After an all-night debate, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the Build Back Better Act taking a significant step forward toward investing in the country’s social infrastructure and providing long overdue support for the women and families hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic.Following the vote, YWCA USA Interim CEO & COO, Elisha Rhodes, released the following statement:“Women - particularly women of color - are key to any hope of our nation recovering following the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, YWCA applauds the House of Representatives for taking action and investing in our needs, priorities, and concerns by investing historic sums in child care and paid family and medical leave. If maintained and passed into law, these provisions have the potential to provide long-term economic investments that will directly benefit the women, families, and communities we serve and for that, we are grateful. Now, we call on the Senate to take immediate action to protect or enhance the critical care economy programs identified in the Build Back Better Act. Every day the Senate fails to make these investments in American families is another day a child isn’t able to access the care they deserve or a new mother is forced to decide whether she must return to work early after giving birth to provide for her family.  In the days ahead, YWCA will remain steadfast and focused on ensuring these programs become law and are quickly implemented so women and families can thrive. We look forward to working with you to make these goals a reality."