Observation--not models, not projections, not dogma, but the data--tells us that the average global sea level is rising at about the rate of 3.2 millimeters a year since 1993.

I hope more members of this committee will join my fight for open inquiry.

sea level rise is a threat to an area such as Bangladesh. It would cause a huge--it will cause a huge displacement of population, which will cause turmoil, which is the conditions that are ripe for extremists to exploit.

that was actually a courageous vote.

I would like the record to reflect that such an invitation by Senator Thune, our Chairman, was not extended.

when we start talking about muzzling of scientists, I think we better watch out how we are talking about which side is trying to do the muzzling.

I find it somewhat ironic that we are talking about censorship against those that speak against climate change when, in fact, it has been exactly the opposite over and over.

In Florida, you can see and touch sea level rise.

a majority of Senators--51 to be exact--agreed with me.

To most people, a vote against scientific censorship is common sense.

I thank the Senator for yielding, Mr. President. I am going to say two short paragraphs, but first, my commendations to the leadership that has already been mentioned by the esteemed majority leader; my commendations to my colleague, our…

we are about to consider a big appropriations bill all wrapped up into one called an Omnibus appropriations bill. I think it will be a good bill. But here we go again, trying to attach all kinds of goodies to it. Now, with just a few days…