Today, the U.S. Senate begins debate on the Climate Security Act, a critical bill that will address the global warming crisis head-on. After many months of committee hearings and testimony, our bill has finally reached the Senate floor. It's a day we've been waiting for a long time.
The Climate Security Act would enact the world's most far-reaching program to fight global warming, instituting an economy-wide cap on emissions that would cut greenhouse gases below 1990 levels by 2020 and slash emissions by nearly 70% by 2050.
In addition to fighting global warming, our bill will provide cleaner air, greater energy efficiency, relief for consumers, and the alternative energy choices that American families deserve -- significantly reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. What's more, by acting wisely on global warming, America will regain much of the leadership and respect we have lost around the world these past seven years.
Some will say that the Climate Security Act would be better if it was strengthened. I agree, and that is why I will be supporting amendments to make the bill even stronger on the floor of the Senate. In addition, I will be fighting weakening amendments from our right-wing opponents to ravage the bill.
But here's the bottom line: It's so critical to start fighting the global warming threat right now. We can't afford to wait another year or two and hope for the best.
The Climate Security Act is a good bill that gives us a real chance, at long last, to put America on the path to solving the global warming crisis. It's time to get started.
Make no mistake about it -- the far-right in the Senate is organizing a brutal fight against this bill, which, if enacted, would be the strongest global warming legislation in the world. This will be one of the toughest fights of our generation. Getting the strongest global warming bill possible passed through the Senate will send a strong message that we do not intend to stand idly by while scientists warn us again and again that our planet is in jeopardy.
We're going to have to fight hard to get the Climate Security Act passed -- and I need your help to do it.
This is a critical week in our fight to address the global warming threat. With the far-right gearing up for a bruising battle on the Senate floor, I need your help like never before. Please speak out.