Shaheen Statement on House-Passage of Build Back Better Legislation
**Legislation includes long-term priority for Shaheen to lower the cost of insulin**
**The package also includes provisions from Shaheen’s legislation to expand and enhance the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits**
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives cleared a legislative package that invests broadly in America’s working families, economy, health care, environment and much more. The legislation specifically includes provisions to lower the cost of insulin, which as co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, has long been a top Shaheen priority. The package also includes provisions from Shaheen’s legislation to expand and enhance the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits.
“Today, Democrats took a giant step forward on behalf of working families in New Hampshire and throughout the nation. This legislation builds on Democrats’ determination to deliver assistance to our states and put money in the pockets of middle-class families, first through the American Rescue Plan and now through Build Back Better. This legislation includes meaningful policies that rightly put our families first by reducing costs, cutting taxes and investing in the future of our economy so we can create a brighter, stronger tomorrow,” said Shaheen.
Shaheen continued, “The effects of Build Back Better will be felt by Americans for decades to come. It will create work and education opportunities that were previously off limits, provide paid family leave so working parents can care for their kids or loved ones without sacrificing their jobs, lower the cost of prescription drugs and make health care more affordable for scores of Americans, and so much more. Negotiations that got us here weren’t just about getting it done; they were about getting it done right so we could produce legislation that will have a meaningful and immediate impact in our communities, and I believe Democrats in Congress and the White House have done that. I’m especially proud that this bill includes numerous priorities that I’ve long fought for, which will address the high costs of insulin, extend premium tax credits, expand access to high-quality child care and early childhood education, increase affordable housing units, provide permanent paid family and medical leave and prioritize energy efficiency to build a more sustainable future. House-passage of this bill so soon after the bipartisan infrastructure legislation was signed into law is a clear indication of Democrats’ priorities: supporting American working families. We have a profound opportunity to lift communities in New Hampshire and across the nation with these policies and I look forward to this legislation coming up for consideration swiftly in the Senate.”
###
