House Emergency Aid Package Puts People Over Polluters

Statement by Earthworks' Senior Policy Counsel Aaron Mintzes on H.R. 6379, The Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act:

"The COVID crisis demands a federal response unprecedented since World War II. That response must be focused on helping people, not polluters.

"We appreciate the Members of Congress supporting The Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379), which provides immediate relief for our health care workers, families, students, and democracy during this COVID-19 pandemic health crisis.

"Our national response to this crisis should not worsen another crisis. Congress must not create a slush fund for fossil fuel executives when so many are in desperate need of basic necessities. The federal government should instead provide direct assistance to people and small businesses while investing in a just transition toward a more resilient and sustainable clean energy economy.

"No relief package should become synonymous with big giveaways to corporations taking advantage of a national emergency--especially the oil and gas industry whose unsustainable business model created large debts long before COVID. We appreciate House and Senate leaders standing against fossil fuel bailouts.

"A government of the people, by the people, and for the people should protect the people, not the polluters. That's what The Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act would do. We hope President Trump and Congress will cooperate and sign this bill into law. "