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.
“On Earth Day, let us redouble our efforts to make sure our children and grandchildren inherit a healthy environment and can enjoy the natural wonders that have always fueled the American spirit and imagination.
"Today, with a strong, bipartisan vote of 62-36, the Senate joined the House in helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Though I hoped Congress would have acted earlier, the passage of this legislation, now headed to the President for his signature, will provide much-needed assistance to the communities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other states hit hard by the storm. Residents of these areas face significant ongoing challenges and are struggling to rebuild. I look forward to seeing this bill signed swiftly into law."
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill providing comprehensive aid to victims of Hurricane Sandy. While this relief should have been passed before the end of the last Congress, I am glad that the people in the Northeast most affected by this natural disaster will be able to receive the much needed tools and support they need to rebuild their homes, businesses and communities.
I join in thanking Secretary Ken Salazar for his service and leadership over the past four years. Under his stewardship, the Department of the Interior made enormous progress in the areas of natural resources conservation, federal land use management, and expanding opportunities for Native Americans. I was proud to have worked closely with him as Congress and the Administration completed work on the Cobell settlement to see justice served for Native American tribes whose trust assets were improperly managed. I also had the pleasure of working with Ken in 2009 to pass the most significant land conservation legislation in fifteen years, which set aside 2 million new acres of wilderness, established three new national parks, protected 1,000 miles of wild and scenic rivers, and designated the Baltimore Heritage Area in my home state of Maryland. Ken has been a faithful public servant and a voice for America’s rural communities, and I wish him well in his next endeavors.
“I thank you, Madam Chair. I thank the Ranking Member, Mrs. Lowey, and I thank Mr. Rogers for his work as well bringing this bill to the Floor. I rise not only in support of the Chairman's mark at $17 billion, but also for the Frelinghuysen amendment. I think both of these together meet our responsibilities in responding to one of the most historic and damaging storms to hit the country. Not only the Northeast but to the country.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Earlier this week, Democrats and Republicans reached a bipartisan agreement that extended middle class tax cuts and delayed the arbitrary spending cuts which were scheduled for early January. Our work, however, to restore our nation's fiscal stability is not over.
“I want to congratulate all of the Members who represent New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and other jurisdictions who have been united in a bipartisan way to say: let us reach out, let us act now to help those who have been savaged by [Hurricane] Sandy.
"While I remain disappointed that the House Republican leadership did not allow a vote on the Hurricane Sandy supplemental legislation last night, I am relieved that Speaker Boehner has agreed to move forward with a vote on flood insurance this week. It is unfortunate that the Speaker has decided to wait two weeks before having the House vote to approve the bulk of the relief for victims of Sandy, but we will hold him to that promise so that families and business-owners have assurance that help is on its way.
“I was shocked last night and deeply saddened that we didn't put the [Hurricane Sandy] relief bill that was passed through the United States Senate in a very strong bipartisan vote on the [House] Floor last night...”
“Mr. Speaker, it was to my profound disappointment that I learned last night that the House would adjourn the 112th Congress without providing assistance to the victims of Superstorm Sandy.