Jonathon Berman jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Earlier this morning, House Democrats advanced H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package. The package, which the Sierra Club and partner organizations strongly supports, includes an extension of unemployment insurance, survival checks, and $20 billion for a national vaccination program.
In response, Sierra Club Deputy Director of Legislative and Administrative Advocacy Kirin Kennedy released the following statement:
“Last November, the American people turned out in record numbers to elect leaders who would act in our interests by providing relief during an unprecedented public health crisis. The passage of this package in the House proves that when we join forces to demand a government that cares for all of its people, we can prevail -- even in the face of Congressional Republican’s intransigence. While President Biden and the Congressional Democrats immediately got to work to provide relief for the people, GOP House leaders have continued their attempts to stall and block pandemic relief, putting political theater above getting the job done.
“The Sierra Club implores the Senate to pass this package as quickly as possible, as millions of Americans are still grieving loved ones and struggling to make ends meet. We need relief and we need it now.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.