For Immediate Release
NaFFAA Supports the Signing of Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; appeals for Senate to pass Build Back Better Act
Both historic legislations will uplift minorities including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Washington, DC (November 19, 2021) – The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) issues the following statement after President Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), and after U.S. House of Representatives passed the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376):
Brendan G. Flores, NaFFAA National Chair and President, said:
“NaFFAA commends the House of Representatives for working together for the good of all Americans. These two historic legislations will significantly benefit all communities, and help uplift minorities such as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country.
“We are thankful for the monumental investments that H.R. 3684 will make to provide resources that will fix the country’s aging roads, bridges, waterways and help reconnect communities of color. Now that President Biden has signed it into law, we look forward to its thrust of ensuring broadband equity, so that our marginalized communities will gain access to high-speed internet that will improve their quality of life.
“HR. 5376 is also significant for us, as it will strengthen our community health centers, the public health workforce, small businesses, and address evident social inequities such as affordable housing, childcare, paid leave, public education, public transit, clean energy, and more.
“NaFFAA, together with many Filipino American front liners and healthcare workers, ask the Senate to act quickly and pass H.R. 5376 into law. Millions of hard-working Americans will be grateful for your generous and patriotic act.”
President Biden has signed H.R. 3684 last November 15, 2021 on the South Lawn of the White House, surrounded by lawmakers from both major parties. Biden commented, “The bill I’m about to sign into law is proof that despite the cynics, Democrats and Republicans can come together and deliver results. We can do this. I truly believe that 50 years from now, historians will look back at this moment and say that’s the moment America began to win the competition of the 21st century. So with confidence, optimism with vision and faith in each other Let’s believe in possibilities. Let’s believe in one another. And let’s believe in America.”
The Build Back Better Act is a 10-year plan with $1.75 trillion to fund social safety net programs and combat the climate crisis. The Senate is set to deliberate on it this December.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA’s vision is to serve as the voice of all Filipinos and Filipino Americans by uniting, engaging, and empowering diverse individuals and community organizations through leadership development, civic engagement, and national advocacy.
