Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2021

December 16, 2021

I had a productive call with Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer earlier today. I briefed them on the most recent discussions that my staff and I have held with Senator Manchin about Build Back Better. In these discussions, Senator Manchin has reiterated his support for Build Back Better funding at the level of the framework plan I announced in September. I believe that we will bridge our differences and advance the Build Back Better plan, even in the face of fierce Republican opposition.

My team and I are having ongoing discussions with Senator Manchin; that work will continue next week. It takes time to finalize these agreements, prepare the legislative changes, and finish all the parliamentary and procedural steps needed to enable a Senate vote. We will advance this work together over the days and weeks ahead; Leader Schumer and I are determined to see the bill successfully on the floor as early as possible.

Build Back Better is urgently needed to lower the cost of prescription drugs, health care, child care, and elder care. Notwithstanding the unrelenting Republican obstructionânot a single Republican is willing to move forward on the billâI am determined to see this bill enacted into law, to give America's families the breathing room they deserve. We also need urgent action on climate change and other priorities in the Build Back Better plan.

We willâwe mustâget Build Back Better passed, even in the face of Republican opposition. At the same time, we must also press forward on voting rights legislation, and make progress on this as quickly as possible. I had a productive conversation today with several Senators about how we can get this vital legislation passed. Our democracy is at stake.

NOTE: The statement referred to H.R. 5376.

Categories: Statements by the President : Build Back Better Act. Names: Manchin, Joseph A., III; Pelosi, Nancy; Schumer, Charles E.

Subjects: Civil rights : Voting rights; Congress : House of Representatives :: Speaker; Congress : Senate :: Majority leader; Health and medical care : Affordability and costs; Health and medical care : Prescription drugs, affordability and costs; Legislation, proposed : Build Back Better Act; Taxation : Child and dependent care expenses, tax credit.

DCPD Number: DCPD202101069.

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