As Congress Returns, Sunrise Movement Bolsters National Push to Demand a Bold Reconciliation Package Including a Fully Funded Civilian Climate Corps with 13 Arrests at the US Capitol

Today, on the first day the House is back in session, 13 Sunrise Movement members were arrested in D.C., demanding that politicians fight for a climate and jobs package that meets the scale and scope of the climate crisis. This kicks off a day of national protest led by Sunrise Movement in over 20 cities and towns across the country, including in Tempe, AZ to push Senator Kyrsten Sinema and in Dallas, TX to push Rep. Colin Allred, who is one of the seven Dems on the most recent oil and gas letter.

"As Democrats scale back much needed climate provisions by consulting Exxon Mobil, people are dying from historic floods, wildfires, heatwaves and more. The climate crisis is here and demands action now. No climate, no deal," said Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement. "Biden and Congress can't waste any more time and must pass at least a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package to boldly invest in our infrastructure and pass a fully funded Civilian Climate Corps so we can finally usher in the decade of the Green New Deal. If Democrats throw away this narrow opportunity to make meaningful change, they risk disillusioning young people, their base, and holding onto power in 2022. That's why Sunrisers are mobilizing today, reminding Democrats that they work for us, not Exxon."

This action on Capitol Hill is another escalation on Sunrise's multi-month campaign to call on Congress and Joe Biden to strengthen the reconciliation package and Civilian Climate Corps to meet the scale and urgency of the crises we face. This comes after Sunrise Movement's June 4th, June 28th, and July 15th protests at the White House, and across the country, and the conclusion of three marches - in PA, CA, and the Gulf South.

Sunrise is pushing for a number of priorities in reconciliation, specifically, a fully funded Civilian Climate Corps, investments in public transit, housing, schools, and renewable energy. All of these investments - including the Green New Deal for Public Schools, the Green New Deal for Public Housing, and more - are needed to transform our economy while combating the climate crisis and creating millions of good jobs in the process.