11/19/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/19/2021 09:36
Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, historic legislation that builds on the success of the American Rescue Plan by delivering once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families in the 36th District - from health care to child care to housing. Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) voted to pass the legislation, which includes his provision to invest $100 million for the Bureau of Reclamation that can be used at the Salton Sea. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.
"The Build Back Better Act is a rocket booster for our local economy and middle-class families in our communities," said Dr. Ruiz. "I voted to pass this much-needed legislation to put money in the pockets of hardworking families and to cut everyday costs in child care, health care, and housing. I am also thrilled that the Build Back Better Act makes $100 million available to address the public health crisis at the Salton Sea. I look forward to getting this bill passed in the Senate and to the President's desk to help families, workers, and seniors succeed and to help our nation Build Back Better than ever before."
BACKGROUND
H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act:
The Build Back Better Act also invests $100 million in the Bureau of Reclamation that can be used to address the environmental and public health crisis at the Salton Sea. This funding is based on Ruiz's legislation, H.R. 3877, the Salton Sea Projects Improvements Act.
Additionally, the Build Back Better Act includes Ruiz's priority to extend 100% FMAP for Medicaid services provided at Urban Indian health programs for four years. Ruiz's legislation, H.R. 1373, the Urban Indian Health Parity Act, would permanently extend this provision.
H.R. 5376 is fully paid for by ensuring big corporations, millionaires, and billionaires pay their fair share. The bill establishes a 15 percent minimum tax on all U.S. corporations earning more than $1 billion a year in profits. The bill also applies a new surtax on the income of multi-millionaires and billionaires. Taxpayers making less than $400,000 a year will not see their taxes go up by one penny.
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