Americans See Urgency in Passing the Build Back Better Agenda

November 11, 2021
Bryan Bennett

Two in three Americans support each provision of the Build Back Better Act as 60 percent say its passage is urgent.

Key takeaways
  • A growing majority of Americans are hearing about Biden and Democrats’ new economic plan and support remains high.
  • Top reasons cited as good reasons to pass the plan are lowering health insurance costs, giving Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices, expanding Medicare, and raising taxes on the wealthy.
  • Three in five Americans see passing the plan as “urgent.”

Growing Majorities Are Hearing “A Lot” or “Some” About Biden and Democrats’ New Economic Legislation

Since October 25th, there has been a 7-point increase in the share who are hearing “a lot” or “some,” including a 7- point increase among Democrats (from 63% to 70%), independents (42% to 49%), and Republicans (58% to 65%).

Support for Build Back Better Is Equally High When Policies Are Highlighted and When Pay-Fors Are Introduced

Three in five Americans support the bill with or without pay-fors. On a version of the broader support question that also included paid family and medical leave, overall support was net +31, with 54% of independents supporting it.

Top Reasons to Pass Plan: Lowering Health Insurance and Prescription Drug Costs, Taxing the Rich, Expanding Medicare

At least three in five independents say each of the policies listed below is a good reason to pass the economic plan, as do three in four economically persuadable Americans.

When People Hear About Policies in the Plan, Belief Increases That It Will Help Personal and National Economic Situation

Net belief the plan will help the economy increases 5 points and net confidence in personal financial situations increases 6 points after exposure to policies included in the economic plan.

  • Among independents, net belief it will help the economy increases 13 points and personal confidence, 8 points.

Three in Five Say Passing New Economic Plan Is Urgent

Three in five independents say passing the new plan is urgent, as do majorities across racial and ethnic groups.

  • Intensity of urgency is high – especially among Democrats (58% say it is “very urgent”), Black Americans (59%), and Hispanic Americans (45%).

Biden and Democrats Remain More Trusted Than Republicans on a Range of Issues Related to New Legislation

Among independents, Biden and Democrats have a 5-point trust advantage on “the cost of living for working families” and “looking out for people who work for a living,” and a 2-point advantage on “rebuilding the economy.”

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About The Study

This release features findings from a national online survey of 1,003 registered voters conducted November 4-8, 2021. Additional interviews were conducted among 100 Hispanic voters, 100 African American voters, 100 independents without a partisan lean, and 78 Asian American and Pacific Islander voters.