Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, the Obama administration issued two critical executive orders directing Federal agencies to take responsibility for anticipating and responding to the effects of climate change. This amendment that is being proposed would block the Department of Defense from undertaking that effort. The amendment is ill-advised. It doesn't protect and prepare the American people for the impacts of climate change, and it won't help our military operate in a new security environment created by climate change. Climate change poses a significant security threat to the United States and the world at large. But don't take it from me. Our Nation's military leaders are saying we need to prepare for this new threat. The proponents of this amendment should listen to the military experts, not the special interest polluters that benefit from climate denial and the status quo. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been frustrated that the Republican majority has refused to hold serious hearings on the urgent problem of climate change, so Democrats on that committee went to Annapolis in my State to hold a climate change field forum. We heard testimony from Vice Admiral Ted Carter, the Superintendent of the Naval Academy. He told us that our future military leaders are learning about the science of climate change and the national security consequences that stem from it.…”