[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 121 (Monday, July 12, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                Climate

  Madam President, I will conclude by saying that this has been an 
unusual weather time in our country. We have seen things happening that 
are unparalleled in history--extreme weather in the Chicago area, 
tornadoes, to the baking 120-degree heat of the Northwest, to even a 
warning of a tornado here in Washington, DC. Strange things are 
occurring.
  When you hear about these wildfires in California and Oregon, there 
is a natural inclination, if you don't live in that area, to dismiss 
them, to say: That didn't happen in my backyard--not in my backyard. 
Well, I have to say, we ought to wake up to the reality. Extreme 
weather and the results of global warming are coming to everyone's 
backyard. We have to come to the realization that it is time for us to 
prepare this Nation to turn back the impacts of climate change and 
global warming. Those fires are burning in California and Oregon, but 
they reflect the situation which is dangerous for all of us.
  We are waiting to investigate and bring in engineering groups with 
the Surfside, FL, building collapse, that terrible tragedy which 
claimed, I am sure, I am sad to say, over 100 lives. We think climate 
change may have had something to do with that. The rising water table 
and the infiltration of saltwater from the oceans may have caused the 
decline in the stability of the foundation of that building. We will 
only know after the engineers can look at it more closely.
  In the area of the Great Lakes--we love our Great Lakes--Lake 
Michigan is one of the most beloved aspects of our State and in the 
city of Chicago, but 2 or 3 days ago, in the New York Times, there was 
a front-page story about what is happening with the Great Lakes and the 
instability of that region. We are taking it seriously. I am glad to 
say that President Biden has joined in restoring the Great Lakes 
Restoration Initiative, which President Obama began.
  The Great Lakes are a great asset, but they are also a great reminder 
that we all face climate change in our own home areas.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. PETERS. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Duckworth). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.