On the recordMarch 10, 2014
we know all Senators care deeply about their constituents and their families. If any one of us saw danger looming, we would do everything in our power to save them. Yet in the face of irrefutable scientific agreement, the Senate does nothing to make sure polluters pay for the carbon they emit, which would move us toward a clean energy economy and away from catastrophic climate change. Yes, there is money, big money, behind the polluters. Yes, those polluters are raging against us with layers of lies. Yet and still the environment which used to be a bipartisan issue has turned truly bitterly partisan, but we cannot and we must not and we will not give in because it is our job. We must preserve our environment for our people, which is pretty basic. The deniers have given in to the power of wishful thinking, just as those defending cigarette addiction did. To those who would say let China lead, I say this is shameful. In China 1.2 million people died in 2010 from air pollution. That is a fact, not a fantasy. America doesn't sit around and wait for someone else to protect the health and safety and the quality of life of our people. It is wrong. So I am so proud tonight to stand with my resolute colleagues as we fight back against those polluters who would put their self-interests ahead of the salmon we have sworn to protect. Thank you. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Rhode Island.
