For Immediate Release: December 21, 2021

Contact: Colleen Ross | [email protected] | 202-601-7877

Catholic Lobby Still Determined to Build Back Better, Despite Senator Joe Manchin’s Recent Comments

Laura Peralta-Schulte: The Catholic Sisters and advocates of NETWORK pray that Senator Manchin will prioritize the well-being of his constituents struggling to put food on their tables over special interests and make good on his promise to pass the transformative Build Back Better Act.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the weekend, Senator Joe Manchin announced that he cannot support the current Build Back Better Act. This announcement came after months of discussions and assurances by Senator Manchin to the White House, his Congressional colleagues, and his West Virginia constituents to negotiate in good faith on Build Back Better. Despite Senator Manchin’s refusal to support the bill’s progress at this time, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice will continue to urge Senator Manchin, other Members of Congress, and the White House to remain committed to passing the critically-needed policies included in the Build Back Better plan to achieve a racially equitable and economically just future for our country.

Laura Peralta-Schulte, NETWORK Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, said:

“If Senator Manchin truly hopes to create a path forward to help families and workers afford child care, health care, prescription drug costs, and more, he must recommit to his promise to advance the Build Back Better framework in the Senate. Build Back Better is a transformational investment that will lift children out of poverty and help families deal with inflation by lowering the cost of child care and other necessities – and it is fully paid for with fairer taxes on the mega-rich and ultra-wealthy corporations.

“My Catholic faith, which Senator Manchin shares, calls us to ‘love one another.’ The Catholic Sisters and advocates of NETWORK pray that Senator Manchin will prioritize the well-being of his constituents struggling to put food on their tables over special interests and make good on his promise to pass the transformative Build Back Better Act.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org