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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) released the following statement voicing his strong opposition to President Trump’s executive actions and their flagrant dismissal of American communities, rule of law, and climate change.

“Yesterday, after taking the oath of office surrounded by his billionaire backers, President Trump signed a slew of executive actions that undermined long-settled constitutional rights, freed violent offenders who brutally beat police officers, and made it easier for big corporations to pollute our air and water.

“Trump’s pardoning of the more than 1,500 people who stormed the Capitol on January 6th not only ignores our democracy and justice system, it gives a green light to anyone to assault police officers, so long as it is in service to and support of Trump.

“His reversal of key energy, climate, and environmental justice provisions sets our nation back decades. These actions will increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like the deadly fires raging through California, harm public health, raise energy bills, and weaken national security.

“And with his unlawful and cruel order to end birthright citizenship, Trump has openly targeted American-born citizens protected by the 14th Amendment under our Constitution.

“These and the dozens of other executive orders that Trump signed do nothing to make our nation greater, as he claims. His actions do nothing to help lower prices for everyday Americans struggling to pay rent or their grocery bill. House Democrats stand ready to work with Republicans to make life more affordable for the middle class and move our nation forward. But we are also ready to fight against these and any other painful policies that further line the pockets of billionaires and corporations while making working families sicker, poorer, and less safe.”