CONTACT: Adam.beitman@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. - After demanding unprecedented concessions and watering down essential infrastructure legislation, Republican Senators prevented Congress from even debating the legislation that they had negotiated by abusing, once again, the filibuster for partisan purposes.
The Sierra Club called for the elimination of the filibuster in May.
In Response, Sierra Club Legislative Director Melinda Pierce Released the Following Statement:
“We knew Senate Republicans were not serious about tackling our nation’s deepest challenges when they watered down this essential legislation, but by filibustering and refusing to debate the very deal they negotiated, we’ve now learned the depths of their disregard for our communities’ needs.
“If Senate Republicans refuse to engage their colleagues and continue their cynical effort to run out the legislative clock in Washington, then it’s time for Congressional Democrats to finally leverage the power of their majority and legislate on their own. Today’s vote is yet the latest proof of the profound extent to which the filibuster is the chief obstacle to enabling Congress to govern our country, and why it needs to go.
“Meanwhile, Democrats should go full steam ahead and utilize the budget reconciliation process to pursue the climate action, jobs and equity agenda we so desperately need to address the intersecting crises we face. Since Congressional Republicans are unwilling to replace toxic lead pipes and invest in clean public transit and clean school buses, Democrats should now fully fund these core priorities in their reconciliation package at the actual scale that our communities need.”
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.