Build Back Better Act Remains on Hold as Senate Takes Up Voting Rights Legislation

The U.S. Senate has paused its negotiations over the Build Back Better Act. This week, the Senate is instead focusing on holding votes on a voting rights legislative package and discussions over the filibuster. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will first move forward the House-passed voting rights package, which includes the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and would enact various voting reform measures including allowing for same-day voter registration, establishing Election Day as a public holiday, and requiring states to allow for early voting and voting absentee by mail for any reason. Leader Schumer has also promised to move forward a vote to reform the filibuster this week.

While the Senate continues its inaction on the Build Back Better Act, some House Democrats facing reelection in competitive districts have begun pushing for a strategy to break up the Build Back Better Act into smaller bills. However, Democrats remain divided over this strategy.

ANCOR will provide updates as negotiations continue over passage of the Build Back Better Act and how they impact ANCOR’s legislative priorities as contained in the bill.