AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has expressed concerns over a budget reconciliation bill passed by Congress, claiming it would have negative impacts on energy jobs and increase energy costs for working families. Shuler criticized the administration for advancing the bill, stating that it contradicts their goal to “unleash American energy.”
Shuler argued that if enacted, the House budget deal could lead to significant job losses in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, mining, and construction. “It would raise the average household’s electricity bill by $110 a year,” she noted, adding that it could also halt or reduce energy projects capable of powering over 15 million homes.
The AFL-CIO president highlighted the broader economic implications, suggesting that the bill could cut $600 billion in projected public and private construction investments. These investments were expected to generate high-wage union jobs and apprenticeships.
According to Shuler, these cuts come at a time when increased demand for electricity is driven by critical industries like artificial intelligence and manufacturing. She emphasized the need for more energy jobs and investments rather than tax cuts for wealthy individuals.
Shuler urged senators to consider the impact on workers and communities before supporting what she termed a “regressive” and “job-killing” bill.
