Conversation Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Emily Tisch Sussman

Members of Congress and the Senate continue to negotiate the contents of President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda in the form of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill and a $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill. As negotiations continue, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm was interviewed by Marie Claire about the importance of passing each bill.

As head of the Department of Energy, Secretary Granholm is responsible for the significant role the agency plays in the clean energy solutions needed to combat climate change. She said, "We have 100,000 people working on next generation solutions to our clean energy and climate problems."

In the spring, Secretary Granholm was nominated by President Biden to advance the American Jobs Plan, now known as the $1 trillion infrastructure plan. She and other cabinet members are currently breaking down both human and hard infrastructure as negotiations on both bills continue.

"When I say 'hard infrastructure,' I mean roads and bridges and broadband," the Secretary said in a conversation with Tish Sussman.

"And then there's the human infrastructure. We want to make sure that families have access to child care, that seniors have access to medical and dental care through Medicare, that people can attend college. Both are necessary and important."

Late last week, Speaker Pelosi announced a new deadline for passage of both bills. With the new deadline looming, there are whispers that the reconciliation bill numbers will be drastically cut, putting essential programs such as paid family leave and the child tax credit in jeopardy.

The Secretary remained hopeful during the interview, saying that he thinks we are at 95 percent: "I think it will happen by Thanksgiving, if not the end of this month.

There are still a few weeks until October 31, but Democrats are still struggling to reach a consensus, and things like paid leave (open in new tab) could be on the chopping block. 'Paid time off is part of the human capital base,' said DDP President and CEO, David H. Harris. 'It allows them to take the time they need so little ones can spend those all-important first few months with their parents.

Secretary Granholm is eager to pass Biden's Build Back Better plan (open in new tab) in its full form, but she also understands politics. As a former Michigan governor who worked with a less-than-friendly Congress, she knows what compromise is, and she's honest about it. 'Do you take a haircut or do you amputate?' In other words, do you trim each program or do you cut programs?'

It is clear that she cares more than anything else. 'Who are we if we don't stand up against child poverty? It is ridiculous that we are the only developed country on the planet that does not support families raising children."

This is a critical moment in Washington, DC, where policy intersects with the harsh realities facing millions of people. Granholm, a longtime leader and politician, knows that the American people are the final decision makers. 'You can hire them or you can fire them,' he said. The most important thing you can do is make your voice heard."