Kamala Harris Touts 'Build Back Better' In NYC

New York City NY

22 October, 2021

2:56 PM

Description

NEW YORK CITY — Vice President Kamala Harris promised New York City will "Build Back Better" under the Biden administration's self-same sweeping economic and infrastructure plan. Harris visited the city Friday to pitch the plan to everyday New Yorkers who found themselves struggling even before the coronavirus pandemic. A who's who of city and state politicians, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Kathy Harris, joined Harris in the Bronx. "We are fighting, with the leaders here, for you each and every day," she said. But Harris didn't get a completely warm welcome. A heckler razzed her over New Yorkers who died from recent flooding, the New York Daily News reported. "You are right, brother," Harris told the heckler, the Daily News reported. "You know what, you and I will talk after I give my comments. "And I'm happy to talk with you, but right now, let's talk about the agenda, that will include speaking to all people and allowing everybody to be heard," she said, according to the Daily News. The visit came amid ongoing congressional haggling over the "Build Back Better Act" reconciliation bill that, in its original form, proposed $3.5 trillion in spending over 10 years on an extended child tax credit, child care assistance, sweeping measures to combat climate change and more. The final bill needs all 50 Democratic senators, plus Harris' vote, to pass, but holdout senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema have pushed against some of its provisions. Republicans are united in opposition to the bill, which President Joe Biden has argued will address economic challenges and disparities facing American workers and families since even before the coronavirus pandemic. A bipartisan infrastructure bill is also in the offing. De Blasio touted the two bills as "historic." "Congress has the chance to pass landmark reconciliation and infrastructure bills that will change lives in this country for generations to come," he tweeted. "The time to act is NOW." This is a historic moment. Congress has the chance to pass landmark reconciliation and infrastructure bills that will change lives in this country for generations to come. The time to act is NOW. Proud to stand with @VP @KamalaHarris in the fight to #BuildBackBetter. pic.twitter.com/rJhkDzsAc0— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 22, 2021