Sunrise Movement responds to Speaker of the House Paul Ryan announcing his retirement
“As Speaker of the House, Ryan has shepherded dozens of bills that have stalled progress on climate change and threatened the lives of everyday Americans. He has slashed renewable energy research, attempted to block the Department of Agriculture from preparing for climate disasters, and championed President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the historic Paris Climate Agreement. It is no coincidence that in 2016, Paul Ryan accepted more campaign contributions from the oil and gas industry than any other member of Congress. In 2018, he was already the top overall recipient having accepted at least $449,000 this cycle from Big Oil and Gas.
“Without hesitation, Paul Ryan challenger Randy Bryce took the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge when Sunrise asked him this summer. Both of the Democrats running for Paul Ryan’s seat in Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district have taken the pledge ‘to not take contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industry and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.’ Paul Ryan’s retirement is just another failed investment for Big Oil.” — Varshini Prakash, Sunrise Movement Spokesperson
“For too long, Big Oil has called the shots in Washington by buying off spineless politicians like Speaker Paul Ryan — already the top recipient of Oil and Gas campaign contributions in 2018 — who are willing to put oil & gas CEO profits over the health, safety, and prosperity of their own constituents. He’s been more interested in doing favors for big-moneyed interests like the Koch Brothers than even coming home to host a town hall and speak to his constituents. His retirement means that WI-01 will finally have a congressperson who fights for them, not fossil fuel billionaires and their lobbyists.”— Laura Donovan, Sunrise Wisconsin
