Barbara Lee: “Climate change has resulted in lives upended in Texas and Florida and has led to extreme flooding in California…”

“Climate change has resulted in lives upended in Texas and Florida and has led to extreme flooding in California, Vermont, and throughout the country. These amendments today really give me a lot of angst. It seems like we have so many climate deniers putting forth amendments which really don't believe there is a climate crisis. This crisis poses threats to the stability of countries, heightens social and political tensions. It adversely affects food prices and availability, and this is according to our own military. I will say it again, our own military has said this. The need for foreign assistance will only increase if we do not address this significant driver of crises around the world. No country can solve the climate crisis alone. This requires a multilateral effort. Secretary Kerry is lending his energy, talents, and experience as he collaborates with other countries to address these concerns. His relationships with foreign leaders are a benefit to the United States and our efforts. Again, we should be thanking people who are serving the American people, not demonizing them for it. Funding the Special Presidential Envoy and its office is a requirement if we are to protect national security, strengthen the economy, and leave behind a safer planet for our children and our grandchildren. Again, if I were a child today, I would be terrified about the future and what it holds for me in terms of whether we will actually have a planet for them to inherit. Mr.…”