Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren gave a long and evasive answer when she was asked about the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) position on fossil fuel donations.
While delivering a speech at the National Press Club, Warren on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would ban members from the White House and Congress from owning individual stock — a move she claims will reduce conflict between investment and lawmakers. However, during the question-and-answer session, the progressive senator did not appear prepared to directly address a controversy that has been plaguing the DNC in recent days.
When asked whether she agreed with DNC Chairman Tom Perez’s decision to once again allow fossil fuel-related PAC donations, Warren did not directly address the question, and instead offered a long-winded response about how everyone needs to abide by the law.
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“I want to see everybody abide by the same set of rules. I want to see everyone who’s running for federal office disclose their taxes. I want to see everyone who’s in federal office make those same disclosures and get rid of any individual stock so they can’t trade in them,” Warren said. “For me, this is about changing all the rules.”
The hubbub centers around the DNC’s flip-flop on campaign donations originating from fossil fuel companies.
National Democrats, as part of their climate change agenda, have become increasingly antagonist toward businesses that produce greenhouse gas emissions. In a sweeping move to quantify their stance, executive members of the DNC unanimously voted in June to ban any contributions from corporate political action committees related to the oil, coal and gas industries. The vote attracted wide adulation from environmental activists and appeared to reflect a popular position among progressives.
However, in a surprising move, Perez opted to reverse this decision just two months later. The DNC chairman said the reversal was meant to keep the DNC a “big tent” party that doesn’t make energy workers feel left out — despite the original resolution never barring small donations from individual donors. (RELATED: Enviros Bemoan Cash-Strapped DNC’s Acceptance Of Fossil Fuel Cash)
The DNC has since taken major flak for their reversal.
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