In a recent revelation, former Representatives Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman have shed light on the Democratic Party's ambitious climate change agenda, which initially aimed for a staggering $10 trillion investment.
This disclosure was made during the debut episode of their new show, "Bowman and Bush," hosted on the Zeteo News Network. The program, a brainchild of MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan, promises to offer candid insights into American politics from the perspective of these two former lawmakers.
As reported by RedState, Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, recounted the progressive push for a substantial "climate investment" as part of the Build Back Better Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. She emphasized that the proposed funding was intended to address "climate justice," although the initial figure of $10 trillion was significantly reduced during negotiations. "That price tag 'kept going down down down,'" Bush noted, lamenting that the reductions meant less funding for critical issues like lead pipe remediation.
Bowman, representing New York, echoed Bush's sentiments, recalling the fluctuating figures during the legislative process. "I think it was 3.9 trillion. Did it start at 3.9 and go down, or did it..." he pondered, to which Bush responded, "I thought we were at 10, and then it went down to 6 and then down to 3."
Ultimately, the legislative efforts culminated in two separate bills: the Build Back Better Act, with a $1.9 trillion price tag, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, amended to $1.2 trillion. Critics argue that these bills, cloaked in climate and tax hike agendas, contributed to the nation's inflation woes. The prospect of a $10 trillion expenditure raises questions about the potential economic impact of such massive spending.
Bush's advocacy for expansive government spending is not new. On Juneteenth in 2023, she proposed a $14 trillion reparations package for slavery in America, describing it as a necessary "starting point." She introduced legislation to this effect, with Bowman joining her in the effort. "America must provide reparations if we desire a prosperous future for all," Bush asserted, underscoring what she sees as a moral and legal obligation to address the historical injustices faced by African Americans.
"The United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of black people," Bush declared, as reported by Fox Business.
The departure of Bush and Bowman from Congress has left some questioning the potential legislative directions they might have pursued had they remained in office. Their farewell speeches, delivered to largely empty chambers, highlighted their waning influence. An image of Bowman addressing an empty room during his exit speech has become emblematic of their political journey's end.
As they transition to their new roles as political commentators, the viewership of "Bowman and Bush" remains modest, with the first episode garnering just over 71,000 views on YouTube. This lukewarm reception raises questions about the show's future impact and audience reach.
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