House of Representatives Passage of Build Back Better Act a Step in the Right Direction

“It’s time for the Senate to move swiftly, and pass the Build Back Better Act into law. American families are counting on these overdue investments in early education, child care, and the fight against child hunger.”

Washington, D.C. (November 19, 2021) – Save the Children – together with its political advocacy arm, Save the Children Action Network – commends the House of Representatives for moving forward the Build Back Better Act, which includes $400 billion for child care and universal pre-K, and $10 billion for child nutrition programs.

“Today is an encouraging first step by Congress in getting this once-in-a-generation investment over the finish line,” said Christy Gleason, Save the Children Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns. “It cannot be said enough: this historic investment in our nation’s children and families is urgently needed. COVID-19 shed light on – and exacerbated – pre-existing issues severely affecting America’s kids and families, and they can’t wait any longer to get the relief they need.”

Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network – together with their hundreds of thousands of grassroots advocates nationwide, many of whom are parents, teachers and child care providers themselves – have campaigned tirelessly for early education, child care and child nutrition to be prioritized in the Build Back Better Act. Once passed, this legislation would expand access to high-quality and affordable child care for up to 20 million children, provide 6 million children with the opportunity to attend pre-K, expand access to school meals for nearly 9 million children and help an estimated 21 million children who need food during the summer months. 

“The Build Back Better Act has the potential to be the largest-ever investment in kids. It’s time for the Senate to move swiftly, and pass the Build Back Better Act into law. American families are counting on these overdue investments in early education, child care, and the fight against child hunger,” continued Gleason. “Investing in children shouldn’t be controversial or partisan. It’s essential. Our future is at stake.”

Save the Children and Save the Children Action Network will continue to advocate for the Build Back Better Act’s unprecedented funding for early childhood education, child care and child nutrition to be passed into law.