Javier Sierra, javier.sierra@sierraclub.org, 703.927.4750
(English follows)
(English)
Republicans Senators Show Total Disregard for the American People
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senate Republicans have offered a new infrastructure proposal that is a fraction higher than their previous offer, which Congressional Democrats swiftly rejected for failing to adequately invest in the American people and communities across the country.
This new proposal, which calls for taking COVID relief funds from everyday Americans rather than increasing taxes on the wealthiest few, comes as millions struggle to pay for food and shelter, vulnerable communities stare down the prospect of worsening climate-fueled disasters, and the country reels from continued systemic racism.
The proposal put forth by Senate Republicans today offers zero investment in the care economy, healthy buildings, clean manufacturing, or a just transition to clean energy. It includes minuscule investments in electric vehicles, rail, and climate resilience.
In response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce released the following statement:
“Senate Republicans are once again telling President Biden and the country that they are not serious about addressing the climate crisis, creating family-sustaining jobs for unemployed workers, or supporting communities of color fighting for clean air and water. Their latest proposal doesn’t merely call for robbing Peter to pay Paul, it calls for robbing Peter, Paul, and every American in need to protect the wealthiest few profiting off of Republicans’ tax scam.
“President Biden committed to Build Back Better. Rather than seriously engage with Biden’s efforts, Senate Republicans are again declaring their intention to only build more roadblocks. Enough is enough. We must pass an economic renewal package that comprehensively tackles our interlocking crises at the scale and scope required for transformative change, and it’s evident that only one side is interested in that outcome. Senate Republicans have made it clear that a bipartisan approach is not feasible.”
###
Sobre el Sierra Club
El Sierra Club es la mayor y más influyente organización medioambiental de base en Estados Unidos y cuenta con cerca de 4 millones de miembros y seguidores en todo el país. Además de crear oportunidades para que personas de todas las edades, niveles y localizaciones puedan disfrutar de la naturaleza, el Sierra Club se esfuerza en salvaguardar la salud de las comunidades, proteger la vida silvestre, y preservar los restantes parajes naturales por medio de activismo de base, educación pública, cabildeo y en las cortes. Para más información visite: www.sierraclub.org/ecocentro.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with close to 4 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.