Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement after voting in favor of critical legislation that will provide hundreds of good-paying jobs to Texas-28 families. The Build Back Better Act includes access to affordable child care, along with pre-kindergarten. It also permanently closes the Medicaid coverage gap and provides resources to combat the climate crisis.

“Texas families, and those across the country, have witnessed the soaring costs of child care, education and healthcare—all while in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic that forced thousands of businesses to shutter their doors. It is past time that we enact legislation that puts our parents back to work and kids back in school. It is past time that we enact legislation that provides affordable access to healthcare. And it is past time that we fund climate change prevention initiatives,” said Congressman Cuellar.

“The Build Back Better Act is an opportunity to provide solutions to ‘kitchen table’ issues that affect every American family—regardless of political party, hometown, age, or race.

This our moment to prove to Texas families that government is here to help overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic without overstepping into your personal lives without permission. I thank Speaker Pelosi and President Biden for their innovative leadership that helped put Texas-28 families back to work.”

Initiatives that Congressman Henry Cuellar helped secure:

Medicaid Coverage Gap—Expands healthcare coverage for 770,000 Texans who do not currently qualify for government help to pay for health insurance

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)—Includes funding to permanently extend the program that ensures low-income children will always have access to quality, affordable health insurance

Southwest Border Regional Commission—Funds the SBRC to address economic distress in the southern border regions in or near major land ports of entry

Home and Community Based Services—Invests $150 billion to allow more seniors and individuals with disabilities to receive healthcare services in the comfort of their own homes, alongside friends and family.

Lead Pipe Replacement—Invests $9 billion for the creation of jobs to replace lead water pipes ensuring all Texans have access to clean drinking water

Public Health Infrastructure—Funds more than $9.5 billion to support jobs and the construction/modernization of community health centers and mobile clinics

Broadband Affordability—Establishes a program that provides grant funding for projects that increase affordable broadband services to low-income communities

###