HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement after U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he will not be voting to advance the Build Back Better framework in the U.S. Senate.

“Many provisions in the Build Back Better framework are critical for the long-term health, safety, and security of our families and our communities. These provisions — including extending the refundable Child Tax Credit, combatting climate change, and lowering prescription drug costs — matter to Virginians. The expanded Child Tax Credit has dramatically lowered child hunger rates at dining rooms and kitchen tables across our Commonwealth. The U.S. military agrees that the national security threat posed by the climate crisis is far too major to ignore. And too many Virginia seniors are being forced to choose between paying for their lifesaving medications or covering their rent.

“During this process, we should not ignore that Members of the Republican Party have wholly refused to work with Democrats on these priorities. But after months of negotiations, one Democratic U.S. Senator has now summarily walked away from productive negotiations. That is unacceptable, and we cannot act like this moment is the end. Children, families, and the future of our planet are counting on us. In the weeks and months ahead, I will keep working to deliver these meaningful investments to the people of Virginia.”

Last month, Spanberger voted with a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to move the Build Back Better framework forward.

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