.”

Laura Peralta-Schulte, NETWORK Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, said:

“This vote to Build Back Better fulfills the promise of the Affordable Care Act by closing the Medicaid coverage gap while addressing the Black maternal mortality crisis, cuts taxes for low income families by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and the transformative Child Tax Credit, provides paid family and medical leave for people to care for themselves, their infants and loved ones, increases access to safe and affordable housing, and so much more. This legislation faithfully promotes the dignity of each human person mirroring Pope Francis’ call to ’effectively seek the good of all people.’

“Now it is time for the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will transform the lives of millions and ensure the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share to support the common good.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org

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