- Majorities continue to support Build Back Better, including when proposals to pay for the plan are introduced.
- Still, Americans are pessimistic about the state of the national economy and their personal finances.
- Majorities remain concerned about inflation and Republicans hold a natural advantage on the issue; but, Americans increasingly feel Biden and Congress are focusing on it.
Support Remains High for Build Back Better Plan
Majorities of independents continue to support the plan with (51%) or without (51%) paid family and medical leave.
Plans to Pay for Build Back Better Maintain High Levels of Support
Independents support the plan by a 20-point margin (49% support/29% oppose) while a third of Republicans also support it (31%).
Majorities Continue to Rate the National Economy Negatively and Feel Uneasy About Their Personal Financial Situation
Democrats are the most positive on the national economy (37%) and their personal financial situations (53%).
The Republican Party Has Slight Advantages on Economic-Related Issues
Though the Republican Party has a 5-point trust advantage on “getting the rising costs of everyday goods like groceries and gas under control,” Biden and the Democratic Party had a 10-point advantage on “getting the rising costs of healthcare and prescription drugs under control” when asked in late November.
Inflation Remains a Top Concern, But a Growing Share of Americans See Biden and Congress Focused on It
Since November 8th, there has been a 9-point increase in the share who feel Biden and Congress are focused on inflation, including 25% of Democrats, 22% of independents, and 16% of Republicans.
Vast Majority Remain Concerned About Inflation, Though Intensity of Concern Has Waned Slightly
Since November 22nd, there has been a 9-point decline in the share who say costs are going up “a significant amount” and who say they are “very concerned” about inflation.
In Response to Spending Criticisms, Progressive Messaging on Understanding Americans’ Struggles Is Stronger
Though the Republican Party holds an 8-point trust advantage on “dealing with the issue of inflation,” a progressive response that puts Democratic policies to address inflation in a sympathetic frame of knowing “that Americans are struggling to pay their bills” is more effective than simply listing out policies.
About The Study
This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,000 registered voters conducted December 3-6, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 99 Hispanic voters, 99 African American voters, 99 independents without a partisan lean, and 70 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.