By Cory Kefauver
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Maryland Democrats are celebrating the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal after it passed through the House of Representatives Friday.
The infrastructure bill, also known as the Build Back Better Act, has been signed by President Biden and moves to the Senate, where the legislation is expected to undergo changes to satisfy Democratic senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, who are balking at the nearly $2 trillion price tag.
Maryland Democrats said that the bill will cut costs for families, create jobs and continue economic recovery.
“President Biden and Democrats took a monumental step to once again deliver for the Middle Class,” Maryland Democrats said in a press release. “No thanks to a single Republican in the House, the Build Back Better Act will lower costs for working families, create good-paying jobs, and cut taxes, all without adding a cent to the debt.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery County, touted the bill via Twitter, calling it a significant investment for the quality of life of the American people.
“Build Back Better marks a victory for government that works for the people,” Raskin said. “This legislation passes the House at a crucial time. Escalating climate change, deepening inequality, and authoritarian politics are threatening the future of democracy. We are showing democratic government still works for the people.”
Gov. Larry Hogan was not pleased with the bills passage in the house. Hogan attacked the bill for being irresponsible and too extreme.
“It’s nothing but a reckless grab bag of massive tax hikes, Democratic Party wish list items, and handouts to special interests,” Hogan said. “I urge the Senate to reject this bill and instead start working with us on fixing the supply chain crisis, reducing inflation, and getting our economy moving.”
Raskin said that the bill was a top priority despite attempt by Republicans to obstruct the bill’s passage.
“After months of vibrant debate, House Democrats unified behind the Build Back Better Act,” Raskin said. “No amount of GOP obstruction or ‘boratory’ could stop us from passing America’s agenda.” Raskin was referring to a more than eight-hour speech given by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in opposition to the bill.
Maryland Democrats said that the highlights of the bill for Marylanders are a tax cut of up to $1,500 for 263,000 low-wage workers, and access to childcare for 373,811 young children per year from families earning under 2.5 times the Maryland median income.