Barbara Lee: “This amendment would reduce the contribution of the United States to the Global Environmental Facility by $10 million.…”

“This amendment would reduce the contribution of the United States to the Global Environmental Facility by $10 million. The Global Environmental Facility is a multilateral trust fund that provides grant-based funding to developing countries to address the real global environmental challenges. Last month was the hottest August, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 174-year record. In that one month, Hawaii had a devastating wildfire, the Southeast suffered from Category 3 Hurricane Idalia, and southern California had its first-ever tropical storm watch, with many areas receiving more rain in 48 hours than they typically get all year. These disasters come with huge costs in the communities they directly affect and impact our entire planet. The Global Environmental Facility fund benefits the United States economy and environment by addressing problems that affect our domestic health, safety, and prosperity, such as by protecting tropical forests, reducing global levels of transboundary pollutants, and combating illegal wildlife trafficking, which I know is of concern to many on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.”