Providing for Consideration of H.R. Build Back Better Act; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman McGovern for creating this opportunity for me to share a few remarks with you this evening.

For decades, we have failed to make the kinds of investments that allow families to access equal opportunities and communities to thrive, so I rise today in strong support of the Build Back Better Act to deliver the urgent investments our country needs to thrive.

I have spent my career fighting for the dignity of safe and decent homes for all. In 2019, I coined the phrase ``housing is infrastructure.'' It hasn't been easy getting to this point, but I am incredibly proud to discuss the more than $150 billion for housing investments included in today's bill that will create or preserve over 1 million homes.

These investments include $65 billion to repair and rebuild our Nation's public housing; $25 billion for new rental assistance to support hundreds of thousands of people struggling to afford rent and help people escape homelessness and domestic violence; $26 billion to create and preserve hundreds of thousands of affordable and accessible housing units; and $10 billion in downpayment assistance to make the dream of homeownership possible for the millions of first-generation home buyers.

Housing is at the heart of building back better.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to vote ``yes'' and help make safe, decent, and affordable housing a reality for every family.

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