[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H7702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

  (Mr. DEUTCH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the list of issues that the 113th Congress 
has failed to address is long: immigration reform, gun violence, long-
term joblessness. Yet on this list of opportunities squandered by 
Republican obstructionism and indifference is also the threat of global 
climate change. As a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, I want to 
emphasize that this threat is real, and it needs real solutions.
  In south Florida, we know that unchecked carbon pollution poses an 
existential threat to our communities. Rising sea levels endanger the 
safety of our residents and the viability of our economy. That is why 
Palm Beach, Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward Counties have formed a 
climate compact dedicated to mitigating climate change.
  Local task forces cannot replace national leadership. We need a 
nationwide effort to limit carbon pollution, speed the adoption of 
clean energy, and protect our people from unprecedented natural 
disasters.
  Every Member of this House belongs on the Safe Climate Caucus. Don't 
we all agree that, as Americans, it is our responsibility to pass on a 
healthier and safer environment to the next generation?
  Mr. Speaker, addressing global climate change will take courage. 
Anything less, I am afraid, is cowardice.

                          ____________________