Political Quotes

“Last year the Pentagon released a directive stating that the Department of Defense must be able to adapt to climate change in order to maintain an effective and efficient U.S. military. General Mattis--now Secretary Mattis--during his Senate confirmation said: ``Climate change is impacting stability in areas of the world where our troops are operating today.'' Bases in the region I represent in San Diego--which is home to the largest concentration of military forces in the world--are already facing challenges from sea level rise, drought, and reliable energy sources. For years, the most decorated military leaders in our country have been telling us that climate change is a national security threat. Congress cannot afford to make this debate about politics or ideology. We don't have to agree on what causes climate change. We only have to agree with our military leaders that the effects of climate change are altering the security environment and the threats we face. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this reckless amendment and ask my colleagues to do the same.”