Barbara Boxer

I want to welcome our panel, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming back.

Senator, thank you so much.

Thank you. Here is what we are going to do.

The more the public can learn the facts, and not rush through this. This affects every element of our economy and our national security.

We need to make a decision.

I want to see us at the front, leading.

Behind that problem a new economy beckons, with clean energy jobs and a future of energy independence for this country.

Right now, polluters are allowed to pollute for free. And, as long as they are allowed to pollute for free... they are going to keep doing it.

The Earth's climate is being changed by carbon pollution, and if we do not do something about it, our children and our grandchildren will bear that cost.

I think that we do need to look at the carbon market and make sure that we have a cap-and-trade policy that is going to be efficient, effective, and have proper oversight and accountability so that we can have a vibrant market.

I hope that you are right, that we can do it this time.

There are no new taxes but there is a tax credit for consumers.

Today's hearing is the kickoff of a historic Senator effort to pass legislation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create millions of clean energy jobs, and protect our children from pollution.

A few weeks ago, this Administration released a sobering report on the impacts global warming is having across the United States and the devastating effects that will come if we do not take action: droughts, floods, fires, loss of species…

I want the record to reflect that.

I know it is hard to have a two-track strategy, but we must.

I agree with you completely. I think that a lot of our colleagues who are pushing for this do not understand the opportunities that they have with a cap-and-trade system to dedicate funding to transportation.

Under Bill Clinton, we got a balanced budget, we got a surplus, and we got that debt going down.

I cannot say to a person, but I have discussed this with most of them and they have supported the 18-month extension.

I do not think that should be overlooked, and which is also increasing, actually, the projects on the ground.

I am not ready to find that solution.

I hope that I have been clear here, for those that have been thinking that the reason we are not going into the 5 or 6 year bill is because our plate is full. No.

I could not agree with your more. The deficit and the national debt have got to be brought down.

The difference I have with him is strictly on the timing, it is not on what he said.

I, in good conscience, as the Chairman of this Committee, do not feel that I can move forward at this time of fiscal stress and strain with that type of a bill without being able to pay for it.