Contact: Carolyn Morrisroe, carolyn.morrisroe@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- 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. A detailed breakdown of the insignificant plan proposed by Senate Republicans today and how it compares to President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and the THRIVE investments backed by over 50 members of Congress, two-thirds of voters, and over 100 union, racial justice, and climate groups can be found here.
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. President Biden should reject this latest offer and work with those interested in crafting an infrastructure package that meets the scale of the crises we face and the scope of investments he presented in the original American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan.”
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.