Obama calls Biden's $1.75 trillion framework 'a giant leap forward'
By Brett Samuels - 10/28/21 12:26 PM EDT
Former President Barack Obama on Thursday embraced the scaled down economic framework released by the Biden administration, calling it a "giant leap forward" even as some progressive Democrats express concern about what was left out.
"In a country as large and diverse as ours, progress can often feel frustrating and slow, with small victories accompanied by frequent setbacks. But once in a while, it’s still possible to take a giant leap forward," Obama said in a statement on President Biden's $1.75 trillion proposal.
Obama pointed to investments in childcare that would ensure access to early education for millions of children; expanded health care access through tax credits and funding included in the plan; and money for clean energy programs to combat climate change.
"The Build Back Better framework doesn’t contain everything that the President proposed and that some had hoped," Obama said. "But that’s the nature of progress in a democracy. The good news is that it represents the best chance we’ve had in years to build on the progress we made during my administration and address some of the most urgent challenges of our time.
"I’m grateful to President Biden, Democrats in Congress, and everyone who has raised their voice and put their faith in government to do big things," Obama added. "The fight continues, but today’s landmark agreement is an important step on our long journey to live up to our highest ideals."
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https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/578930-obama-calls-bidens-175-trillion-framework-a-giant-leap-forward
