Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the amendment by our colleague Senator Capito would strike $45 million in the bill that would fund the EPA to use its existing narrow Clean Air Act authorities to address greenhouse gas emissions. Our colleague sought to argue that this provision did not comply with the Byrd rule, but the Parliamentarian ruled that it does. We are now presented with an amendment to strike the provision altogether. The EPA has lots of authorities and tools already at its disposal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by no later than midcentury. The quickest way we can jump-start government-wide climate action is to help empower Agencies to use the tools that they already have. The $45 million in the bill before us would help the EPA to do just that. I spoke earlier today about the urgent need for climate action. We are witnessing record heat, more extreme weather, and devastating floods on an almost daily basis. We should fund the EPA to use all of the authorities at its disposal to tackle the climate crisis. The urgency of this problem demands no less. I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing the amendment. Vote on Amendment No. 5382 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment.”