Omnibus Bill Brings Relief, but More Progress Is Needed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mattie Goldman, [email protected]

WASHINGTON — Jesselyn McCurdy, executive vice president of government affairs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the omnibus funding bill:

“The government spending bill released today represents important progress for the health of our democracy, but it leaves behind some key economic justice priorities. The items that are included in the bill are just as important as what’s left out. We welcome the inclusion of the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act in the package, but we are extremely disappointed in the omission of Child Tax Credit expansion and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

“Both pieces of legislation would be life-changing for families in this country, already proven by the historic reductions in child poverty from the expanded, monthly Child Tax Credit. Due to the efforts of our coalition and congressional champions, Congress did not move forward with tax breaks for wealthy corporations. We urge Congress to hold the line next year and ensure there are no handouts for big corporations without support for children and families.

“The Senate cannot leave for the holidays without passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act — a bill with overwhelming bipartisan support that has been ready to pass the chamber for more than a year. It would be unacceptable for the Senate to miss this historic opportunity to ensure that pregnant workers — especially Black and Latina workers in low-paid, inflexible jobs — do not have to choose between a paycheck and a healthy pregnancy. Our civil rights coalition is counting on congressional leaders to find a path forward before the end of the session.”

The Leadership Conference sent a letter to Senate leadership earlier this year detailing urgent legislative priorities for the remainder of the 117th Congress, including the ECRA, PWFA, and CTC, among others.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 230 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

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