[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 200 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                            Kigali Amendment

  Finally, the Kigali Amendment. Yesterday, the Senate received a 
message from the White House calling for us to approve a treaty 
amendment that will curb our country's use of dangerous 
hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs.
  Commonly known as the Kigali Amendment, 120 countries have agreed to 
the amendment. Even China is on the list. We should join it too.
  HFCs are dangerous greenhouse chemicals found in everyday appliances 
from air-conditioners to refrigerators. They are thousands of times 
more damaging to our atmosphere than carbon dioxide. We had made 
progress in eliminating these chemicals before the Trump administration 
characteristically, unfortunately, took us backwards.
  Phasing out these HFCs is very important and will go a long way in 
fighting climate change and protecting the environment for future 
generations. And it is supported by the business community too, as it 
will open up companies to markets for HFC alternatives overseas, 
promoting investment, innovation, and greater economic activity.
  Approving this amendment will require two-thirds of the Senate. 
Reducing our country's use of HFCs has been a bipartisan priority in 
the past. In fact, last December, the Senate approved the first-ever 
agreement to phase down HFCs--a significant win for fighting the 
climate crisis. It should be a bipartisan priority right now.
  In the wake of the President's visit to Glasgow, approving this 
amendment--which much of the world already embraces--is essential for 
telling the world we are committed to fighting the climate crisis. If 
we want to lead the world on this issue, it must--it must--get done.


                 Unanimous Consent Agreement--H.R. 4350

  Now, Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the cloture vote 
on the motion to proceed to H.R. 4350 occur at a time to be determined 
by the majority leader, following consultation with the Republican 
leader.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. SCHUMER. 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. McCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.