Staff Reports
The House of Representatives took a stand against President Biden’s progressive agenda by advancing a measure that would prevent the administration from banning plastic straws. The measure, proposed by Rep. John Rose (R-TN), was included in a larger spending bill that aims to fund the Interior Department, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other related agencies.
Rep. Rose spoke out against the Biden administration’s prioritization of progressive politics over scientific research. He argued that banning plastic straws, along with other heavy-handed approaches, is ineffective and unpopular. He vowed to use the appropriations process in Congress to ensure that these types of policies never see the light of day.
House passes measure blocking Biden administration ban on plastic straws
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— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 4, 2023
The legislation was a response to a plan announced by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland earlier this year to phase out single-use plastics on public lands by 2032. Rep. Rose pushed back against these plans, questioning whether alternative options like paper straws are truly more environmentally friendly. He cited a study that revealed many paper straws are made with harmful chemicals, making them potentially just as damaging to the environment.
Furthermore, Rep. Rose highlighted the practical issues with paper straws, noting that they quickly become soggy and unpleasant to use. He argued that the American people should have the freedom to choose the type of straws they want to use, without government interference.
While the measure was adopted through a voice vote in the House, it is likely to face opposition and changes in the Senate. Democrats may push back against Rep. Rose’s amendment, prioritizing their progressive agenda over the concerns of the American people.
