NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT AND CEO APPLAUDS CONGRESS FOR PASSAGE OF BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

Washington, D.C. (November 6, 2021) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement applauding Congress for passing the BIF and thanking President Biden for his leadership:

“Today, Congress prioritized the American people by passing the long-awaited Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with a vote of 228 to 206. We are also pleased to hear the House of Representatives voted on a rule that will allow for the passage of the Build Back Better Act. Our communities have struggled to achieve the American dream of economic prosperity for generations and this bill will restore hope that this dream is still possible.

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide $1.2 trillion in historic investments in our nation’s core infrastructure and economic commitments to our children, families, and communities to ensure a more equitable economic future for all. Specifically, this bill will:

• Modernize railways, roads, bridges, airports;
• Create hundreds of thousands new high-skilled jobs;
• Address the climate crisis;
• Make high speed internet accessible and affordable for all families;
• Increase transportation options; and
• Invest in opportunities for minority businesses.

“The National Urban League has fought tirelessly to ensure that the priorities of the organization, and that of our constituents, were met in the final version of this bill. Many of which are outlined in our Mainstreet Marshall Plan and Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion. We will also work to ensure that implementation includes jobs and business opportunities for African American businesses. 

“While we celebrate this victory for American families, we must still recognize the work that still needs to be done to pass the Build Back Better Act. Yesterday, the National Urban League submitted a vote recommendation to Congress stressing the importance of passing both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, highlighting that both bills are key components of the Biden Administration’s economic agenda to rebuild the middle class. 

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act is a once in a generation investment in the American people and their futures. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration and Congressional leaders for their continued leadership and their efforts to help this nation recover from the pandemic and years of neglecting our physical and human infrastructure, so that we can build back better and stronger than ever.”