WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) took to the House Floor to speak out against H.R.1, the Republican Majority’s Polluter Over People Act. The bill will roll back the Inflation Reduction Act’s oil and gas reforms, undo progress toward energy independence, create loopholes in America’s most bedrock environmental laws, and increase energy costs for American families. Below is a transcript of her remarks: 

“Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Majority’s Polluters Over People Act – a massive handout to some of the world’s most profitable and most powerful corporations. A Big Oil giveaway that would hike the deficit. Instead of helping families. Instead of protecting our planet. Instead of lowering costs for consumers and slashing energy bills.

"Republicans seem to have just one priority, and that’s helping the rich get richer. 

“Through price gouging and war profiteering, Big Oil has doubled their profits to record level. They’re hoarding millions of acres of our public land. And they’re using these unprecedented resources to line their pockets.

“Exxon just announced a $35 billion in stock buybacks. Chevron’s shareholders are pocketing $75 billion. And yet, what’s the Republican plan? Triple down on allegiance to Big Oil. Giveaway more federal land. Invite more offshore drilling. Unleash more pollution into our water, in our air, in our land. And leave the taxpayers footing the bill. 

“Climate change is here. We don’t have time to wait. Americans know that securing our future means investing in clean energy. Families know their health depends on it. Economists know our prosperity depends on it. And the Pentagon knows our national security depends on it. It’s only MAGA Republicans who don’t understand our future depends on a thriving, clean energy economy. 

"Last year, we proudly enacted the largest climate investment in history.  And now we’re proudly voting NO on the Polluters Over People Act.”

To watch the full speech, click HERE.