Dexter: “My amendments demand House Republicans choose: people or polluters

WASHINGTON D.C.-Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03), the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, offered a series of amendments to the Republicans' budget reconciliation package during the House Natural Resources Committee markup. Dexter's amendments challenge the GOP's effort to fast-track giveaways to polluters while dismantling environmental safeguards and limiting public oversight.

"House Republicans are once again putting polluters over people. But as a mother, I refuse to let my children's future be auctioned off to Big Oil. I offered common-sense amendments that range from blocking funds to agencies that refuse to comply with the courts to stopping oil and gas drilling near schools and hospitals," Dexter said. "This bill is a giveaway to Big Oil and billionaires. My amendments demand House Republicans choose: people or polluters?" Dexter concluded.

Her amendments include:

Protecting Public Health: Banning oil and gas drilling within 3,200 feet of schools and hospitals to safeguard children and vulnerable patients from toxic emissions.

Defending Watchdog Oversight: Ensuring Inspectors General cannot be fired without cause or stripped of their critical funding.

Protecting Free Speech: Striking an egregious provision that charges citizens for filing protest documents against new oil and gas leases.

Demanding Agency Accountability: Blocking funds to any federal agency that defies court orders.

Halting Deep-Sea Mining: Prohibiting commercial deep-sea mining until international safety and environmental standards are in place.

Ensuring Transparency Around Powerful Interests: Requiring federal agencies to certify that any investigation or enforcement action involving Elon Musk or his companies is proceeding free from political interference.

Funding Oversight and Accountability: Ensuring this bill funds the Office of Inspectors General's essential environmental oversight functions.

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