Political Quotes

“I rise reluctantly in opposition to the motion to instruct offered by our friend from South Carolina. I genuinely enjoy his friendship. And working with him, I agree with him on many issues. This is one where we just disagree. I have serious concerns with the motion he is offering tonight to prevent U.S. greenhouse gas emission mandates from being enacted unless China enacts similar mandates. Greenhouse gases that drive climate change threaten our planet, threaten our lives. They threaten our livelihood. They also present an opportunity for the United States to lead on the global stage. We have an opportunity--a now-or-never opportunity--for our country to lead in deploying clean, American-made technologies, to lower greenhouse emissions, create American jobs, and position our economy to compete with and beat competitors, including China, like a drum. Our ability to provide clean energy leadership or to collect climate change data should not be contingent on the action of our foes, as this motion to instruct recommends. The leadership is keeping out of step when everyone else is marching to the wrong tune, including China. In conclusion, our country should be leading by example--not from behind--in tackling the climate crisis so that our businesses, our workers, and our planet reap the benefits of a clean economy. And that is why I will be voting reluctantly on this motion to instruct our colleagues, and I hope you will join with me. I ask for the yeas and nays.…”