WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced three amendments today that would prevent COVID relief funds from being used to support the implementation of the Paris Climate Accords, bans on oil and gas exploration, or government entities that have cut law enforcement funding. The House Oversight & Reform Committee will consider the amendments during a Friday legislative markup on part of Democrats’ $1.9 trillion budget reconciliation package.
The amendments prevent payment to any State, territory, Tribal government, metropolitan city, non-entitlement unit of local government, or county that:
- Implements any project or policy, or funds any grants or contracts, that advances the Paris Climate Accords.
- Implements any project or policy that restricts or otherwise bans oil and gas exploration (fracking).
- Reduced its relative budget allocation for law enforcement activities at any point in the period between May 1, 2020, and the present.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Our amendments, if passed, would ensure COVID relief funding for state and local governments will NOT be used to implement restrictions on American energy production or be awarded to governmental bodies that have defunded law enforcement. COVID relief funds should be used for COVID relief, not advancing partisan interests.”
