AOC tells Biden: “$2 trillion not enough!”
Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Biden administration appear to be at odds over just how much funding the Green New Deal will get.
At a political rally, AOC stated, “We have worked with the Biden administration to secure commitment on a $2 trillion climate plan. But we’re not gonna stop there. We’re not gonna stop with a piece of paper. That’s not what’s gonna happen.” See video of her comments.
The representative from New York has expanded “The Squad” to include liberal Congress persons. One is Massachusetts senator Ed Markey, who spoke at the rally, asking Biden to do more.
Biden Doesn’t Agree with AOC
Biden, for his part, says he does not agree with ACO’s Green New Deal and has is own plan.
“My deal’s a crucial framework but not the New Green Deal. The New Green Deal calls for elimination of all non-renewable energy by 2030. You can’t get there. You’re going to need to be able to transition,” Biden said at a town hall meeting.
Many see the rift between the two as representative of a growing divide two wings of the Democratic party. One is the older, more centrist Democrats, the other is the younger, ultra-left wing of the party.
What is the Green New Deal?
The Green New Deal seeks to eliminate fossil fuel use, such as coal, oil and natural gas with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and battery technology.
Some have compared it to the WWII Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project was a massive government program to create a nuclear bomb. Another comparison for the Green New Deal would be the NASA program to send a man to the moon.
With a 50-50 tie in the Senate, only able to be broken by vice president Kamala Harris, Biden cannot afford to lose one Democrat vote. Many of his initiatives could be held hostage by The Squad if their demands aren’t met.