Trey Pollard trey.pollard@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Following the election of Doug Jones to the U.S. Senate from Alabama, the Sierra Club is joining the call to push for Jones to be seated as soon as possible and for any votes on the Republican tax scheme to be delayed until that happens, in line with logic used by Senate Republicans following the election of Scott Brown in 2010.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
"Congratulations to Doug Jones on a historic victory last night. This victory proves that no matter where you are in the country, organizing across communities and ensuring every person’s voice is heard can help us all stand up to hate, take down some of the most powerful opponents, and secure progress for every American. Now, it is time the Senate listens to the people of Alabama and seat Doug Jones without any delay. The American people are clear in their opposition to the agenda of Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration. So, there should be no votes on the despicable GOP tax scheme or other dangerous efforts to put the profits of corporate polluters and billionaires before the people until the voice of every voter is represented in the Senate.”
Flashback
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY): “I Think That Means There Will Be No More Health Care Votes In The Senate Prior To The Swearing In Of Scott Brown, Whenever That May Be.” “‘I think the message of the moment is that the American people, all across the country, are asking us, even in the most liberal state, Massachusetts, to stop this healthcare bill,’ McConnell said. ‘I think that means there will be no more health care votes in the Senate prior to the swearing in of Scott Brown, whenever that may be,’ the top Senate Republican added.” [The Hill, 1/20/10]
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ): “The People Of Massachusetts Have Spoken For The Rest Of America: Stop This Process, Sit Down In Open And Transparent Negotiations, And Let's Begin From The Beginning.” “So here we are, and now the rumors are that they will jam this proposal through the House of Representatives and then bypass what has always been the normal legislative process. They should not do that. The American people have spoken. The people of Massachusetts have spoken for the rest of America: Stop this process, sit down in open and transparent negotiations, and let's begin from the beginning.” [Sen. McCain Floor Speech, 1/20/10]
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): “Collins Said Congress And The White House Should ‘Start From Scratch’” After Scott Brown’s Election. “Collins said Congress and the White House should ‘start from scratch’ and draft a new health care bill that would reduce health care costs and include provisions such as insurance market reforms, the ability to purchase insurance across state lines, and tax breaks for small businesses.” [Bangor Daily News, 1/20/10]
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.