[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S10999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN:
  S. 3237. A bill to provide for an international scientific commission 
to assess changes in global climate patterns, to conduct scientific 
studies and analyses on behalf of nations, and for other purposes; to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


          international climate change science commission act

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, this bill provides for the creation of an 
international scientific commission to assess changes in global climate 
patterns and to conduct scientific studies and analysis on behalf of 
the nations of the world.
  The Commerce Committee held three hearings on the subject of climate 
change this year. We heard from several witnesses on the science of 
global warming, the impacts of climate change on the United States, and 
solutions to climate change.
  One of the most salient points of the three hearings was the 
importance of good science to the policymaking process. Most 
importantly, any action the United States takes in response to claims 
of global warming must be based on the best science available and not 
on rhetoric or political expedience. We must continue to invest in our 
research capabilities to fully understand the scientific interactions 
between humans, the land, the ocean, and the atmosphere.
  Based upon testimonies received by the Commerce Committee, the 
knowledge base in some countries is far greater than in others. To 
solve this global problem of climate change, we must rely upon all the 
resources and knowledge available to us. We must ensure that the United 
States research program is providing the maximum returns on our 
investment dollars. It was both surprising and disappointing to see 
that for a recent assessment of the United States, we had to rely upon 
two foreign computer models. We must do better.
  Mr. President, I feel it is of vital importance that we allow 
scientists the opportunity to pursue knowledge as opposed to being 
constrained by politics. In introducing this bill entitled, 
International Climate Change Science Commission Act, it is my hope and 
intention that the membership of the Commission will be filled by those 
who are scientists and fully appreciate the pursuit of truth and 
knowledge. I hope this commission will provide them with an opportunity 
to freely research, discuss, and document their scientific findings.
  Mr. President, I realize this bill will not pass this session. 
However, it is my hope that by introducing this bill a discussion will 
begin in the scientific community of how to better structure this piece 
of legislation and to ensure that the best available science is used 
for policy decisions. After discussions with the scientific community, 
I intend to re-introduce this bill or a new version of the measure next 
session and hopefully then move towards its enactment.
  I also plan to offer other pieces of legislation next year in this 
area. There are several types of actions that may be taken to address 
this situation as indicated in the Commerce Committee's hearing, 
``Solutions to Climate Change,'' held on September 21, 2000.
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