Adam Beitman, adam.beitman@sierraclub.org or 202-670-5585
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans passed a deeply regressive GOP tax scheme last night which cuts taxes for corporations and the rich while plundering the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and destabilizing a pillar of the U.S. healthcare system. The House will vote on the measure a second time today due to provisions in conflict with Senate rules.
In Response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune Released the Following Statement:
“Every Senate and House Republican who voted for this bill is now on record backing massive tax cuts for corporations and the richest Americans that will result in devastating cuts to programs that protect the health and safety of all people in our country.
“This outrageous scheme is among the worst pieces of legislation we’ve seen in over a generation. It’s made even more tragic because it sacrifices one of our last great wild places, the Arctic Refuge, and the livelihood of the Gwich’in nation who rely on it, to dangerous drilling as a gift to corporate polluters and a means to pay off these tax cuts for the rich.
“This is a truly awful piece of legislation, but it can’t stop the work of environmental advocates to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink and the places we play. We will vigorously challenge cuts and rollbacks that threaten American families and indigenous rights, even as we join with the Gwich’in Nation to see the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge permanently protected.”
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.