Early December delivered some tough news for those of us who have been working to pass the Build Back Better Act for six months—and counting. The 50 votes needed to pass this legislation in the Senate are still not there as 2021 ends; Build Back Better will not be signed into law this year.
Leadership from the House, Senate, and White House have all indicated that that passing the Build Back Better Act is a top priority going into January 2022. They are not giving up. Nor are we.
Leadership from the House, Senate, and White House have all indicated that that passing this legislation is a top priority going into January 2022. They are not giving up. Nor are we. This historic legislation is far too important to stop over one setback, as insurmountable as it sometimes may seem.
This is very hard news to swallow after so much of our time and effort over the past several months has been focused on this singular goal. But it is times like this that cause us to remember why we are called to do this work, to lean deeply on our faith and draw strength from the vision of a society transformed for children and families that is at the core of this bill.
Our faith dispels disappointment and urges us on with patience to continue running the race.
We still fully expect Build Back Better to pass. Talks and negotiations will continue. Deals will be made. Votes will take place. And Build Back Better will pass into law in 2022. We may not get all that we want in this bill, but no one will.
We have worked far too hard to stop now. As people of faith, we work on the long game and this marathon is not over yet.
As we close the book on 2021, take time to reflect on what we—you—have done. The historic Build Back Better Act has already passed in the House. That means the Child Tax Credit, immigration reforms, childcare, long delayed climate reforms and initiatives, and so much more are one vote—one lone senator—away from being law. Your hard work made that reality.
As the year ends, we’d like to thank you. It is your tireless work that got us this far.
We also know that our voice—the voice of millions of people of faith who practice and live their beliefs—is invaluable to getting Build Back Better over the finish line. Friends recently joined other religious groups for a press conference in front of the Senate with three senators extolling the generational reforms embedded in the bill. They know that people of faith are not going away on this issue.
Starting January 2022, we will be right back to work demanding a vote on this bill. Meanwhile, the coming holidays should be a time for us to refresh ourselves and gather strength for the vigorous campaign ahead to bring Build Back Better across the finish line.
As the year ends, we’d like to thank you. It is your tireless work that got us this far. Without your advocacy, we would not be hanging on to the words of this senator or that representative. In truth, we wouldn’t stand a chance. But you got us here. Your hard work, determination, and never-quit attitude made us a force to be reckoned with on Capitol Hill. That does not expire at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Thank you for all you have done this year. Rest up. Enjoy your holiday celebrations. We have a lot more to do come 2022.
