coronavirus

Congressional Democrats Prioritize the People, Republicans Focus on their Soapbox

Washington, DC -- Today, after hours of failed delay tactics from Senate Republicans, Democrats advanced H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package.

Sierra Club Applauds House Democrats for Passing COVID Relief, Urges Swift Action in Senate

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. 

Sierra Club: Trump Must Immediately Sign Omnibus AND Back Unanimous Consent Vote for Increased Direct Relief

Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Donald Trump implied that he will not sign the massive year-end omnibus package that provides some COVID relief, funds the government, and contains significant climate and energy provisions, including the phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and clean energy tax credits for wind, solar, and offshore wind. 

Congress Has a Moral Responsibility to Provide Immediate Relief

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Across the country, families and friends are grieving the loss of the nearly 300,000 Americans who have died from COVID-19, including more than 10,000 this week alone. Hospitals are running critically short of intensive care beds. Millions of families are struggling to put food on their plates and pay their bills as unemployment insurance will run out on December 26th.

Trump Proudly Prioritizes Prolonged Economic Hardship, Extremist Judges Over People’s Security and Wellbeing

Washington, DC -- Today, Donald Trump ordered negotiations on a relief package to be cut off while demanding his nominee to the Supreme Court be the Senate’s lone priority. 

A recent poll found that 74% of registered voters want the Senate to prioritize a COVID relief package over Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court.

Senate Republicans Must Prioritize Our Health and Security, Not Trump’s Extremist Judges

Washington, DC -- Today, House Democrats passed yet another comprehensive COVID relief package, while Senate Republicans have still failed to act on their previously passed bill for more than four months.

Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell Ignore 200,000 American COVID Deaths in Favor of Rushed Supreme Court Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the United States surpassed 200,000 known deaths from COVID-19, with thousands more Americans contracting the deadly virus each day. Yet, as millions struggle to protect their health, find work, and pay their bills, Senate Republicans have continued to reject passing a coronavirus relief bill for more than four months. At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has continued to hold confirmation votes for dozens of Donald Trump’s judicial nominees and is now promising a floor vote for Trump’s yet-to-be-named nominee for the Supreme Court before the end of the year.

Senate Democrats Reject Mitch McConnell’s Inadequate COVID Response

Washington, DC -- Today, Senate Democrats rejected Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans insufficient COVID relief package. McConnell’s failed attempt comes nearly four months after House Democrats passed the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which would provide the necessary funds for, among others, state, local, and Tribal governments, first responders, and hospitals. 

McConnell, Senate Republicans Turn on Their Heel as Families Suffer

Washington, DC -- Late yesterday, Senate Republicans finally unveiled what they have dubbed the HEALS Act. Their proposal would slash unemployment benefits, does not provide additional funding for state and local governments, fails to include relief for those facing water and electricity shutoffs, and does not allocate a penny for either election voting reforms or the clean energy industry, which has been devastated by the pandemic.

Sierra Magazine: A Glimpse at Highlights from the Latest Edition

Oakland, CA— Sierra magazine’s July/ August edition is now on newsstands and arriving at subscribers’ homes. The issue dives into our ever-evolving relationship with nature and the outdoors. Highlights include: 

Sierra Club’s Statement on the United States Surpassing 100,000 Deaths from COVID-19

Oakland, CA -- Today, the United States saw the number of known deaths from COVID-19 surpass the 100,000 mark, while tens of thousands continue to contract the virus on a daily basis. The pandemic continues to expose inequity in the country as communities of color, Tribal Nations, and rural regions see higher death rates and a severe lack of access to care.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

Public Health Advocates Overwhelm EPA Virtual Hearing, Demand Stronger Protections Against Dangerous Air Pollution

Sierra Club members and supporters overwhelmed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) on its first day of “virtual” hearings on the Trump Administration’s insufficient national soot standard proposal today, demanding stronger protections against deadly particulate matter.