The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bill that imposes massive budget cuts as a condition of raising the U.S. debt limit, including slashing funding for climate and clean energy programs. A vote is expected on the bill this week. In response, WWF issued the following statement from Alejandro Pérez, senior vice president, policy and government affairs:
“In exchange for raising the debt limit for just a single year, Republican leaders in the House are demanding devastating cuts to programs that Americans rely on for their health, safety, and economic well-being. Among these are many transformational, job-creating investments in climate, clean energy, and conservation programs that were passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
“The House is expected to vote this week on this damaging proposal that would end clean energy incentives and halt our recent momentum on confronting the greatest environmental challenge we face as a nation. The programs made possible by the IRA are both effective and popular, lowering emissions while creating jobs and spurring domestic industry and manufacturing in all parts of the country. Rather than threatening default as a bargaining chip, the House Majority should reject this legislation and advance a clean bill that lifts the debt ceiling and allows our country to pay its bills.”