Washington DC - Hundreds of home care workers from across the country marched to the National Mall on Tuesday demanding better wages and benefits and the passage of the Build Back Better Act (BBB).

"We are the union, the mighty, mighty union," home care workers and allies chanted as they marched toward Capitol Hill.

The protest, organized by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, MomsRising, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), brought in hundreds from across the country.

These workers provide healthcare and assistance to the elderly and disabled so they are able to remain in their own homes. But though they are considered essential, many are struggling to make a decent living and support their own families.

Justice Key parts of Arkansas law criminalizing librarians struck down in court

"Even though I love the work I do, guess what? I want to be paid well for the work I do," SEIU care worker Thomasine Wilson told the crowd.

That's why she and her fellow union members traveled to DC to demand increased wages and benefits, including paid leave.

They were also urging Congress to pass the health and childcare provisions included in the BBB, which is set to receive a House vote this week after months of negotiations and delays.

The protesters were joined by several prominent members of Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Both reiterated their support for the BBB, with Pelosi promising it would go to a vote in her chamber before the week is up.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal also took the stage to express her commitment to passing this "once-in-a-generation opportunity to level the playing field, to treat women and caregivers and the care economy as the essential economy that it is."

"The truth is, this progressive movement is not backing down. We are not leaving anyone behind," she insisted.

But it isn't only care workers who are impacted by low wages and lack of benefits. Those in need of assistance would also feel the positive effects of passing the BBB.

As care consumer Jose Hernandez put it, "The Build Back Better plan will help me find and retain health care workers. It will help those workers support themselves. They clean our apartments, they cook our meals, they take care of our bodies. And the list goes on."

Fellow care consumer Jessica de la Rosa greed: "We confide in our personal care assistants too. They wear many hats, but they hardly get paid for the price of one."

If the BBB passes in the House, it is still uncertain whether Democrats will get the 50 votes they need in the Senate to send the bill to Biden's desk.