The Climate Crisis
Democrats strongly believe in our responsibility to address the climate crisis head-on and to serve as stewards of our environment and public lands for current and future generations. Democrats are working with President Biden to restore protections for our environment and natural resources, promote cleaner air and water, and ensure America is a leader in confronting the climate crisis. During the 117th Congress, House Democrats delivered a historic slate of legislation to address the climate crisis. These include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021, a generational infrastructure package that is estimated to create nearly 1.5 million jobs annually throughout the next decade, turbocharge our clean energy economy, and take action on environmental justice and legacy pollution initiatives. The landmark Inflation Reduction Act is America’s single-largest investment in combatting the climate crisis and puts the U.S. on a path to roughly 40% emissions reduction by 2030. It includes historic investments in the clean energy economy that will lower energy costs, increase our energy security, and substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation also promotes alternative energy and electric vehicle production. The CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, invests in science and technology of the future, bolstering efforts to manufacture clean energy technology in the United States and providing access to training programs that will help to develop the STEM workforce of tomorrow. House Democrats also passed a number of bills that act to protect and conserve our planet, including the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, the Water Resources Development Act, and the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act. In addition, House Democrats overturned a dangerous methane emissions rule put into place by the Trump Administration. We will continue to partner with the Biden Administration to combat catastrophic climate change and protect our natural resources for future generations.
The release today of the third U.S. National Climate Assessment is an important step toward fulfilling the goals of the Climate Action Plan President Obama laid out last June.
As we mark this Earth Day, we ought to remember that the ‘pale blue dot’ in that photograph is our only home – a home we share not only with each other but with generations to come and that we hold in trust for them.
“I thank the Gentleman from Colorado for yielding. I thank my colleagues from Florida for being on the Floor.
“This is not a perfect bill, and I am disappointed that it cuts food assistance that is critical for millions of Americans who are at risk of hunger.
“Madam Speaker, this bill and the other two House bills we will consider this week were put forward, in my opinion, to fill time. Yes, they are unifying issues on the Republican side of the aisle, Madam Speaker, but they're not pressing. Even if they were good policy, they're not pressing.
“One year ago today, Hurricane Sandy struck the Atlantic coast with devastating effects: causing billions of dollars worth of damage, destroying homes and businesses, and leaving millions of people without power. Dozens of people were killed across several states, and I join in remembering their tragic deaths today.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
After weeks of partisanship, I was pleased that this week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill that will invest in our nation’s infrastructure. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act authorizes the U.S.
“Today’s announcement by Interior Secretary Jewell of $162 million in funding to help coastal communities rebuild natural barriers damaged in Hurricane Sandy demonstrates the Obama Administration’s continued commitment to help those affected by the storm.
“Mr. Speaker, this is how we ought to work. This is how the Congress ought to work with one another – all 435 of us. I don't mean that 435 are going to vote for the bill, but we have worked together on this bill.
As the Republican government shutdown wears on, the impacts continue to be felt across the country, harming a wide range of industries:
New York Times: Without Services, Small Businesses Feel the Pinch