Jonathon Berman, jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC -- Today, Donald Trump’s Office of Management and Budget released its supplemental recovery aid package to assist Americans recover from 2017’s disastrous hurricane season, proposing a fraction of the funds needed for storm-struck Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The proposal was met with widespread criticism as it will not cover the support that is needed to rebuild in American communities devastated by the hurricanes this year. However, one thing that was included in Trump’s proposal is nearly $2 billion in funds for a border wall and funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Trump is also proposing further slashing domestic programs that protect the health of our communities and even support our schools to pay for this insufficient plan and the border wall boondoggle. Included in the cuts are nearly $5 billion from the Department of Energy, $250 million from the Environmental Protection Agency, and nearly $4 billion from the Department of Education.
Approximately 55% of Puerto Rico remains without power, 18% continue to live without access to safe drinking water, and a boil advisory remains in effect. Communities in Texas, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are still reeling as the storms destroyed homes, public buildings and spaces, and essential utilities, not to mention chemical and fossil fuel facilities which now further threaten families.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:
“Donald Trump is seeking to use Americans' suffering to build his border wall, fund ICE, and slash investments that protect the health of our families. Rather than fulfilling his presidential duties and lifting those who have fallen, who are clinging to keep their families together in the face of disaster, Trump wants to further tear us apart.
“We’ve long been aware of Donald Trump’s cruel behavior, but refusing to provide aid for Americans living in these conditions while trying to force his racist agenda on the people is beyond the pale. This isn’t presidential; it’s not even humane.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.