WASHINGTON, DC - Democrats continue to needlessly delay the coronavirus emergency aid package being debated in Congress. Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) responds, calling on Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer to put aside their completely unrelated, partisan, wish list and help the American people.
“Americans are sick. People are hurting. Savings are being wiped out. Small businesses are closing in waves. People are being laid off. Hospitals need resources. Medical professionals need supplies.
“And, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democrats are standing on America’s air hose. The Speaker is pushing a 1,400-page, partisan plan-including a climate change study, carbon emission regulations, forced early voting, and who knows what else. Americans expect us to work for the common good, now more than ever.
“The time for niceties is over. I have a simple message for Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer: What are you doing? We do not have time. Period!
“You’ve ground to a halt the emergency aid package Americans need. Americans have come together to take matters into their own hands-making hand sanitizer, sewing masks and gowns-can’t Democrats put partisan politics aside so we can come together and do our part? Congress must act, now," said Walden.
Quick Facts
Here are several proposals in the House Democrat’s bill that have nothing to do with the COVID-19 crisis:
* Sets a mandatory federal emissions standard for airlines and requires full offset of their carbon emissions (for domestic flights) by 2025. This is a top Green New Deal priority.
* Every airline carrier would have to develop and disclose the amount of emissions for each flight.
* Establishes a $1 billion “cash-for-clunkers" recycling program for airplanes, where the federal government would purchase aircraft with higher emissions in exchange for carriers purchasing more fuel-efficient aircraft.
* Provides $500 million in funding for sustainable aviation fuels over the next five years.
* $1.5 million to study climate change mitigation efforts in civil aviation and aerospace industries.
