"We did have a good conversation yesterday, and at that time [the students from Sunrise RI] had asked if the Congressman had signed onto the Green New Deal yet. I explained that the Congressman had still not made a decision, he was still reviewing and that I would give [Sunrise RI] updates as soon as I had them," said Stuart Malec, press secretary for United States Representative James Langevin (Democrat, Rhode Island) in response to a query from Nicole DiPaolo. "Unfortunately I don't have a new update. Nothing has changed from our conversation..."
"So will Congressman Langevin be supporting the resolution for a Green New Deal? The joint resolution?" pressed DiPaolo.
"Uh, like I just said, there hasn't been any new information, unfortunately, since our conversation yesterday, so I don't have any new information to give you, other than the fact that he still hasn't made a decision at this point," said Malec.
"Okay," said DiPaolo. "Will you get back to me within the next 24 hours with a statement about where Congressman Langevin stands on the joint resolution for a Green New Deal? "
"We'll certainly keep you updated, as we have been," replied Malec. "I know there's already a meeting on the books that you guys have with our chief of staff [Seth Klaiman] to discuss this further."
"This is an urgent matter, and we would really like a statement from Congressman Langevin in the next 24 hours," said DiPaolo.
"Yeah, and we know that has to come through DC and we want that to come through DC in the next 24 hours and if not, we're going to keep coming back," added Nina Wolff Landau. "We want co-sponsorship and we're not going to settle for anything less than that."
Around thirty members of SunriseRI members and supporters stormed Langevin's office on Thursday to demand Langevin's support for the Joint Resolution on the Green New Deal. They came armed with stories and songs.
The resolution is a 10-year plan to mobilize every aspect of American society to 100 percent clean and renewable energy by 2030, a guaranteed living-wage job for anybody who needs one, and a just transition for both workers and frontline communities. The Green New Deal will
- Ensure a just transition for all communities and workers to ensure economic security for people and communities that have historically relied on fossil fuels;
- Create millions of family supporting-wage, union jobs;
- Promote justice and equity by preventing current and repairing historic oppression to frontline and vulnerable communities;
- Secure clean air and water, a stable climate, healthy food, and access to nature for generations to come; and
- Guarantee a job with a family-sustaining wage, labor protections, and retirement security to all members of our society.
The Resolution has 84 sponsors in the House, including United States Representative David Cicilline (Democrat, Rhode Island).
"This resolution is the only plan to tackle the climate crisis at the scale and scope necessary to create livable futures for our generation," said Wolff Landau.
Those crowded into Langevin's waiting room each gave their name and a brief reason for their support of the Green New Deal.
Belal is 18 years old:
Colleen is a geologist and earth scientist:
Nicole talked about growing up under the threat of cataclysmic climate change:
Katey Murphy is 23 years old. The threat of climate change has taken its toll on her:
Stuart Malec reports that there are no new updates from Langevin on whether or not he will support the Green New Deal.
Sunrise RI leaves Langevin's office with no promises, only more delays and uncertainty.
"Obviously the fight does not end here," said Wolff Landau.
Uprise RI is entirely supported by donations and advertising. Every little bit helps:
Become a Patron!