Build Back Better is back after Senate agrees to Inflation Reduction Act

By TIM ROWDEN
Managing Editor

Washington – Democrats’ Build Back Better agenda is back on the table after the Senate reached agreement recently on a reconciliation compromise, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

The Senate voted 50-50 along party lines Sunday, Aug. 8 on the measure with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harries breaking the tie vote. The House is expected to consider the legislation this Friday, Aug. 12

Prior to the vote, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) put out a statement in support of the reconciliation bill:

“We must be honest about the economic reality America now faces I we want to avoid fanning the flames of inflation,” Manchin said in the July 27 statement. “At its core, the purpose of the reconciliation is to get our economic and financial house in order. Contrary to foolish talk otherwise, American cannot spend its way out of debt or out of inflation. With respect to my position, I have never and will never walk away from solving the problems facing the nation we all love. I strongly support the passage of commonsense policies that reduce inflation and focus on the major challenges confronting America today and in the future.”

‘IMPERATIVE OF THIS MOMENT’
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Lonnie Stephenson issued the following statement following the announcement of Senate support of the Act:

“The IBEW’s 775,000 active and retired members strongly support this breakthrough agreement that fights inflation and delivers the tools to take on climate change. It pairs the historic clean energy investments necessary to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 40 percent by 2030 with labor standards that promote family-sustaining union jobs. The agreement also makes important strides in deficit reduction already underway, which will help bring down inflation,” Stephenson said.

“This historic legislation delivers funding to support clean energy projects that will create new union jobs, lower energy costs and curb the climate crisis while average American households making less than $400,000 a year will see no increase in taxes. Corporations, however, will pay their fair share,” he said.

“The proposal also boosts renewable energy production, carbon capture and nuclear energy, which are necessary provisions for increased domestic energy security. Crucially, it incentivizes the purchase of electric vehicles for the charging network that IBEW members are already constructing.

“If passed by the House of Representatives, it will be a win for American families coping with inflation and the worst effects of climate change,” Stephenson concluded. “The members of the IBEW look forward to celebrating its passage and getting to work on Biden’s energy goals for the future. That is the imperative of this moment.”

‘HUGE FOR WORKERS’
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after the Senate reached agreement on a bill to help drive down costs for workers and families:

“This deal is huge for workers, huge for seniors and huge for our country, particularly our kids. It drives down costs for American families and is paid for by big corporations and the wealthy. It stares down Big Pharma by reining in prescription drug prices, particularly for those on Medicare; reduces healthcare premiums; addresses climate and energy costs; and creates more fairness in the tax code—all while reducing the deficit and cutting inflation.

“Congratulations to all those who persisted with the detailed and intense negotiations that got us to this point. This agreement isn’t everything we hoped for, but I urge its passage in the Senate and the House and its enactment into law in quick time.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Aug. 8 to reflect the Senate’s final passage of the measure on Sunday, Aug. 7.