October 2021: Fighting for the Build Back Better Agenda

Dear friend,

I remain committed to ensuring we pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better reconciliation bill together. The Build Back Better Agenda includes paid leave, universal childcare, free community college, Medicare expansion, and lower prescription drug costs. These policies aren’t only necessary, they are popular. This is our once in a generation opportunity to bring transformational change. We cannot let this moment pass us by while thousands of people across our district are suffering, and unable to meet their basic needs. It’s time for us to deliver for Minnesotans and the American people.

Urging President Biden to Cancel Student Debt

Student debt is a policy failure. Cancelling student debt is both the morally right and economically sound thing to do. That’s why I led a letter to President Biden asking him to release the memo on student debt cancellation and cancel student debt. You can read more here.

Welcoming Refugees

I joined Congresswoman Gwen Moore to meet with Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy. It’s crucial our new neighbors are treated with respect and dignity. That’s why we visited the site to witness the resettlement process firsthand after hearing reports of mistreatment. You can read more here.

Understanding the Effects of Skin-Lightening Products

Skin-lightening cosmetics are part of an $8.6 billion global industry. These products have falsely sold the narrative that lighter skin is more beautiful. We must condemn this messaging, but also understand the effects caused by these products. The U.S. should be part of the advocacy to condemn and limit the usage of these products and change the ideas of beauty standards. You can read more here.

Ending Race-Based Hair Discrimination

For far too long, Black women and girls have been punished at work and school simply for existing as themselves. That’s why I co-led the CROWN Act to explicitly prohibit race-based hair discrimination. Two weeks ago, this legislation passed out of the Judiciary Committee and will be voted on by the entire House soon. You can read more here.

Join Our Monthly Town Hall

Next Saturday, our office will hold our monthly town hall at 11am CT. We will discuss the Build Back Better Act, the Child Tax Credit, and student debt cancellation. I look forward to answering your questions. You can register here.

In service,

Ilhan Omar

Member of Congress