The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Will Whitmire, will@patrioticmillionaires.org

Patriotic Millionaires Urge Democratic Unity on Budget Process in Congress

"Democrats cannot squander the opportunity to tax the rich and address the gross inequality in our nation."

WASHINGTON

Today, the House Rules Committee approved a deal that would guarantee a vote by Sept. 27 on a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, a priority for moderate Democrats who stated they would not vote for the 3.5 trillion dollar reconciliation bill without a vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill first. In response, Morris Pearl, former managing director at Blackrock, Inc., and Chair of the Patriotic Millionaires, issued the following statement in response:

"Real economic change is on the horizon if Democrats pass their reconciliation and infracture bills. But Democrats in the House and Senate have to remain united if we want to see this legislation turn into law. They have little room for error to pass these two spending bills through the House and the Senate, even though the American people overwhelmingly support both pieces of legislation. With widespread support for critical legislation that would raise taxes on the rich and corporations while also providing much needed investments in our country's social safety net and physical infrastructure, Democrats have a chance to make a significant impact in the lives of millions of Americans if they can work together.

Democrats ALL broadly agree with the proposals set forth in both plans. But they cannot squander the opportunity to tax the rich and address the gross inequality in our nation that has long benefited

millionaires, billionaires, and corporations at the expense of Americans who work for a living. The deal reached today in the House is a crucial step in Democrats delivering on the promises they made to the American people in last year's elections. They have the majority and they have the right economic message - now they just need to find the political will to remain united and fulfill the promises they made to the American people."

The Patriotic Millionaires is a group of high-net worth Americans who share a profound concern about the destabilizing level of inequality in America. Our work centers on the two things that matter most in a capitalist democracy: power and money. Our goal is to ensure that the country's political economy is structured to meet the needs of regular Americans, rather than just millionaires. We focus on three "first" principles: a highly progressive tax system, a livable minimum wage, and equal political representation for all citizens.

(202) 446-0489