On the recordMarch 26, 2019
I come to the floor today to denounce the majority leader's sham debate on the Green New Deal. Let's be clear. The majority leader did not call up this resolution for a vote because he thinks climate change is an urgent threat to our country. In fact, he has opposed nearly every congressional effort to combat the climate crisis. The Republican Party's political and financial ties to the fossil fuel industry are well known. This latest effort to attack Senators demanding action on climate change with cries of socialism is reminiscent of the Red Scare, in my view. Give me a break. The Green New Deal is an aspirational plan to combat climate change, create high-paying jobs, and develop a more sustainable economy that allows communities, families, and individuals to thrive. This isn't radical. This isn't socialism. This is basic common sense. The truly radical position is the majority leader's insistence that we stick our heads in the sand, follow the lead of corporate-backed interests funding Republican campaigns, and do nothing to tackle climate change. The status quo might benefit the majority leader, the Republican Party, and their allies in the fossil fuel industry, but it is deeply dangerous for our country. Climate change is already impacting our lives and damaging our economy.…
