Congressional Progressive Staff Association Statement on Inflation Reduction Act Climate Provisions Following Staffer Activism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2022
CONTACT
CPSA Press Steward
CPSA.info@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA) released the following statement in response to the announcement of the Inflation Reduction Act, proposed reconciliation legislation from Senate Leadership and Senator Joe Manchin. The Inflation Reduction Act marks the resumption of reconciliation negotiations among Senate Democrats and includes billions of dollars in clean energy and climate provisions.
“CPSA is thrilled that Senate Democrats have reopened climate reconciliation negotiations in the wake of unprecedented congressional staff organizing and activism. Our membership felt betrayed after Senator Manchin killed the previous round of reconciliation negotiations, despite numerous public remarks stating his intention to continue legislating after the passage of the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act.
“We are the public servants who will most have to live with and address the consequences of climate catastrophe more so than septuagenarian Senators, and instead of succumbing to climate despair, activists and staff from all corners of the CPSA community were drawn to innovative action never before seen within the halls of Congress.
“First members of the CPSA Climate Policy Working Group (PWG) wrote a letter to leadership, demanding the resumption of climate negotiations. Then, the PWG sent a similar letter to President Biden. Next, staffers used innovative nonviolent direct action, putting their bodies and careers on the line to pressure Senate Majority Leader Schumer to continue negotiations and put Senator Manchin’s feet to the fire.
“CPSA is deeply thankful to each of the staffers who participated in the peaceful protest and urges the congressional community, particularly the progressive community, to give these committed public servants its full support.
“By bravely breaking down barriers, these congressional staffers—alongside countless others working tirelessly behind closed doors—helped breathe life back into the conversation on climate negotiations. While we recognize there appears to have been activity happening behind closed doors, it remains true that getting bold policy across the finish line requires pressure from all sides.
“These staffers showed they were willing to get arrested and risk the consequences of protesting within their own workplace if there was even a miniscule chance of making an impact. And just a few days later, there were results.
“Now, a proposed bill agreed to by Senator Schumer and Manchin includes billions in climate and renewable energy funding, along with other critical investments for the American people.
“CPSA is inspired by and proud of our members who have paved the way for this brave new world of staffer activism within the halls of Congress. Our association will continue to serve as a community-building space for progressive staffers to come together to advocate for solutions to better the lives of our membership and our nation. We will continue to lead the conversation for a more safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.”