‘What Is He Going To Do About the Price of Eggs?’: Democratic Leader Unloads On Trump’s First Week
New president doesn't seem to have any plans for bird flu
Donald Trump campaigned on promises of bringing down prices of basic necessities, like eggs.
But his first days in office haven’t lived up to those vows, according to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Instead, Trump has been busy granting pardons to those convicted of participating in the violent insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, he said.
In particular, Trump hasn’t announced any plans to combat bird flu, which is a cause for the rise in egg prices, Schumer said.
“For many families across New York and across the country have been shell shocked by higher egg prices as more bird flu outbreaks continue. So far, President Trump has not enunciated any plan to address the outbreak,” he said. “He spent his first week pardoning insurrectionists, instead of focusing on things ordinary Americans care about, like the price of groceries. The president owes the American people some answers.
“What is he going to do about the price of eggs has been exacerbated by bird flu, when hundreds of thousands of birds die, [leading to] fewer eggs, and price goes up. In November, a dozen eggs cost approximately $4 in New York. Already too high. It used to be $2 a year earlier. Now, that same dozen eggs costs $6,” Schumer added. “Experts believe that the price of eggs could increase as much as 20 percent more this year if outbreaks continue, meaning that the same dozen eggs would be $8.
“Every day we hear about the spread of bird flu. Last week, farmers on Long Island had to slaughter 100,000 ducks — Long Island is one of the duck-producing capitals of the country — in response to another outbreak. President Trump, what’s your plan to stop the spread of bird flu? The more bird flu spreads, the higher egg prices will go, and the less money in people’s pockets for rent, gas, and other expenses. We need some action.”
Schumer complained that, in addition, Trump’s pick to run the White House Office of Management and Budget — Russell Vought — wants Trump not to spend money already set for the federal government to take action on bird flu.
“Last year, I helped secure over $300 million in federal funding ahead of the new administration, to keep the government laser focused on ending the bird flu crisis. Should the $300 million prove insufficient, I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to push for more federal resources in the upcoming budget negotiation,” Schumer said. “One thing is certain, we have a lot of budget cutters out there, None with a sharper axe than Russell Vought. The Trump administration and Mr. Vought should not try to impound these congressionally approved funds, because we know Mr. Vought wants to impound in many, many places and not spend money that’s needed.
“This is a small but classic example of how the federal government’s action, not inaction, can get your prices lower, real action, spending the $300 million we put in the budget in December and more funds if needed can reduce bird flu, department of agriculture knows how to do it, can help farmers reduce the bird flu in their flocks, and get our prices of eggs back down again,” Schumer said. “Let’s get to work. The money is there and ready to be used.”
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