When the “Green New Deal” began to gain traction in the U.S. Congress, Senate Democrats praised it, while Republicans like Florida Senator Rick Scott called it the “Green Job Killer” that would “destroy our economy.”
Now the moment of truth has come for the “New Deal” in the senate, and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s measure has been summarily defeated in the senate
Don’t blame Republicans, blame Democrats, who all voted “present,” refusing to openly lend their support for the controversial proposal. Even the bill’s senate sponsor, Sen. Ed Markey, refused to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
Three Democrats bucked their political party and voted against the measure, Sens. Angus King, Joe Manchin, and Kyrsten Sinema, all voted against the progressive proposal.
The final vote tally was 53-47. Again, all 47 Democratic votes were entered in as "present."
Sinema is considered a moderate like Manchin, and has gone on record of opposing much of the perceived progressive agenda that her Democratic colleagues in the U.S. Congress are supportive of.
Sinema called the “Green New Deal” a ‘political game,’ saying that congress needs to work in a bipartisan fashion if any realistic and substantive climate and economic change was going to take place.“We need to address a changing climate with realistic, achievable solutions. Congress should stop the political games and work together on practical solutions that foster a healthy environment, grow our economy, and help Arizona families get ahead.”
Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) was less kind, calling the measure an “unserious proposal” that would “bankrupt our nation.”
“Today’s vote makes clear that even the Green New Deal’s proponents agree that it is not a serious policy effort. Instead, it is a publicity stunt designed to pander to a progressive base seeking to repackage socialism that will do nothing to address the actual problems Americans face every day. The Green New Deal makes for a great slogan, but it is a fundamentally unserious proposal. If actually implemented, it would bankrupt our nation and leave our communities more vulnerable. That cannot, and will not, be the future of America.”
