Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Will 'Build Back Better' Return? Valley Congressmen Weigh In
gvw_david_taub
By David Taub, Senior Reporter
Published 2 years ago on
December 28, 2021

Share

 

President Joe Biden’s ambitious “Build Back Better” program suffered a major setback earlier this month, when Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, withheld support.

That meant Democrats in the Senate did not have 50 votes (the tie-breaker is decided by the vice president) needed to pass the bill, and “Build Back Better” went on ice.

The $1.7 trillion bill, a key part of Biden’s domestic policy, would pay for many social programs such as child tax credits, education programs ranging from child care to college grants, climate change initiatives, and healthcare programs.

In the Central Valley, two congressmen have polar opposite ideas of what the future holds for “Build Back Better.”

Valadao: BBB Piles up Debt on Americans

David Valadao, R-Hanford, voted against “Build Back Better” when the House of Representatives approved it 220-213 on Nov. 19. It was nearly a party-line vote, with only one Democrat voting no (Jared Golden of Maine).

“Our nation simply cannot afford to keep spending money that we do not have, which is why this bill is so difficult to pass as it would only make the problem worse. Americans are experiencing record high inflation, the cost of housing is rising, grocery bills are historically high, and gas is unaffordable,” Valadao said.

“The Build Back Better Act would not only hurt our economy by drastically increasing our already record-high inflation rates, it would also cripple generations to come by passing on more debt to future Americans.”

Costa: BBB Will Benefit the Valley

Jim Costa, D-Fresno, voted in favor of BBB and insists it is salvageable. He would not blame Manchin either.

“Build Back Better did not fail, it is still being worked on. The Senate has not voted on the version that passed the House on Nov. 19.  It’s not about one person or pointing fingers.  Democrats in Congress remain committed to getting this done,” Costa told GV Wire.

Costa touted what BBB could mean for the Central Valley — $500 million for medical schools, $500 million for nursing programs, $50 million for canals and solar-canal projects, and $10 billion for infrastructure rail projects.

The congressman rejected the argument that increased spending would lead to inflation.

“Investing in the American people will not lead to greater inflation.  Some of our nation’s brightest economists have found that investing in people’s livelihoods and giving them more opportunity strengthens our economy,” Costa said.

Costa cites a letter signed by dozens of economists that the savings the average American family will experience will offset other inflationary pressures caused by the pandemic.

Will BBB Return?

The congressmen differ on whether BBB will return in 2022.

“I am hopeful we do not see another iteration of this irresponsible legislation in the future,” Valadao said.

Costa is more optimistic about BBB’s 2022 revival.

“Yes, negotiations are still ongoing, this is a process that takes time. This is a once-in-a-generation package of legislation that invests in the livelihoods of the American people,” Costa said. “I’m optimistic we will find a way forward, and I will keep pushing to get this legislation through Congress and to preserve portions that benefit the San Joaquin Valley. ”

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

Cronenworth’s Big Hit Helps Lift the Padres to a 6-4 Win Over Melvin’s Giants

DON'T MISS

Shohei Ohtani Reaches 3 Times in Home Debut as the Dodgers Rout the Cardinals 7-1

DON'T MISS

Facebook News Tab Will Soon Be Unavailable as Meta Scales Back News and Political Content

DON'T MISS

Stock Market Today: Wall Street Rises to More Records to Close Out Its Latest Winning Month

DON'T MISS

A Fresno County First: Kerman Council Passes Amended Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

DON'T MISS

UN Top Court Orders Israel to Open More Land Crossings for Aid into Gaza

DON'T MISS

How Involved Is Southern California Consulting Firm in FUSD Executive Dealings?

DON'T MISS

Biden’s Fundraiser with Obama and Clinton Nets a Record $25 Million, His Campaign Says

DON'T MISS

Fresno Unified’s Self-Protection Racket Is Hurting Our Kids

DON'T MISS

Rockin’ Out or Laughing, the Valley Has Its Pick of Weekend Events

No data was found
David Taub,
Senior Reporter
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email

Facebook News Tab Will Soon Be Unavailable as Meta Scales Back News and Political Content

10 hours ago

Stock Market Today: Wall Street Rises to More Records to Close Out Its Latest Winning Month

10 hours ago

A Fresno County First: Kerman Council Passes Amended Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

10 hours ago

UN Top Court Orders Israel to Open More Land Crossings for Aid into Gaza

11 hours ago

How Involved Is Southern California Consulting Firm in FUSD Executive Dealings?

11 hours ago

Biden’s Fundraiser with Obama and Clinton Nets a Record $25 Million, His Campaign Says

11 hours ago

Fresno Unified’s Self-Protection Racket Is Hurting Our Kids

12 hours ago

Rockin’ Out or Laughing, the Valley Has Its Pick of Weekend Events

12 hours ago

Ex-Correctional Officer at Women’s Prison in California Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Inmates

15 hours ago

Caitlin Clark and Iowa Draw Nearly 5 Million Viewers for Second-Round NCAA Win

15 hours ago

PGA HOPE at Riverside Golf Course Introduces Military Veterans to the Game

PGA HOPE, now underway at Fresno’s Riverside Golf Course, is designed to introduce golf to veterans and active duty military members t...

8 hours ago

PGA HOPE at Fresno's Riverside Golf Course
8 hours ago

PGA HOPE at Riverside Golf Course Introduces Military Veterans to the Game

10 hours ago

Cronenworth’s Big Hit Helps Lift the Padres to a 6-4 Win Over Melvin’s Giants

10 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani Reaches 3 Times in Home Debut as the Dodgers Rout the Cardinals 7-1

10 hours ago

Facebook News Tab Will Soon Be Unavailable as Meta Scales Back News and Political Content

10 hours ago

Stock Market Today: Wall Street Rises to More Records to Close Out Its Latest Winning Month

10 hours ago

A Fresno County First: Kerman Council Passes Amended Gaza Cease-Fire Resolution

11 hours ago

UN Top Court Orders Israel to Open More Land Crossings for Aid into Gaza

11 hours ago

How Involved Is Southern California Consulting Firm in FUSD Executive Dealings?

MENU

CONNECT WITH US

Search

Send this to a friend