House of Representatives Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation, Coming One Step Closer to Key Investments in I/DD Services

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, marking the largest single investment in infrastructure in U.S. history. The legislation, which passed the Senate on August 10, now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

This legislation delivers an important victory for advocates and for President Biden’s legislative agenda. In addition to authorizing more than $550 billion in new spending over the next five years on roads, bridges, public transportation and more, it also signals that avenues remain for bipartisan lawmaking on Capitol Hill. Thirteen House Republicans joined with 228 Democrats in approving the bill in last night’s vote.

Perhaps most importantly for ANCOR and its members, however, is that the passage of this legislation brings us one step closer to another crucial vote: the approval the Build Back Better Act, which includes, among other provisions, $150 billion in spending on Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). That legislation, which is still being negotiated, would make the largest investment in HCBS in the program’s 56-year history. A vote in the House could come as early as mid-November.

“When lawmakers lock arms with their colleagues across the aisle to invest in priorities that benefit everyone, we all win” said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s chief executive officer. “This infusion of resources will buttress our ailing infrastructure while strengthening local economies, and last night’s vote reinforces that despite what many pundits may have thought, the spirit of bipartisanship in Washington lives on.”

Heidi Mansir, president of ANCOR’s Board of Directors and executive director of Uplift, Inc., in Gardiner, Maine, added: “Our lawmakers across the political spectrum worked together to deliver important victories like this infrastructure bill because they’ve heard the voices of advocates. Thousands of ANCOR members and friends have sent emails, made phone calls and taken to social media to let their members of Congress know how important this legislation is to their constituents, and it’s yet another reminder of all that is possible when we raise our voices.”

With the bipartisan infrastructure bill awaiting President Biden’s signature, all eyes are now on negotiations surrounding the Build Back Better Act. As we have throughout the past several months, ANCOR commits to keeping you informed about developments regarding that legislation, as well as opportunities to continue lending your voice in support of the proposed $150 billion investment in HCBS.