In an unprecedented move, a group of congressional staffers were arrested on Monday after waging a sit-in for climate action in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-New York) office in the Senate, demanding that the senator push harder to pass climate legislation in Congress.
Seventeen House and Senate staffers protested in Schumer’s office after a group of 165 staffers sent a letterJoe Biden, the Senator and President of the United States, Monday requesting that the Democratic leaders address climate after the conservative coal baron. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) killedClimate negotiations began earlier this month.
“We, staffers of the U.S. Congress, will not remain quiet and complacent in our own demise,” the staffers said in a statement provided to Truthout. “We see the impacts of the climate crisis in our home communities and the constituencies we serve and we refuse to be [sic] part in the enormous suffering and devastation around the world that will result from not passing climate justice policy this year.”
The workers held signs demanding climate action, including a large banner that read “Keep negotiating, Chuck!” Six protesters were arrestedPer. AxiosSaul Levin, policy advisor for Rep. Cori (D–Missouri); Aria Kovalovich, Emma Preston, staffers to Rep. Ro Khanna. Rajiv Sicora is a policy adviser for Rep. Jamaal Bowlman (D–New York); Courtney Koelbel is a staffer for Rep. Jamie Raskin, (D–Maryland); and Philip Bennett is a staffer for Rep. Ilhan Olam (D–Minnesota).
HAPPENING NOW: We’re asking Senator Schumer to negotiate like this is the coldest summer of the rest of our lives (it is). pic.twitter.com/wjXnHfTQqn
— Saul (@saaaauuull) July 25, 2022
If Democrats in D.C. do not act on climate before they lose their congressional majority in fall and Biden, and possibly states, don’t majorly step up emissions reductions plans, it could spell disaster for the U.S.’s climate goals — and potentially the planet. Earth will be devastated if the U.S. does not pursue a strong climate policy and other major polluters. is on track toWarm to 3 degrees Celsius or even moreBy the end of the century, it will be more deadly extreme weather events, mass species extinctions; and perpetually flooded cities.
“Environmental catastrophe is unfolding before our eyes,” the protesters said. “These climate disasters will have a long lasting impact even when we are gone.” They hope that taking drastic and unusual action will push Schumer and Biden into action.
Protesters demanded Schumer and Biden push for reopening negotiations with Manchin regarding climate legislation. They criticized the two Democratic leaders for “offering [oil and gas] pipelines and other problematic trades to secure his vote.”
In Their Monday letterBiden was encouraged by staff to remove Manchin from his position as chair of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Omar and other Democratic lawmakershave requested in recent weeks. They also asked Biden for a declaration a climate emergencyAdvocates believe that this would allow agencies to use critical resources and authority to address the climate crisis.
This protest is one of many planned actions this week with climate nonprofit Fossil Free Media. Also, a press conference about the climate crisis with members the Congressional Progressive Caucus will be held on Wednesday to demand that Biden takes action.
The protest comes as Congress workers are increasing their internal organizing efforts. Many of the protesters are also involved in this effort. are alsoParticipated in. Last week, Congress Workers in eight House offices filed petitions to create Congress’s first-ever unions.
